The American Truck Dealers association named the International LoneStar the first ATD Commercial Truck of the Year.


The announcement was made during ATD's 2009 Convention & Exposition in Washington, D.C., over the weekend. LoneStar was one of five nominees for the new award. The other nominees were the Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T660, Mack Titan, and Peterbilt Model 386.

The LoneStar was chosen by a judging panel of journalists from leading truck publications in North America. It was chosen because of its design, innovation, quiet cab, and space utilization, said past ATD Chairman George Grask, who announced the first annual winner during a luncheon at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

The LoneStar provides driver comfort, serviceability and aerodynamics that deliver improved fuel economy. Inside, the LoneStar offers a work environment that converts to a living space. A fold-down Murphy bed-style bunk allows conversion from a sofa to a full 42-wide bunk with a one-piece spring mattress. The living area is defined by optional hardwood flooring or carpeting and driver's seat with an optional massage feature. Automotive-style features include: Standard ABS, roll stability, traction control and Bluetooth integration for hands-free phone use. The truck can be equipped with 42 different accessories, ranging from lights to shift knobs to chrome.

ATD announced in October that it will recognize the best medium- and heavy-duty trucks by current model year sold in the United States each year with an award. The award, ATD Commercial Truck of the Year, will be presented each year at the annual ATD Convention and Exposition in April.

Beginning in 2010, there will be two awards: one for the heavy-duty truck (Class 8) and one for the medium-duty truck (Class 3-7). Judging criteria for the award include innovation, design, fuel economy, driver and owner satisfaction, ease of maintenance and safety.