Thursday, June 30, 2016

Every Part Has to Work Together | Why The Right Parts Matter | Ford



Watch as Ford engineers explain how the complex systems that make up your Ford vehicle work together to meet specific safety requirements.

Ford engineers have come together to explain the whys and hows of using Ford original parts, and the importance of keeping your Ford a Ford.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Ford F-150 EcoBoost Hits 1 Million Sales; Technology Can Save Customers More Than 110 Million Gallons of Gas a Year

  • Ford has sold 1 million EcoBoost® F-150 trucks in the United States since 2011
  • Over the next year, F-150 EcoBoost customers will save more than 110 million gallons of gasoline annually – the equivalent of 13 oil supertankers; they could save as much as $255 million a year in fuel costs
  • 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine are most popular among F-150 customers, representing more than 60 percent of F-150 sales mix
DEARBORN, Mich., June 29, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, has set a new benchmark in truck capability and efficiency: More than 1 million F-150 pickups with segment-exclusive EcoBoost® engines have now been sold in the United States.

“We are proving that with advanced technologies like EcoBoost and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy construction, Ford continues to outperform the competition by virtually every metric,” says Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “EcoBoost is delivering the value, capability and performance F-150 customers insist upon, while helping improve their No. 1 demand – better fuel economy.”

F-150 is the only truck in its segment pushing into the future and offering turbocharged direct injection engines – a move the competition is expected to copy going forward.

The advanced 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop offers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for F-150, while the powerful 3.5 liter EcoBoost offers large V8 power and best-in-class towing.

This fall, an all-new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission will continue the story with even more power and better efficiency, providing at least 30 lb.-ft. more peak torque compared with the first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, more than a best-in-class 450+ lb.-ft. for a V6.

These fuel-efficient, powerful engines have been leading the world of work since January 2011, and over the course of 1 million units sold, have saved customers a staggering amount of fuel. With more than 1 million EcoBoost trucks on the road, F-150 owners will save more than 110 million gallons of gas over the course of the next year, while out-towing and out-hauling the competition.

That’s enough fuel to fill approximately 13 supertankers. With average nationwide gasoline prices hovering around $2.30 a gallon according to AAA, F-150 owners will collectively save an estimated $255 million simply by choosing EcoBoost. The average 2.7-liter EcoBoost customer will save enough fuel for 2,891 miles of highway driving – roughly the distance from New York City to San Francisco.

EcoBoost trending

While it took more than 1,000 days to sell the first 400,000 EcoBoost engines, it has taken only 2,000 days to sell 1 million – and that trend is accelerating. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost is selling at a breakneck pace, with more than 13,000 orders placed in the last two months. Combined with the 3.5-liter version, the two EcoBoost engines have sold more than 300,000 units in 2016. Expect 2 million EcoBoost-powered F-150s in short order.

Estimated fuel savings are based on EPA-estimated combined ratings for 2011-16 F-150 EcoBoost models relative to the V8 models they replaced, and an assumed 15,000 miles driven per truck per year.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Game On! Ford Escape Launches World's Largest Escape the Room Experience with First-Ever Driveable Game

  • Ford teams up with visionary puzzle master Victor Blake to design the world’s first Escape the Room drive experience, integrating technology from the new Ford Escape in a creative plot that will have players discovering a whole new side of New York State, and themselves
  • Selling out in less than 24 hours, more than 1,000 players signed up for immersive group gaming experience, to be held June 23-26 at the Skylight at Moynihan Station in Midtown Manhattan; 35,000-square-foot venue is more than half the size of a professional football field
  • Ford – aiming to connect with millennial buyers – leverages the experience economy trend to transform a typical test drive into something culturally relevant for the younger consumer
NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 – Ford Motor Company and the popular experiential game Escape the Room are teaming up to create the largest game experience yet – the first-ever driveable game that will challenge participants to use the latest technology and features of the 2017 Ford Escape to figure out clues and solve puzzles in a way that’s never been done before.

Designed in collaboration with New York State’s I LOVE NEW YORK campaign, creator and visionary puzzle master Victor Blake crafted a consumer experience like no other. Players will attempt to escape multiple rooms in one of New York’s most iconic buildings – Moynihan Station. Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience takes place June 23-26.

“Younger, urban consumers today want to live through experiences and engage with brands that represent their lifestyle,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford experiential marketing manager. “They are voracious consumers of life – they’re not spectators, they’re participants.

“Escape the Room NYC can be summed up as the experience economy trend putting a unique spin on the traditional test drive,” Kasanic adds.

The event is true to the gaming phenomenon Blake created, which has become one of the trendiest entertainment experiences with millennials, except for the fact it will occupy 35,000 square feet – making Escape NYC 50 times larger than the typical game experience, according to Blake.

“Ford asked if I’d be up for integrating the new Escape into an Escape the Room game, and the end result is unlike anything I’ve created before,” says Blake. “The SUV is packed with tons of advanced technology, and it was an entertaining exercise to integrate things like ultrasonic parking sensors into the puzzles and clues that are iconic to the game.”

At the landmark Moynihan Station, players will find themselves immersed in the hidden treasures of summertime in New York as they navigate the quintessential path of going from humble beginnings to making it big in the film industry. An expansive, five-room play space prompts participants to find clues that will guide their journey using various technological tools available in the new Ford Escape, and their own wits.

Some of the in-vehicle technologies integrated into the game:

  • Digital music and streaming radio from iHeartRadio via SYNC® AppLink
  • Voice-to-text capabilities of SYNC 3 driver connect system
  • Remote start and remote lock capabilities of SYNC Connect, via FordPass
  • Premium audio system from Sony® with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics
  • Enhanced active park assist
  • Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
  • Rearview camera
  • Seven-color ambient lighting
  • Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate

Players are sworn to secrecy to ensure the game is fresh for everyone and nobody has an advantage.Throughout the game, players will discover a whole new side of New York State, and themselves.

The game, open to the public for four days, saw just more than 1,000 consumers sign up in less than 24 hours. Although pre-registration is sold out, walk-in spots will be available each day.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to connect with consumers and teaming up with Escape the Room allowed us to create a unique and unexpected experience to introduce our new Ford Escape and our technologies,” said Kasanic.

To further raise the profile of hidden gems and key destinations across New York State, Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK are releasing Summer Escape Travel Guides featuring weekend and extended getaways that can be best enjoyed in the 2017 Ford Escape. All participants will receive a custom Escape New York summer guide highlighting the state’s diverse vacation regions to help plan the perfect weekend getaway.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid owners reveal what it’s like to own one | Fusion | Ford



We asked a couple who own a Ford Fusion Hybrid to tell us everything they love about their car – from its technology to its environmentally conscious features and comfort.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Versatile Ford Transit Connect Wagon Helps Balance Work and Play … and Your Side Business

  • Devin Stovall, winner of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon giveaway, will use his customized wagon to start his own side business repairing bicycles and wheelchairs; the vehicle will double as a daily commuter and family van
  • Side business ventures are on the rise, with many using it as a way to supplement income, or to exercise skills and passions not being fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs
  • Ford Transit Connect Wagon – with optional seven-passenger seating and as much as 104 cubic feet of storage space with seats folded – is versatile enough to support work and play

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2016 – New Ford Transit Connect Wagon owner Devin Stovall is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs putting their passion to work in a side venture.

Stovall – a husband and father of two from Lincoln Heights, California – recently won a customized 2016 Transit Connect Wagon as the randomly selected recipient of the Ford #Unminivan Giveaway.

“This summer, I’ll use our Transit Connect Wagon to service bicycles and wheelchairs on weekends and days off from my full-time job at a bicycle shop,” said Stovall. He plans to spend off-hours with his wagon fixing bicycles at popular mountain bike trails, BMX tracks and bicycle races, as well as repairing wheelchairs onsite at senior centers and assisted-living facilities.

Stovall’s Transit Connect Wagon has been customized with a roof rack, tow hitch, four-bike trailer, portable bicycle repair stand, roof-mounted Thule® cargo box, air compressor, tire inflator and professional 65-piece toolkit. Ford also provided him with a portable DVD player and Apple® iPad Air, so cyclists can watch cycling videos while their rides are repaired.

“During the week, I’ll use it to drive my oldest to preschool and my littlest to daycare,” he added. “Then, when I flip the seats down, it’s a great grocery-getter and beach-gear transporter. Being able to do this on my days off is really going to help give my family a better quality of life. I have to make a living, but I also want to help other people.”

Stovall isn’t the only one looking to make the most of his resources with a side business.

Side businesses are on the rise
 

Nick Loper, founder of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast, said the growing number of side ventures has been spurred by wage stagnation, decreased job security, and the rise of online platforms that reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and make it possible to work remotely.

“Part of it is reactive, in response to the job market and other factors, but the other part is proactive – people saying, ‘I want to work on the stuff I want to work on,’” said Loper.
Besides supplementing their income, many people are looking to exercise skills and passions not being used and fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs, he added.

Ford’s Sheryl Connelly, trends and futuring manager, said that in the aftermath of the great recession, people are reevaluating their situations. “They realize they have things that are underutilized that they can monetize, including vehicles and time,” she said. “Participating in the gig economy gives us a buffer, helping us work to live instead of live to work.”

The trend toward side work may continue as more and more millennials join the workforce. A 2015 survey of millennials by FlexJobs revealed that 33 percent of participants would ideally want to work part-time and freelance on the side.

Transit Connect Wagon supports work and play
 

Transit Connect Wagon will provide the versatility Stovall needs to bring his bike repair side venture to life and keep his family on the go.

“Transit Connect Wagon is great for dual use because there’s a lot of room for cargo and equipment with the seats folded,” said Stovall. “I also love how great it handles when cornering. I couldn’t think of a better vehicle in terms of interior space and gas mileage.”

In general, Transit Connect can get up to 29 mpg*, depending on the configuration. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious families and small business owners.

“The right vehicle is your partner for work or play,” said Julie Vangel, Ford assistant brand manager for Transit Connect. “It can power your side business while still being practical for your free time and family.”

Five-passenger, short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagons feature second-row seats that flip, fold and tumble – or can be removed entirely – to provide additional cargo room. The front passenger seat folds flat** when you need a writing surface or shelf for a laptop. The low load floor makes it easy to transport the tools and equipment small business owners need.

Plus, Transit Connect Wagon is the only vehicle in its class with available seven-passenger seating. It also has impressive maneuverability, along with ample storage and towing capacities. Storage space expands to more than 104 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase configuration with the second- and third-row seats folded. Maximum towing capability with the available Trailer Tow Package is an unsurpassed 2,000 pounds.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

2016 Ford Expedition Owners Reveal What It’s Like to Own One | Expedition | Ford



We asked a couple who own a 2016 Ford Expedition EL to tell us everything about their vehicle — from technology to design to safety and space for their family. This is what they told us.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Ford F-150, Mustang, C-MAX Energi Honored with Top Quality Impact Awards; Ford Earns Corporate-Level Award


DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2016 – Ford F-150, Mustang and C-MAX Energi won accolades from customers for delivering a positive ownership experience and high vehicle quality, earning Top Quality Impact awards from Strategic Vision.

Ford F-150 – part of America’s best-selling lineup of F-Series trucks – won the full-size truck segment. The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever was recognized by customers for delivering power and pick-up, safety and quality workmanship.

“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” says Christopher Chaney, senior vice president, Strategic Vision.

Ford Mustang – which became the world’s best-selling sports coupe in its first year of global availability – won in the standard convertible segment based on high scores for image, interior design, and power and pick-up.

Ford C-MAX Energi took – a plug-in hybrid that can run in all-electric mode or on gas – received top honors in the small alternative powertrain car segment. C-MAX beat all other small hybrid and electrified vehicles in the survey by more than 150 points, including earning high marks for interior workmanship, comfort and thoughtful engineering.

Ford was recognized in the corporation category of the Total Quality Impact awards.

The awards are based on survey responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Read more here: http://www.strategicvision.com/#!“American-Quality-is-Already-Great-Again-Domestic-Vehicles-Win-Majority-of-Total-Quality-Awards”/xn2o1/57622f550cf2c6c5726628c7

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

We Own Work: Exploring the Smart Features of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty



We took our group of truck customers on the road to see firsthand, how Ford is helping to lead the way in driver-assist technology making it easy to own work with the smartest Super Duty ever.

From a 360-degree bird’s-eye-view camera system to Lane Keeping alert*, see how the 2017 Super Duty helps drivers navigate more effectively on the road and on the worksite.

*Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.

Monday, June 20, 2016

2016 GMC Sierra 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford



Thinking about buying a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 440 diesel horsepower, 860 lb. - ft. of standard torque and diesel fuel economy. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

A Tuxedo with Work Boots: All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch, Platinum Offer Premium Vinyl Flooring Option

  • Ford is adding durable, premium vinyl flooring as an option for all-new F-Series Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum edition for customers wanting a $75,000 luxury truck that can double as a work truck without fear of damaging the interior
  • Standard carpeting can be replaced with easier-to-clean vinyl flooring across all Super Duty trim levels
  • Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum feature model-specific designs in flooring, along with clips for carpeted or all-weather floor mats
DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2016 – For customers who feel equally at home in cowboy boots or a sport coat, Ford is now offering Super Duty in top trim levels with the versatility to match.

“Super Duty customers want a truck that can rival luxury cars in comfort and technology without having to worry about it getting dirty,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager.

With durable, easy-to-clean vinyl flooring previously offered for XL and XLT trim levels, the all-new 2017 truck marks the first time the option is available across the entire lineup of the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever built. Ford knows work and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive, so durable, premium vinyl flooring for Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum edition customers offers the best of both worlds.

Scott points out that heavy-duty truck customers looking for luxury and versatility is an untapped market. “Super Duty customers use their trucks in all aspects of their lives – including for work and as a personal vehicle,” he says. “They want the luxury of a King Ranch or Platinum edition, while maintaining their ability to use the truck for work without fear of ruining the interior.”

The vinyl flooring available for Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum is more durable and thicker than base vinyl, adding to the premium feel of the top trims. Both versions of vinyl flooring offer improved ability to wash out the interior.

Both King Ranch and Platinum get model-specific vinyl flooring with unique designs and clips to hold carpeted or all-weather floor mats. Base vinyl flooring is standard on XL models, and optional on XLT and Lariat.

The 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty goes on sale this fall.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Ford Fusion Wins Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS; Earns Good Ratings in All Five Crashworthiness Tests

  • 2017 Ford Fusion earns good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests, resulting in rare Top Safety Pick+ award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
  • New modified front-end structure cited for good performance in small overlap front test
  • 2017 Fusion’s front crash prevention system, including new optional active braking system, earns a superior rating
DEARBORN, Mich., June 14, 2016 – A modified front-end structure and an optional new active braking system help the 2017 Ford Fusion qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Like previous Fusion models, the 2017 car earns good ratings again in the agency’s four other crashworthiness tests – moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

Not only that, the midsize car’s front crash prevention rating improved from basic to superior with the addition of active braking. In track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph, Fusion avoided collisions. The optional system also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

“The 2017 Ford Fusion is our most advanced car yet and we’re proud to see it recognized by NHTSA and the IIHS for its safety performance too,” said Bill Strickland, chief program engineer, Ford Motor Company. “Great new features include a pedestrian detection system and hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability, as well as existing optional lane-keeping assist and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.”

To qualify for an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests and have an available front crash prevention system that secures it an advanced or superior rating.

Friday, June 17, 2016

10-Speed Cluster Display for 2017 F-150 is the New Launch Countdown


DEARBORN, Mich., June 15, 2016 – You don’t need to be a rocket enthusiast to experience Ford’s all-new launch countdown – or count-up, as the case may be.

Ford, America’s truck leader, displays all 10 gears of its all-new 10-speed transmission for the 2017 F-150 right where the customer can easily see them, in the truck’s instrument panel.

The all-new Ford-built transmission – the first volume-production 10-speed automatic available to consumers – will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions, thanks to optimized wide-span gear spacing coupled with drag-reduction actions. Three overdrive gears and a wider span enable lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds while still maintaining best-in-class towing performance.

Smarter shift logic helps 2017 F-150 customers tow with improved confidence using tow/haul mode. All-new adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time – ensuring the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including in sport mode.

An integrated electric pump works with the standard Auto Start-Stop system for seamless restarts and improved driving efficiency.

Weight savings play a key role in improved shifting performance. The 10-speed gearbox – the first from Ford not to employ cast-iron components – uses advanced materials and alloys that result in lighter weight. Additionally, an integrated torque converter/turbine clutch helps shave more than two pounds, while also reducing the packaging footprint.

The all-new 10-speed is paired with Ford’s second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine. Ford engineers designed the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost to provide best-in-class torque for a V6 engine – one that beats all gasoline- and diesel-powered competitors at more than 450 lb.-ft. The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine torque. It is ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Ford is investing $1.4 billion at its Livonia Transmission Plant to create or retain 500 hourly jobs to build the all-new 10-speed transmission.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

We All Need Assists | Escape | Ford



We all need assists with Enhanced Active Park Assist, available in the new 2017 Ford Escape. Be unstoppable.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

2016 GMC Yukon vs 2016 Ford Expedition | Expedition | Ford



Thinking about buying a 2016 GMC Yukon? Consider the 2016 Ford Expedition with its NHTSA 5-star safety rating, PowerFold® third row seat, and more. See how you can Be Unstoppable – in the Ford Expedition.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

2016 Ford Super Duty owner reveals what it's like to own one | Super Duty | Ford



We asked a Ford Super Duty owner to tell us everything about his truck — from how it helps him do his job, to the technology, to the power under the hood. This is what he told us.

Monday, June 13, 2016

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vs 2015 Ford Edge | Edge | Ford



Thinking about buying a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport? Consider the 2015 Ford Edge first, with its EPA-estimated 30 highway miles per gallon, foot-activated lift gate and more. See how you can Be Unstoppable – in the Ford Edge.

EPA-estimated rating of 20 city/30 hwy/24 combined mpg, 2.0L EcoBoost,® FWD. Actual mileage will vary.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Saturday, June 11, 2016

How Ethiopia Habtemariam Rose to the Top in Her Ford Explorer | State of Music | Ford



Sit down with Motown Records President, Ethiopia Habtemariam, as she shares the passion and drive of Motown artists. The Ford Explorer gives Ethiopia the freedom she needs to stay on top of what’s next and live the “Motown Way.”

Friday, June 10, 2016

2016 Dodge Ram 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford



Thinking about buying a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 860 lb. - ft. of standard torque, diesel fuel economy and 3,340 lbs. of payload. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

2015 Ford Taurus owner reveals what it's like to own one | Taurus | Ford



We asked a 2015 Ford Taurus owner to tell us everything about his car—from the technology to the design to the way it drives. This is what he told us.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

2016 Honda Accord vs 2016 Ford Fusion | Fusion | Ford



Thinking about buying a 2016 Honda Accord? Consider the 2016 Ford Fusion with its EPA-estimated 37 highway miles per gallon, available Active Park Assist and more. Stand out. By Design.

EPA-estimated rating of 25 city/37 hwy/29 combined mpg, 1.5L EcoBoost® with Auto Start-Stop, FWD. Actual mileage will vary.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Ford Bolsters Front Row Storage in New Escape to Accommodate Electronic Devices, Power Ports and More

  • With redesigned center console, new Ford Escape provides 25 percent increase in front row storage and 15 percent increase in overall storage compared with existing model
  • New electronic parking brake allows for redesign that includes two new convenient storage areas, larger media bin with power ports, updated cupholders and new swing-bin glove box
  • Main center console bin is nearly 50 percent larger; new design is more ergonomically efficient for a driver’s right arm  
  • Already tied* for highest-ranked compact SUV for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates, the new Ford Escape looks to improve on that standing with interior and technology upgrades designed to enhance the driving experience

DEARBORN, Mich., June 6, 2016 – Storing your wallet, plugging in your cellphone and enjoying that cold, oversized beverage just got a whole lot easier with the new 2017 Ford Escape, thanks to the compact SUV’s redesigned interior.

Escape, the No. 2-selling Ford brand nameplate behind only F-Series, arrived in showrooms this month armed with the latest in advanced technologies – and more elbow room. The SUV has 25 percent more front row storage and 15 percent more overall storage compared with the existing Escape, thanks mostly to the redefinition of the space between the front seats.

“That whole center console area is what we call ‘Manhattan real estate’ because it’s valuable,” said Zulf Ali, Ford senior interior designer. “It isn’t a lot of space to work with, but as a designer, those constraints are exciting. It’s a challenge that forces you to be more creative – to ask yourself, ‘OK, how can we get clever with this?’”

The first hurdle was replacing the traditional handled parking brake with a smaller electronic parking brake button. With that, Ali was able to move the gear shifter rearward – opening up access to an area that now houses the media bin and power ports. Moving the gear shifter back also allowed designers to create a more comfortable position for a driver’s right arm.

In front of and behind the gear shifter, Ali created two storage bins to place wallet, keys, sunglasses and other everyday items often left sliding around on the passenger seat.

“We found ways to utilize as much of the space as we possibly could,” said Ali. “Adding the electronic parking brake really opened up a whole new world of possibilities.”

Slightly wider, the console features improved cupholders designed to accommodate a greater variety of bottle sizes, a larger main bin, and a front storage area that features easy access to a lighted USB port and 12-volt power outlet. The main center console bin, which also houses a USB port, is nearly 50 percent larger than in the current Escape. Using that USB port, drivers can keep their cellphone securely stored while remaining connected to the vehicle’s SYNC® 3 driver connect system.

A passenger-side cargo net adds additional storage, and the glove box uses a new swing-bin design to make it easier to store and access items.

Already tied* for highest-ranked compact SUV for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates, the new Ford Escape looks to improve on that standing with these interior upgrades and new technology offerings – all designed to enhance the driving experience.

Latest technologies

Available SYNC Connect for the new Ford Escape gives FordPass® members remote access to their vehicle from their mobile device. SYNC Connect enables drivers to use the FordPass platform to lock, unlock and locate their Escape, as well as schedule remote starts and check fuel level.
SYNC Connect is included in the Technology Package on Escape SE and is a standard offering on Escape Titanium.

Escape is also loaded with driver-assist technologies, including:

  • Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support: Sensors detect when Escape is approaching a slow-moving vehicle, and adjust cruise control accordingly
  • Enhanced active park assist: Provides steering assistance to park the vehicle in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot, and pull out from tight parallel parking spots; driver controls brake, accelerator and shifter. Technology includes side park distance control
  • Lane-keeping system: The system includes lane-keeping alert, which alerts drivers when they drift unintentionally from their lane, and lane-keeping aid, which provides steering assistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back into its lane 
  • Driver Alert System: Using data from the lane-keeping system, the Driver Alert System can detect signs of fatigued driving and provide a warning on the instrument cluster

Already available driver-assist features for the new Escape include:

  • Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert: BLIS® can alert drivers when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot in a neighboring lane. An indicator light provides a warning in the side mirror
  • Hill-start assist: The feature holds the vehicle stationary on a hill long enough for the driver to transition from brake to gas pedal
  • Auto high-beam control: System automatically switches from high to low beams, and vice versa, depending on ambient lighting
  • Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate: Opens liftgate with the simple kick of a key fob-carrying customer’s foot beneath rear bumper – perfect for those whose hands are loaded with gear
 

*Ford Escape received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact SUVs in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 Initial Quality Study. Study based on responses from 84,367 new-vehicle owners, measuring 244 models, and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed from February to May 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

2015 Edge owners reveal what it’s like to own one | Edge | Ford



We asked Ford Edge owners to tell us everything about their SUV – from the technology to the drive to the space for their family. This is what they told us.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

2015 C-MAX Energi owner reveals what it's like to own one | C-MAX | Ford



We asked a 2015 C-MAX Energi owner to tell us everything about her car—from the technology to the space to the way it drives. This is what she told us.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Ford Wins Best Small Engine 'Oscar' for 5th Year Running, 1 in 5 Ford Vehicles Sold in Europe with 1.0-litre EcoBoost

  • Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is named 2016 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the fifth consecutive year – despite increased competition from major global automotive manufacturers in the sub 1.0-litre class
  • Ford achieves ninth win for fuel-efficient and sporty engine, previously overall winner a record three times, and best newcomer; powers one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe
  • Ground-breaking 1.0-litre EcoBoost is class winner for drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology. EcoBoost ingenuity now being employed in new EcoBlue diesel engines
STUTTGART, Germany, June 1, 2016 – Ford’s tiny yet powerful 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine has been voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. Judges praised the combination of drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology that continues to set the standard.

The frugal three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” by a panel of 65 automotive journalists, from 31 countries, to win its class each and every year since launch. This year it finished ahead of 32 competitor engines, 19 more than it competed against in 2012. Significantly, 2015 also saw an increase in competition from global automotive manufacturers of sub 1.0-litre, turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection.

In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row, and also was in 2012 named “Best New Engine.”
“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The spirit of innovation continues to drive us as we look to use the same smart thinking for a new breed of efficient, clean and powerful down-sized diesel engines.”

Available with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, and even 180 PS in the Ford Fiesta R2 rally car, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine powers vehicles in 72 countries worldwide. In 140 PS form, the engine delivers a bigger power-to-litre ratio than a Bugatti Veyron. A road-legal Formula Ford fitted with a 205 PS version of the engine also lapped the famous Nürburgring circuit, in Germany, in 7 minutes 22 seconds; a performance that put it ahead of a host of supercars including the 600+ horsepower Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda.

Eleven models, including Fiesta, EcoSport, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Grand C‑MAX, Tourneo and Transit Connect, Tourneo and Transit Courier, and Mondeo are available in Europe with the multi‑award winning engine. One in five all-new Ford vehicles sold in Europe in 2015 were equipped with the 1.0-litre unit, including almost two in five Fiestas.  

The technology of Ford’s EcoBoost petrol engines is now being employed in the newest down‑sized diesel engine from Ford, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue launched in Ford Transit earlier this year. Utilising a low inertia turbocharger, high pressure direct fuel injection, integrated manifolds, belt-in-oil and other low friction elements it delivers a 13 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and 20 per cent more low-end torque. *

Globally, Ford’s range of powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines includes 1.5-litre, 1.6‑litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines, and 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines. The latter powers the all-new Ford GT supercar that will return to racing in Le Mans later this month.

“That it’s won the overall award three times and keeps getting the jurors’ votes now highlights just how special Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost is,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the 18th International Engine of the Year awards that were held in Stuttgart, Germany, and editor-in-chief of Engine Technology International magazine. “It’s a fantastic testament to how down-sizing and greater fuel efficiency needn’t mean sacrifice in other areas like power, refinement and drivability, and can even help enhance these elements.”  

* The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

How F-150 Raptor Sticks to Trails: All-New BFGoodrich Tires Are More Capable, Comfortable Than Ever



The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever gets a specially developed set of BFGoodrich tires that improve both on- and off-road performance while increasing comfort.