The Ford Atlas is Concept Truck of the Year for 2013

July 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Arlington Heights Ford, local Chicago area Ford dealer, (http://www.ahford.com/section/secondary/about-us/Arlington-Heights-IL-Ford-Dealer) announced that the new Ford Atlas has won North American Concept Truck of the Year. The Atlas was unveiled at the 2013 North American Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year. The concept is probably a nearly production ready version of the upcoming 2015 F-150, that will be available at Arlington Heights Ford near the end of 2014.

The annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognizes vehicles that are most likely to influence the shape of the automobile in the years to come. Dozens of jurors look closely at a selection of cars and tracks that have been shown in concept form at auto shows and choose winners based on design and innovation. This year 23 vehicles were in the running for awards in three categories, including Car, Truck, and Production Preview segments.

"Ford has put all its best big-truck thinking into this concept," said juror Chris Poole. "The Atlas certainly looks the business—big, buff and tough, yet nicely tailored too. And it brims with 'better ideas:' fuel-saving stop/start system, aero-enhancing active grille/wheel shutters, hitch and trailer backup assists, and lots more 'practical tech'."

The Ford Atlas concept won out over other new truck concepts, such as the Kia Cross GT, the Nissan Resonance, and the Volkswagen Cross Blue. The Atlas, unlike many concept vehicles, has both practically production ready design, and features that are bound to make their way into new vehicles in the near future. The Atlas concept also looks to the future with features that will help increase fuel economy, efficiency, aerodynamics, and emissions.

The Ford F-150 has been the best selling pickup in the United States for 36 years. With the Atlas Concept, Ford plans to maintain a tight hold on the top spot.

The current 2013 Ford F-150 (http://www.ahford.com/custom/2013-ford-f-150) is available at Arlington Heights Ford. The dealership is located at 801 W. Dundee Rd. in Arlington Heights, IL, and carries the latest vehicles from Ford, as well as a large inventory of pre-owned cars and trucks. Arlington Heights Ford can be reached at 847-481-0427.