Kelley Blue Book names the F-150 as the Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2009 while the Transit Connect wins a pair of awards.
One for the money
On Wednesday of this week, Kelley Blue Book announced that the 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck was named by the company as the Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2009. Five years ago, the F-150 won the first award given out by Kelley and this year marks the first time, ever, for a repeat winner.
In taking the award, the F-150 beat out 9 other re-designs: the Acura TL and TSX, Audi A4, Dodge Ram, Honda Fit, Mazda6, Nissan Maxima and Murano as well as the Subaru Forester.
According to Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley, “"We were so impressed with the 2009 Ford F-150, we'd go so far as to say it isn't just a great truck, it's a step forward for what a vehicle can be. Imagine a truck that can help you keep track of your tools and keep you aware of where your employees are, and you can see that the new F-150 brings with it world-class innovation."
Two for the show
While Kelley was bestowing its honors in the U.S., two other events across the pond bestowed honors on the Transit Connect, a vehicle Ford unveiled at this year’s Chicago Auto Show and one we’ll see here in the middle of 2009.
On December 8th, the U.K.’s Association of Car Fleet Operators gave their top commercial vehicle award to the Transit Connect van. This marks the sixth consecutive year it has won this award.
Two days later, Britain’s leading van magazine, What Van? honored the Transit Connect with its security award for a light van, the seventh time the Ford van has received the award.
The Bottom Line
Here at LotPro.com, we know that trucks aren’t sexy. But there are two things that need to be remembered about these vehicles: historically, the F-150 has contributed greatly to Ford’s bottom line. Even in a depressed economy, sales of the new model look to keep the company afloat even as Nissan stops building trucks and Toyota struggles to break into the market.
Secondly, the Transit Connect represents Ford’s next great step: bringing the goodness of driving dynamics and space efficiency over from Europe and introducing both to the U.S. market.
