Road Trip: Ford DLC Launches for ATS

SCS Software has released the Road Trip: Ford DLC for American Truck Simulator, marking the first installment of a project first announced in April of last year. The update introduces a dedicated Car Mode, allowing players to drive four specific Ford vehicles through the game’s existing map. This release shifts the focus from heavy commercial transport to personal driving, offering a distinct change in gameplay perspective for users of the simulator.

The DLC unlocks four vehicles: the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, the 2023 Ford F-150, the 2023 Ford Bronco, and the 1998–2012 Ford Crown Victoria. These cars are not merely cosmetic additions; they activate the Car Mode feature, which includes related mechanics designed for personal vehicle use. Players can customize these vehicles with various accessories and paint options. The inclusion of these specific models, developed in partnership with Ford, provides a licensed experience that contrasts with the standard trucking gameplay. A dedicated team within SCS Software worked with the vehicle team, programmers, and testers to integrate this new experience into the game.

Beyond driving, the update introduces the Atlas feature. This system allows players to visit iconic locations, learn about them, and collect designed postcards. At launch, the Atlas feature and its associated Tourist Boards are available in California and in the Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota DLCs. SCS Software stated that the remaining states will be gradually included in future updates. Notably, ownership of this DLC also grants access to the Atlas feature while driving trucks, meaning the exploration tools are not restricted to the new car vehicles.

For players seeking active gameplay rather than passive exploration, the DLC introduces smaller delivery tasks. Players can take on Quick Jobs or use the Dispatch Market to build a courier reputation. This adds a layer of progression for those who prefer shorter, less demanding routes compared to long-haul trucking. The update also supports multiplayer interaction through Convoy mode, where friends can drive together with trucks and cars sharing the highways. This mixed-vehicle convoy functionality allows for a different type of social play within the simulation.

The release was accompanied by a live stream, a practice SCS Software follows for map expansions and major DLCs. The announcement highlighted the collaboration with Ford, thanking the automaker for its cooperation in bringing these iconic vehicles to life in the game. The Road Trip project represents a new direction for the franchise, expanding the scope beyond professional trucking to include recreational driving and exploration. By introducing Car Mode, the game now offers a dual perspective: the traditional big-rig experience and a new personal vehicle mode.

Players who own the base game can purchase the Road Trip: Ford DLC to access these features. The update does not alter the core trucking mechanics but adds a parallel mode of play. The availability of the Atlas feature in specific regions at launch means that exploration content is initially limited to the western and central United States, with further coverage planned for later updates. The addition of the Crown Victoria, a vehicle often associated with law enforcement and taxi services in the United States, adds variety to the vehicle roster alongside the more modern F-150 and Bronco.

This release clarifies the scope of the Road Trip project, which began as a concept in April. The first installment focuses on vehicle variety and exploration tools rather than new map geometry. The integration of Quick Jobs and the Dispatch Market for cars suggests a shift toward more casual gameplay elements. Players can now choose between the demanding logistics of trucking and the freer exploration of car driving. The partnership with Ford ensures that the vehicles are represented with official branding and specifications, adding a layer of authenticity to the personal driving experience.

The update is available now on Steam. SCS Software emphasized the community’s anticipation for this release, noting that the project had been eagerly awaited since its initial announcement. The dedicated team formed for this project worked across various departments to ensure the new mode functioned correctly within the existing game framework. The release stream provided a preview of the features, including the customization options and the Atlas interface. As the first release from the Road Trip project, it sets the foundation for future updates that may expand the vehicle roster or the geographic coverage of the Atlas feature.