SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at a press conference held at the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, Green Car Journal honored the 2016 Ford F-150 as the magazine's 2016 Green Truck of the Year™ and the 2016 Ram ProMaster City as its 2016 Commercial Green Car of the Year™. These prestigious awards recognize important environmental achievements in the pickup truck and light commercial vehicle fields.
"Both of these Green Car awards speak to a growing emphasis on higher efficiency and better environmental performance across the board in all new model segments," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. "While hard-working functionality remains a cornerstone for models like these aimed at business and personal use, the added benefit of higher fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, and greater environmental compatibility offered by the Ford F-150 and Ram ProMaster City mean buyers truly get more than they pay for."
Ford's F-150, the best-selling vehicle in America for well over three decades, has long been known as a dependable workhorse, a hauler of people and goods, an off-road performer, and a sophisticated ride while out on the town. In its new generation it shed a considerable 700 pounds through the use of a military-grade all-aluminum body and high-strength steel chassis, improving both fuel efficiency and overall performance. Its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 allows this pickup to achieve up to 26 mpg on the highway. For 2016 the F-150 also adds a gaseous fuel prep package that makes it the only light-duty pickup with the capability of running on cleaner burning natural gas or propane.
"We designed the Ford F-150 to be a game changer," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "Many have recognized the F-150 as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, but this award is proof that it's also a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible option."
The Ram ProMaster City comes in wagon and cargo versions with the ability to carry nearly 1900 pounds or 130 cubic feet of cargo, plus tow up to 2000 pounds. Its efficient 178 horsepower, 2.4-liter aluminum block Tigershark engine is well-proved on American roads and is widely used in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models. The ProMaster City's EPA rating of 21 city/29 highway mpg efficiency is enhanced by the first-ever use of a nine speed transmission in a commercial van.
"Efficiency is a core component of Class 1 van purchases, making the Commercial Green Car of the Year™ award important for the Ram ProMaster City," said Bob Hegbloom, head of Ram Brand, FCA-North America. "As we did last year with a win for the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, this back-to-back title for the brand will help further establish Ram as an efficiency leader."
Green Car Journal editors conduct an extensive vetting process that weighs the merits of all potential vehicles as contenders for Green Truck of the Year™ and Commercial Green Car of the Year™ are narrowed down to a field of five finalists for each award. Efficiency, emissions, and overall environmental performance are considered along with traditional requirements for pickup and light commercial vehicle buyers like power, performance, functionality, passenger and cargo capacity, towing capabilities, and features conducive to various types of personal and business use.
"The San Antonio Auto & Truck Show is thrilled to be hosting these two prestigious awards that focus on green living and efficient vehicle technologies," said Pam Crail, San Antonio Auto Dealers Association President. "Uniting Texans' love for trucks and the growing necessity to support cleaner technologies is the perfect combination."
Presented by the San Antonio Automobile Dealers Association, the 47th annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show is held November 19-22, 2015 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Learn more at www.saautoshow.com.
Media Contact: Tanya Sammis, Sammis & Ochoa
(o) 210.390.4284 (c) 512.431.8940 (e) tanya@sammisochoa.com
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SOURCE San Antonio Auto & Truck Show
