Detroit, Michigan  - The Ford F-150 was named the 2009 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday.

The decision was made by a jury of 50 motoring journalists from the United States and Canada, the show's organizers said in a statement.

"Winning 2009 North America Truck of the Year honours is a special distinction because it acknowledges the team's efforts to push harder and deliver even more for customers - including quality, safety leadership, unsurpassed fuel economy and smart features aimed at further improving their productivity," said Mark Fields, Ford's president for the Americas.

"Ultimately, though, this award is a nod to true truck customers, who have inspired us to deliver America's favourite pickup for 32 straight years."

The truck finalists were the Dodge Ram, the Ford F-150 and the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. The F-150 received 259 points, the Ram received 167 points and the Mercedes received 74 points.

Ford has now won the award, which was first given in 1994, five times.

The North American International Auto Show runs until January 25 at the Cobo Centre in Detroit. dpa