• June 24, 2008

Ford is backing country star Toby Keith's latest concert tour to promote its F-150 pickup. The "Biggest and Baddest Tour," presented by Ford F-Series, started Monday night in Birmingham, Ala. The show opens with a theatrical video produced by Ford that features Keith and the F-Series trucks.

As in the past, parts of F-150 trucks are on the stage where Keith performs. When the relationship started in 2002, Keith leaped from a modified Tranformers-like truck at the beginning of his concerts. Last year, a truck grille framed part of the set.

Ford Trucks will also launch a consumer promotion at biggestandbaddest.com dangling a new 2009 F-150 and the chance to accompany Keith on his next concert tour with his or her own personal tour bus.

Ford says more than 160,000 people registered for last year's promotion--a chance to win a private concert with Keith. People who opt-in to participate in the promo can get free downloads, including Built Ford Tough and Toby Keith ringtones, wallpaper and photos.

--Karl Greenberg