New, Innovative 2017 Honda Ridgeline Wins “North American Truck of the Year” Award
DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2017 – The completely
redesigned and reengineered 2017 Honda Ridgeline has been named the 2017 North
American Truck of the Year (NATOTY) northamericancaroftheyear.org. Launched
in June 2016, the 2017 Ridgeline includes a host of industry-exclusive standard
and available features including unibody construction, a Dual Action Tailgate,
In-Bed Trunk®, a scratch- and dent-resistant composite truck bed and the world’s
first Truck Bed Audio System. The 2017 Ridgeline is also the first and only
pickup to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+
rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with
available front crash prevention system and LED headlights. It is the second
consecutive year for Honda to earn a top honor, with the Honda Civic winning
North American Car of the Year honors in 2016. Moreover, this marks Ridgeline’s
second NACTOY award, the first coming in 2006, when the 2016 Honda Civic also
won the 2006 North American Car of the Year.
“This
award is a prized validation of the innovations and advantages the Ridgeline offers
midsize pickup truck customers and a great recognition of the American
development team’s work,” said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This is a terrific way to kick off 2017, and
we’re looking forward to sharing more innovative Honda products in the year
ahead.”
The North
American Truck of the Year Award is given by a group of over 50 members of the
North American automotive media and is distinctive because it is not tied
to a single publication, radio or television station but determined by an
independent group of journalists from the United States and Canada. Presented
each year at the opening of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
in Detroit, NACTOY recognizes the most outstanding vehicle of the year based on
multiple factors including innovation, design, safety performance, handling,
driver satisfaction and value.
The
Ridgeline is a part of Honda's
expanded lineup of innovative light-truck models, including the HR-V crossover,
the CR-V and Pilot SUVs and the new 2018 Odyssey minivan that will be revealed
later today at NAIAS.
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