Ford’s Atlas Concept Pickup Truck Shows Future Direction of Automaker’s Products
The Atlas Concept features a mix of technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and the vehicle’s overall functionality.
by Staff
January 15, 2013
The Ford Atlas Concept is designed to show new technologies the automaker is developing for use in its pickup truck products.
3 min to read
The Ford Atlas Concept is designed to show new technologies the automaker is developing for use in its pickup truck products.
Ford unveiled a new pickup truck concept, the Atlas, which the automaker says showcases design ideas and new technologies that “will define” Ford’s future pickups.
“The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With 36 years as America’s best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market.”
The Atlas Concept features a mix of technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and the vehicle’s overall functionality. Starting with fuel economy, the Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost powertrain that integrates auto-start-stop functionality designed to work in a pickup truck. The system in the Atlas Concept shuts off the engine when the truck is stopped on the road but can detect when the vehicle is towing so it can turn the feature off.
The next-generation EcoBoost engine uses gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to improve fuel efficiency by up to 20% and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% when compared with larger displacement engines, Ford said.
Beyond the next-gen EcoBoost engine, the Atlas features a number of other technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. They include Active Grille Shutters, which open and close depending on the vehicle’s speed in order to improve aerodynamics but provide cooling when needed; Active Wheel Shutters, which close at highway speeds to further improve aerodynamics; a Drop-Down Front Air Dam, which is a spoiler that lowers at highway speeds to improve airflow under the vehicle but raises at low speeds to provide extra ground clearance; and Power Running Boards, which auto deploy to help passengers get into the vehicle but retract when the vehicle is in motion to further improve aerodynamics and ground clearance. Ford said that when combined, these features can save more than 2 mpg on the highway without affecting towing or hauling capabilities.
The truck’s interior features lightweight seating in leather that provide added legroom for rear-seat passengers and storage for small items.
Ad Loading...
The Atlas Concept shows other features designed to improve a pickup’s functionality as a work truck. Ford added multiple tie-down points to the cargo box and load floor, and installed 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box for charging power tools. The truck also features an integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable (and removable) ramps that stow below the cargo box.
For better visibility when working at night, the truck’s cargo box has integrated LED lights that don’t use as much energy as standard headlights or plug-in lights.
In the back of the truck, the tailgate can act as a cargo cradle by lifting and holding extra-long items above the truck, which frees up space in the bed. The truck also comes with what Ford calls a “Dynamic Hitch Assist,” which helps line up the truck’s hitch with a trailer coupling. For improved lighting, the truck comes with LED headlamps and taillamps.
To improve backing safety, Ford has created a new feature called Backup Assist, which allows a driver to back a trailer automatically. The truck also features a new 360-degree camera, which gives a driver a bird’s eye view of the truck in order to help him or her position the vehicle.
Kooner Fleet Management Solutions’ new Central England operations hub establishes a foundation for 24/7 fleet maintenance, mobile repair, and technician development across the UK.
Drivers are shaping fleet decisions, TPMS is delivering real savings, and a key workhorse is retiring. Plus quick hits on data, uptime, and new trucks.
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund’s 2nd Annual Virtual 5K raises funds and awareness for over-the-road truck drivers facing illness or injury, and there’s still time to participate in this year’s event.
New tools always change the process. They do not replace the instinct. From portrait painters adapting to photography to creators navigating AI, the people who matter most are still the ones who know how to see.
With more than four decades of experience across fleets such as AT&T and AmeriGas, Carl built a reputation for doing the work, leading through change, and helping to move the industry forward without ever making it about himself.
In this month’s news recap, we’re digging into why trucks are still failing in the field, how fleets are finally turning data into action, why driver feedback is becoming a critical operational tool, how fleet leaders are finding their voice, and where simple tech like TPMS is delivering real results.
Verisk CargoNet reported that supply chain crime events across the United States and Canada declined by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2026. However, confirmed cargo theft reports rose slightly, by 41 incidents.
Limited spots remain for Work Truck Exchange in Phoenix. Fleet managers can connect through pre-scheduled meetings designed to deliver real solutions fast.
Veterans in fleet, it's your turn! share how military experience shapes leadership, discipline, and real-world decision-making across today’s operations.