USA - The Ford F-Series Super Duty has been named as the Motor Trend Truck of the year for 2017

• 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – has been named 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year
• All-new Super Duty features best-in-class towing and hauling capability along with 17 segment-first productivity technologies including adaptive steering and 360-degree camera system
• 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8, with best-in-class 925 lb.-ft. of torque and 440 horsepower, earns Motor Trend recognition as one of the best engineered, most capable diesel engines – outperforming its competitors

The all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – has won the 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year title – the first time the Super Duty has taken home this prize.

“We are honored to win this year’s Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award as it underscores how the all-new 2017 Ford Super Dutys are the toughest, smartest and most capable trucks we’ve ever built,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of The Americas.  

“For 39 consecutive years, Ford F-Series has been America’s favorite truck, and now Motor Trend has given one of our F-Series top honors for the fifth time.”

Using advanced materials to reduce weight, Super Duty introduces all-new segment-exclusive smart technology features to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience.

The backbone of the truck is an all-new fully boxed frame comprising more than 95 percent high-strength steel that’s up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame – enabling best-in-class towing and hauling capability. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy for the body is more dent- and ding-resistant than outgoing steel and not subject to red rust corrosion.

These materials combine to help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds, with Ford engineers reinvesting that savings everywhere it counts to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever.

The all-new F-Series Super Duty also features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware.

With towing central to the mission, driving and work situations are made easier and more comfortable with 17 segment-first productivity technologies. Up to seven cameras help drivers see angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck to make not just conventional towing, but gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing simpler and more efficient than ever. Available adaptive steering also results in improved efficiency and effort.

With more power than ever, the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel V8 now delivers a best-in-class combination of 440 horsepower and a staggering 925 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is standard for every diesel pickup, from F-250 to F-450, with no special tuning or unique hardware required – making the all-new F-Series Super Duty the undisputed powerhouse. 

“We judge the contenders based on six categories – from design to efficiency to performance – characterizing the things consumers want most in their next vehicle,” said Ed Loh, Motor Trend editor-in-chief. “The all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty met and exceeded our criteria, truly proving it is the undisputed leader in towing, capability and power – exactly what truck customers want. Motor Trend is excited to crown this purpose-built machine this year’s Truck of the Year.”

For the second year running, the Isuzu D-Max has won the ‘Pick-Up Truck of the Year’ prize.

For the second year running, the Isuzu D-Max has won the ‘Pick-Up Truck of the Year’ prize at the Commercial Fleet Awards. The triumph was announced at the ceremony held last Thursday at The International Centre in Telford.

Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet editor, commented:  “Isuzu specialises in pick-ups with a network that understands the needs of fleets. The judges praised the D-Max’s five-year warranty, level of safety equipment and 3.5-tonne towing limit, and said that it is very competitive from a total cost of ownership perspective. As well as being a rugged performer and very capable off-road, the D-Max is equally at home on-road and delivers a comfortable, impressive driving experience.”

The prestigious annual Commercial Fleet Awards are highly regarded by motor manufacturers, supplier and fleet groups and individuals, since the judges base their selections on those who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The jury is made up of the Fleet News editorial team and experts from across the industry.

Isuzu’s UK’s General Manager, William Brown, commented: “This is well-deserved recognition of the continuing hard work and impeccable service delivered by our fleet sales team and our dealer network. It’s also testament to the attributes with which the D-Max continues to make a compelling case for fleet buyers: an unrivalled combination of class-leading capabilities, exceptional refinement and low ownership costs.”

The Isuzu D-Max is one of the most cost-effective pick-ups on the market with ultra-low insurance groups (8A to 10A), class-leading residual values and fuel economy (38.7 mpg combined), industry-leading fleet packages, all backed-up by the company’s pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

Following record sales of more than 5,500 units in 2014 (up 33.7% over 2013), registrations for the first eight months of this year up again by 27.7%, demonstrating the continuous growth of the reputation of the D-Max.

The Isuzu D-Max is available in three body styles – single, extended and double cab – with prices starting from £14,999 (CVOTR) for the entry-level single cab 4x2 rising to £25,999 (CVOTR) for the range-topping Isuzu Blade. The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a super-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, is able to tow a class-leading 3.5-tonnes (braked) while still returning fuel economy of 38.7 mpg (combined), and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

The Ram1500 EcoDiesel wins Esquire Truck of the Year.

Esquire magazine has named the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America’s most fuel-efficient pickup, its Truck of the Year. The announcement is highlighted in Esquire’s December issue.

 

Esquire’s editors consider all potential truck models in the U.S. market, balancing attributes with conventional touchstones that outline what makes a great truck, such as efficiency, functionality, versatility, safety, value and style.

 

“Recognition from Esquire magazine is proof that pickups have found their way into a variety of lifestyles,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand. “In such a competitive market, we are thrilled to earn a ‘Truck of the Year’ title from Esquire. The Ram 1500 delivers with a winning combination of best-in-class fuel economy and capability and going forward, Ram will continue to set the pace with the best trucks in their segments.”

 

The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28 mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup. The previous half-ton fuel efficiency record was set by the Ram 1500 with the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine at 25 mpg highway.

 

“This is where the truck tide turns: a full-sized American pickup with a just-big-enough diesel V-6—the only one of its kind,” Esquire magazine noted. “You get the fuel economy of a small engine, the pulling power of a larger one and the grumble of a working-class diesel.”

Ram 1500—the most recognizable pickup on the road—delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The Ram 1500 delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and a surplus of towing capability.

 

Ram truck offers models designed for a wide range of buyers, including outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited trims are designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with sophistication. Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, real wood interior components and modish design, Ram offers a refined luxury alternative uncommon in pickups.

F-Type and Range Rover win big at AUTOBYTEL awards.

• Jaguar F-TYPE wins 2014 'Car Of The Year' and 'Convertible of the Year'
• 2014 Range Rover wins 2014 'Truck Of The Year' and 'Luxury SUV of the Year'

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC announced today that the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE and 2014 Land Rover Range Rover have been named car and truck of the year by Autobytel, highlighting the momentum both brands have achieved coming into 2014.

"Jaguar F-TYPE and Land Rover Range Rover winning both Car and Truck of the Year awards from Autobytel in the same year is a tremendous honor.  This accomplishment is a testament of our commitment to deliver unique, dynamic luxury cars and SUVs that stand out in the marketplace for design and capability," said Joe Eberhardt, President, Jaguar Land Rover, North America. "Not only are the F-TYPE and Range Rover very popular vehicles, but they represent the essence of what the Jaguar and Land Rover brands stand for. We very much appreciate the acknowledgement from the automotive experts at Autobytel."

In the United States, year-to-date through November, 2013, Jaguar sales are up 41 percent helped by the addition to the lineup of the all new F-TYPE convertible.  In the same period, Land Rover sales are up 15 percent with the all new generation Land Rover Range Rover up 60 percent.

Autobytel Inc. is dedicated to helping consumers research and find the information they need to purchase new and used cars and connect to dealers online. The 2013 Car and Truck of the Year Awards were chosen by the editorial group of Autobytel, led by Editor in Chief, Michelle Naranjo. Autobytel editors have driven hundreds of vehicles and have chosen this year's winners based on their game changing potential, advances in design and overall efficiency.

"Our selection process wasn't easy," said Michelle Naranjo, Editor in Chief, Autobytel. "The offerings within each of the vehicle segments we analyzed are extremely competitive, with some of the highest quality products we've seen in recent years. The Jaguar F-TYPE is quite simply superb, with a gorgeous design and impressive performance in virtually every respect.  It's the perfect blend of style and luxury in a thrill-a-minute ride."

Naranjo continues, "Don't let the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover fool you, it's gorgeous on the outside and lavishly appointed on the inside, yet positively capable off road.  With opulent features, timeless styling, and plenty of utility to handle the toughest terrains, it sits at the top of the Luxury SUV food chain."  

The new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company's heart: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. This Jaguar is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built. The 2014 F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight, high power and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury. The F-TYPE is powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in 340hp and 380hp outputs and a 495hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8. The F-TYPE Coupe goes on sale in spring, 2014.

The Fourth Generation Range Rover is the world's first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminum body, with a weight savings of 700lbs.  The Range Rover takes the capabilities of the brand's flagship to a new level, with even greater luxury and refinement, enhanced performance and handling on all terrains and significant advances in sustainability. The Range Rover was launched in October of 2012 to acclaim, receiving over 20 awards and accolades globally to date.