The newly launched Ford Trucks’ F-MAX has been awarded the prestigious 2019 International Truck of the Year at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 event in Hannover.

It is the first time a Ford truck has won the award since 1982 when the Ford Cargo scooped the prize.

The International Truck of the Year competition is decided by a panel of independent judges, comprising leading specialised journalists from 23 European countries. Scoring 104 votes, the new Turkish-built truck was some away ahead of the second place Scania L- and P-series urban distribution trucks which racked up 74 points. In third place was Volvo’s gas-powered FH with 56 points.

The prestigious award was presented by Gianenrico Griffini, chairman of the International Truck of the Year (IToY) jury to Haydar Yenigün, Ford Otosan general manager at the Ford Trucks stand at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018.

After being put through its paces in the road tests in different categories and static assessments, the F-MAX underwent a rigorous assessment covering key criteria such as technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, fuel economy, environmental footprint and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), said Ford Trucks.

Yenigün described winning the International Truck of the Year Award as “a very important step toward our future” and said that the F-MAX, with its 2.5m full-width cab and 500 PS engine power, will become a “major player” in the international transport industry.

“The all new Ford Trucks F-MAX, is a global player with its 13-liter, 500 PS and 2500 Nm Ecotorq engine. Our modern design language based on prestige and power combines professionalism and innovation, while superior aerodynamics, optimum calibration and technical specifications of powertrain and transmission, reduce fuel consumption by 6% compared to the current model. The new tractor also decreases maintenance costs by up to 7% and offers longer maintenance intervals, delivering lower total cost of ownership,” said Yenigün.

“The F-MAX also offers industry the revolutionary ConnecTruck technology, which means that the F-MAX is Ford’s first heavy commercial vehicle with connectivity features. Our new tractor is the product of five years of research and development. After successfully completing 5 million kilometers of road tests in 11 countries on four continents, the F-MAX will set a new benchmark in the international transport industry. The International Truck of the Year award is a very important step toward our future. I would like to thank all of our employees for their efforts in winning this prestigious award.”