Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 5 -- Officer Protection


The next-generation Ford Police Interceptor is built to protect officers in the event of a crash, and engineered to help them avoid a crash before it happens

Monday, May 30, 2011

Free Rides in the New Focus with Doug, the Orange Puppet, and John


A couple seizes the opportunity for a free ride in the new Focus with Doug (Orange Puppet) and John, only to find that Doug has something other than handling and technology on his mind.

Like Doug? Follow him on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/focusdoug/ or @focusdoug
Like John? Follow him on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/focusjohn/ or @focusjohn
For more info on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus, go to ford.com/focus

More videos with Doug:
See Doug's Secret Fear: http://youtu.be/7DV7WeLSl1E
Watch Doug Give John the Silent (Text) Treatment: http://youtu.be/pCq0MD6A22Q
Doug Tests the Car's Sandwich-Making Skills: http://youtu.be/rJO7GNipw3U

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Mikko Hirvonen Debut Gymkhana, DiRT 3, Battersea Power Station


Join us at http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC
Presented by The Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Codemasters, Monster Energy and DC Shoes, Ford World Rally driver Mikko Hirvonen makes his Gymkhana debut alongside Ken Block at the iconic Battersea Power Station, London.

Shot for one day only, Mikko shows us how the World Rally professionals do it as he switches from Rally to Gymkhana with masterful ease in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC car.

The course was based on the DC Compound - a Gymkhana stage set around Battersea Power Station in the newly released DiRT 3 videogame. Express yourself with Gymkhana or take on the most Rally content in the series at a variety of stunning locations across the globe.

Follow the Rally for real with The Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. Play in the dirt with DiRT 3.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Ford WRC 2011 - Rally Argentina Preview


It's Round 6 of the World Rally Championship, and the teams are in South America for one of the classic events of rallying - Rally Argentina. Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala are there with the Ford Abu Dhabi team, and Becs Williams reports on how they've been preparing for this weekend's action...

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 4 -- City Pursuit


The officers test the acceleration, handling and braking of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and the Dodge Charger Pursuit on a tight, aggressive cone course.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

How To Fuel a Propane Autogas Powered Vehicle


Fueling a ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas powered vehicle is not really any more difficult than fueling a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle... just watch!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

1 Million and Counting: Ford Retiree Hits Mileage Milestone Traveling Coast to Coast in His 2002 F-350 Super Duty


Gary Mueller with his
2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty
  • Ford retiree finds a unique way to travel the country by efficiently towing large RV campers to destinations throughout the United States and Canada
  • RV hauler has no plans to retire his 2002 Ford F350 Super Duty truck any time soon
  • Ford has more full-size pickup trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles than any other automaker
DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2011 – People told Gary Mueller that he should probably think about getting a new truck when his 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty was nearing 300,000 miles.
That was more than 700,000 miles ago.

Today, Mueller says he has no plans – or reason – to retire the truck, even though it now has more than 1,020,000 miles on the clock.

The reason, Mueller says, is that his F-350 maintains its durability, reliability and comfort, along with the special bond some truck owners seem to have with their vehicles.

“This truck isn’t just a truck; it’s an extension of me,” said Mueller. “I take care of it and it returns the favor. I see no reason at all to think about retiring it.”

Mueller isn’t the only one driving a Ford F-Series truck with a lot of miles. In fact, Ford has more full-size pickup trucks on the road with at least 250,000 miles than any other automaker.

“Trucks like Mr. Mueller’s prove time and time again that Built Ford Tough is more than just a slogan; it’s a promise of proven durability and reliability,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager.

Taking the scenic route to 1 million
Mueller retired from Ford in 2000. In the six years leading up to his retirement, he worked as many overtime hours as he could while developing plans to travel North America. He invested the money in stocks with hopes to earn even more on his savings.

Then, the market crashed and Mueller lost 70 percent of his “fun money.” His travel dreams seemed to be dead.

A sliver of hope came to him one day, however, at a fast food restaurant. He bumped into a relative who told him about a friend who was seeing the country on the cheap by towing large recreational vehicle campers, or RVs, and delivering them to buyers.

After going on a test trip as a passenger, Mueller was hooked. He bought a truck and launched his new career as an RV hauler. After around 18 months, Mueller decided he needed a new truck. That’s when he bought the new 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty with a 7.3-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 that has been his companion ever since.

Mueller travels between 600 and 800 miles most days and has been to 48 states and seven provinces in Canada. He doesn’t know how many RVs he has hauled over the years but said he has hauled about 40 through the first four months of 2011.

The RV trailers he tows start at about 11,000 pounds, a sizeable load for most pickups but not even testing Super Duty’s maximum trailer tow capability. The 2002 model F-350 Super Duty had a maximum fifth-wheel tow capability of 14,400 pounds. Showing the ever-improving nature of Ford F-Series trucks, the 2011 F-350 Super Duty has a maximum fifth-wheel tow capability of 22,600 pounds. Scott said Super Duty’s best-in-class towing capability enables Mueller to constantly haul the large RVs and sets Ford apart from competitors.

“For years we’ve had a huge advantage over the competition when it comes to towing weight,” said Scott. “That’s why if you’re going to do a job like this, there’s only one vehicle that can handle it day in and day out with confidence and that’s the Ford Super Duty.”

Truck delivers RVs – and fuel efficiency
Mueller said that his F-350 Super Duty gets about 20 mpg when delivering RVs – a crucial number to him since he is responsible for most of the expenses.

“As long as I can keep getting 20 mpg, I’ll keep hauling,” Mueller said. “That’s the only way it makes economic sense.”

With its 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel, Mueller’s truck is equipped with the first generation of the Power Stroke engine, available between 1994 and 2002. It produces 275 horsepower and 520 lb.-ft. of torque.
By comparison, the fourth-generation Power Stroke diesel – the 6.7-liter version introduced in the 2011 F-Series Super Duty – produces 400 horsepower and a whopping 800 lb.-ft. of torque.

Among the features of the prior generation engine in Mueller’s truck are direct injection and turbocharging, which help deliver improved fuel economy with the high torque required of a powerful tow vehicle. The 2011 Super Duty with the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine has further refined fuel injection turbocharging technology for even higher levels of efficiency.

Mueller said his driving habits also contribute to the outstanding gas mileage. He avoids fast starts and stops. If weather conditions create too much drag, he parks the truck. And he keeps the rpm near 2,000 whenever he can while generally staying between 60 and 62 mph.

“I will see the same people pass me two or three times a day,” Mueller said. “They’re going 70 or 80 mph, and have to keep stopping for fuel.”

Mueller said he also maintains the truck properly. He has had the oil changed more than 100 times and the tires have been replaced 10 times.

An office on wheels
Mueller said another reason he has been able to log more than 1 million miles on his truck is because of its comfort level.

His truck features cloth seats along with the XLT package that includes power seats, windows and mirrors.
“I wouldn’t have been able to put so many miles on it if I was uncomfortable,” Mueller said.

Scott said other pickup trucks oftentimes force buyers to choose between capability and refinement. He said Mueller’s truck is an example of how Ford F-Series has been a leader in allowing customers to avoid this compromise and enjoy both class-leading capability and comfort.

“For people like Mueller, their trucks are their office. They spend hours and hours in their trucks, so we designed and engineered our truck interiors with that in mind,” said Scott.

Considering the Super Duty’s combination of comfort and fuel efficiency, and the way Mueller knows exactly how his truck will respond to certain conditions and driving actions, he said he hopes to continue his sightseeing while delivering those big RVs throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“I don’t think I could be any happier with a truck,” said Mueller

Monday, May 23, 2011

New Ford Focus ST on Track: Prototype Testing Underway from California Freeways to German Nürburgring


In Europe and North America, Ford’s Team RS and SVT engineering teams are putting Focus ST prototypes through a punishing testing regime to hone performance and driving dynamics.
  • Development of Ford’s sporty new Focus ST is on track as engineers put prototypes through punishing regime to hone performance and driving dynamics
  • New 2.0-litre EcoBoost-powered Focus ST targets both 250 PS (246 hp) and impressive fuel economy
  • Focus ST, Ford’s first global performance car, goes on sale next year
COLOGNE, Germany, May 11, 2011 – If a new Ford Focus with an eye-catching paint job, ground-hugging suspension, big wheels and tyres and a tell-tale central rear double exhaust passes you on the autobahn or freeway, chances are you have seen one of the development prototypes for the all-new high-performance Focus ST launching next year.

In Europe and North America, Ford’s Team RS and SVT engineering teams are putting a fleet of around 60 pre-production prototypes through a punishing regime of testing and development to fine-tune the car’s driving dynamics and performance. The prototypes are based on standard new Focus vehicles and, in some cases, prior-generation Focus ST models.

“The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles. “It must live up to Ford’s reputation for producing affordable yet exciting and sporty versions of its smaller cars that reward and delight enthusiast drivers, but can also be used every day.

“We’ve done all the engineering groundwork, and now we’re using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics.”
The new Focus ST will be powered by a high-performance version of Ford’s new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, targeting an exhilarating 250 PS (246 hp), while still delivering significantly better fuel economy than the previous generation Focus ST sold in Europe.

“Fuel efficiency is a key leadership target for Ford Motor Company globally. We want to be class-leading even with a performance vehicle, so we’re working on getting the best possible blend of high performance and fuel economy from the new ST,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.

Recently, the development team completed demanding cold weather testing in northern Europe, as well as exacting tests and exercises to refine steering performance.

“We’re sweating all the details – fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details to make sure it is worthy of the ST badge,” Tonn said. “We will build upon and improve the ride, steering and handling strengths that defined the current European Focus ST.”

With the new Focus ST, a key focal point for the Ford development team is to deliver an even more engaging driver experience, from its highly tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system to uniq ue, driver-orientated seats.

“The seats and seating position were very good in the previous Focus ST, but the new model is sleeker and the driver will sit lower. The new seats which will provide even more support,” Tonn said.

The all-new Focus ST is Ford’s first global performance car, conceived under the One Ford strategy. It brings the ST performance badge to North American and Asian customers for the first time.

“For enthusiasts in North America and Asia who have asked why our compact performance models were not available to them, well, the wait is almost over,” Capito said. “The new Focus ST will offer exactly the same exciting driving experience wherever it’s on sale.

“Like the Focus ST and RS models before it, the new Focus ST’s final set-up will be achieved after painstaking tuning on some of the most demanding roads we can find from California to the Nürburgring, and from high-speed German autobahns to classic British B-roads,” Capito added. “Keep your eyes open for our prototypes as we work on delivering a Focus ST driving experience that will delight performance car fans around the world.”

Fans of the new Focus ST can keep up to date with progress on the official Ford Focus Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fordfocus.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 3 -- Dog Bone


The unmatched capability of the all-wheel drive, pursuit-rated Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility are demonstrated in the Dog Bone gravel pit.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Ford Mustang Facebook Fans Choose ‘Mayhem’ as New Name for V6 Performance Package

DEARBORN – The Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package delivers on “fun, fast and affordable,” and now it has an all-new name to go along with that. After Ford reached out to the nearly 1.4 million fans on the Mustang Facebook page, “Mayhem Mustang Package” has been chosen as the new name.

“We saw great enthusiasm from fans, with tons of creative, unique names coming in,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “The contest was twofold – it let us engage with fans by letting them have a say, and it helped build awareness for the package.”

More than 3,000 submissions were made to the Mustang Facebook page and nearly 6,700 users installed the “You Name It” app that let them participate in the contest. The winning submission came from a fan in Charlotte, N.C., who has won a three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang equipped with the Mayhem Mustang Package.

Facebook fans were asked to suggest a name on the Facebook page and reach out to their friends in the social media world to help propel their choice into the top five names. A gallery on the page let visitors see all of the choices that could be voted on. After the five most-voted names were selected, Ford chose the name that best shows off the personality of the package.

Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals. The Mayhem Mustang Package will be used as the name on all Mustang sales, marketing and communications materials.

High-tech horsepower
The Mayhem Mustang Package takes advantage of Mustang’s 305-horsepower all-aluminum Ti-VCT V6 engine’s lightweight and high-revving nature to deliver a nimble performance car equally at home on a road course or road trip.

Borrowing from Mustang GT, the Mayhem Mustang Package includes numerous suspension and body stiffening upgrades to deliver unparalleled handling performance. Enhanced braking and a near-equal front/rear weight distribution top off the package.
The Ford Mayhem Mustang Package includes:
  • 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
  • Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars
  • Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs
  • Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm
  • Unique 19-inch wheels
  • Pirelli performance tires for improved grip
  • Unique front and rear brake calipers fitted with Performance Friction pads
  • Strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
  • Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving

Friday, May 20, 2011

Ford And A Century Of Progress (1934)


National Archives and Records Administration - ARC Identifier 93418 / Local Identifier FC-FC-4291 - FORD AND A CENTURY OF PROGRESS, ca. 1934 - Ford Motor Company.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 2 -- Wet Pad


On a giant skid pad flooded with water, the officers push the limits of handling and control in a Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

In Their Own Words -- 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class


The 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class has a definite Ford Racing flavor as David Pearson, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore and Bobby Allison all won major races or championships with Ford. Each man spoke about their induction and what it means to them.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The People's Fleet


This summer, The People's Fleet™ is returning to LA. Ford Motor Company is providing 4 non-profit organizations in the greater Los Angeles area with their own 2012 Ford Focus, a team of filmmakers and a platform for financial empowerment for 3 months.

Transportation needs will be met, stories captured and shared, and communities activated.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 1 -- Performance & Handling


The officers test power and performance on the handling course in Ford Police Interceptor sedans with the standard 3.5L V6 and optional twin-tubocharged EcoBoost® V6, and the Ford Police Interceptor Utility with a 3.7L V6.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet Has A Large Selection Of Mobility Van


Vans with Raised Tops and Side Wheelchair Lifts, Rear Lifts, Ramps, Smaller Transit Connect vans with chair lifts or ramps, Ford passenger vans with or without modifications.

Whatever your needs in Ford product mobility units, contact Ray Roy, Mobility Manager at Folsom Lake Ford. Call him at 916-351-4286. They ship units all over the United States. Website: www.folsomlakefordfleet.com and check our blog at http://folsomlakefleet.blogspot.com.

Folsom Lake Ford, Folsom CA. Main dealership website is www.folsomlakeford.com.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Carl Edwards Wins Nationwide Race at Dover

CARL EDWARDS – No. 60 Fastenal Ford (Finished 1st) - “They just showed the replay and I didn’t touch them, so I am happy for that. What a wild finish. I apologize for not doing the back flip there guys. I thought that I wrecked them and I didn’t want to be celebrating over that but it looks like we didn’t hit them, we won the race in our fast Ford Mustang and that is good. My guys did a great job on pit road. They kept us up front after every pit stop. I want to dedicate this win to my good friend Mike Williams who passed away. He was a street stock racer and amazing guy and amazing racer. I dedicate this to those guys and we are thinking about them back home in Columbia today.”

HOW MUCH DID THE TRACK CHANGE OUT THERE?
“The track changed a lot. I am going to use that for tomorrow’s race. I learned a little bit. Mike Beam and Jack Roush and everyone did a great job keeping up with the race car. I really appreciate the fans coming out here. I know the weather wasn’t good but it is cool to see everyone up in the stands with their ponchos and sticking it out today.”

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – No. 6 Mississippi Flood Relief Ford (Finished 4th) – “It is really frustrating. We are fast every run, every practice, every first run of the race and all of a sudden our Mustang gets really, really loose. I don’t know if it is something we are doing every week that might get it free but that first run I didn’t want to have any too big of complaints but our Mississippi Flood Relief Ford was really loose. We made big changes on pit stops that seemed to make it better, but I guess not as good as it needs to be.”

KEVIN SWINDELL – No. 16 Roush Fenway Ford (Finished 31st)  - WHAT HAPPENED WITH THAT ACCIDENT OUT THERE?
- “I was talking on the radio and trying to get a drink and get ready to come down pit road and I guess whoever was wrecked thought they could drive back across and drove straight up the hill. I was coming and at least it was just me and he didn’t wipe out more of us, but it ruins a great opportunity for me. We had finally got our stuff going there and the track was coming back to us. We weren’t too good at the beginning with the green track but we were getting better and finally getting back and passing some cars. It is frustrating what happened. It tore up a great Roush Fenway Ford and this may have been my only opportunity and it gets ruined by somebody being an idiot.”


CARL EDWARDS, MIKE BEAM AND JACK ROUSH POST RACE PRESS CONFERENCE

TALK A LITTLE ABOUT THE RACE AND THE LAST FEW LAPS.  “It was an amazing race from my seat. A lot was going on. We were playing the strategy with the rain and Mike was making great adjustments. Our pit stops today were really good. I thought that rain was going to finish us there. I didn’t think we were going to get it restarted but NASCAR did a good job getting the track dry. The second to last restart I really got Joey on that one and I thought it was over and then caution came out and I thought I was in trouble because you give a guy like Joey a second chance at that and he will do better, and he did. They we rolled coming to the white side-by-side and Joey had a little advantage being on the outside and I was driving really hard, really hard, both of us were. I thought I touched him but I saw the replay and it looked like he got loose and smacked the fence and the bottom got out of it. We are very fortunate that nobody was hurt.”

MIKE, CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE STRATEGY WITH THE RAIN AND EVERYTHING THIS AFTERNOON?
“The rain wasn’t on the radar but all of a sudden it started raining. We had to stop because with 40 laps on the tires it was something we needed to do in case it went back green. That was definitely a challenge but luckily that worked out for us.”

JACK, HOW ABOUT THIS WIN TODAY?  “I want to say how proud I am to be an American and with what has happened around the world in the last two weeks. Past that, Mike Beam built a brand new car and it is the first time we have ran that new Mustang incorporating things they thought they learned this year and it wasn’t bad. Carl did a great job today. Ricky Stenhouse did a good job too. I am real proud of the entire Ford and Roush Fenway effort led by Carl and by Mike. I am happy they let me ride along with them.”

CARL, WAS THIS THE MOST EMOTIONALLY DRAINING WIN YOU HAVE BEEN A PART OF?  “I don’t know. That was an odd finish emotionally for me to be honest with you. I thought I had bumped him and I thought somebody was hurt there. That looked like a bad enough wreck that I thought somebody was hurt. It was a very different feeling than you normally have in a race car at the end of a race. I am glad that I didn’t hit him and everything was okay. That is a product of what we do. When it comes down to it this race track we were driving so hard and there is so much grip and you are giving everything you can and the cars are so close at the end. Joey was racing as hard as he could and I was racing as hard as I could and that is why they call it the Monster Mile.”

HOW WERE THE TRACK CONDITIONS OUT THERE TODAY?  “The track changed a little bit and it was different than practice a little bit. I am going to go back and talk to Bob Osborne about our set up for tomorrow because I think that there are some things I saw out there that I can apply for tomorrow. I am sure the Cup guys that ran today will do the same thing. It really did. The clouds were out, it was cool and then it drizzled. The jet driers changed things. The track did take rubber at one point which was something that can happen now and then but I don’t remember last time. It seemed that was different the way it happened. Hopefully I can apply that stuff tomorrow.”

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT YOU GOT LOGANO LOOSE TO GET INTO THE WALL OR IS THAT NOT SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAPPEN ON THIS TYPE OF TRACK?  “It surprised me that he got loose, just like I said earlier. His car was very good and he had the advantage being on the outside. That is why I thought I must have hit him, because it surprised me that his car wiggled like that. Watching the replay, I was far enough away and the placement of the cars, I truly think that where my car was I wouldn’t have loosened him. I don’t know if the track was kind of green up there or maybe there was something going on with the air but it surprised me probably as much as it surprised him.”

JACK, CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE DAY KEVIN SWINDELL HAD WITH THE UNFORTUNATE END?  “Kevin did a great job yesterday and I had something going on where I couldn’t be here but he did a great job yesterday and was being very careful with the car. He asked for a change and they made a change to the car. I talked to him after the accident and he said he was confident that he was going to get back the spots he lost early in the race and the car wasn’t right and the track was green. Kevin Swindell is a real surprise to me. The guys had a discussion with him last week and they agreed to put him in the car with Trevor still not being ready. He is going to do a great job. I was really impressed.”

JACK, CAN YOU TALK ABOUT TREVOR AND IF HE IS COMING BACK AT CHARLOTTE?  “I can’t say definitely because I don’t have the right pay grade and education for that but he is making progress and his symptoms are by and large gone. His blurred vision is by and large gone but we are going to take him to Grisham in Georgia to give him some laps to see if he is comfortable and then report back to the doctors and NASCAR to see what they think.”

WHAT DAY WILL HE BE TESTING?  “I am not sure. I was told it will be this week but I don’t know what day. It may very well depend on whether as well.”

FOR ALL THREE OF YOU, THE FACT THAT ALL THE DRIVERS WALKED AWAY FROM THAT LAST CRASH BUT THE MOST SERIOUS INJURY WAS TO A CREW MEMBER ON PIT ROAD. DOES THAT KIND OF CRASH CONCERN YOU ABOUT THEIR SAFETY AND CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE SAFER BARRIER ON THE INSIDE WALL AND THE FACTOR OF THAT? 

CARL EDWARDS -- “We have what I would say is the safest form of auto racing that I have every been a part of here at NASCAR. I think NASCAR does a really good job. I just saw the replay there and I think the extra expense and effort that these tracks and NASCAR have gone, and for the car owners to, all of that stuff is to be commended. The fact that there are safer barriers at inside walls at these places is an extra measure of insurance that all of us appreciate.”

JACK ROUSH -- “Happily not all the race tracks are the same. Unless my memory is flawed here Dover has more banking on the straightaways than any track we go to. That puts a special importance to have that inside wall protected as well. When Mark Martin and I came here in 1988 he spun out here a few times. Every time you spin here it is an exceptional circumstance if you don’t hit the wall. The gravity just takes you right into that inside wall. They have done a really nice job at this track with the safer barriers and other things. We really enjoy coming here and racing on concrete.”

Friday, May 13, 2011

2011 Ford F-150 Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

  • 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for models built after February 2011. Ford now has 11 vehicles on the road that have earned Top Safety Pick ratings
  • Ford F-150 features a number of standard safety and stability systems including Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), SOS Post Crash Alert System™ and trailer sway control
  • The Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine represented 37 percent of 2011 F-150 pickup truck sales in April; incoming F-150 EcoBoost orders tracking at more than 40 percent reflect strong consumer demand
  • Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for 34 years

2011 Ford F-150
DEARBORN, Mich., May 12, 2011 – The 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew is building on Ford’s safety leadership by earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for models built after February 2011.

Ford now has 11 vehicles on the road in the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks, which adds to its leading number of top U.S. safety ratings. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact tests and the new roof strength evaluation, as well as offer electronic stability control.

“Safety ratings are important markers customers can use to evaluate vehicles, so we are proud Ford has the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automaker ever,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The F-150’s innovative safety technologies and this new Top Safety Pick award further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to safety.”

Crash protection
New safety features for the 2011 Ford F-150 include a seat-integrated shoulder belt for the front middle seat and a head restraint for the second-row middle seat. The F-150’s standard safety features include an advanced safety structure with high-strength steel and six standard airbags.
Other standard Ford F-150 safety features include:
  • Dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger
  • Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags
  • Front seat-mounted side airbags
  • AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
  • Four-wheel ABS brakes
  • SOS Post Crash Alert System™
  • MyKey®
  • Trailer sway control
Other Ford Motor Company vehicles that have earned a Top Safety Pick rating include:
  • 2011 Ford Edge (built after February 2011)
  • 2011 Ford Explorer
  • 2011 Ford Taurus
  • 2011 Ford Fusion
  • 2011 Ford Fiesta (built after July 2010)
  • 2011 Ford Flex
  • 2011 Lincoln MKS
  • 2011 Lincoln MKT
  • 2011 Lincoln MKX (built after February 2011)
  • 2011 Lincoln MKZ
Sales momentum
The F-Series was the best-selling truck in America for the 34th year in a row and the best-selling vehicle – car or truck – for the 29th year in a row.
Demand for the fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since launch. One in four Ford F-150 pickups sold in March was powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6. In April, EcoBoost F-150 sales ran at about 37 percent. In the F-150, the EcoBoost engine with its 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque provides best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds combined with up to 20 percent fuel economy savings.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

800,000 Mile Mustang


We happened to have the rare opportunity to be with Carol Marini when she rolled the odometer in her 1968 Mustang over for the eight time. That's 800,000 miles that she has covered in the car that she affectionately nicknamed the Blue Beast. Read the full story at theFordStory.com.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Ford WRC 2011 - Rally d'Italia Sardegna Preview


The World Rally teams are back in Sardinia for Round 5 of the 2011 World Rally Championship, fought out on the gravel roads of the island - and it's going to be a rough, tough event.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Doug (the Orange Puppet) Tours the Exterior of the All-New Focus


Watch John, Ford Marketing Specialist, sweat as his boss attempts to introduce Doug (the Orange Puppet) to some of the features of the all-new Focus: heated side mirrors, keyless entry, capless fuel filler.

Like Doug? Follow him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/focusdoug/
For more info on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus, go to http://www.ford.com/focus

See how Ford discovered Doug:
Watch his first Press Conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNhtvfEXrsQ
See him stop a robbery in progress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4fp195F_tw
See why he's a hero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_pBuSWGFWE

Monday, May 9, 2011

Columbia River Highway (1917) Ford Educational Library


National Archives and Records Administration - ARC Identifier 92281 / Local Identifier FC-FC-2435(a) - COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY, ca. 1917 - Ford Motor Company

Sunday, May 8, 2011

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO at the 2011 New York Auto Show


We detail the changes to the updated 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO, which made its public debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Words of Wisdom by Henry Ford

"What's right about America is that although we have
a mess of problems, we have great capacity,
intellect and resources to do something about them."

-- Henry Ford

Friday, May 6, 2011

New Ford F-650 Is Itching To Go To Work TODAY!




Here's a real work truck and an extreme bargain at the same time. This is a unique body that has a lot of features. Here's all the details:

The chassis is a NEW 2008 Ford F650 Regular Cab. This truck is equipped with the famous Cummins 6.7 liter 200 HP/520 Lb Ft of Torque motor. It is perfectly matched to the Allison 2500 5-speed Automatic Transmission and the 4.88 axle ratio. This truck has a 26,000 GVWR, so does not require a commercial drivers license, and has an 8,500 lb front axle capacity. Other options and features of interest are stainless steel west coast mirrors, chrome front bumper, XL trim package, Air Conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio, hydraulic brakes, front tow hooks, synthetic front and rear wheel lube, EXHAUST BRAKE, backup alarm, jump start stud, 65 gallon fuel tank, AIR SUSPENSION SEAT, Hankook 11r22.5 DLO Tires, Hourmeter, transmission oil temp gauge, fender mounted front turn signals, 130amp alternator, and more. The VIN# is 8V069062.

The body is a Scelzi Paramount 10' 5-7 yard Steel Dump body designed with 10 guage Hi-tensile steel sides and ends with a 3/16" Hi-tensile steel floor with beveled side corners 8" up side walls. It has a double acting tailgate and 8"x3/16" Hi-tensile steel spreader apron, sloped running boards, along with double wall sides with center corrugation. The tailgate is a 6-panel and it also has a 1/4 cab shield, along with an LED lighting package with oval stop and turn lights in rear, corner post, recessed side clearance lights. The hoist is a Rugby class 50 using a direct mount pump with power up and power down. It is equipped with a heavy duty hitch plate, 15-ton pintle hitch and trailer plug.

If that wasn't enough, the body has these options: a ditch-gate or shovel door in the tailgate, a pulltarp to keep your loads covered , a tool box on the passenger side, and electric trailer brake.

This truck is a unique combination of great features, including the Cummins engine, Allison automatic transmission, special options including exhaust brake and of course, the great Scelzi Paramont Dump Body with a host of useful and valuable options. All of this makes an excellent value.
Call Mark Higdon, Commercial Truck Manager at Folsom Lake Ford today at 916-351-4279 for more information on this great truck. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Boss 302S Wind Tunnel Testing


One of the more noteable features on the 2012 Mustang Boss 302S is the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. To prove-out their design, the Ford Racing engineers spent time in the Allen Park, Michigan wind tunnel and thermal lab measuring airflow around the car and to the cooling systems. The thermal dyno cell subjected the vehicle to temperatures up to 100F. Ford Racing assembled a short YouTube video showing some of the areas tested on the car.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

We Beat It


Watch Mike Rowe talk with friendly Service Advisor Fiona Doran about Ford Service's Tire Guarantee. Purchase your tires with no worry as Ford Service will beat any advertised price within 30 days.
For more information go to http://www.FordOwner.com/service

Ford Hybrid Taxi, NY to L.A.


Two buddies hired a cab in New York City to drive them to L.A.

Monday, May 2, 2011

How It Works: The All-New Ford Focus Electric


The Focus Electric runs exclusively on electricity stored in powerful, state-of-the-art batteries, which means it never needs a drop of gas.


- Powered by a 23 kwh high-voltage, lightweight lithium-ion battery system.

- Regenerative Braking captures energy during braking and recycles it to recharge the battery.

- Charges with the available 240-volt charging station or standard 120-volt convenience cord

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Ashley Force Makes NHRA History as First Female Funny Car Winner


Ashley Force grew up watching her dad become the greatest NHRA Funny Car driver in history, but little did she know that one day he would be standing in her way of making motorsports history. Yet that was the case on April 27, 2008 when father and daughter found themselves against each other in the finals of the NHRA Summit Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. John was competing in his 500th series event and a win would be his 1,000-round victory. Ashley was trying to become the first female in NHRA history to win a Funny Car event.