FORD’S iconic F-150 named ‘2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle’ from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.COM

* “The 2009 F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system,” said Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com in naming the truck its “2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle”
* Accolade offers additional proof that Ford’s success comes from listening to its customers and delivering the capability and fuel economy they require

DEARBORN, Mich. – Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today announced that Ford’s all new 2009 F-150 – an American icon with class-leading capability and unsurpassed fuel economy – has earned the title of “2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle.” (http://www.kbb.com/kbb/NewsAndReviews/BestRedesignedVehicleAward.aspx)

“I just really like this truck,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “I think it’s the sheer power of it that’s so impressive. It’s such an important truck in the market; it’s so important to Ford and to the domestic auto industry in general. There are so many variations, and so many innovations. In some ways, the F-150 is more than a truck – it’s a work system.”

The all-new 2009 F-150, new inside and out, is the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment.

Improvements include a new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that allows this tough truck to deliver even more horsepower, unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity.

Nerad noted the array of available technology – from the industry-exclusive SYNC to Ford Work Solutions. SYNC provides hands-free, in-car communication. Ford Work Solutions is an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security. He also singled out the added conveniences of the Box Side Step and Tailgate Step that helps customers easily gain access to the truck’s pickup box.

“There really is something there for everybody,” Nerad said. “There are so many interior and exterior design changes on this truck, and all of them are stellar.”

The F-150, he said, was chosen after the editors looked at all the redesigned vehicles on the market – cars, CUVs, SUVs and trucks – and winnowed the selections down to a top 10.

The accolade is gratifying, said chief engineer Matt O’Leary, not only for the prestige it carries, but because it also offers an indication of how Ford’s continual interaction with its unparalleled customer base brings results.

“When we set out to redesign the F-150, we said we would leave no stone unturned to ensure that our 31-year leadership on full-size trucks continued for many more years,” O’Leary said. “This recognition is just another indication that our success is founded on listening to the customer better than anyone else and finding innovative solutions to their concerns. That’s not something we take lightly – we live it every day.”

In addition to being named the 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com since its launch in October, the new 2009 F-150 has won the following awards:


* Top honors as “Truck of Texas” as well as “Best Luxury Pickup” for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from Texas Auto Writers Association
* “Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup” from PickupTrucks.com
* “Automotive Excellence” award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
* “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its standard safety technology: Safety Canopy side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
* “Residual Value” award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections
* Motor Trend’s Truck TrendTop 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
* “Accessory-Friendly Truck” Design Award from SEMA