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THE LATEST NEWS, RUMORS AND CHANGES IN THE TRUCK WORLD

Nissan NEXT Promise Fulfilled:

10 New Models in 20 Months

Nissan celebrated the global debut of two of its most iconic models in the U.S.: the all-new 2022 Frontier mid-size pickup and all-new 2022 Pathfinder SUV. These new entries in two growing vehicle segments are an important next step in Nissan NEXT, the company’s global plan to transform its product lineup as well as its business and company culture. Both vehicles will go on sale this summer.

“Under the Nissan NEXT plan, we promised to introduce 10 new models over 20 months for the U.S. market,” said Allyson Witherspoon, Nissan U.S. vice president and chief marketing officer. “Today, we’re completing that promise with two of Nissan’s most iconic nameplates, the Pathfinder and Frontier. I’m proud to say that the future has never looked brighter for Nissan and our customers.”

The 2022 Pathfinder and 2022 Frontier follow the December introductions of the redesigned 2021 Armada and 2021 Kicks. Other new models that are part of the aggressive new product introduction plan include the upcoming all-electric Ariya crossover and a production version of the Z Proto sports car.

F-150 Rocket League Edition Set for Launch

Ford Blasts Further Into Gaming With Psyonix Collaboration

The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 is available with a wide array of features, but thanks to a collaboration between Ford and video game maker Psyonix, a new virtual version comes complete with a rocket booster. This animated pickup truck comes as part of the popular Rocket League multiplayer video game where vehicles take center stage to compete in soccer matches.

The Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition will be available as an in-game purchase Feb. 20-28. The F-150 bundle also includes a chairman decal, two sets of F-150 wheels, F-150 Rocket League Edition engine audio, F-150 boost and F-150 player banner.

F-150’s appearance in Rocket League continues Ford’s wider push into gaming after successful sponsorships with other titles, such as Forza. Ford worked collaboratively with Psyonix, a critically acclaimed video game developer, to create the truck. Ford also will produce commercial shorts narrated by actor Bryan Cranston aimed at gamers.

To ensure the F-150 Rocket League Edition in-game vehicle maintains the real-world styling cues and Built Ford Tough DNA of the iconic pickup, the F-150 design team collaborated with designers at Psyonix, maker of Rocket League. The athletic-looking F-150 that appears on screen is based on the all-new 2021 F-150 and features signature C-clamp headlight design, rounded wheel arches, drop-down windows and “F-150” stamped in the tailgate.

Along with the in-game vehicle, Ford will serve as presenting sponsor for this month’s Rocket League Championship Series Winter Majors, which include an arena full of billboards and a special F-150 that appears between matches to repair and ready the Rocket League pitch for play by repainting boundary lines and towing away damaged vehicles. Ford will sponsor the Ford + Rocket League Freestyle Invitational, a judged competition where select players show off their best in-game moves and tricks – with one lucky contestant winning a real 2021 F-150.

2021 Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel Earns Unsurpassed 33 MPG

Ram Truck announced that a new, more fuel-efficient model is joining its half-ton truck lineup, which already consists of the most fuel-efficient 4x4s and the quickest, fastest and most powerful pickup truck straight from the factory.

The 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel delivers an unsurpassed highway rating of 33 mpg. HFE EcoDiesel’s city and combined mpg ratings are 23 and 26, respectively. The HFE designation, or High Fuel Efficiency, is Ram’s way of highlighting this model’s excellent fuel efficiency.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel is available on crew cab four-door models with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed and 20-inch aluminum wheels. Other features include a black bumper and grille, tonneau cover, wheel-to-wheel side steps and cloth bucket seats.

The 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel is available in Bright White Clear Coat or Diamond Black Crystal. HFE EcoDiesel models start at $42,240 MSRP (excluding $1,695 destination) and go on sale in the second quarter of 2021.