In a decision that has shocked observers and rocked the European truck makers the International Truck of the Year has been awarded to a vehicle manufactured outside Europe.
The Ford F-Max built in Turkey was named as the International Truck of the Year for 2019 at the IAA Show in Hannover overnight.
The Ford F-Max scored 104 points to take the crown ahead of the second placed Scania L and P series urban distribution trucks, which garnered 74 points with Volvo’s gas-powered FH scoring 56 points to take third.
The reward is judged by a jury consisting of 23 commercial vehicle journalists from across Europe.
The jury said it was impressed with the Ford, which features a flat floor, 500hp Ford Ecotorq engine and a ZF TraXon gearbox.
The jury praised the F-Max for its efficiency and advanced driveline characteristics including eco-roll, adaptive cruise control and GPS-based predictive cruise control.
the new Ford F-Max will go on sale in Europe from early 2019.
Chairman of the International Truck of the Year (IToY) jury, Gianenrico Griffini said that with the introduction of F-Max, Ford Trucks has delivered a finely engineered tractor that will be a meaningful new player in the highly competitive segment of long-haul transport.
Griffini’s sentiments were echoed by UK jury member Will Shiers, who said that while Ford’s previous Turkish-built trucks have been competent products suited to the domestic and nearby markets, the F-MAX is entirely different.
“It is capable of competing with the established players on the global stage with no allowances asked for or needed,” said Shiers.
MAN Truck & Bus won the first IToY Truck Innovation Award in recognition for its eFAS level 4 automated driverless safety truck.
The eFAS, which tows a safety sign and follows road crews on motorways, scored 93 points, and fought off competition from the Mercedes-Benz eActros with 56 points, Renault Trucks’ second-generation Range D ZE Electric on 45 points, ZF’s Innovation Truck on 36 points, Volvo Trucks’ eFL and eFE with 28 points and DAF’s Ecochamps on 25 points.
“This MAN truck has the ability to save lives, and is the first platoon I’ve seen that actually makes sense,” Shiers said:
International Van of the Year, went to Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall who were named joint winners for their new small van. The Partner-Berlingo-Combo convincingly claimed the award with127 points, ahead of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in second-placed with 92 points and Ford’s Transit Connect, which received 33 votes to take. third place.
