The North and the South had a good ol’ time at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month. Some “yee haws” and “y’alls” hit the air as country music superstar Toby Keith appeared–cowboy hat and all –to help unveil Ford’s new and impressive F150.

But this wasn’t the first time the two powerhouses in their respective industries met. In 2007, the Super Duty F350 truck for his “Big Dog Daddy Tour” inspired Toby Keith. Ford and Keith worked together and offered fans a chance to win a private concert by the country musician. That lucky winner could also drive to the private concert in a brand new 2008 Ford F450 that the automaker was giving away as part of the contest.

At the time, the Ford Truck marketing manager said of the concert tour and combination: “Toby Keith represents what our Ford F-Series trucks and customers are all about–they’re hard-working, genuine and get it done every day.”

Why is there such a connection between Toby Keith and the Ford Motor Company?

Keith is a proud owner of a Ford truck, just like his daddy and his daddy’s daddy before him. He’s actually been an official spokesperson for the company for more than five years. Both Ford and Keith are at the top of their industries, and few people, if any, match the Ford truck brand the way that Keith’s persona does. He’s also written two songs about the truck brand: “Ford Truck Man” and “I Am a Workin’ Man.” Both songs have also been used in Ford commercials.

The partnership works the other way as well. Ford has sponsored all of Keith’s concerts since he became the spokesperson in 2002. This too is a great fit, as studies have shown that more than 60 percent of those who buy Ford vehicles and trucks are big country music fans.

Sounds to me like a match made in heaven.

[tags]toby keith, ford vehicles, ford trucks, ford, cars, autos, missouri, vehicles, mo, st louis, sunset ford, f450, f350, ford motor company, ford truck man, f series trucks, pickup truck, naias[/tags]