Tuesday, May 30, 2017

2018 Ford Focus RS: Limited Edition Revealed | Focus RS | Ford Performance


Ford invited a group of Focus RS enthusiasts to be the first to see the limited edition 2018 Focus RS, which will be restricted to 1,000 units in the United States and 500 for Canada.

Monday, May 29, 2017

2017 Ford F-150: Hauling Made Easier | F-150 | Ford


See how the Ford F-150 makes hauling easier with smart innovations to the side, tailgate, and bed of the truck.

With Best-in-Class payload* and option features like deployable box side steps, integrated tailgate step, BoxLink™, and stowable loading ramps, the innovations by Ford shows why we own work, the smart way.

*Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. When properly equipped, including available 5.0L V8, 4x2.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

2017 Ford Focus: Advanced Tech | Focus | Ford


The 2017 Ford Focus comes equipped with available smart technology you may not expect. From the convenience of remote start to helpful enhanced active park assist* and revamped SYNC® 3**, join us as we walk you through some of the highlights.

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

**Don't drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don't use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. Pinch to zoom capability is only available with optional Navigation System.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

All-New Ford Expedition Makes Towing and Backing Up Trailers Easier Than Ever


  • All-new Ford Expedition features class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ that makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back up a trailer like a pro; launching a boat or parking a trailer in the driveway is now as easy as turning a knob
  • Got a big boat for a big family? Expedition has best-in-class towing capability of 9,300 pounds – enabling easy and efficient family adventures from boating to four-wheeling
  • Best-in-class towing and Pro Trailer Backup Assist showcase how Ford is changing the way the world moves – delivering smart solutions that improve the customer experience and provide more time for families to enjoy summer

DEARBORN, Mich., May 25, 2017 – If you’re launching a boat or towing a large load, the all-new Ford Expedition featuring class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ makes it easier than ever to perform such tasks with confidence.

More than 50 percent of Expedition customers value towing, and 15 percent tow weekly or monthly. That’s why the all-new Expedition offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist to make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.

In addition, Expedition boasts best-in-class towing capability of 9,300 pounds, based on the Society of Automotive Engineers J2807 standard, more than any other full-size SUV, making it the smartest, most capable and adaptable Expedition ever.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps take the frustration out of backing up with a trailer. It works by letting the customer steer the trailer with a control knob while the Expedition steers its wheels and limits vehicle speed.

To operate Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the driver rotates a knob to indicate how much the system should turn the trailer, then the technology automatically steers the Expedition to turn the trailer the desired amount. The system can limit vehicle speed to enhance occupant comfort over various road surfaces. The result is less time required to back up a trailer along with added driver confidence; the technology can even help towing experts by reducing time lost to maneuvering mistakes.

“Warmer weather has families longing for outdoor adventures, and the all-new Expedition provides generous space, connectivity and smart new technology for the trip,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “With best-in-class towing capability of 9,300 pounds and available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, you can spend more time on the water rather than struggling to back up and launch your boat.”

In addition, Expedition brings available new connectivity technologies and convenience features, including:

  • Wireless charging Expedition is Ford’s first vehicle to feature wireless charging, which allows customers to place compatible mobile devices on an integrated charging pad conveniently located in the front center console
  • Wi-Fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once, up to 50 feet away from the vehicle
  • Dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience with Sling Media that allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices
  • SYNC® 3, with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability, allows drivers to stay connected on the move
  • SYNC Connect lets owners connect with the vehicle remotely using FordPass®; owners can start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from anywhere, while also accessing important vehicle diagnostic information
  • Power for passengers in every row, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers and a 110-volt power outlet that lets all occupants stay charged and connected Available 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system perfected by acoustic engineers for a sound experience even audiophiles will appreciate
  • Advanced cargo manager with an adjustable shelf behind the third row lets owners create a storage space customized to whatever they’re hauling; even when parked on a hill, cargo manager ensures cargo won’t roll out the back of Expedition when the liftgate is opened
  • Available Panoramic Vista Roof spans two rows, a feature not offered by any competitor

Thursday, May 25, 2017

2017 Ford Focus: Driver Assist | Focus | Ford


The 2017 Ford Focus is here with a wide variety of customizable available driver-assist features*, including available Lane Keeping System and available BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), to keep you confident on the road.

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

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

2017 Ford Focus: Smart Performance | Focus | Ford


2017 Ford Focus - it has a model for everyone. From the all-electric Focus Electric to the high-performance Focus RS with a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, there’s an array of powertrain options to suit your needs.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Ford Transit, Winnebago Help Revive Van-Based Motorhome Segment and Build Loyal Followers


  • After double-digit growth in 2016, van-based motorhomes are projected to become the fastest-growing segment in the motorhome industry for 2017; Ford Transit-based Winnebago 
  • Paseo is a newcomer in the Class B segment Paseo and Fuse motorhomes are the latest Winnebago products built on a Ford platform – a collaborative history that dates back nearly half a century and includes the iconic Ford E-Series chassis and gas-powered F-53 Class A motorhome chassis 
  • Ford Transit-based Fuse owners like the ride, driveability and power of the available 3.2-liter Power Stroke® I-5 diesel engine and performance; already drawing loyal followers, at a recent get-together in Cosby, Tennessee, Fuse campers shared their enthusiasm and pride of ownership

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2017 – As Don and Sonya Pace backed their Ford Transit-based motorhome into a spot at Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort in Cosby, Tennessee, the spring Winnebago Fuse owners’ get-together was officially under way. Setting up camp and meeting friends is a source of pride for these new Fuse owners and founders of the annual gathering.

The get-together is one of a handful of enthusiast events held around the country each year where owners of Winnebago motorhomes gather to enjoy the outdoors and talk about their travels aboard their Transit-based RVs. The Fuse, and its cousin, Winnebago Paseo, are among a fast-growing legion of motorhomes being built on the Ford Transit van platform.

Based on the company’s global van platform, Transit was introduced in the United States for 2015. Since then, the domestic RV industry has been quick to embrace the platform, which offers gas, diesel and CNG/propane gaseous prep options, as well as three available roof heights, three overall lengths and two wheelbases. Transit has been a boon for companies like Winnebago, which are creating a burgeoning Class B motorhome segment in addition to new products from the Transit cutaway chassis for the larger Class C segment.

“We looked at a lot of competitors, but once we saw how open the Fuse felt inside and how it still drives like a go-anywhere car, we were hooked,” said Don Pace. “We like that it’s built on a Ford platform – not just because it has great performance, but because there are more Ford dealers around the country, so there’s that peace of mind. We just love our Fuse.”

The Fuse uses a dual-rear-wheel Transit van cutaway chassis for a full-feature, 24-foot Class C motorhome with kitchen, bath and a slideout – for comfortable sleeping for four adults. The Paseo is a high-roof, extended-length Class B motorhome featuring a full bath, kitchen with refrigerator, and sleeping for two adults.

Industry-wide Class B sales grew 36 percent in the first three months of 2017. As a leader in the commercial van/cutaway and chassis segment for nearly 40 years, Ford has a long history with Winnebago and other leading motorhome manufacturers. The E-Series cutaway is still a top RV platform in the Class C segment, while Ford F-53 remains among the most popular gas-powered chassis for larger Class A motorhomes.

“Our customers have responded incredibly well to the new Transit platform,” said Russ Garfin, Winnebago product manager. “They love the driveability and the smooth ride, and the feedback on both of the engines we use – the EcoBoost® gas and five-cylinder diesel – has been great.”

Winnebago has more than 130 dealers offering Transit-based motorhomes across the United States and Canada. With gas prices the lowest they have been in years, Garfin expects he’ll be designing more versions off the Transit platform.

“With low fuel costs and people’s desire to disconnect and get away from it all, we expect sales of Transit-based motorhomes will continue to grow,” said Garfin. “With easy-to-use RVs like the Fuse and Paseo, there are more products for a wide range of customers.”

As for the Winnebago Fuse owners’ spring get-together, Sonya Pace said they had a great time in the Smoky Mountains and got to meet some of the greatest people on earth. “We got to talk about our Fuses and where we’ve been,” she said. “The new owners get help from the experienced owners.”

And they’re already planning next year’s event, posting pictures to Facebook and Instagram, making new friends and sharing travel stories. “We’re expecting more at our next event, which we hope to do in the western U.S. because we have a lot of members out there too,” said Sonya Pace.

Follow the Fuse owners’ club on Facebook at Winnebago Fuse Owners.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

2017 Ford F-150: Improved Visibility | F-150 | Ford


See how the smart innovations on the Ford F-150 improve visibility in and around the truck, even at night. 

With the 360° camera display you can see the full picture around the truck. Plus, when the sun gets low, the available LED box lighting and LED side-mirror spotlights can light up the job or campsite in the dark for hours without draining the battery.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Compare 2017 Hyundai Sonata vs 2017 Ford Fusion | Head to Head | Ford


Looking at the 2017 Hyundai Sonata? Take a look at the 2017 Ford Fusion instead. With available intelligent all-wheel drive, available enhanced active park assist, and your choice of three EcoBoost engines, it’s easy to see why the Ford Fusion is the obvious choice for you.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

2017 Ford F-150: Walkaround | F-150 | Ford


The Ford F-150, built with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and bolted to a fully-boxed steel frame, has smart innovations from the grille to the tailgate. See all the features and benefits of the F-150.

The F-150 offers Best-in-Class gas mileage*, Best-in-Class payload**, and Best-in-Class towing*** along with innovations like available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and LED lighting. As the only pickup to earn a NHTSA 5-Star**** safety rating on all sides for every cab configuration as well as an IIHS Top Safety Pick on SuperCab and SuperCrew (when equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning), this is the safest F-150 ever.

* Class is Full Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. Actual mileage will vary.
**When properly equipped with available 5.0L V8, 4X2
***When properly equipped with available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6, 4X2

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

2017 Ford F-150: Tow More Than Ever Before | F-150 | Ford


Towing, a true measure of every truck. See how the Ford F-150 makes towing easier with smart innovations.

With available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, 8” LCD productivity screen, Dynamic Hitch Assist, and Best-in-Class* towing, the F-150 has smart innovations meant to make sure what you’re hauling goes where it should.

*Class is Full Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. When properly equipped, including available 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4x2.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Ford's Sporty Cars Winning Over Younger, More Affluent Buyers, Even as Consumers Shift to SUVs


  • Buyers of Ford’s sporty Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS and Fusion Sport models are three to 10 years younger than buyers of non-performance variants of these vehicles; younger customers give automakers a better chance of winning over repeat buyers
  • These younger, performance-hungry customers are also more affluent; the annual income of Fiesta ST and Focus ST customers is approximately 70 percent higher than that of regular Focus and Fiesta variants
  • Ford’s sporty car sales jumped 45 percent for the first quarter of 2017, bucking the trend of the overall U.S. industry that is seeing consumers shift from cars to SUVs

DEARBORN, Mich., May 9, 2017 – Customers of Ford’s sporty cars are not just young at heart; they’re actually younger on average, and more affluent, according to New Vehicle Customer Study data from MaritzCX.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than with Ford Fiesta ST. While the average age of a new Fiesta buyer is 45 years old, the average age of a Fiesta ST customer is a good 10 years younger. Buyers of Ford Focus follow the same pattern; the average age of a regular Focus buyer is 46, while the Focus RS customer is 41 on average and the Focus ST buyer is 36. Fusion customers are 48 on average, while Fusion Sport buyers are an average 45 years old.

These millennial buyers are important to Ford. Not only are they contributing to a significant increase in sporty car sales – a 45 percent increase for the first three months of the year – younger customers give the automaker a greater chance of winning over repeat buyers.

“With repeat customers making up around half of industry sales, capturing younger buyers while they still have many vehicle purchases remaining in their lives is good for business,” said Corey Holter, Ford car group marketing manager.

Millennial customers arrive at dealerships with money to spend. While household income for the average Fiesta buyer is $59,000, for Fiesta ST, that figure jumps to $102,000. The average Focus buyer has a household income of $63,000, while Focus ST and Focus RS customers show markedly higher household incomes – on average, $108,000 and $169,000, respectively (data for Focus RS is limited and not statistically significant).

And with car segments on the wane industrywide as buyers shift toward SUVs and crossovers, sales of Ford’s hot hatchbacks – Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS – are continuing to buck the trend, as the company reported late last year.

An interesting side note to this is that all of the performance models are EcoBoost®. In the case of the Fusion, many buyers opt for EcoBoost engines in non-performance vehicles, but even the EcoBoost Mustang has a younger buyer on average (41 years old) compared to non-EcoBoost Mustangs (44 years old).

Monday, May 15, 2017

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester vs 2017 Ford Escape | Head to Head | Ford


Looking at the 2017 Subaru Forester? Take a look at the 2017 Ford Escape instead. With an available hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, enhanced active park assist, and a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, it’s easy to see why the Ford Escape is your better choice.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Ford F-150 Raptor Named "Best Pickup" in the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year Mudfest


DEARBORN, Mich., May 10, 2017 – The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor drove away with top truck honors in the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year Mudfest. The “Best Pickup” award is based on two days of grueling on-road handling and off-road testing courses driven by 28 members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington.

The competition featured 27 crossover and sport utility vehicles vying in six categories, including compact, premium compact, family, premium, pickups and extreme capability.

“The pickups category was extremely tough this year,” said Tuan Huynh, NWAPA Mudfest Event Chair., Northwest Automotive Press Association. “Ford F-150 Raptor won the hearts of our members for its prowess both on-road and off over two days of rigorous testing.”

The win is the latest in a long line of awards the all-new F-150 Raptor has taken home. It was named Pickup Truck of the Year by FOUR WHEELER and Best Pickup for 2017 by Cars.com, and was honored with the Autotrader Must Test Drive award. Raptor was also named Truck of the Year by Popular Mechanics and AutoGuide.com.

The recognition highlights Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle in America for 35 consecutive years. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.

Ford F-150 Raptor stands alone in the high-performance off-road truck segment

The purpose-built, off-road F-150 Raptor builds on the success of its predecessor with performance gains and new technology. The all-new Raptor stands alone among high-performance off-road trucks, featuring a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission and six-mode Terrain Management System™. Its high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body saves 500 pounds over the previous model.

The 2017 F-150 Raptor’s competition-proven chassis also sets the performance bar with its second-generation BF Goodrich KO2 tires designed exclusively for the truck’s extended off-road capabilities. In addition, upgraded FOX Shocks (jointly engineered by Ford Performance and FOX) are 44 percent larger with 3-inch diameter shock canisters (2.5-inch previously) and nine-stage bypass damping delivering improved suspension control. The new shock design enables an increase in suspension travel to 13-inches at the front and 13.9-inches at the rear (a 0.8-inch front and 1.9-inch rear increase in wheel travel compared to its predecessor).

Friday, May 12, 2017

Compare 2017 Toyota Camry vs 2017 Ford Fusion | Head to Head | Ford


Looking at the 2017 Toyota Camry? Take a look at the 2017 Ford Fusion instead. With available intelligent all-wheel drive, available enhanced active park assist, and your choice of three EcoBoost engines, it’s easy to see why the Ford Fusion is the obvious choice for you.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Even Tougher Styling Underscores New 2018 F-150's Built Ford Tough Brand Promise



  • 2018 F-150 redesign further expands on the Built Ford Tough design language, while the truck’s solid billet-milled cues and broad stance – a nod to F-Series design heritage – convey strength and durability
  • Ford truck designers share their insights on what makes the new F-150 look more capable than the competition, explaining how the truck walks a fine line between exuding confidence, strength and innovation without appearing overly aggressive
  • Beyond the high-tech industrial tools modern designers have at their fingertips, Ford truck designers rely heavily on customer insight and feedback, as well as design craftsmanship to know what gives their trucks that Built Ford Tough look


DEARBORN, Mich., May 10, 2017 – Along with the new 2018 F-150’s more powerful engine lineup, high-strength materials and class-exclusive technologies, its new exterior design conveys a relentless focus on innovation while paying homage to nearly 70 years of the purpose-built, work-tested Built Ford Tough brand promise.

For 2018, F-150 takes signature F-Series design language to new levels by building on its solid billet-milled visual cues and broad stance, while harmonizing with the all-new Super Duty lineup.

According to Ford truck designers, creating the next chapter in Built Ford Tough design comes down to three main concepts – understanding F-Series design heritage, knowing the wants and needs of Ford truck customers, and applying a dose of craftsmanship where pen meets paper.

“We call our F-Series customers ‘bold guardians of the brand,’” says Ford truck design chief Gordon Platto. “These customers know our Built Ford Tough DNA, and they want their trucks to convey strength, capability, boldness and power – without being ‘in your face’ aggressive.”

The team meets multiple times with truck owners throughout the design process in an effort to understand how they use their trucks and what they want in terms of features and style. Recent immersions involved designers, engineers and product marketers embedding with owners to gain a deep understanding of customer routines and develop owner personas to refine Built Ford Tough design DNA.

“Our success starts and ends with our customers,” says Sean Tant, Ford design manager, truck studio. “We always go back to our customers to test our designs. They want their truck to embody the F-Series brand identity and purpose-built appearance, so we continually rework our designs and retest them until we get it right.”

Showroom harmony strengthens F-Series brand

Like the all-new F-Series Super Duty, the 2018 F-150 gets a billet-milled body for a new look.

A horizontal twin-bar grille conveys strength, precision and muscularity while accentuating the width of the new F-150. All-new C-clamp headlamps wrap tightly to the grille, offering LED lighting and signature daytime running lamps to emphasize F-150’s segment-leading innovations. The chamfered nose and fenders underscore the power and toughness of the available new powertrains.

“F-150 needs to look solid, confident and capable,” says Tant. “All design elements need to have individual as well as collective strength. We wanted to continue with the billet-milled style introduced in 2015 while visually making the truck look wide and planted.”

From a profile view, the truck carries forward signature F-Series cues like the drop-down in the front doors. Wheel openings, as well as wheel and tire proportions are another area in which strength – as opposed to an over-bodied appearance – is emphasized. With large-diameter tires wrapping six all-new wheel designs ranging from 17 inches to a whopping 22 inches, every F-150 model is sure-footed on-road or off.

Customers want functional, authentic trucks, which is why Ford uses traditional frame-mounted bumpers and minimizes plastic covers or fascias.

“Form and function matters to Ford truck customers,” says Platto. “Chrome conveys durability and functionality in our customers’ eyes. Ford trucks need to be purpose-built for work and instill confidence among those who use them.”

From the rear, style cues follow the same design philosophy, with a billet-milled treatment around the fenders, taillamps and tailgate. The taillamps provide good illumination, and the F-150 badge on the tailgate is replaced with the stamped-in nameplate of popular XL, XLT or Lariat trim levels, while premium King Ranch, Platinum and Limited series feature a unique satin chrome appliqué.

Tying it all together is where the craftsmanship comes in, according to Platto and Tant.

“When we are designing F-150, we really look at the truck through the eyes of our customers,” says Tant. “We pay attention to detail, and always strive to ensure the truck demonstrates quality – in how its lines meet, accelerate and move through space. We always work to ensure a proper crown is added to the surfaces.”

At the end of the day, members of Ford’s truck team ask themselves whether a truck redesign is Built Ford Tough. If not, it’s back to the drawing board to make it right, so that every Ford F-Series truck continues to live up to the legacy of best-selling truck in America.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

2017 Ford Focus SEL: Walkaround | Focus | Ford


The 2017 Ford Focus SEL is a brand-new trim added to the Focus lineup. With Active Grille Shutters, Reverse Sensing System, available Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, and more, the Focus SEL is the perfect vehicle for you.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Compare 2017 Hyundai Tucson vs 2017 Ford Escape | Head to Head | Ford


Thinking about buying a 2017 Hyundai Tucson? Consider the 2017 Ford Escape instead. With 68 cubic feet of cargo space, an available hands-free foot-activated liftgate and more, it’s easy to see why the Ford Escape is a Consumers Digest Best Buy Award Winner. Become part of America’s best selling brand with the 2017 Ford Escape.

Monday, May 8, 2017

2017 F-150 Raptor by the Numbers | F-150 Raptor | Ford Performance


It starts with 2,481 miles of off-road competitive testing and counts down the key stats to why the 2017 Raptor is 1 badass off-road truck.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Compare 2017 Chevy Malibu vs 2017 Ford Fusion | Head to Head | Ford


Looking at the 2017 Chevy Malibu? Take a look at the 2017 Ford Fusion instead. With available intelligent all-wheel drive, enhanced active park assist, and a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, it’s easy to see why the Ford Fusion is the obvious choice for you.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Compare 2017 Toyota RAV4 vs 2017 Ford Escape | Head to Head | Ford


Thinking about buying a 2017 Toyota RAV4? Consider the 2017 Ford Escape with available enhanced active park assist, up to 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity,* and a Consumers Digest Best Buy Award.** Become a part of America’s best-selling*** brand with the Ford Escape.

*When properly equipped.

**The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information, visit ConsumersDigest.com.

***Based on 2016 CY sales.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Be the Guardian of Your Galaxy With the Ford EcoSport | EcoSport | Ford


Just like Marvel Studios’ "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2", the all-new 2018 Ford EcoSport is going on an adventurous ride this summer. Don’t miss the 2018 Ford EcoSport and Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in theaters May 5!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Empowering Kids in Camden Through Dance | Go Further | Ford


Ford owner Tawanda Jones is the founder of an inner-city youth program called

Camden Sophisticated Sisters. Camden Sophisticated Sisters (CSS) is a dance and drill team, yet it is so much more. Tawanda Jones provides a safe place for kids to gather to do homework, experience community, receive love, recognition and emotional support in this country’s most impoverished and violent city. The kids learn to dance – oh, they dance – to the beats of the drummers in the group. It is no exaggeration that CSS saves lives. In a place where gang activity and dropping out of high school is a way of life, the 4,000 kids who have passed through CSS have all graduated high school, and most have gone on to college.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Ford's Biggest Work Trucks Receive Performance and Service Improvements to Help Do Even More Work


  • Electronic stability control and traction control brakes now standard on tractor models (optional on F-750 diesel straight frame model*)
  • New diesel engine soot trap regeneration inhibitor allows driver to postpone incinerating trapped soot until regeneration can be performed in a preferred location, plus new easy-to-access oil dipstick location to check oil levels
  • New high-output 240-amp alternator now available for 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine models
  • Available three-inch bumper extension limits potential hood wear and collision damage

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2017 – Ford, America’s truck leader, is updating its biggest trucks to improve performance and serviceability. Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks are the fastest growing volume Class 6-7 brand**. Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks were completely redesigned for 2016, enjoying their best sales since 1997 last year. Ford’s largest trucks are available in straight-frame, kick-up frame Pro Loader and dedicated tractor models, with Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles. Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a choice of gasoline or diesel powertrain in the medium-duty conventional truck market. All F-650 and F-750 trucks are built at Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland using domestic and foreign parts.

“Customers are moving from other brands to Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks because they’re affordable and Built Ford Tough in America,” says Kevin Koester, Ford medium-duty truck and Super Duty fleet marketing manager. “Our segment-exclusive gasoline engine is appealing to fleet managers who recognize not every duty cycle requires the torque of a diesel engine, and who prefer the cost and maintenance advantages of gasoline power.

“The success of our new truck design is apparent from our growing sales and the fact it was named Medium-Duty Truck of the Year by Work Truck magazine in 2016 and 2017,” adds Koester. “For 2018, we’re enhancing this successful platform based on customer feedback.”

Electronic stability control and traction control brakes are now standard on all 2018 F-650 and F-750 tractor models. The system will initially be optional on certain F-750 diesel air-braked straight trucks with high-center-of-gravity-body upfits.

For applications with high electrical demands – such as tow trucks, road service vehicles and other well-lit work trucks – a high-output 240-amp alternator is now available with the 6.8-liter V10 gasoline powertrain. Ordering the higher output alternator to power auxiliary lights and equipment can eliminate the need to specify a second alternator or generator.

Ford offers an optional automatic regeneration inhibitor on 2018 diesel trucks to give the operator more control over when the engine goes into regeneration to clean the diesel particulate filter.

To limit potential hood wear and front-end collision damage, an available bumper extension moves the full-width front bumper from flush with the grille to three inches in front of it. This provides additional protection to the grille and components behind it in case of a collision, potentially reducing repair expenses.

It’s easier to check the oil and transmission fluid levels on 2018 F-650 and F-750 diesel trucks thanks to relocated dipsticks that can be accessed from ground level. The transmission fluid dipstick has also been moved to provide ground-level access on gasoline models. The gasoline engine’s oil dipstick was already accessible from the ground.

Powertrains purpose-built for Ford trucks

Ford is the only manufacturer to design and build its own medium-duty diesel engine and transmission combination – ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations, and providing customers with streamlined service.

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel engine delivers best-in-class standard 270 horsepower and 675 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as available engine outputs of 300 horsepower with 700 lb.-ft. of torque and 330 horsepower with 725 lb.-ft. of torque. The diesel has a B10 engine design life of more than 500,000 miles***, and is backed by an unsurpassed standard five-year/250,000-mile limited warranty. For additional braking assistance, an exhaust brake comes standard with every diesel engine.

Ford’s segment-exclusive 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine provides 320 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque for less than the cost of a diesel engine. It can be factory-prepped for conversion to compressed natural gas or liquid propane.

Both engines come with the Ford-built TorqShift heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. An available live-drive power takeoff provision features an output gear linked directly to the diesel engine crankshaft for 300 lb.-ft. of stationary torque and 200 lb.-ft. of mobile torque. For the gasoline powertrain, the optional power takeoff’s stationary and mobile mode deliver 250 lb.-ft. and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively.

The transmission’s SelectShift® feature has two driver-initiated modes – progressive range select, which limits the range of gears to lock out overdrive for consistent speed over hills, and full manual mode, which provides control up and down the gearbox. Selectable tow/haul mode compensates for grade and load to reduce gear hunting and improve power delivery. Engine braking and selective gearing improve control on downhill grades and help minimize brake wear.

Like all Ford trucks, Ford’s medium-duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles are supported by the company’s Commercial Vehicle Center program. Program dealers nationwide are committed to providing fleet and commercial customers the vehicles, financing options and service support their businesses need to maximize productivity and uptime.

Ordering for 2018 Ford medium-duty F-650 and F-750 trucks begins this summer, with vehicles available at dealers this fall.

*Electronic stability control and traction control brakes will initially be optional on certain F-750 air-braked straight trucks with high-center-of-gravity-body upfits.

**Based on IHS Markit TIP registrations for gross vehicle weight Class 6-7 vehicles with sales over 1,000 units for calendar year-to-date December 2016 versus calendar year-to-date December 2015.

***B10 design life based on 330-horsepower output version and Ford engine dynamometer testing.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Ford F-250 Super Duty Named Best Truck in Three-Quarter Ton Class by Editors of Pickuptrucks.com


The experts from PickupTrucks.com and Cars.com named the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch pickup truck the “Best Premium Three-quarter Ton Pickup truck of 2017” – a clear and decisive win over segment challengers from General Motors, Nissan and Ram.

It’s the latest in a long list of best-in-class accolades the re-engineered 2017 Super Duty trucks have received from the automotive and truck media as well as consumer guides and industry analysts.

“Like a great all-around athlete, the new Ford F-250 King Ranch has the powertrain of a bulldozer, and the interior features and technology of a luxury hotel room,” said Mark Williams, pickup truck expert at Cars.com.

For the 2017 Challenge, four competing three-quarter ton trucks were put through a series of tests and evaluations that included payload and towing capacity, acceleration and braking, and overall driver/passenger comfort and performance. The results will be posted for consumers to compare the trucks on the Cars.com website.

Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, said the recognition demonstrates Ford’s continued leadership in the three-quarter ton segment, which is a critical offering for the towing and work truck segment.

“We’ve listened to our customers who depend on three-quarter ton trucks to get the job done, whether that’s the work truck hauling equipment and tools, or the RV-er traveling cross country with their boats and campers, it’s clear the editors of Cars.com recognize Ford Super Duty delivers on best-in-class towing, luxury and technology that our customers expect,” said Eckert.

The award is the latest in a series of accolades for Ford F-Series trucks, including the all-new 2017 Super Duty, which took home Texas Truck of the Year and Motor Trend Truck of the Year. The all-new F-150 Raptor was named Pickup Truck of the Year by FOUR WHEELER and Best Pickup of 2017 by Cars.com, and honored with Autotrader’s Must Test Drive award. F-150 earned the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for the third consecutive year and the Autobytel Buyer’s Choice award.

The recognition highlights Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle in America for 35 consecutive years. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.