Ford Unleashes Three New EcoBoost Expeditions at SEMA, Taking the Full-Size Utility to Awesome and Beyond

• New 2015 Ford Expedition reaches the next level of comfort and capability with three customized versions set to be on display at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas
• From a 405-horsepower beast to a sophisticated ride with custom amenities and a winter warrior, the industry’s hottest builders took their inspiration from a variety of subjects to transform Ford Expedition into a standout at SEMA
• EcoBoost^®-powered Ford Expedition is a full-size utility vehicle for consumers seeking capability, the latest in advanced technologies, and class-leading cargo space from the extended-length version

From a high-horsepower application to sophisticated style and aggressive snow warrior, three Ford Expeditions – new for 2015 – have been given makeovers just in time for the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

A trio of top industry builders – Tjin Edition, DUB Magazine and Vaccar – took charge with the 2015 Ford Expedition to create versions of the full-size utility vehicle like no other. Look for the custom Expeditions to be on display Nov. 4-7 at Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The builders really outdid themselves with these one-of-a-kind versions of Ford’s full-size utility,” said Mike Nicopolis, of Ford’s SEMA aftermarket support group. “The 2015 Ford Expedition offers great space, performance and capability in an impressive package that is the perfect platform for creativity and customization.”

2015 Ford Expedition by Tjin Edition

The Tjin Edition Ford Expedition stays true to the sophistication of its premium roots, but with added individuality via custom metal fender flares, a custom dark gray paint job and a whole new liftgate.

“The Tjin Edition Ford Expedition is intended to showcase a Ford vehicle featuring capability for towing, one that can serve as a daily driver and is a standout as a promotional show car,” said Tjin Edition’s Neil Tjin.

This custom Expedition starts with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Then, via a charge cooler kit from Vortech Engineering, custom tuneup, custom side exhaust from MagnaFlow, and high-performance oils and lubricants from Royal Purple, the Tjin Edition Expedition roars with another 40 ponies underhood for a total of 405 horsepower.
The chassis was customized by Unique Fabrication and features Air Lift struts and an Accuair air management system, as well as a big brake system from Baer Brakes, 24-inch custom Rotiform wheels and Falken tires.

The exterior features custom metal fenders, an Axalta Coating Systems custom paint job executed by L&R Autobody, twin Webasto sunroofs, and custom headlights and taillights from LightWurkz.

2015 Ford Expedition by DUB Magazine

The 2015 Ford Expedition by DUB Magazine has amenities that bring an added level of style and sophistication.

The exterior has custom mesh accents, front grille and lighting with 26-inch DS644 concave wheels from Dropstars Wheels, and Pirelli tires. Custom DUB Edition badging, tinted windows and an integrated radar detection system are featured as well.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 was given an exhaust system from Borla Performance, and the team installed a suspension kit from McGaughy’s Suspension Lift Kits to lower the vehicle, as well as high-performance brakes.

There is an upgraded multimedia and sound system, upgraded seats and upholstery, and custom adjustable LED lighting that can be controlled by remote installed inside on the front row. The center console extends throughout the vehicle, with places for headphones and tablets. Motorized hidden boxes can hold valuables like watches.

The rear seating area has multiple monitors that can be viewed from different locations and from angles both in and outside of the vehicle. There is a video gaming system and wireless headphones, along with internet accessibility.

“Expedition already has a great look and design,” said Myles Kovacs, president and cofounder of DUB Media. “We wanted to take that foundation and create something that takes upscale travel to another level, taking cues from airline travel.”

2015 Ford Expedition XLT by Vaccar

The 2015 Ford Expedition XLT by Vaccar is meant for winter driving in style, showcasing the vehicle’s capability on the exterior and comfort on the inside.

“I was excited to do something that showcases the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and express aggressiveness on the outside while adding to the great comfort that is on the inside,” said Aaron Vaccar, creator and lead designer for Vaccar. “I wanted to create a rolling lodge.”

The exterior is finished in custom Vaccar two-tone matte mountain gray, with paint and accents from BASF, Vaccar Grill Guardian brush guard bull bar, swivel hooks by Monster Hooks, spring steps and a hitch stop from Go Rhino!, and MegaWarrior cargo basket from Yakima Products.                                                   


The team also gave the Expedition 20-inch M15 wheels from Mamba Off-Road Wheels and General Tire Grabber AT² tires.

Occupants enjoy added comfort with Vaccar Lux Ultra-Suede silver upholstery on the seats.

Road-ready

The 2015 Ford Expedition, in showrooms now, is the full-size utility for consumers who want capability, class-leading maximum cargo space in the extended-length version, and the latest advanced technologies.

With a refreshed look and its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the new Expedition has more technology than previous-generation vehicles. It is the latest Ford nameplate to offer a high-end Platinum series.

The 2015 Ford Expedition is available with SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® and driver-assist features like radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. The updated center stack can accommodate the available 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch, which features driver information in the gauge cluster shown on two full-color 4.2-inch screens.

Other available new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a Sony^® Audio System; passive entry with push-button start; rearview camera; front and rear parking sensors; seven-color, ambient interior LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

Go Further – Ford Escape Commercial

You never know what’s going to come your way. But if it takes both hands to carry, the Ford Escape and its available foot-activated liftgate will help make it easier to take it with you.

Go Further – Ford Fusion Commercial

Life comes at you from every direction. When you’re on the road, the Ford Fusion with its available blind spot technology, a lane-keeping system and standard rear-view camera will help you keep tabs on it.

Serving Kids With Autism | Ford F-150 Trucks | Good Works: Episode 11

Brendon Clark travels to Virginia Beach to visit Billy Zimmerman, a father who makes time to help children with autism at Camp Gonnawannagoagain. After his own son Zachary was diagnosed with autism, Billy wanted to do more for his son and those just like him. Using his Ford F-150, Billy hauls equipment and lends a helping hand to empower autistic children and help them realize their potential.

2015 Ford F-150 | Desert Testing | You Test: Episode # 1

Brian Schober knows a thing or two about destroying trucks. His job as a test engineer is to ensure military vehicles won’t fail on the battlefield. And his commute itself has ruined 13 vehicles over the past year and a half. So how will the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 do on his desert course for 36 hours?

Bed Meets Rock | 2015 Ford F-150 Truck | You Test: Episode # 3

What happens when stonemason John Swanson challenges the all-new Ford F-150 to move enough rocks to do his job for four months in one day? Watch to see how the new aluminum truck bed stands up to the challenge, holding 51 loads and over 100,000 pounds of rocks.

Inside Ford's Pedestrian Detection System

Inside Ford's Pedestrian Detection System

New Ford Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection Technology May Help Drivers Avoid Some Frontal Crashes

• Available new technology from Ford – Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – is designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, even eliminate frontal collisions involving pedestrians
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – debuting on the 2015 Ford Mondeo in Europe – provides a collision warning to the driver and, if the driver does not respond in time, can automatically apply the vehicle brakes
• Other available Ford driver-assist technologies include lane-keeping system with lane-keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and active park assist

Ford Motor Company is rolling out a new driver-assist system that can reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the roadway ahead and, if a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, provides a warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions. Pre-Collision Assist may help drivers avoid rear end collisions with other vehicles at all speeds, while Pedestrian Detection can help the driver avoid pedestrians at lower speeds – both may reduce the severity of forward collisions or even prevent certain forward collisions.

“This technology adds to the already impressive list of driver-assist technologies Ford customers benefit from today,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection will debut as available technology on the 2015 Ford Mondeo on sale in Europe this year. It will then roll out to other Ford and Lincoln products around the world.

While the new system may be especially helpful in unexpected situations, it does not replace the driver and has limitations including nighttime, low and harsh lighting conditions, vehicles moving in a different direction and certain weather conditions.

Detecting pedestrians

In daylight and clear weather conditions, the new technology may detect people in or near the road ahead, or pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path. If a pedestrian is detected in front of the car and a collision is imminent, the driver first receives an audible and visual warning. Should the driver not respond, the system improves brake responsiveness by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. If there is still no response from the driver, the brakes are applied automatically and vehicle speed is reduced.

The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera and radar located near the bumper; it then checks the information against a database of pedestrian shapes to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.

Ford engineers tested the system on closed test tracks using rigs fitted with manikins to replicate pedestrians. They then spent months refining the technology on roads around the world to test system reliability.

“This real-world testing was an important part of the development, because pedestrians in an urban setting can present a wide range of potential situations,” said Scott Lindstrom, Ford manager, Driver Assist Technologies. “We covered more than 300,000 miles on three continents that included a wide range of settings and situations.”

Other driver-assist technologies available from Ford include lane-keeping system with lane-keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and active park assist.

Stampede of Customized 2015 Ford Mustangs to Debut at 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

• Uniquely modified 2015 Mustangs will be on display in the expansive Ford booth at the 2014 SEMA show, which takes place at Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 4-7

• Aftermarket tuners are getting a chance to coax even more power from the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engine

• Performance specialists will demonstrate newly developed aftermarket parts to enhance the track handling of the 2015 Ford Mustang

Galpin Auto Sports Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Ford Mustang at 2014 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Company is bringing performance to the halls of the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association show, performance that can be summed up in one name – Mustang.

Working with top builders including Galpin Auto Sports, Petty’s Garage, MRT and many others, Ford will showcase over a dozen custom Mustangs in its 20,000-square-foot booth at Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 4-7, with even more new pony cars on display around the show floor.

The 2015 Ford Mustang marks a dramatic change in mechanical components for aftermarket companies to work with. The next-generation Mustang includes an all-new independent rear suspension and new multilink front suspension that is being tweaked by Roush, Steeda and others. Expect to see plenty of 5.0-liter V8s roaring around SEMA, but the spotlight will be on the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engine, which provides a whole new platform for experienced turbocharging specialists. With 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost makes plenty of power from the factory, but there’s much more potential for performance. Several tuners will be on hand with high-powered versions of the new turbo four-cylinder from Ford.

Petty’s Garage will be bringing a Mustang with a purpose – a Roush supercharged V8 model wearing Richard Petty’s famous blue paint and a discrete No. 43, Petty’s car number in his NASCAR days. The car will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson with proceeds benefiting Victory Junction, which is dedicated to helping chronically ill children attend summer camp.

Galpin Auto Sports is celebrating 50 years of Mustang with a golden anniversary car. This 2015 Mustang features restyled front and rear fascia with a gold motif. The car wears metallic gold-flecked black paint and gold badges, and features interior trim work and special wheel calipers. To top it all off, a gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger helps the 5.0-liter V8 develop 725 horsepower.

For fans of Formula DRIFT, Vaughn Gittin Jr. will put on a show with his heavily modified 2014 Ford Mustang RTR at the three-acre Ford Out Front motorsports and display venue.

Enthusiasts at the 2014 SEMA show should expect to see no shortage of just how much tuning potential exists in the all-new Ford Mustang.

Ford and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos Celebrate 50 Years of Mustang and the Future of Music in America

• Ford’s ICON⁵⁰ and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos name 10 artists who embody the spirit of the iconic Ford Mustang and are driving the future of music in America
• ICON⁵⁰ artists include ASTR, Betty Who, Cathedrals, Elle King, Joywave, MisterWives, Sheppard, Smallpools, Young Rising Sons and Young & Sick
• Launched in September, ICON⁵⁰ is a unique program that unites the new Ford Mustang with cultural experts from Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Zagat, ESPN The Magazine and Mashable to discover the next wave of cultural drivers

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mustang and its influence on popular culture, Ford Motor Company and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos have teamed up through the ICON⁵⁰ program to name 10 up-and-coming artists who are breaking new ground and setting the stage for the future in the music industry.

Like music, which has the power to transcend generations, help define popular culture and ignite movement, Ford Mustang inspires a sense of freedom, independence and adventure.

“Hard Rock is the perfect collaborator to explore music as part of popular culture and to identify trends that will shape the industry’s future,” said Melanie Banker, Mustang brand manager, Ford Motor Company. “For five decades Mustang has represented some of the best of American popular culture, and since the early ’70s Hard Rock has embodied that same spirit – one deeply rooted in rock ’n’ roll culture while evolving with the ever-changing music landscape and inspiring fans along the way.”

ICON⁵⁰ artists include ASTR, Betty Who, Cathedrals, Elle King, Joywave, MisterWives, Sheppard, Smallpools, Young Rising Sons and Young & Sick.

“There’s no denying the significant impact both music and Mustang have had on popular culture,” said Matt Watts, director of music and marketing, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos. “The artists whom we’ve identified are each carving their own path, and have pushed musical and cultural barriers to reach a broader audience. They not only represent what’s great and exciting about music right now, we feel they’ll inspire and move people in the future as well.”

Launched in September, ICON⁵⁰ explores how popular culture could evolve. The unique program encourages Americans to rekindle their sense of adventure behind the wheel of the all-new Mustang. Along with Hard Rock, experts from Zagat, ESPN The Magazine and Mashable are helping to curate a list of 50 innovators and designing themed driving routes across America in celebration of Mustang’s 50th anniversary and the arrival of the all-new pony car in dealerships throughout the country.

Driving what’s next in music

Ford and Hard Rock have laid out a cultural road map and developed a driving route along the eastern region of the country featuring must-see destinations that are helping to shape what’s next in the music scene.

“There’s no better way to explore what’s coming in music than to hit the road and drive, and there’s no better car to do this in than Mustang,” said Watts. “The sense of freedom and adventure Mustang inspires has been echoed in many great songs over time.”

From New York to Florida, Hard Rock helped to create a route that will allow consumers to discover the cultural landmarks of music. The tour begins in Brooklyn, home to many hot spots that have made the borough an indie rock mecca for the young and trendy. The route continues south through Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana, before ending in Miami – with music festivals and unique venues aplenty along the way. An interactive map featuring the driving route and key points of interest can be found at http://www.fordmustangicon50map.appspot.com/#.

A specially curated playlist featuring tracks from each of the ICON⁵⁰ artists will be available for download to guests at Hard Rock venues around the world starting in February 2015.

To celebrate the artists named to the ICON⁵⁰ music list, ASTR, Betty Who and MisterWives will perform live at a special event today in conjunction with the College Music Marathon in New York.
ICON⁵⁰ will continue over the next several months, exploring cultural drivers that will help define a new generation in the realms of food, sports, technology and design. The next list of innovators and themed driving route will focus on the culinary space, and will be released with Zagat in early November.

Why Mustang is a pop culture icon

Early on, Mustang’s unique combination of style, performance and affordability established an entirely new class of sports car. Its impact goes well beyond the more than 9.2 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television and video games, and is referenced in nearly 50 songs.

On sale now, the all-new Mustang is the most advanced pony car yet, featuring an all-new, sophisticated design and a host of innovative new technologies and connectivity systems.

Next year, for the first time, Mustang will go on sale globally to customers in more than 120 markets, including right-hand-drive markets.

Tricked-Out All-New F-150 Pickups Seek 'Hottest Truck' Award at SEMA Show

• Ford F-Series trucks – specifically, the all-new 2015 F-150 – will vie for a fifth consecutive “Hottest Truck” award this November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show
• Ford collaborated with SEMA builders to help produce the radical F-150 trucks that will be displayed at the annual Las Vegas tradeshow
• Shedding up to 700 pounds from the 2014 model, the 2015 F-150 is the smartest, toughest, most capable F-150 ever

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 17, 2014 – From off-road prowess to street performance, custom versions of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 – the smartest, toughest, most capable F-150 ever – will vie this November for the “Hottest Truck” award at the Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas.

The SEMA award, won by Ford F-Series trucks for four years running, recognizes the most popular vehicles the organization’s members feature in their displays at the weeklong event.
Custom versions of the all-new F-150 will be displayed on the SEMA floor. They include:

Deegan 38  
The Deegan 38 project built a personal connection between Ford Racing’s Brian Deegan and the all-new F-150 with the 3.5-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost® engine. Industry leaders including Addictive Desert Designs, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, FOX Racing Shox, KC Hilites, Mastercraft Safety, Rockford Fosgate, Full-Race Motorsports, Leading Edge Tuning, ProEFI and SCT Performance joined forces to provide extreme motorsport enthusiasts with the ultimate example of the world’s most capable truck.

“This F-150 should inspire the vast off-road, extreme-lifestyle-loving fan base to push the possibilities of the kick-ass new 2015 F-150 and the awesome 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine,” said Deegan.

 Vaughn Gittin Jr. street truck  
Boasting 12 inches of King shock-controlled travel via a Kibbetech custom suspension, this 2015 F-150 purpose-built by Formula DRIFT superstar Vaughn Gittin Jr. is designed to take full advantage of the weight savings and serious torque offered by the all-new F-150. With its unique, aggressive looks and Air Lift Performance air ride, this street truck aims to turn heads and elicit huge smiles, while providing massive amounts of fun and adrenaline for up to five passengers who strap into its Recaro seats.

“I love trucks, and to build one that has daily on- and off-road capabilities, as well as drifting and jumping capabilities is something I have always wanted to do,” said Gittin. “I am really pumped to get crazy in this F-150 at SEMA this year.”

Features of the Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is a versatile mid-sized crossover. It delivers power and great technology paired with comfort and convenience. Its available technology is innovative and engaging for every driver.

Ford Halloween Car Wash Prank

We convinced passengers to get an innocent car wash-and had some of the undead meet the unsuspecting drivers.

WARNING: Video may cause nightmares and inspire pranks. Happy Halloween!

Closed course. Do not attempt.

Special thanks to Erebus for costumes, makeup and special effects and The Work for production.

Features of the Ford F-150

The F-Series has been the number one selling line of trucks for the past 37 years. These Built Ford Tough trucks are tough and talented, and has an impressive trailer towing capability. These trucks also run on two different modes of operation, one being the Progressive Range Select, which limits the use of upper gears, or Full Manual, where you can select any gear you desire, which offers more flexibility and efficiency.

Ford Trucks on the Job at Silver Lake Sand Dunes

A lot of people who enjoy being outdoors and driving off-road might consider Andrew LundBorg to have a dream job. He’s one of the park rangers at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park in Mears, Michigan, and part of his job involves driving a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor or one of the park’s two Super Duty® trucks over the dunes and other terrain that fall within the park.

All-New Ford F-150 BoxLink, LED Box Lights and Remote Tailgate Release Revolutionize Truck Bed Cargo Management

• Debuting in the all-new 2015 Ford F-150, class-exclusive BoxLink^™ cargo management system includes lockable, die-cast zinc tie-down cleats, and provides a unique interface to the pickup bed for improved flexibility and organization, as well as additional locations for tie-downs
• All-new F-150 offers first LED box lights on a Ford truck, plus the availability of two segment-first features – power locking remote tailgate release and cargo ramps
• Ramps can be stowed on the sides of the pickup box via the BoxLink system and mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

From the days of horse-drawn carts, humans have used square-shaped boxes to move cargo.

Now, Ford is revolutionizing the management and stowage of cargo inside the pickup truck box with its patented BoxLink^™ system debuting on the all-new Ford F-150. Along with LED box lights, a power locking and remote tailgate release, and segment-first cargo ramps, the 2015 F-150 is better equipped to help manage loads more efficiently.

BoxLink includes four lockable, die-cast zinc tie-down cleats, and provides a unique interface to the box for improved flexibility and organization, as well as additional locations for tie-downs.

“Rooted in the shape of the horse-drawn cart, the pickup truck box has been a standard, relatively unchanged fixture for nearly a century,” said Alana Strager, Ford program management analyst and co-inventor of the BoxLink system. “The industry’s acceptance of this shape meant the innovations we developed couldn’t alter the box, but rather needed to enhance and evolve its flexibility and modularity to create infinitely customizable solutions for hauling cargo.”

Perfecting the box

The BoxLink cargo management system allows for the customization of the pickup truck bed. A customer can attach to the BoxLink cleats in four locations, or hook directly to the BoxLink Interface plate with a bungee cord, S-hook or E-track fitting.

“Customers told us not to touch the box,” said Adrian Aguirre, Ford engineer and co-inventor of BoxLink. “They want to tailor it to their unique needs, and this system allows for easy adaptation to a variety of applications.”

BoxLink adds four additional tie-down locations in the box to complement the four fixed tie-down hooks carried over from the previous model, for a total of eight. Additionally, BoxLink is located on a reinforced area of the box at mid-level – accommodating the majority of cargo loads. Reinforcement of the cleats allows them to accommodate a horizontal (cross-box) load of 275 pounds and a diagonal load of 600 pounds.

Available segment-first cargo ramps can be stowed on the sides of the pickup box via the BoxLink system and mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers. The length of telescoping ramps can be extended or shortened to accommodate multiple loading positions.

An altogether better box

The all-new F-150’s cargo box features many other significant upgrades to make it more versatile and driver-friendly.

LED cargo box interior lighting allows for excellent visibility in the truck bed at night or when a bed cover or cap is used. A bed-mounted button, as well as one inside the cab, turns the lights on or off. Lariat Mid or Luxury, King Ranch and Platinum models feature a remote tailgate release that includes an LED spotlight integrated into the release handle that illuminates the trailer hitch – a much appreciated convenience when hooking up after dark.

An available power locking and remote tailgate can be released with the push of a button on the key fob to help customers when their hands are full – a first for a pickup. The tailgate is damped and drops down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened.

2015 F-150 XLT models and higher benefit from a power locking tailgate for improved security. The feature is available for XL series trucks as well.

Ford’s pioneering tailgate step has been redesigned to be fully integrated into the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use – restoring the open tailgate as a flat work surface. Using the step is simple: Customers 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.

BoxLink designed for endless customization

Ford is allowing aftermarket manufacturers to leverage its BoxLink system to develop even more customized solutions for the pickup truck bed.

“This is an open system,” explained Strager. “We have facilitated the aftermarket in a way that has never been done before by an automaker. The possibilities are endless.”

More Than a Silver Lining: Plug-In Electric Vehicles to Talk to Electric Companies via the Cloud

• Ford Motor Company will join seven global automakers for a first-ever test of technology that will allow plug-in vehicles to respond in concert to a request from energy providers to stop, then restart charging. The demonstration will take place Oct. 16 in Sacramento, California
• Software-based technology is expected to help manage the high demand on power grids at peak times, while still meeting driver needs
• Opt-in program will offer energy customers incentives to participate while helping the utilities prevent power grid overload

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14, 2014 – Ford Motor Company will join seven global automakers this week for a first-ever test of technology that will allow utility companies to communicate with plug-in electric vehicles via the cloud, an advancement that would help manage energy use and improve the efficiency of the power grid.

The automakers are collaborating with the Electric Power Research Institute, leading utility companies and Sumitomo Electric to develop a two-way communication platform that would allow plug-in electric vehicles from all participating manufacturers ‑ with their varying technologies ‑ to work with power grids. The system will enable the utilities to send a message directly to the vehicle, asking it to stop charging temporarily as a way of helping a grid that is becoming overloaded. The opt-in program allows customers to refuse the request if desired.

The technology demonstration will take place on Oct. 16 in Sacramento, California, at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Customer Service Center.

“This first-ever test is a critical milestone as we move forward with our collective goal to advance electrification and boost the environmental benefits that come with that,” said Mike Tinskey, global director, Vehicle Electrification & Infrastructure for Ford. “Our intent is to add more capability to this technology so that it may be used broadly in the future.”

In a typical situation, a vehicle owner would plug the car in for charging and set a time for departure. If the system detects that pausing the charge would disrupt driver needs it would not stop charging. Otherwise, the charge would pause to help conserve power for the grid.

Utility companies will offer financial incentives to customers who make their plug-in electric vehicles available to the grid, similar to utilities offering customers discounts for allowing their home air conditioning to run intermittently during times of high demand. Customers who opt-in to the program can charge their cars at a location of their choice and have the ability to ignore the utility’s request to stop charging.

“This demonstration represents a major milestone that meets the needs of utilities and equipment manufacturers while simultaneously benefiting electric vehicle owners and electricity users,” said Dan Bowermaster, manager of Electric Power Research Institute’s Electric Transportation Program.

Utilities and regional transmission organizations participating in the software and hardware development and demonstration include DTE Energy Company, Duke Energy, PJM Interconnection LLC, CenterPoint Energy Inc., Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Southern Company, Northeast Utilities, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, Commonwealth Edison, TVA, Manitoba Hydro, Austin Energy, ConEdison and CPS Energy.

Global automotive manufacturers working alongside Ford include American Honda Motor Co., BMW Group, Chrysler Group, General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc.

Sumitomo Electric is the platform IT developer for this demonstration.

All-New Ford F-150 Earns Truck of Texas Title at TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo; Ford Honored with Five Additional Awards

• The 2015 Ford F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, is named Truck of Texas, the most prestigious award presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association at its annual Truck Rodeo
  
  
• All-new 2015 Ford Transit awarded Commercial Vehicle of Texas
  

• In the heart of the country’s largest truck market, Ford Motor Company also ropes in Truck Line of Texas, in recognition of the breadth, features, capability and durability of America’s best-selling truck lineup
  
  

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 13, 2014 – Ford trucks earned top honors at the 2014 Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, with the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 being named Truck of Texas – the most prestigious award.

“TAWA members represent the voice of truck buyers in Texas, America’s largest truck market,” said Mike Marrs, president of TAWA. “After exhaustively testing 75 vehicles from 18 brands, the all-new Ford F-150 is our clear choice for Truck of Texas.”

Including this win, 9 of the last twelve Truck of Texas honorees have been Ford F-Series Trucks.

In designing the backbone of the all-new F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, Ford engineers improved its signature, fully boxed ladder frame. The frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy – already in use in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and other rugged industries – is used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, improving dent and ding resistance while saving up to 700 pounds of weight.

The new F-150 is the most fuel-efficient F-150 ever, thanks to the dramatic improvements in weight and advanced engine technology. Every model, every engine and every customer benefits from this weight savings. This means the 2015 F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds, haul up to 530 more pounds and will have better fuel economy ratings than the current F-150 lineup, projected to be in the range of at least 5 percent and as much as 20 percent higher than current models, depending on the model. (EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are not yet available and will likely be announced in November.)

“TAWA members are among the first to experience the all-new F-150’s breakthrough innovations and best-in-class capabilities, features that will help our hardworking customers improve their productivity,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “It is an honor to again be named Truck of Texas. We are committed to continuously improving America’s favorite trucks.”

Evaluations at TAWA Truck Rodeo are just the latest testing the all-new F-150 has undergone. When it arrives in showrooms later this year, the 2015 F-150 will have endured the equivalent of more than 10 million miles of torture testing to ensure it meets or exceeds Built Ford Tough standards.

In addition to an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine, the new F-150 offers customers a complete lineup of powertrains to allow them to tailor the truck to best meet their needs. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine returns, an all-new normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 debuts and there is an improved 5.0-liter V8.

F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 66th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 37 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle in America for 32 consecutive years.

Also taking home TAWA honors is the 2015 Ford Transit, named Commercial Vehicle of Texas.

The all-new Transit replaces America’s best-selling van for 35 years, Ford E-Series. Transit offers a maximum cargo capacity of up to 487 cubic feet – 75 percent more than the largest E-Series. When equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the van delivers as much as 46 percent better fuel efficiency than E-Series with the 6.8-liter V10 premium engine, along with more payload. Transit equipped with the standard 3.7-liter V6 has up to 19 percent better fuel efficiency than E-Series with its standard 4.6-liter V8 engine.

“Transit delivers it all – better fuel economy, more capability, the largest number of technology choices, and the most innovative and diversified offering of configurations in a full-size van,” said Hinrichs. “We’re honored TAWA members also have recognized Transit as a game changer for our hardworking commercial vehicle customers.”

Here’s the full list of Ford vehicles winning top honors in their categories at TAWA Truck Rodeo:

• Truck of Texas: 2015 Ford F-150
  
• Truck Line of Texas: Ford Motor Company
  
• Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas: 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum
  
• Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas: 2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch
  
• Commercial Vehicle of Texas: 2015 Ford Transit
  
• Best Technology Feature: 2015 Ford F-150 high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy
  

Motivated to Help the Homeless | Ford F-150 Trucks | Good Works: Episode #10

This week, Brendon Clark travels to Jacksonville, Florida, to meet Tracy Gebeaux, a man whose past has motivated him to look out for the future of others in his community. Once a homeless man, his friends helped him get back on his feet, and now he’s paying it forward through his organization, Jax Beach Brother’s Keeper. With the help of his Ford F-150, Tracy delivers supplies, food and clothing to the local Jacksonville homeless community.

Learn how you can enter for a chance to win a new F-Series and a $25,000 donation for your favorite charity at www.ford.com/GoodWorks

Ford and UAW Announce $350,000 Grant for New Programs to Teach Business Skills at Louisville Schools

• Ford Motor Company Fund and the United Auto Workers announce a $350,000 grant to pilot an innovative educational program in partnership with Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant
• Teams of teachers will experience auto manufacturing on the plant floor and use what they learned to help students develop real-life projects and essential workplace skills

• Ford also will launch a “Powered by Ford” pilot program at two Jeffersontown High School academies to teach manufacturing and engineering

Louisville, KY., Oct. 8, 2014 - Ford Motor Company Fund and UAW Ford today announced a grant of $350,000 to pilot an innovative new education program that will bring teams of teachers into the Louisville Assembly Plant to experience first-hand the work situations their students will face.
The program, called the “Ford NGL Collaborative Learning Externship (CLE),” is aimed at building real-world partnerships between teachers, students and manufacturing in Louisville, a Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) community.

Ford NGL, which is part of the Ford Fund, helps prepare students for college and career by bridging the gap between classroom learning and the lessons of actual workplace experience. The grant is part of $1 million in new scholarships, grants and career outreach programs that the Ford Fund, Ford’s philanthropic arm, is launching globally this month to further its commitment to education.

“The CLE will help engage students in their field of interest by teaching lessons and skills in the real-world context of a career,” said Bill Dirksen, Ford vice president, Labor Affairs. “It will make the future workforce stronger because teachers will better understand the needs of business, and students will benefit by developing the skills and workplace knowledge necessary to get the good jobs.”

The grant announced today by Ford and UAW at the NGL Conference, will fund professional development over two years and also broaden the concept to include other types of business.

“The UAW has a long history of supporting the communities in which we work and live and we believe education is the foundation on which dreams are brought to life,” said Jimmy Settles, Jr., vice president and director, UAW National Ford Department. “The Ford NGL Coordinated Learning Externship provides a great opportunity to help teachers better understand the skills students need to be successful in the future and it helps business understand how they can support educators in this important work.”

Teams of teachers from two Jeffersontown High School career academies helped pilot the program this summer by spending two days inside Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant. The 30 teachers were able to observe the many steps involved in building automobiles – from the timing and teamwork on the assembly line to the problem solving when issues arise. The teachers took what they learned back to the classroom to strengthen a student project to build life-sized cardboard boats. Nearly 2,000 students will benefit from the first phase of the CLE program, but that number is expected to grow as more communities implement the plan.

Today, Ford also announces sponsorship of the Design and Build academies through the launch of a “Powered by Ford” pilot program at Jeffersontown High School.  As part of the program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Ford Motor Company will provide the academies with scholarships for students, equipment, mentors for student projects and professional development for teachers among other needed support.

“The development of career academies provides our students with the applied learning and authentic experiences needed to meet the demands of the global marketplace,” said Dr. Donna Hargens, superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools. “Ford’s generous support of these STEM academies at Jeffersontown High School will enhance instruction and better prepare our students for successful careers.”

Ford Fund is planning to expand the “Powered by Ford” program to include additional plant communities in the future.

As a Ford NGL community, Louisville is part of a national network of participating school districts that receive guidance and technical assistance from the Ford NGL team, and share resources and best practices with other Ford NGL communities. The goal is to boost student performance, improve student readiness for college and/or a high-skill career, and ultimately attract more high-paying jobs to the community.

F-150 BoxLink

BoxLink™ cargo management system includes lockable, die-cast aluminum tie-down cleats, and provides a unique interface to the box for improved flexibility and organization, as well as additional locations for tie-downs. Available segment-first cargo ramps can be stowed on the sides of the pickup box via the BoxLink system and mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles or mowers.

Ford Brings Driving Dreams Tour to Chicago, Thousands of High School Students to Benefit

• Ford Motor Company Fund, the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute and ASPIRA, IL partner to promote on-time high school graduation and college enrollment for Chicago-area students
• Ford to provide $50,000 in scholarships, $30,000 in school grants and $25,000 in contest prizes for a total of $105,000 in educational resources to seven area high schools
• The program targets schools with a significant Latino student population and need; 45.2 percent of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) student body is Hispanic

Ford Motor Company Fund today launched the Ford Driving Dreams Tour, a $105,000 education initiative for seven Chicago-area high schools with significant Latino student populations which promotes on-time high school graduation and college enrollment. Today’s launch will be held during National Hispanic Heritage Month, with a kick-off rally at 9:30 am with students at Curie Metropolitan High School located at 4959 S. Archer Avenue in Archer Heights.

“Education has been a top priority for Ford Fund since its start more than 60 years ago. We have a longstanding commitment to investing in programs that provide access to opportunities and resources that will make a life-changing impact on young people,” said Joe Avila, Manager of Community Relations, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are excited to add this initiative to our extensive philanthropic efforts in Chicago, an important community where we live, work and do business.”

The Ford Driving Dreams Tour incentivizes students through pep rallies, scholarships, college and career preparedness activities, and prizes. Ford is partnering with the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) and ASPIRA, IL to implement the program at ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja Community Charter School, ASPIRA Early College High School, ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School, Curie Metropolitan High School, East Chicago Central High School, George Washington High School, and Roberto Clemente Community Academy.

Chicago Public Schools is the nation’s third largest school district. CPS students in School Year 2013-2014 (SY 13-14) set a record graduation rate of 69.4 percent which marks an all-time high for the district. The FDD Tour is designed to boost these efforts.


“Chicago Public Schools partners with companies that demonstrate a commitment to student achievement, and Ford has succeeded in supporting our district’s mission to foster growth and prosperity in our students,” said Barbara Byrd-Bennett, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. “When a student graduates, it’s indicative of much more than just the individual effort – it reflects the strengthening of a community as a whole."

Nationally recognized empowerment speaker Roy Juarez, Jr., will kick off the program at a pep rally-style assembly today at Curie Metropolitan High School. Roy, whose powerful story was featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Extraordinary Teens, will speak at four additional rallies kicking off the program this week.

The tour will be implemented in seven Chicago area schools in the 2014-15 school year, and will include scholarships, career and college preparedness grants, high-energy student assemblies and an essay contest–What Drives Your Dream?–in which thousands of students are invited to share their dreams.

The contest reinforces the importance of education while pursuing a dream, and giving back to the community. It is intended to serve as a tool for college readiness by connecting their high school writing assignments to their essay for college application. Ford Fund will award $25,000 in prizes consisting of IPads and gift certificates ranging from $100 to $500.

Seniors from the participating high schools also can apply for college and post-secondary scholarships. Ford Fund will provide $50,000 in scholarships for students in the seven high schools.
In addition to Curie Metropolitan High School, other rallies will be held at these schools:

• October 8: East Chicago Central High School, 9:00 am
• October 9: Roberto Clemente Community Academy, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
  (Students from ASPIRA Charter Schools: Antonia Pantoja Community Charter School; Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School; and ASPIRA Early College High School will attend the morning rally. Clemente students will attend the afternoon rally).
• October 10: George Washington High School, 12:30 pm

Ford Driving Dreams initiatives, including the Tour, are designed to help Latino youth graduate on time and pursue higher education. These efforts have provided nearly $1,400,000 in direct educational resources such as college preparedness, tutoring programs, parental engagement, scholarships, and motivational activities. The Ford programs have reached more than 26,000 students since 2010. Ford Motor Company Fund is launching more than $1 million in new scholarships, grants and career outreach programs this month to further its commitment to education.

Ford has been investing in Chicago programs and initiatives through Operation Better World which is designed to increase Ford's philanthropic and community-related commitment in select communities around the world. In Chicago national programs include the Henry Ford Academy: Power House High, Ford Driving Skills for Life, Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest), Ford Calumet Environmental Center and Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes. Local Chicago Initiatives include: After School Matters, Midtown Education Foundation, Friends of the Parks, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and the Youth Enrichment Program at El Valor

California Demand Accelerates Ford Fusion Sales Growth at Double the Segment Rate in 2014

• Retail registrations up 12 percent through July, more than twice the growth rate of midsize sedan segment
  

• A 27 percent retail registration growth rate in California makes the state the biggest contributor to Fusion sales growth
  

• Fusion market share operating at record levels of 12 percent through September according to industry sales data
  

The Ford Fusion is continuing to gain market share in large part due to design-conscious buyers in California.


The midsize sedan segment in the U.S. overall continues to grow in sales volume, but as a percentage of total sales the segment is being outpaced by other segments, including small utilities.

Despite those headwinds in the segment, Ford Fusion retail registrations continue to grow at double the pace of the midsize sedan segment overall, according to Ford analysis of Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive.

Sales growth for the Ford Fusion sedan can be largely attributed to retail demand from motorists in the Golden State. With retail registrations up 27 percent in California through July, the state contributed to 21 percent of Fusion’s retail sales growth in the U.S. market.

“Fusion is achieving growth in all the right places, especially in California, which is the largest midsize sedan market in the country, followed by Texas,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Fusion growth in California is growing at twice the rate of the overall midsize sedan segment. Fusion sales and share are both the highest levels we’ve seen.”

Texas was the second biggest contributor to Fusion sales growth with 22 percent retail gains, representing 14 percent of U.S. Fusion retail registration growth in the U.S. through July.

Since its launch in 2006, the Ford Fusion has continued to attract customers and grow sales, cutting into a segment dominated by Japanese competitors for the last 20 years.

Through September of this year, Fusion has seen its market share climb to an all-time high of 12 percent, according to industry sales data, and has produced record sales for six of the last nine months.

Ford Motor Company Fund Accelerates Commitment to Education with $1 Million in New, Innovative Programs

• Ford Motor Company Fund, UAW announce $200,000 donation in support of arts, music and athletic programs in Detroit Public Schools
• Detroit commitments are part of more than $1 million in new scholarships, grants, career outreach and other assistance aimed at supporting education projects globally
• Ford Motor Company Fund invests more than $8 million a year in education initiatives, one-third of its annual financial support

Ford Motor Company Fund is joining with the UAW to donate $200,000 to support arts, music and athletics in Detroit Public Schools, part of more than $1 million in new scholarships, grants and career outreach programs that Ford’s philanthropic arm is launching this month to further its commitment to education.

The Detroit funds are a continuation of a program started last year to enhance the educational experience of interested students in grades K-8 students. Ford and the UAW Ford National Program Center announced the donation today at the Ford STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Conference, a first-ever community collaboration to provide 165 Detroit middle school students with insight into the top career pathways that will sustain the economic revitalization of Southeast Michigan.

“Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future and has been a central part of Ford’s community involvement since our company was founded,” said Jim Vella, president of the Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are taking that commitment to a new level with a comprehensive range of innovative programs that serve a variety of needs.”

Today’s STEAM #fordsteamlab event featured representatives from several groups contributing their expertise to provide middle school students with a wide range of career options, work paths and guidance. They included NHRA driver Nicole Lyons, Usher’s New Look Foundation, Code.org, #yeswecode, Rock and Roll Academy, Tech Town, Pony Ride, as well as representatives from University of Michigan Dearborn and the Detroit Lions.

Additional Ford Fund programs range from promoting student access to arts programs in high school, to grants that empower college students in the United States, China and Brazil to build more sustainable communities. The company is also expanding programs aimed at improving high school graduation rates, helping teachers prepare students for real-world jobs and assisting middle school students discover career options.

In addition to the Detroit Public Schools support, the scholarships and programs launching are:

• Ford College Community Challenge Grants: Ford is awarding grants worth $280,000 to 16 projects at 15 colleges and universities that support sustainable student-led projects addressing urgent community needs. Winning projects, which were announced today, address the theme of the Challenge – “Building Sustainable Communities”  -- in an innovative way. The annual program is being expanded globally for the first time to include communities in China and Brazil. The Ford C3 program has awarded over $2 million in sustainable community grants since 2008.
• Ford Driving Dreams Tour: Designed to motivate students to complete high school on time and pursue higher education, the tour is launching in Chicago this week during National Hispanic Heritage Month where it will provide a total of $105,000 in scholarships and grants, assisting more than 3,800 students at seven Chicago-area high schools with significant Latino student populations. Ford Driving Dreams has provided nearly $400,000 in direct educational resources, reaching nearly 25,000 students since 2012.
• Ford Historic Black College Universities Community Challenge: The annual program works with Historic Black Colleges and Universities to fund innovative projects that are focused on building sustainable communities. The program, which is taking applications now, will award $100,000 to support five grants.
• Next Generation Learning Externships: Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers are collaborating on a program that brings high school teachers into the auto industry so teachers can better instruct students on real-world work scenarios. Additional details about the program will be released Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Ford Next Generation Learning convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ford Motor Company Fund invests more than $8 million a year, about one-third of its annual financial support, in scholarships and other education initiatives.

2015 Ford Edge

During Cars.com’s visit to the State Fair of Texas last week, reviewer Aaron D. Bragman remarked that “while we expected to find great big trucks, what we didn’t expect to find was this,” the redesigned-for-2015 Ford Edge. Now sharing a platform with the Fusion sedan, the crossover has new looks, new interior features and some new stuff under the hood. Watch the video for more.

Testing Out The New 2015 Ford F-150

Testing out the new 2015 Ford F-150 taking on the toughest jobs. Check it out here!

Ford Launches Community Challenge In Search of Teams From Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund have joined forces with the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” and “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” for the second year to launch the 2014 HBCU Community Challenge competition
• A total of $100,000 will be awarded in scholarships and grants to recognize students and support unique student-led projects
• Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities are encouraged to submit online proposals centered around the theme of “Building Sustainable Communities” by Nov. 9

Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund are encouraging students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to submit proposals in a competition to earn scholarships while also contributing to their communities. Up to $75,000 in scholarships and university and community grants will be awarded to the winning student team and project.

Now in its second year, the HBCU Community Challenge– an extension of a signature Ford Fund education program, Ford College Community Challenge – is being conducted in collaboration with the Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley morning shows. Both radio shows will support efforts to generate awareness around the program within the community. The program seeks to encourage students to design community projects that address pressing local needs. The theme is “Building Sustainable Communities.”

Each proposal should creatively address a pressing community need that focuses on at least one of these areas – mobility, alternative energy, sustainability/water, and systematic approaches to meeting community needs. Student and university scholarships will be awarded to the winning team, with each winning project being awarded a grant for teams to implement their innovative work.

Three teams will be selected to present their proposals to a panel of judges that includes radio personality Tom Joyner and Ford executives at Ford World Headquarters in December.

“Last year’s program was such a success for us,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. “All of the teams came to Dearborn with not only a great deal of creativity, but with an infectious energy around wanting to improve their communities. We look forward to another exciting program.”

Howard University, Fayetteville State University, Tuskegee University and Huston-Tillotson University were the finalists in last year’s challenge. Huston-Tillotson University won first place with its innovative Dumpster Project.

Interested students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities can learn more about the competition and submit their proposals by visiting www.blackamericaweb.com/hbcuchallenge or www.rickeysmileymorningshow.com/hbcuchallenge, between now and Nov. 9.

“Ford Fund is committed to empowering future leaders through community programs,” said Pamela Alexander, director, Community Development, Ford Fund. “We are truly excited to team up for the second year with the Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley morning shows to bring this innovative initiative to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community. We look forward to receiving and reviewing the student proposals.”

LEDs Inside Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant

LEDs Inside Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant

Consumer Test Drives of All-New Ford F-150 About to Begin in 38 Markets Across the United States

• Soon, consumers can test drive the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 ahead of the truck’s availability in dealer showrooms

• Tour visits 38 markets across the United States, Oct. 13 through Dec. 21

• Consumers can register and schedule their test drive at F150drive.com

Consumers wanting to drive the future of trucks can get behind the wheel of the 2015 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – in 38 markets across the United States beginning Oct. 13.

The tour will make stops in 38 major markets and run through Dec. 21. Truck customers can drive the all-new model on a short route with product experts along for the ride to explain the new innovations and answer questions.

Consumers can register and schedule their test drive at F150drive.com. Walk-up participation is encouraged.

“The new F-150 is a game changer,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “Truck customers are going to learn about and experience the F-150’s new features and improved performance from the best place possible – the driver’s seat.”

Tour vehicles will feature the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® V6 that produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque and includes Auto Start-Stop designed to enhance fuel economy in stop-and-go driving. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost that produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque will be available to test drive as well.

Participants registered online or in attendance at the event can enter for a chance to win an all-new 2015 Ford F-150.*

The tour also will feature interactive displays to help consumers gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of the all-new F-150, including its high-strength steel frame construction and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body panels.

Drive events will take place in the parking lots of large retailers and office parks. Details can be found on F150drive.com.

“This is the most anticipated truck in Ford history,” said Scott. “Consumers will see for themselves how Ford reinvented the pickup, and experience how the all-new F-150 is a more capable and efficient tool that can make their daily lives easier and more productive.”

Consumers can visit F150drive.com to find the tour stop nearest them.

Ford Launches ICON50 to Celebrate Mustang Influence on Pop Culture, Rekindle Americans’ Sense of Adventure

• Celebrating the iconic Mustang and its influence on popular culture over the last 50 years, Ford launches ICON⁵⁰ – a program that will explore how pop culture could evolve as it encourages Americans to rekindle their sense of adventure behind the wheel of the all-new Mustang
• New survey commissioned by Ford as part of ICON⁵⁰ finds 42 percent of Americans can’t remember the last time they tried something new, suggesting they may have lost their sense of adventure
• Timed to the official arrival of the 2015 Mustang across the country, ICON⁵⁰ will unite the all-new pony car with cultural experts from Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Zagat, ESPN The Magazine and Mashable to discover the next wave of cultural drivers

Ford Motor Company celebrates Mustang’s influence on popular culture with the launch of ICON⁵⁰ – a unique campaign designed to explore culture and inspire Americans to embrace the sense of freedom and adventure new experiences can create.

A new survey, commissioned by Ford as part of ICON⁵⁰, suggests Americans value adventure more than they demonstrate in real life. When ranking attributes Americans wish to communicate via their digital presence, “I’m adventurous,” at 30 percent, ranks higher than “I’m successful,” at 28 percent, and “I have a lot of friends,” at 24 percent. Yet nearly half of the adults surveyed, 45 percent, feel their social media friends or followers appear more adventurous online than they actually are. These findings indicate that what Americans convey about how adventurousness they are does not equate with their true expressions of adventure.

To celebrate Mustang’s 50^th anniversary, Ford assembled a group of cultural experts in music and entertainment, the culinary arts, sports and technology to identify the next wave of cultural drivers and inspiring locales to help encourage a sense of adventure among Americans.

Experts from Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Zagat, ESPN The Magazine and Mashable will help curate a list of 50 innovators and design a themed driving route in celebration of Mustang’s 50^th anniversary. Timed to the official arrival of the all-new 2015 Mustang in dealerships across the country, the program will provide consumers with a cultural road map to encourage them to get behind the wheel and explore. The fifth collaborator will be named next year as the campaign expands with cross-country drives and consumer events.

“For five decades, Mustang has represented some of the best of American popular culture, inspiring a feeling of freedom, independence and adventure,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “We are excited to celebrate the iconic Mustang and encourage fans to embrace its spirit of adventure and try new cultural experiences.”

Why adventure matters

There has never been a better time for Americans to test drive new cultural experiences. Additional findings from the ICON⁵⁰ survey highlight the importance of trying something new, and shed light on what is holding people back. The survey found:

• For 43 percent of Americans, the “voice in their head” most often says “no” before they try something new
• The most common excuses for avoiding adventure include lack of money, cited by 49 percent of respondents, followed by fear of failure for 27 percent and embarrassment for 26 percent
• Women, more than men, admit fear of failure holds them back

“From pop songs to hashtag campaigns, America is having a love affair with ‘happy’ right now,” said Brian Balthazar, TV personality and pop culture expert. “Capturing that emotion can be elusive, and that’s why these findings are so compelling. Embarking upon everyday adventures can enrich our lives and make us feel amazing.”

Why Mustang is a pop culture icon

Early on, Mustang’s unique combination of style, performance and affordability established an entirely new class of sporty car. Its impact goes well beyond the more than 9.2 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and – with close to 8 million likes – is the most-liked vehicle on Facebook.
Now, the most advanced version yet, the 2015 model features an all-new, sophisticated design and a host of innovative new technologies and connectivity systems.

The all-new Ford Mustang goes on sale this fall in the United States, and – for the first time in its history – globally to customers in more than 120 countries next year, including right-hand-drive markets.