This morning in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) the 2017 Honda Ridgeline was named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year (NATOTY).

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was first unveiled last year at the start of summer, offering unibody construction and  a host of unique features such as a Dual Action Tailgate, In-Bed Trunk, a scratch- and dent-resistant composite truck bed and the world’s first “Truck Bed Audio System.” Honda says the new Ridgeline is also the first 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. Honda also earned the award during the first Ridgeline’s introduction back in 2006.

MORE: 2017 Honda Ridgeline First Drive

“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 voted on by a group of over 50 members of the North American automotive media. This unique award is not tied to a single publication, radio or television station, and it is instead determined by an independent group of journalists from the United States and Canada. It is presented each year at the opening of the NAIAS in Detroit.

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. Honda light truck sales hit an all-time high of 661,188 units in 2016, up 7 percent over the previous year.