Ford Invests $80 Million, Creates 350 Jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant to Meet Surging Demand for F-Series Super Duty Trucks

 

 

• Ford will invest $80 million and add 350 jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant to increase production by an estimated 15 percent to satisfy customer demand

• $80 million investment supports facility upgrades, retooling and significant automation improvements in the body and paint shops

• With the production increase in 2014, Kentucky Truck Plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty since the truck’s introduction in 1999

Ford Motor Company, the industry’s truck leader, will add 350 new jobs and invest $80 million in its Kentucky Truck Plant to meet growing demand for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.

The $80 million will pay for facility upgrades, retooling and increased capacity to meet market demand. The investment and new employment opportunities are estimated to result in a 15 percent increase in production capacity, or approximately 55,000 units.

“Customer demand for F-Series Super Duty trucks is growing substantially, and F-Series overall is America’s best-selling truck for 37 years running,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Building on more than 100 years of manufacturing in Kentucky, we are proud to expand our profitable growth in the region as a result of our leadership in trucks and SUVs.”

Kentucky Truck Plant

Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickups, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. With the production increase in 2014, the plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty. The truck was introduced in 1999.

“We are happy to be adding new jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant, because we know the impact these jobs will have on the local community,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “It’s especially rewarding to know these jobs come as a result of customer demand. It shows customers understand and appreciate the dedication our UAW Ford workers put into delivering top-quality products like Ford F-Series Super Duty.”

Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,000 people.

“This is a great day to be both ‘Ford Tough’ and a Kentuckian,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “For more than a century, Ford has created quality vehicles and quality jobs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I’m looking forward to seeing even more Kentucky-made Ford F-Series pickups on the roads, and more Kentuckians back to work as a result of this investment.”

Ford F-Series Super Duty

The 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup is an example of Ford’s dedication to continuously providing advanced powertrains and innovative technologies that answer customer demands. Ford trucks offer power, toughness and durability, making Ford the top-selling truck brand in every major commercial sector.

The 2015 Super Duty is Ford’s most capable heavy-duty pickup truck yet. It features significant updates that include the second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 turbo diesel with a new, larger turbocharger. In addition, multiple mechanical changes lead to increased torque, horsepower and towing capacity, while giving superior fuel economy and durability for customers. Most of the 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup will be on sale this spring. The F-450 pickup truck will be on sale by this summer.

Celebrating its 65^th anniversary last year, Ford F-Series topped 750,000 sales in 2013, with more than 70,000 trucks sold in December after eight straight months of sales above 60,000 vehicles. On average, a single F-Series pickup was sold every 41 seconds in 2013.

“F-Series continues to dominate the segment, widening the gap between Ford and key competitors,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “The continued domination of F-Series has made the Blue Oval not just the industry leader for trucks, but America’s favorite truck manufacturer.”

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All-new Ford Transit Connect Endorsed by Tall Clubs International, Best Vehicle for the Vertically Gifted

• The functional and fun Ford Transit Connect Wagon is being endorsed by Tall Clubs International as the perfect vehicle for the “vertically gifted”

• The all-new Transit Connect Wagon offers headroom to spare along with fuel efficiency and class-leading configuration options

• Tall Clubs International, a social and professional organization for the “vertically gifted,” has endorsed such products as the California King bed and clothing designers who create stylish fashions for tall people

The all-new Ford Transit Connect is standing a little taller after being endorsed by Tall Clubs International as a vehicle that brings fit and comfort to the “vertically gifted.”

The Transit Connect was recognized today as part of Paramount Tall Club’s annual Chicago weekend. Paramount Tall Club is a Chicago-based member of Tall Clubs International.

“People of a certain stature have to make special considerations for head and leg room when out buying a new car,” said Brian Comeno, president of Tall Clubs International. “Car shopping is very tough, and if you are concerned about fuel efficiency, smaller is sometimes the way to go.

“The Transit Connect provides both comfort and fuel efficiency, giving people who are vertically gifted important factors that go into purchasing a new vehicle.”

The Transit Connect, which hit dealer showrooms this month in the United States, comes in two all-new models – a panel-side cargo van; and a wagon, a stylish, spacious and fuel-efficient people mover. When equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine the Transit Connect Wagon is rated at 29 mpg highway.

The Transit Connect Wagon offers ample headroom and a spacious interior for a vehicle that is about 16 inches longer and wider than the Ford Fiesta sedan, making it a smart buy in a world that often leaves the “vertically gifted” challenged when car shopping. The wagon and cargo van have 46.8 inches of headroom in the first row and 45.1 inches in the second row. The long wheelbase wagon has 41.3 inches in the third row.

For leg room, the Transit Connect has 41.5 inches in the first row and 37.6 inches in the second row.
Aside from space, the Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload and a rear liftgate.

The wagon also comes with the choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost ^®. For more information about Ford Transit Connect Wagon, or the cargo van, including pricing, visit www.ford.com/2014tcbuild&price.

About Tall Clubs International

Tall Clubs International was established in 1938 and has since grown to include more than 100 chapters worldwide.

To be a member, men must be at least 6-foot-2 and women must be 5-foot-10 or taller.

Tall Clubs International has previously endorsed California King sized beds for providing adequate comfort to the vertically gifted, and its European branches have been active with clothing designers and retailers who make and sell garments that fit the “vertically gifted.”

“People who are vertically gifted can’t just go out and buy any vehicle they want,” said Comeno, who added he is one of the shorter members of the club, standing at 6-foot-2. “The Transit Connect is much more in tune with providing comfort, as well as fuel efficiency and of course, fun.”

Double-Digit Growth Strengthens Ford Focus’ Lead as Best-Selling Vehicle Nameplate in the World

• Ford Focus global registrations grew more than 16 percent year-over-year, widening its lead over its next competitor by more than 75,000, based on Ford’s analysis of the just-released and latest Polk global vehicle data for January to September 2013
  

• Propelled by Ford’s growth in China, Focus registrations surpassed 303,000 units there to also make it the best-selling passenger car nameplate in China
  

• Focus is driving Ford’s global growth and is joined by Fiesta to give Ford two of the top five best-selling nameplates in the world
  

The Ford Focus continues to be the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world, based on Ford’s analysis of the just-released and latest Polk global vehicle registration data through the third quarter of 2013.

Led by strong growth in China, Focus global registrations from January through September 2013 grew to 856,587, a 16.1 percent year-over-year increase. China was the biggest contributor to the success with 303,481 registrations, representing an 85 percent year-over-year increase, according to Polk, which recently was acquired by IHS.

Focus buyers cite the vehicle’s exterior styling and generous level of equipment as key reasons for their purchase. In China, the top differentiators among car intenders include the vehicle’s design, excellent safety and high quality. Each of these attributes scored 15 percent to 40 percent higher among consumers than the closest competitor.

“Our success with Focus serving more and more customers around the world underscores the strength of our One Ford plan,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “We remain absolutely committed to developing a full family of vehicles that, like Focus, offer outstanding quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”

Thanks to Ford’s One Ford plan and global product vision, the company now has two of the top five best-selling nameplates in the world – the Focus and Fiesta – with a combined 1,402,555 vehicle registrations during the January through September 2013 period, based on Polk data.
 
In addition to Focus being the best-selling passenger car nameplate title in China, Fiesta continues as the top-selling small car in Europe.

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Ford Teams Up with MIT and Stanford to Advance Automated Driving Research

• Ford kicks off new automated driving research projects with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University

• The MIT research focuses on scenario planning to predict actions of other vehicles and pedestrians, while Stanford is exploring how a vehicle might maneuver to allow its sensors to peek around obstructions

• Partnering with academic institutions helps advance Ford’s Blueprint for Mobility, which envisions a future of autonomous functionality and advanced technologies after 2025

Building on the automated Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle unveiled last month, Ford is announcing new projects with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University to research and develop solutions to some of the technical challenges surrounding automated driving.

Automated driving is a key component of Ford’s Blueprint for Mobility, which outlines what transportation will look like in 2025 and beyond, along with the technologies, business models and partnerships needed to get there. With its automated Fusion Hybrid research vehicle, Ford is exploring potential solutions for the longer-term societal, legislative and technological issues posed by a future of fully automated driving.

“To deliver on our vision for the future of mobility, we need to work with many new partners across the public and private sectors, and we need to start today,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and Vice President, Ford research and innovation. “Working with university partners like MIT and Stanford enables us to address some of the longer-term challenges surrounding automated driving while exploring more near-term solutions for delivering an even safer and more efficient driving experience.”

Furthering automated driving research

Ford’s automated Fusion Hybrid research vehicle is unique in that it first uses the same technology already in Ford vehicles in dealer showrooms, then adds four LiDAR sensors to generate a real-time 3D map of the vehicle’s surrounding environment.

While the vehicle can sense objects around it using the LiDAR sensors, Ford’s research with MIT uses advanced algorithms to help the vehicle learn to predict where moving vehicles and pedestrians could be in the future. This scenario planning provides the vehicle with a better sense of the surrounding risks, enabling it to plan a path that will safely avoid pedestrians, vehicles and other moving objects.

Working with Stanford, Ford is exploring how the sensors could see around obstacles. Typically, when a driver’s view is blocked by an obstacle like a big truck, the driver will maneuver within the lane to take a peek around it and see what is ahead. Similarly, this research would enable the sensors to “take a peek ahead” and make evasive maneuvers if needed. For example, if the truck ahead slammed on its brakes, the vehicle would know if the area around it is clear to safely change lanes.

“Our goal is to provide the vehicle with common sense,” said Greg Stevens, global manager for driver assistance and active safety, Ford research and innovation. “Drivers are good at using the cues around them to predict what will happen next, and they know that what you can’t see is often as important as what you can see. Our goal in working with MIT and Stanford is to bring a similar type of intuition to the vehicle.”

First Retail 2015 Ford Mustang GT Could Join the List of Most Valuable Mustangs Sold at Auction

• The first production 2015 Ford Mustang GT fastback for a retail customer will be offered on Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz.

• Both vintage and contemporary Mustangs have fetched up to $1 million and beyond when sold at auction in recent years

• The proceeds from many of the most valuable Mustangs have gone to charities, including JDRF and the Brain Injury Association of America

Collectors hoping to own the first retail production 2015 Ford Mustang GT will be placing their bids on Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company event in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The new Mustang, which goes on sale this fall, has been receiving rave reviews since its Dec. 5 reveal, and when the bidding closes it will likely join the long list of Mustangs highly prized by collectors. The first 2015 Mustang GT fastback for a retail customer will be the fourth special pony car offered up by Ford since 2008, with proceeds going to JDRF, the country’s leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Ford Motor Company has been a supporter of JDRF since 1983.

These cars have been among the most valuable Mustangs ever sold at auction, including the first 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, the 2009 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet prototype and the first of 1,000 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KRs.

Mustang has symbolized freedom and independence for millions of people for nearly 50 years, making it fitting Ford Motor Company will auction off a new Mustang to help advance the goal of providing more independence to people whose lives are affected by diabetes.

The list of high-dollar Mustangs includes both vintage and contemporary Mustangs for street and track, as well as one-off concepts and prototypes. In addition to the first 2015 Mustang GT, the custom 2014 Mustang GT hero car from the upcoming action film “Need for Speed” will join the ranks of charity vehicles at the Barrett-Jackson auction in April.

Adding up the prices for just 10 of the most valuable Mustangs ever sold comes to nearly $7.6 million, with more than $1.7 million of that benefiting nonprofit groups:

1.    1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake fastback
$1.3 million, Mecum, Indianapolis, May 2013
 

This one-of-a-kind GT500 was powered by a 427-cubic-inch V8 from the Le Mans-winning GT40 race car. Unfortunately, the $8,000 new price in 1967 meant that the planned run of 50 cars was canceled, leaving this unique prototype as the most valuable Mustang ever sold at auction.

2.    1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor fastback coupe from the 2000 film, “Gone in 60 Seconds”
$1.07 million, Mecum, Indianapolis, May 2013
 

Mustangs have appeared in movies and television shows more than 3,200 times since 1964. The modified hero car from the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” has inspired numerous replicas over the past dozen years and currently holds the record for all silver-screen Mustangs.

3.    1965 Ford Shelby GT350R fastback
$990,000, RM Auctions, Monterey, Calif., August 2012
 

Shelby American built only 34 race-prepared versions of the first model year GT350, and this example is one of the most original, having accumulated only 4,900 miles in its brief competition career.

4.    1969 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible
$742,500, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Ariz., January 2008
 

Any Mustang that has had the Carroll Shelby treatment is generally worth more, but it’s exceedingly rare to find an example that was owned by Mr. Shelby himself. This red 1969 GT500 convertible was one of only two 1960s-era cars Shelby kept over the years, the other being the very first Cobra. Shelby clocked more than 70,000 miles on the GT500 before putting it up for sale in 2008.

5.    2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang coupe No. 001
$648,000, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Ariz., January 2006
 

The first production unit of the all-new 2007 Shelby GT500 Mustang coupe pulled in $600,000 for the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. At its introduction, the 2007 GT500 was the fastest and most powerful production Mustang ever built with 500 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.

6.    1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Sportsroof coupe
$605,000, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Ariz., January 2007
 

The most valuable Boss 429 is one of the first batch of 50 cars built with a rare 820-S NASCAR stock car race engine.

7.    2007 Ford Shelby GT Mustang coupe
$600,000, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Ariz., January 2007
 

Based on the limited-edition Shelby GT-H that Ford and Shelby American built for Hertz in 2006, the Shelby GT was available with a five-speed manual rather than the automatic transmissions that went into the rental cars. The proceeds from the first production unit went to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

8.    2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR coupe
$550,000, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Ariz., January 2008
 

The first production example of the King of the Road coupe was offered by Ford for a charity auction to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

9.    1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Sportsroof coupe
$550,000, Mecum, Monterey, Calif., August 2013
 

Not quite matching the price paid for the record-setting Boss 429 in 2007, this all-original example of the big-block V8 drag-race special had only 902 miles on the odometer and still had the factory plastic wrap on the seats.

10.  1965 Ford Shelby GT350 Supercharged fastback
$528,000, RM Auctions, Amelia Island, Fla., March 2007
 

Another one-of-a-kind Shelby prototype, this 1965 GT350 fastback featured some visual changes that would go onto the 1965 production model, including new side scoops and Thunderbird taillights. However, the most unique elements lie under the hood, where a Paxton/McCulloch supercharger was added to the 289-cubic-inch V8 engine, bringing its output to 306 horsepower.

Honorable mention: the 1968 Shelby EXP 500 “Green Hornet” was put up for bid at the January 2013 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. The bidding on this experimental prototype got to $1.8 million before stalling, falling shy of the reserve price and failing to sell. This particular car is unique among Mustangs of the era. Shelby American engineers had installed fuel injection on the engine, rear disc brakes and an independent rear suspension.

(List compiled with assistance from Hagerty Insurance and Drew Phillips)

2015 Ford Mustang

The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang Fastback and Convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines, including a new turbocharged EcoBoost^® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower.

In addition to state-of-the-art connectivity systems, Mustang features available advanced driver-assist systems, track apps, launch control and more.

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Designing the 2015 F-150

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All-New Ford Mustang to Make Its Silver Screen Debut in Highly Anticipated Movie ‘Need for Speed’

 

 

• All-new Ford Mustang will make its big-screen debut in “Need for Speed” this spring before it goes on sale this fall

• Mustang has had one of the most prolific film and television careers of any car, with more than 3,200 appearances chronicled at MustangIMDB.com

• After five decades, Mustang continues to inspire fans around the world

Ford Mustang has been a star of the silver screen and the small screen for nearly 50 years, with more than 3,200 appearances in movies and television shows. Now, the all-new Mustang is getting off to a quick start with its movie debut in “Need for Speed” on March 14.

“Need for Speed” star Aaron Paul will drive the custom 2014 Mustang hero car in the highly anticipated movie based on the long-running Electronic Arts video game series, and will take the wheel of the next-generation Mustang in its first on-screen appearance as well.
 

“On-screen or on the road, the visceral sight and sound of Mustang has been inspiring fans for nearly five decades,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “The feeling of optimism and being in control that Mustang’s world-class power and performance provide is a perfect match for Aaron Paul’s character in ‘Need for Speed.’”

When the original Mustang debuted in April 1964, it was still an unknown quantity, but the producers of Goldfinger almost immediately cast a Wimbledon white 1965 convertible in the movie. Five decades later, Mustang is an automotive and pop-culture icon, and “Need for Speed” director Scott Waugh wasted no time getting the new Mustang into his film months before it goes on sale.

“I chose Mustang because it is a car that really represents American culture,” said Waugh. “It just represents modern muscle, and it’s iconic, having been in some of the greatest car chase movies of all time.”

Chronicling the filmography of Mustang is such an enormous job that it took more than 100 contributors to build out the MustangIMDB.com site created by Stefan Thorarensen, founder and board member of The Icelandic Mustang Club. With more than 3,200 entries, the list grows almost daily.

Reflecting the importance of movies to the Mustang story, Hollywood was selected as one of six venues for the global reveal of the all-new pony car on Dec. 5, 2013. Mustang was driven out onto a pad of wet cement in the forecourt of the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. Like nearly 200 human stars, including several actors who helped make Mustang a star of the silver screen, the new pony had its prints and signature logo preserved for posterity in the cement.

Fans of the video game franchise already have access to virtual drives of the new Mustang, which became available as a free in-game download in EA’s “Need for Speed^™ Rivals” in mid-December. Players in the game can also customize their Mustangs with a choice of five popular designs created using the online Mustang Customizer, including one inspired by RTR founder and drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr.

2015 Ford Mustang

The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang Fastback and Convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines including a new turbocharged EcoBoost^® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower.

In addition to state-of-the-art connectivity systems, Mustang features available advanced driver-assist systems, track apps, launch control and more.

Nearly 1,000 New Hires Start Work at Kansas City Assembly Plant to Launch All-New Ford Transit; Ford Hires 175 More

• Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant this week welcomes nearly 1,000 employees as preparation to build the all-new 2015 Ford Transit gets under way; 175 additional employees to start by March 2014
  

• Overall this year, Ford is creating more than 5,000 new jobs, including 3,300 salaried positions – its largest hiring initiative since 2000; new jobs build on more than 14,000 Ford jobs in North America in the past two years
  

• On sale this summer, the all-new Ford Transit is a lineup of full-size vans that pairs Ford’s legendary durability with greater functionality, best-in-class ownership costs and best-in-class fuel efficiency
  

Ford this week begins welcoming nearly 1,000 new employees at its Kansas City Assembly Plant to prepare for the launch of the all-new Ford Transit that goes on sale in the United States this summer.
The company also is announcing that 175 additional employees will be hired by March to help build the new Transit. The new employees put Ford Motor Company on the top 10 list of Missouri employers.

The all-new Transit builds on its more than 45 years of heritage in Europe, where it is the best-selling medium commercial vehicle nameplate. On sale this summer, Transit will offer the widest choice of roof heights, wheelbases and body lengths to maximize flexibility, plus a full suite of onboard features and technologies that are intuitive, easy to operate and designed for business. Three proven powertrains will offer best-in-class mileage with plenty of performance to get the job done, while also providing alternative fuel options.

Transit is part of an unprecedented product year for Ford Motor Company. It is one of 16 new North American products – and 23 global products – Ford will launch in 2014, triple the number of new products Ford launched last year in North America.

Transit eventually will replace Ford E-Series, which has reigned as America’s best-selling van for 35 years.

“For decades, Ford E-Series has been the leading choice among business owners for a tough, durable cargo vehicle that also delivers unmatched flexibility and capability,” said John Ruppert, Ford general manager, commercial vehicle sales and marketing. “Transit is the natural successor to E-Series, taking flexibility and capability to new levels, while also adding in superior fuel efficiency.”

Kansas City Assembly Plant is home of the 2014 F-150 and will begin producing the all-new 2015 F-150 in the first quarter of 2015. The 1,000 employees announced today are part of more than 2,000 jobs that have been added at the plant to meet growing demand for Ford trucks, and to launch production of the all-new Ford Transit van. To prepare for the new van, 300 employees started work at the plant in late 2013, with an additional 300 workers joining the week of Jan. 6 and 400 more this week.

Jobs at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant increased more than 35 percent year-over-year, with approximately 3,400 employees in 2013 and more than 4,600 who will report for work by March. The new jobs also make Ford the top auto employer in Kansas City.

Overall this year, Ford is creating more than 5,000 new jobs in the U.S., including 3,300 salaried positions. It is the largest hiring initiative for the company since 2000, and builds on more than 14,000 jobs Ford has created during the past two years in North America.

Ford Transit

Transit first was sold in 1965, and is the best-selling commercial van in the UK for 49 years. More than 7 million Transit vans have been sold globally. Like the venerable E-Series, the all-new Transit is Built Ford Tough, offering drivers the power, durability and capability they need to get the job done efficiently.

Transit also brings customers more choices than ever from a Ford van. Cargo volume ranges from about 250 cubic feet to almost 500 cubic feet – more than twice the volume of today’s standard E-Series – saving customers the time and hassle of a second trip and associated fuel costs. Ford Transit will achieve an average of 25 percent better fuel economy and haul at least 300 pounds more than today’s E-Series.

For more information on the 2015 Ford Transit, click here.

Committed to Kansas City

The additional jobs at Kansas City Assembly Plant come as Ford continues to retool and expand the facility through a $1.1 billion investment for Transit production. When Transit production begins nearly 275 suppliers nationally and six suppliers locally will grow their businesses through job creation and manufacturing investment.
 
“With Ford hiring the 1,000th worker to work on the Transit, it’s clear that our efforts to rebuild Missouri’s auto sector continue to pay real dividends for Missouri families in the Kansas City region and across our state,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “As governor, I greatly appreciate Ford’s strong and growing investment in our state and the outstanding workers who will build this next-generation vehicle right here in Missouri.” 

All-New Ford F-150 Redefines Full-Size Trucks as the Toughest, Smartest, Most Capable F-150 Ever

• Tougher: All-new high-strength steel frame, high-strength aluminum-alloy body, more than 10 million miles of testing and Baja 1000-proven 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine
  

• Smarter: 11 new class-exclusive features, including 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab, LED headlights and sideview mirror spotlights, and remote tailgate release
  

• More capable: Up to 700 pounds less weight plus four engine choices for an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency
  

Ford today introduces the all-new Ford F-150, the reinvention of America’s favorite truck. It is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks.

The all-new F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

“F-150 is well-known for being Built Ford Tough. Now, it is both tough and smart,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer. “The all-new F-150 redefines the future of trucks, and it is yet another example of our One Ford plan producing vehicles that serve customers with a commitment to the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”

F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series truck lineup, America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 32 years.

“We have a unique connection with our customers,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of The Americas. “Time and again, F-150 has delivered the tougher, smarter features they want along with the capabilities they need for work or play. We build our trucks to their high standards.”

In designing the backbone of the F-150, Ford engineers improved the truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame. It is all-new with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, improving dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, up to 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency.

“More than ever before, customers want a truck that is a dependable partner, mobile office and a go-anywhere workshop,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To meet the needs of our truck customers, we created smart new features and a whole new approach to using advanced materials and engines to improve capability and efficiency.”

Even tougher
 
The 2015 Ford F-150 is the strongest and most durable F-150 ever. Before it goes on sale, it will have been torture-tested in labs, at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of some of Ford’s most demanding truck customers for more than 10 million miles.

The grueling testing simulated the demands Ford’s customers will subject the truck to throughout its average lifetime. The tests include crisscrossing the country pulling heavy trailers and hefty loads through desert valleys and over high-altitude mountain passes – in temperatures from 20 degrees below zero to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Customers using the F-150 for construction, mining and utilities have tested and helped prove out its high-strength aluminum-alloy cargo box.

A disguised new Ford F-150 even raced in the Baja 1000, where it earned the distinction of completing all 883 grueling miles while some other purpose-built race vehicles could not.

To perform in these challenging conditions, the frame uses high-strength steel rated up to 70,000 psi – stronger than the steel found in some competitors’ heavy-duty pickup truck frames. Eight through-welded crossmembers provide increased stiffness, while staggered rear outboard shocks provide greater stability.

Even smarter
 
Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the all-new F-150, including many class-exclusives. They include:

• 360-degree camera view, using exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow roads and trails
  
• Integrated loading ramps, which enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers
  
• BoxLink^™, which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers
  
• LED headlamps and taillamps, which provide excellent nighttime visibility
  
• Trailer hitch assist, a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle
  
• Smart trailer tow module, using an all-new smart trailer tow wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults
  
• Remote tailgate, allowing for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob – eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened
  
• High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or mobile devices on-site or while driving
  
• LED spotlights on sideview mirrors, which provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior
  
• Latest EcoBoost^® technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design
  
• Next-generation tailgate step, which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use
  

Other smart innovations include:

• New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel, which includes updated truck apps – from fuel economy to towing tips – and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used apps in one place
  

• LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box, which brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items
  
• Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs, providing hidden storage for valuables. Two storage bins also are located underneath the rear seats
  
• Boxside step, now available for the short 5.5-foot box
  

They join available driver aids, including SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, hill start assist, MyKey^®, rear view camera, reverse sensing, trailer brake controller and extendable tailgate step.

More capable
 
In addition to helping customers work smarter, F-150 features segment-first technologies that automatically assist drivers. They include:

• Second-row inflatable safety belts, which work like a traditional belt but include a tubular airbag that inflates in the event of a crash and distributes the force of the impact across a wider area of the passenger’s chest
  
• Curve Control, which automatically provides more aggressive four-wheel braking when the truck is going into a corner too fast
  
• Adaptive cruise control, allowing drivers to set a cruising speed and use radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and maintain a safe distance between vehicles
  
• Lane-Keeping System, which is designed to help avert unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside the intended driving lane by automatically detecting the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror
  
• Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, which uses radar hidden in the taillamps to detect a vehicle entering a driver’s blind spot while driving or backing up
  

A range of four engines provides more power to meet almost any customer need.

A new 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing join the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine features a lightweight, compact design to deliver the same power as some mid-range V8s.

Auto Start-Stop technology helps save fuel. Unlike start-stop solutions in other vehicles, this technology – specially tuned for truck customers – shuts off the engine to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, except when towing or in four-wheel drive. The engine restarts in milliseconds when the brake is released.

Ford F-150 trucks equipped with EcoBoost engines also will benefit from standard Active Grille Shutters. Active Grille Shutters stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. They automatically close to reduce aerodynamic drag at cruising speed.

On sale late this year
 
When it goes on sale late this year, the all-new Ford F-150 will continue the tradition of offering the broadest selection of trim levels in the full-size pickup segment. Five primary trims are available: XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Chrome appearance packages are available with XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. Monochromatic sport appearance packages are available with XL, XLT and Lariat.

The FX4 off-road package can be added to most four-wheel-drive models, improving trail capability with an electronic locking rear axle, skid plates and off-road-tuned shocks.

Both the exterior and interior design of Ford F-150 reflect decades of listening to customers and understanding their occupational and recreational needs. The exterior is characterized by a new shape that suggests capability, with a wider Built Ford Tough stance, prominent wheel arches and chiseled grille.

Comfort, utility and refinement define the truck’s interior. Ergonomically optimized seating for the front row positions enhances comfort, while extending legroom for rear passengers. Buttons and controls are optimized so they can be operated while wearing work gloves.

Storage options include laptop stowage in the center console, as well as quick storage solutions for cellphones, drinks, pens and business cards.

“Once again, the Ford F-150 establishes new standards in durability, capability, technology and efficiency to help F-150 owners be more productive 24/7 – whether for work or weekend fun,” said Nair.
 
The F-150 will continue to be manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich., and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

Smart New Features Take Capability, Comfort and Convenience to New Levels for All-New Ford F-150

• 360-degree camera system using exterior cameras creates a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate down narrow roads and trails
• Ultimate configurability for cargo – inside the cab and in the bed – makes new Ford F-150 even more capable
• Available LED headlamps are a segment first, providing brighter illumination and longer life

Ford’s all-new F-150 improves capability, comfort and convenience with more than a dozen smart new technologies for owners of America’s most popular truck. Many of these features are appearing for the first time ever on a pickup truck.

“For F-150, the impressive lineup of tech-savvy features is all about maximizing productivity at work and play,” said Pete Reyes, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “Every new technology and feature we added to the vehicle is aimed at helping our customers do more with their trucks.”   

Improving visibility
 
F-150 provides drivers extra visibility with a new 360-degree camera system. The system – the first of its kind for pickups – provides a view of all four sides of the vehicle, making it easier to navigate into parking spaces or around tight corners. Images from cameras mounted in the grille, tailgate and under each sideview mirror are stitched together to provide the driver with an overhead bird’s-eye view, and visibility of as much as seven feet of surrounding space. 

Visibility also is enhanced by energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the interior and exterior of the new F-150, providing brighter, whiter light and better durability than older incandescent lamps.

F-150 drivers will appreciate segment-first LED headlamps. These lamps provide a better quality of light that is more representative of daylight colors, plus they consume less energy than traditional headlamp technology and are designed to last the lifetime of the truck. 

The new F-150 also features forward-facing LED spotlights on the sideview mirrors, and LED cargo box interior lighting for excellent visibility in the truck bed at night or when a bed cover or cap is used. 

“We know that work keeps going when the sun sets,” said Reyes. “The new F-150’s exceptional lighting technologies can help light work sites well into the night.” 

Improving the driver experience
 
Ford is introducing a suite of smart driver-assist technologies on a pickup for the first time, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation system. 

Lane-keeping assist uses the truck’s front camera system to monitor lane markings, and can alert the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane – even providing steering torque to pull it back into the center of the lane if needed. 

Adaptive cruise control uses onboard radar to automatically slow the truck down when cruise control is engaged and the truck is approaching slowed traffic. The system automatically resumes the previous speed once the slowdown is gone. 

The collision mitigation system also uses the truck’s onboard front radar to alert the driver if the truck detects a possible collision. The system can pre-engage the brakes to help the driver slow the truck even more quickly. 

Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert is a driver-assist feature that helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots. 

Smart cargo solutions
 
The all-new F-150’s cargo box receives significant upgrades to make it more versatile and driver-friendly. In addition to the LED box lights, the new F-150 offers remote lock/unlock of the tailgate, along with a feature that is new for pickup trucks – a tailgate that automatically lowers itself with the push of a button on the key fob to help customers when their hands are full. 

Ford’s pioneering tailgate step has been redesigned to be fully integrated into the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use. To use the step, simply drop the tailgate into the down position, grab the bottom step, pull it straight out from the tailgate, and drop it down into the step position – all in one easy motion. The grab handle is now housed inside the tailgate, keeping the inner surface of the tailgate uniformly flat. 

F-150 also features the new BoxLink™ system, with stowable cargo ramps and lockable die-cast aluminum tie-down cleats customers can configure in dozens of ways. These segment-first cargo ramps can be mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles or mowers. 

F-150 SuperCab is now easier to load and unload, thanks to a flat load floor and rear doors that open almost 180 degrees – ideal for placing cargo in the vehicle when in tight spaces such as parking lots and garages. 

Greater convenience
 
To help drivers maintain a close eye on the truck’s many systems, the instrument panel has been completely redesigned with an all-new 8-inch productivity screen featuring computer-generated graphics and customizable information. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and amp meter are all now fully computer-generated, and the driver can choose additional screens for a specific use such as towing or off-roading. The driver also can configure the locations and colors of the individual instruments. 
 
The all-new Ford F-150 will feature a high-power inverter with two available 110-volt 400-watt outlets in the dash and second-row center console in SuperCab and SuperCrew models. These outlets are perfect for recharging power tools or running electrical equipment on the job site, and their central location keeps them secure and easily accessible from any side of the truck.

ADVANCED 2.7-LITER ECOBOOST WITH AUTO START-STOP BRINGS NEW CAPABILITY AND EFFICIENCY TO NEXT FORD F-150

• Latest EcoBoost® technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design coupled with standard Auto Start-Stop optimized for trucks
• Delivers the performance of a mid-range V8 with greater efficiency
• Real-world durability tested in grueling Baja 1000 off-road race

Ford, America’s truck leader, is expanding its industry-leading range of powerful and efficient powertrains with the addition of an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost® with standard Auto Start-Stop engineered specifically for the next-generation Ford F-150.

The high-output twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 features an entirely new design that delivers power and performance in a stronger, smarter package.

“The F-150’s proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost has become the industry benchmark for advanced and efficient truck engines,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “We’ve applied lessons learned from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost to the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost, but with new technologies that make this more efficient engine perform like a larger mid-range V8.” 

Smart technology powerhouseBoosting the 2.7-liter EcoBoost’s fuel efficiency is the debut of standard Auto Start-Stop technology in the F-150. This technology, specially tuned for truck customers, shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel drive – to give drivers power on demand when they need it most. When the brake is released, the engine restarts quickly.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine features the first use of a compacted graphite iron cylinder block in a gasoline engine, the same material used in Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo-diesel V8 engine. The composite CGI/aluminum block saves weight while providing strength where it’s needed most for durability. 

“Previous engine block design choices were high strength or compact or lightweight,” said Ed Waszczenko, engine systems supervisor. “We wanted to go further with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost and design an engine with compact structure and high strength and light weight.” 

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost also features all-new engine logic that adjusts operating parameters on the fly to provide the best efficiency and performance for the environment and workload.

Other smart new features of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost include:

• First use of fracture split main-bearing caps, which create a superior fit between the cap and engine block for reduced crankshaft friction to help improve efficiency
• All-new aluminum cylinder heads feature water-cooled integrated exhaust manifolds
• Variable displacement oil pump reduces internal engine friction to improve fuel economy
• Intake and exhaust variable cam timing that improves torque while helping lower emissions
• Lightweight, durable composite intake manifold
• Cooling jets beneath the pistons that spray oil on the pistons to help lower operating temperatures
• Piston connecting rods use an offset I-beam that provides strength to manage peak engine power levels while reducing weight for better responsiveness 
• Cartridge-style oil filter integrated into top of the engine for easy service

“No one’s ever built a six-cylinder engine like this,” said Nair. “It combines a host of advanced technologies found throughout the industry to create one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines ever designed.”

Tested toughPushing production engines to the limit is nothing new for Ford. Following in the footsteps of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost torture test, Ford labs and the 2013 Baja 1000 provided torturous environments to prove the 2.7-liter EcoBoost’s capability and durability. 

The engine, which powered a disguised all-new Ford F-150 specially designed to look like a current F-150, raced Baja in stock form with no additional oil coolers or radiators typically added for multiday off-road races. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost race truck finished the grueling 883-mile event – called by many the toughest Baja 1000 in decades – without any issues. The only part changed during the event was the stock air filter.

In addition to its flawless Baja 1000 shakedown, the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 has surpassed Ford’s extensive and brutal testing regimen, including:

More than 1,000 consecutive extreme temperature loops that quickly bring the engine from minus 25 degrees to 235 degrees Fahrenheit – the equivalent of driving a vehicle nonstop from Death Valley to Arctic Circle 350 times

Structural fatigue tests that run the engine at full load for more than 17 straight days – the majority of the time at peak torque and power

The engine’s ability to withstand repeated stop/starts was validated with more than 900 test hours simulating 240,000 starts and stops

More than 800 hours of towing and unloaded-driving scenarios across the entire engine power range with gasoline-ethanol mixtures up to E20 and intentionally degraded engine oil

Proven family of enginesIn addition to the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost, the new F-150 will feature a complete lineup of powerplants to let customers tailor the nation’s best-selling truck to their needs. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost returns, along with an all-new naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and an improved 5.0-liter V8.

The all-new 3.5-liter V6 replaces the current 3.7-liter V6, and uses twin independent variable camshaft timing to provide a flat torque curve and improved efficiency as the highly capable new standard engine in the new F-150. The available 5.0-liter V8 returns with improved cylinder breathing and new mid-lock variable cam timing to improve fuel economy while maintaining its tow-friendly torque.

Sales of Ford F-150 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost – launched less than three years ago – have already topped 425,000 units in the United States and account for approximately 35 percent of all F-150 sales.

Ford Increases Quarterly Dividend 25% in 2014 First Quarter

• Ford to pay first-quarter 2014 dividend of 12.5 cents per share, up 25 percent from the 2013 quarterly dividend rate of 10 cents per share

• Strong balance sheet, increased liquidity and positive business performance enable increase

• Ford continues to target a regular, growing dividend that is sustainable over an economic or business cycle

The Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company declared a first-quarter 2014 dividend of $0.125 per share on the company’s outstanding Class B and common stock. This is a 25 percent increase from the level of dividend paid in each quarter of 2013.

Ford said its dividend increase reflects strong 2013 performance and its plans going forward and is consistent with the company’s One Ford goal of delivering profitable growth for all stakeholders.

“Our capital strategy continues to be focused on financing our One Ford plan, further strengthening our balance sheet and providing attractive returns to our shareholders,” said Bob Shanks, chief financial officer, Ford Motor Company. “This increase in the dividend provides our shareholders with a regular, growing dividend that we believe is sustainable over an economic or business cycle.”

Through the first three quarters of 2013, Ford increased its liquidity position by $3 billion and has extended to 14 the number of consecutive quarters of positive Automotive operating-related cash flow.

The first-quarter dividend is payable on March 3, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 31, 2014.

This is the second quarterly dividend increase in the past two years. After restoring its quarterly dividend at a rate of $0.05 per share beginning with the first quarter of 2012, Ford increased its quarterly dividend to $0.10 per share beginning with the first quarter of 2013.

Fiesta ST: Compact, Fast, Fun – Today and Tomorrow

The Ford Fiesta ST proves to be among the most thrilling, sporty rides for drivers of today after being named 2014 Compact Car of the Year by Autobytel – and expected to be around for many years to come after making the Hagerty Hot List of vehicles experts say will be collectible within the next 25 years.

CAR ENTHUSIASTS CAN EXPERIENCE HOT ROD LIFESTYLE WITH 1932 FORD 5-WINDOW COUPE – LATEST FROM FORD COMPONENT SALES

• 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe body is the latest official licensed product offered by Ford Component Sales and its licensee, United Pacific Industries
• Builders can buy classic V8 powertrains, or contact Ford Racing for a variety of crate motor options
• Ford restoration parts licensing program offers more than 9,000 parts, for vehicles from 1909 to the mid-2000s

Car enthusiasts will now be able to get behind the wheel of their own 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe through a new licensed product offering from Ford Component Sales.

Ford’s restoration parts program is now offering the body shell for the 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe. The coupe has become a symbol of one of the biggest fads of post-World War II America – the souped-up hot rod and cruising culture that exploded with returning servicemen flush with cash and technical know-how.

“With the 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe body shell, you can literally build a classic-looking hot rod, ordering Ford restoration parts right from your computer, and avoid visiting a wrecking yard,” said Dennis Mondrach, restoration licensing manager, Ford Component Sales. “The coupe body shell joins our growing list of ready-to-build stamped steel body shells, including the classic 1965-70 Mustangs and 1940 Ford Coupe.”

The Ford restoration parts program has more than 9,000 licensed parts for Ford-built vehicles, everything from the Model T to those as recent as 2007.

“Ford Racing can supply crate motors and performance products to suit any appetite,” said Mondrach. “Most of the parts needed to complete a build – including hardware, drivetrain, interior parts, even instruments with classic or customized faces – are available. You can build your car as a classic, or upgrade the components and build your own version of an icon that was part of the cruising culture in the 1950s and 1960s. You choose.”

Whenever possible, Ford uses the original tooling to make the reproduction parts; in some cases, if tooling is no longer available, new tooling is designed to the original specifications.

The 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe body shell, which premiered at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, is stamped from new metal, and welded and assembled with state-of-the-art fixtures to maintain dimensional integrity. The finished body receives a rust-preventative coating for additional protection.

Every component manufactured by United Pacific Industries, the officially licensed supplier, is made to Ford Motor Company standards. The strict licensing process helps ensure any parts bearing the company’s official trademarks meet the quality standards and authenticity Ford classic car enthusiasts demand.

Each approved part comes with a blue-and-white sticker with the Ford logo stating it is an officially licensed restoration part. That means fit, function and appearance is as authentic as the original.

Aside from body shells, Ford Component Sales licenses replacement parts like fenders, radiators and badging to complete most Ford project vehicles. The Ford restoration parts program means gearheads can avoid spending hours searching online for rare, new/old stock parts, or wandering through scrap yards for used parts to complete a classic. Anyone who has a solid chassis can now mount a fresh sheet metal body, and get a taste of the 1950s-era hot rod culture to park in their own garage.

Accurate reproduction parts make the restoration process easier, and can be the difference between a trophy and an empty-handed trip home for enthusiasts who enjoy showing off the finished product. The Ford licensing program has been singled out for special recognition from both Mustang Club of America and Thunderbird Club of America for supplying components identical to original Ford parts.