2015 Ford Trend Report Explores Generation Z and How Youngest Consumers Are Shaping View of the Future

• Members of Generation Z – considered the first global generation – are key players in today’s technology-driven culture; these youngest consumers, the oldest of whom are in their teens, already are inspiring attitudes and behaviors among consumers of all ages to enact change for the good
  

• Growing excitement among consumers is expected to drive change in 2015 and beyond – consumers are motivated to buck conventions and set new standards, to reject the stigma of failure, and to embrace new forms of mobility that enable more freedom and creativity
  

• Looking Further with Ford 2015 is a compilation of consumer research, as well as insights gleaned from thought leaders around the world, intended to provide a comprehensive look at micro-trends expected to influence products and brands for 2015 and beyond
  

From the growing influence of young, socially conscious consumers, to a greater acceptance of modern-day rebels and a shifting perspective that de-stigmatizes failure, Ford Motor Company’s third annual trend report suggests 2015 will be marked by a broad desire to enact change for the good. Looking Further with Ford 2015 reveals data and insights about global consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape culture in 2015 and beyond.

A featured trend – Make Way for Gen Z – underpins the full Looking Further with Ford report. Generation Z, which follows the Millennials, is the first truly global generation, born into an on-demand, technology-driven culture. Expected to account for more than 20 percent of the world’s population, these digitally savvy, socially conscious consumers, most of whom are still teenagers, are working to help define the trends of both today and tomorrow.

“While demographics are invariably a factor in futuring work, what’s driving our report for 2015 is this emerging Generation Z consumer, who is already inspiring attitudes and behaviors in consumers of all ages,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford global consumer trend and futuring manager. “We saw similar traits with Millennials, but Gen Z consumers – being much more connected and aware of the options available to them – are the global go-getters who have a link to each of our 10 micro-trends for 2015.”

Despite looming issues such as climate change, privacy threats, epidemic disease and geopolitical strife – there is optimism in the air. Against this backdrop, Looking Further with Ford 2015 highlights the modern-day rebel working to buck convention and set new standards, as well as people who are more motivated than ever to take risks in their search for success, which is beginning to erode the stigma of failure. In this spirit of determination, new forms of collaborative consumption and mobility are emerging – giving us more freedom to pursue ideas and passions.

How consumer trend insights impact Ford products

In preparing trend reports, Ford experts monitor shifts in social, technological, economic, environmental and political arenas to understand what drives consumer attitudes and behaviors – and how this impacts the automotive category. The insights gathered guide Ford designers and engineers in developing future Ford products, as well as Ford marketers on what to anticipate in terms of the customer shopping and ownership experience of emerging generations.

Looking Further with Ford 2015 focuses on a broad range of micro-trends affecting businesses and consumers, and reflects years of qualitative and quantitative research, as well as collaboration with thought leaders around the world.

“A rich understanding of our customers’ ever-evolving needs, priorities and desires – both today and tomorrow – is key to our everyday business and global product development strategies,” said Connelly. “These trends and insights help us at Ford in our role as an innovator to create products that not only exceed expectations, but push the boundaries of imagination.”

As the Generation Z consumer evolves, Ford is looking at how these behaviors and trends will affect every part of the automotive business – from vehicle development to the experience customers will expect when the time comes to purchase or own a vehicle.

On trend for 2015

The 10 trends Ford expects to influence consumers and brands in 2015 and beyond include:

1. Make Way for Gen Z: With considerable pressure and high expectations, Gen Z’s mantra is simple: “Good things come to those who act.”
   
2. Rally for Renegades and Rebels: Society has always loved risk takers, but the marketplace has never been more receptive to those who push boundaries and break molds.
   
3. Flaunting Failure: The stigma of failure is quickly eroding; in an era of constant change, the only true failure is a failure to try, to improve, to evolve.
   
4. Carryless Movement: Today’s consumers don’t want to carry things and, increasingly, don’t need to. New technologies such as wearable gadgets and smartphone apps are transforming the mechanics of how consumers pay for goods and services, how and where marketers reach their customers, and who people trust with their most valuable information.
   
5. No Strings Attached: In a world where innovation moves so rapidly, no one wants to be left behind with a product that has become outdated or obsolete. The result is an emerging a la carte mentality that trumpets access over ownership.
   
6. Expanding Next of Kin: As traditional families and communities become less the norm, the concept of family is adapting, expanding and evolving in a most personal fashion.
   
7. Give and Take of Privacy: Privacy has become a delicate balancing act, and there is a trade-off between information consumers are willing to share and the benefits they receive in exchange.
   
8. Elusive Health: A decentralized effort to inform consumers about healthier lifestyle habits has led to confusion and a global population getting fatter and sicker. Consumers need a clear signal amid the noise to translate the information into action.
   
9. Escape Artist: In today’s 24/7 culture, the desire to get away mentally and physically remains compelling. People are increasingly seeking out immersive adventures, elevating escapism to a fine art.
   
10. Many Faces of Mobility: In an age of constant innovation, mobility is outpacing the definition of the word as the concepts of transportation and communication converge.

Ford Designers Create a Snowman Extravaganza

The innovative minds behind some of the world’s most iconic vehicles must work within the constraints of rules and regulations, which heightens the challenge for the designer, yet never quashes the creative spirit reflected in the final product. As a team-building exercise, the U.S. design teams at Ford Motor Company were given unbridled freedom for once to create an icon of winter – the snowman.

In November, the teams kicked off the holiday season with a snowman-design challenge. Nine teams were given three pieces of white Styrofoam^™, and instructed to work together, document the process, and have fun.

The results are sure to delight their new owners all winter long. Three of the Ford snowmen will be delivered this month to two Michigan orphanages and a senior citizens home. The remaining six will be housed at Ford design studios.

Perfectly sculpted and painted, with some of the creations lit from within and wrapped in a suede-like fabric, each snowman is thoughtfully designed to capture the strengths of its team.

From Ford’s color and materials studio came a snowman featuring paint domes as vest, twigs textured with sparkling crystals for arms, and a basket-weave top hat.

Studio 2000X, the team behind most Ford vehicle animations, designed a punker snowman with technology features such as camera-lens eyes.

The Ford team responsible for interiors presented a sled-bound trio of snowmen, complete with tablet guiding the way.

And several teams charged with developing vehicle prototypes debuted snowmen with detailed stitching, polished surfaces and refined curves.

Each one of these nine Ford snowmen reflects the spirit of the holiday season. Even when inspired by a heavy-metal band with wildly painted faces.

Inside Ford's Climate Chamber and Winter Testing

Inside Ford's Climate Chamber and Winter Testing

The 2015 Ford F-150 takes on The Ultimate Game Changer Obstacle Course | Tough Science

See how the 2015 F-150 performs as we run it through an obstacle course worthy of some of football’s top running backs.

From John Brenkus, host and creator of ESPN Sport Science comes Tough Science, a series in which he and his crew take a closer look at the science behind the 2015 F-150 through a variety of tests.

In this episode, we see how the 2015 F-150, with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine and weight reduction of up to 700 pounds (made possible by the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body), can handle the Ultimate Game Changer Course – a truck-sized version of an obstacle course originally designed to test football’s top running backs.

We’ll get to see how the 2015 F-150’s power, strength, agility, weight, torque, performance, durability and stopping power stand up to a series of rugged tests.

The 2015 Ford F-150 takes on Top Athletes Pummeling it with Projectiles | Tough Science

Top athletes deliver punishing slap shots, fastballs and more into our truck beds. Which holds up best? Last year’s steel, or the new aluminum alloy?

From John Brenkus, host and creator of ESPN Sport Science comes Tough Science, a series in which he and his crew take a closer look at the science behind the 2015 F-150 through a variety of tests.

In this episode, we see how the 2015 F-150, with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine and weight reduction of up to 700 pounds (made possible by the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body), can handle what our team can throw at it – literally.

We’ll test the strength and durability of the new aluminum bed vs. last year’s steel bed with the help of top athletes. They’ll be launching projectiles from their respective sports into both beds. We’re talking - Baseballs, golf balls, hockey pucks and shot puts. These athletes hold nothing back as they unleash on both beds.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Folsom Lake Ford Fleet Department!

The 2015 Ford F-150 takes on A Mountain of Lumber | Tough Science

Can a smaller engine actually produce more power? We go engine vs. engine. And, just for fun (and science), lumberjack vs. lumberjack.

From John Brenkus, host and creator of ESPN Sport Science comes Tough Science, a series in which he and his crew take a closer look at the science behind the 2015 F-150 through a variety of tests.

Throughout this series, we see how the 2015 F-150, with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine and weight reduction of up to 700 pounds (made possible by the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body), can handle an uphill battle.

We run the 2015 F-150 up a mountain – while towing a 7,000-lb. trailer full of lumber – to see if a 2.7L EcoBoost engine, in a lighter truck, can perform as well as last year’s best selling 5.0L V8 – with nearly twice the displacement!

We put its power, torque, and towing capability to the test. Can the 2015 F-150 beat the old industry standards? Is it possible to make the best selling truck on the market, even better?

A New Breed of Performance Starts with Ford EcoBoost Engines

• Ford now offers EcoBoost® engines in all of its high-performance nameplates – from Fiesta ST to Mustang – making room for a new kind of aftermarket tuning
  

• Modifying engine performance can be accomplished with hand-held programmers that adjust several engine parameters
  

• Adjusting engine control unit programming can result in performance gains of up to 90 lb.-ft. of torque in cars like Focus ST
  

Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost® engine lineup not only has great EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings, it is also becoming a favorite family of engines in the performance tuning community.

From the infancy of the automobile, tinkerers have always chased more power by removing original components and replacing them with expensive aftermarket parts. This can lead to added performance, but at a cost to fuel efficiency, durability or driving comfort most owners would never accept.

For example, while replacing a camshaft can result in added horsepower, but typically a smooth idle must be sacrificed. Replacements can include new exhaust and intake manifolds, high-flow fueling systems and sometimes superchargers. This kind of tuning requires significant know-how and for the vehicle to be out of operation for some time.

Now, with the advent of computer-controlled engines, tuners have begun modifying a vehicle’s original programming for increased engine performance in the areas they choose. The technologies in Ford EcoBoost engines make their efforts even more effective.

Advanced EcoBoost technology includes direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging that, together, offer excellent power density and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings straight from the factory. In the hands of engine tuning experts, tweaking these attributes can result in tremendous gains in horsepower and torque output, at an inexpensive price tag.

A programming handset from Ford Racing offers a perfect example of the tuning possibilities. For Focus ST’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and Fiesta ST’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost, Ford Racing offers ProCal, which any performance enthusiast can purchase at FordRacing.com for $595. Plug the device into the car’s diagnostic link connector port in the driver’s side footwell to tap into the many aspects of the car’s performance – anything from throttle response characteristics or idle speed, to turbo wastegate control, to fuel curves and spark timing.

While these settings should be modified only within recommended limits, the resulting performance gains with Ford-tested programs can be impressive. Focus ST owners, for example, can expect up to a 90 lb.-ft. increase in torque – all while maintaining the Ford-backed limited warranty.
Ford Racing is developing custom engine calibrations for the all-new Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost, with a product expected on the market by the end of 2015.

Not all enthusiasts are concerned about maintaining their factory warranty, and for those Ford has committed to working with aftermarket tuning companies to enable the development of high-quality parts and accessories to maximize the performance of Ford vehicles. Aftermarket tuners have achieved impressive performance gains for the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 in the 2015 Ford Mustang. Several tuners, including Mountune and Full-Race Motorsports, showcased their modified EcoBoost Mustangs at the 2014 SEMA Show.

By working with respected turbocharging engine experts from around the world including Mountune and Full-Race Motorsports, Ford is demonstrating a commitment to a new breed of forced-induction performance. Expect to see more exciting new options from Ford Racing in the near future.

Ford | It’s the Most Distracted Time of the Year | Icy Mad Man

It’s the most distracted time of the year and with icing over there are more naughty drivers on the road than any other season. Steer clear from naughty drivers with the help of the 2015 Ford Fusion.

Ford | It’s the Most Distracted Time of the Year | Miss. Multi-Task

It’s the most distracted time of the year and with parties and potlucks, there are more naughty drivers on the road than any other season. Steer clear from naughty drivers with the help of the 2015 Ford Fusion.

Ford | It’s the Most Distracted Time of the Year | Frazzled Father

It’s the most distracted time of the year and with over the top trees strapped to vehicles packed with holiday goods there are more naughty drivers on the road than any other season. Steer clear from naughty drivers with the help of the 2015 Ford Fusion.

Lewis Hilsenteger unboxes the 2015 Ford Fusion | Point of View

We asked Lewis Hilsenteger from Unbox Therapy to give us his thoughts on the 2015 Ford Fusion at the LA Auto Show.

Ford Collects and Donates Coats for Kids

Ford Collects and Donates Coats for Kids

Huffpost’s Zem Joaquin takes on the 2015 Ford C-MAX Energi | Point of View

We asked Zem Joaquin, editor of Huffpost Home and Lifestyle to give us her take on the 2015 Ford C-MAX Energi at the LA Auto Show.

Ford SYNC 3 Delivers New, Innovative Ways for People to Stay Connected with Their Lives While on the Move

• SYNC^® 3 – Ford’s new communications and entertainment system – features faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface to help Ford customers connect and control their smartphone on the road 
• Also new: seamless integration of AppLink^™ for a simple way to control smartphone apps, the addition of Siri Eyes-Free capability for iPhone users, over-the-air software updates using Wi-Fi, and enhanced 911 Assist^® that provides subscription-free emergency calling in the event of a significant accident

Ford today introduced SYNC^® 3, a new communications and entertainment system that is faster, more intuitive and easier to use with enhanced response to driver commands.

SYNC 3’s more conversational voice recognition technology, a more smartphone-like touch screen and easy-to-read graphics will help millions of drivers connect with their lives and control their smartphone while on the road.

The next-generation system builds on the capability of SYNC technology already in more than 10 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road globally. SYNC 3 begins arriving on new vehicles next year.

“Ford is delivering an easier way for customers to stay connected,” said Raj Nair, Ford chief technical officer and group vice president, Global Product Development. “SYNC 3 is another step forward in delivering connectivity features customers most want, and they tell us this kind of technology is an important part of their decision to buy our vehicles.”

Ford took a customer-centric approach in developing SYNC 3, drawing on 22,000 customer comments and suggestions, plus insights gleaned from research clinics, market surveys and tech industry benchmarking.

Intuitive interface

Although SYNC 3 is optimized for hands-free use, an all-new touch screen delivers an experience similar to a smartphone or tablet.

Quicker response to touch as well as voice commands and smartphone-like gestures including pinch-to-zoom and swipe are central to SYNC 3, along with crisp, modern graphics.

A bright background and large buttons with high-contrast fonts for daytime use help reduce screen washout in the sun. At night, the display automatically switches to a dark background to help reduce eye fatigue and minimize reflections on the windows.

“We considered all the modern smartphones and mobile operating systems and created something familiar but unique,” said Parrish Hanna, Ford global director of Human Machine Interface.
SYNC 3 reduces on-screen complexity and prioritizes the control options customers use most.

The home screen features three zone choices – Navigation, Audio and Phone. Tile-like icons dominate the screen, with a quick access function tray along the bottom making for a more straight-forward user experience.

Phone contacts are searchable via a simple swipe of the finger to scroll through the alphabet. With “One Box Search,” SYNC 3 users can look up points of interest or enter addresses in much the same way they use an Internet search engine.

“Simplicity has value,” said Hanna. “Reducing the number of things on-screen also makes control easier and is designed to limit the number of times a driver has to glance at the screen.”

Easy-to-use voice recognition

Ford SYNC – the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones – becomes more capable with the next-generation system by minimizing the number of steps needed to carry out a command.

With SYNC 3, simply saying “play <song, artist, album or genre>” prompts the system to play the desired song, artist, playlist or album; there is no need to identify the desired category. To switch back to a radio station, the user just says the name of the SiriusXM station or terrestrial radio station number.

Voice search results are enhanced by a better understanding of how consumers refer to businesses and points of interest. Drivers don’t have to know an exact name. They can search for “Detroit Airport” rather than using the official name “Detroit Metropolitan Airport.” With addresses, they can say, “Eleven Twenty-Five Main Street” instead of “One One Two Five Main Street.”

When connected to an Apple iPhone, SYNC 3 offers seamless integration of Siri Eyes-Free control. Drivers can seek Siri’s help by holding down SYNC’s “Push to Talk” steering wheel button – much as they would hold down the button on an iPhone to initiate a Siri session.

Innovative features

Ford was first to bring voice control to in-vehicle apps with AppLink^™, and the experience is further improved with SYNC 3.

AppLink allows customers to connect their smartphone to their vehicle and control their compatible apps using voice commands or buttons on the vehicle display screen. AppLink now automatically discovers smartphone apps including Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, NPR One, SiriusXM Radio and iHeartRadio Auto, and displays their unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources, just like AM/FM or SiriusXM.

“Overall, AppLink is faster, more responsive and easier to find your apps,” said Julius Marchwicki, Ford global product manager, AppLink. “The overall design of SYNC 3 allows for better integration with smartphones – resulting in a more user-friendly experience.”

Developers easily can integrate branded apps into AppLink, providing Ford customers with an experience on the vehicle screen similar to what they see on smartphone screens.

SYNC 3 also features the new ability to update the software via Wi-Fi. Once a vehicle is set up with credentials for a home Wi-Fi network accessible in a customer’s driveway or garage, for example, it can automatically download updates.

SYNC 3, like earlier generations of the technology, provides subscription-free emergency service 911 Assist^®.

The customer’s Bluetooth-connected phone is used to dial 911 in the event of a significant accident, alerting first-responders with the vehicle’s location. With SYNC 3, the car relays additional information, including if airbags were deployed, the type of crash (front, side, rear or rollover) and the number of safety belts detected in use, in order to help emergency call takers dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene.

Ford Showcases Electric Vehicles Through Visual Art

Ford teamed up with visual artist Trina Merry to highlight our fleet of electric vehicles.

The Sartorialist takes on the 2016 Ford Explorer | Point of View

Street style photographer and fashion expert, Scott Schuman aka The Sartorialist takes us through the style and design of the 2016 Ford Explorer at The LA Auto Show.

2015 Mustang Convertible Begins Shipping to Ford Dealers

• Keys to the first 2015 Ford Mustang convertibles will be in customers’ hands shortly
• Available heated seats and remote start allow the all-new Mustang convertible to be enjoyed year-round, even in the coldest climates
• Selectable drive modes with a snow/wet setting tunes Mustang to perform well in inclement weather conditions

Ford Motor Company is excited to announce the 2015 Ford Mustang convertible will begin shipping to dealerships nationwide this week.

“Cold weather may have come unseasonably early this year, but with available heated seats, remote start and selectable drive modes with a snow/wet setting, Mustang is the perfect offering for the season,” said Melanie Banker, Mustang brand manager.

Heated seats, standard on all premium Mustang convertibles, allow the driver and front passenger to stay warm even when the temperature drops. “While these seats also have a cooling feature, we suspect customers won’t be using this function for a few more months,” said Banker.

Remote start, standard on all automatic-transmission Mustang models, allows customers to fire up their drop-top from the comfort of their home, even in inclement weather conditions. When remote start is used, Mustang not only warms up its engine, it also warms the interior of the car to a comfortable temperature.

Selectable drive modes, standard on premium Mustang models, features a wet/snow setting that tweaks throttle response, steering effort and traction control to mitigate wheel spin and maximize vehicle control.

“Mustangs are made for year-round practicality and enjoyment,” Banker said, “so it’s exciting that customers are taking delivery of their convertible Mustang models – regardless of the season.”

50 years of Ford Mustang

More than 9.2 million Mustangs have been sold since the car’s 1964 debut.

Now with more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V8 in Mustang GT – now delivering 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque – is joined by a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost uses direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with an output of 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

In addition to being the most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with 8 million likes, the all-new Mustang is turning on U.S. dealer lots in an average of eight days.

Rutgers and North Carolina Accept Bid to Play in Inaugural Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field

• Inaugural Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit will feature a matchup between Rutgers University Scarlet Knights and University of North Carolina Tar Heels
• The Quick Lane Bowl is a postseason collegiate football bowl game sponsored by Ford Motor Company’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center featuring teams from the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference
• The bowl game will air nationally on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m.

Rutgers University Scarlet Knights and University of North Carolina Tar Heels will play in the inaugural 2014 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. The game will air nationally on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m.


The 2014 Quick Lane Bowl is a postseason collegiate football bowl game sponsored by Ford Motor Company’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center that features teams from the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference.

Tickets as low as $35 are available at quicklanebowl.com, the Ford Field box office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or by calling 877.212.8898. Fans can follow the official Twitter account of the Quick Lane Bowl, @quicklanebowl, for the most current game information.

Rutgers’ Kyle Flood is the school’s first coach to lead the Scarlet Knights to a bowl game in each of his first three seasons as head coach. In the program’s first season in the Big Ten, Rutgers won all four of its non-conference games, and earned victories over Michigan, Indiana and Maryland. The Scarlet Knights are 5-4 all-time in bowl games after last season’s 29-16 loss to Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

This will be the second consecutive bowl appearance for Larry Fedora, North Carolina head coach. In 2013, Fedora guided the Tar Heels to a 39-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl. The Quick Lane Bowl is North Carolina’s 31st all-time bowl game, its first bowl appearance in Michigan. The team has won two of its last three bowl games.

The Detroit Lions are only the second NFL team (after the Houston Texans) to host and operate a college football bowl game. The team’s entertainment division, DLI Entertainment, has promoted multiple large-scale shows and events at Ford Field, including seven consecutive sold-out Kenny Chesney concerts, Taylor Swift, the 2003 Basketbowl, 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regionals, 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four and the 2010 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four.

The Quick Lane Bowl is one of five new college football bowl games in the 2014-15 bowl lineup, alongside the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Miami Beach Bowl, Boca Raton Bowl and Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.

Quick Lane Bowl social media:

• Website – www.quicklanebowl.com
• Facebook – Quick Lane Bowl
• Twitter – @quicklanebowl
• Instagram – Quicklanebowl

The #Holidaze: The War With Plastic

When you feel like giving up, remember, this toy will keep them busy for hours.

The #Holidaze: Cake To-Go

Having a toddler hold the cake might not be in the best interest of the dessert course.

What’s New on the 2016 Ford Explorer

We spent some time with Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager, at the 2015 LA Auto Show just after the new Explorer was shown for the first time. He filled us in on what’s new and updated on the 2016 Explorer, which continues 25 years of SUV capability.

All-New Ford F-150 Named Official Vehicle of 2015 International CES

• All-new 2015 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – will be the Official Vehicle of the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas
• All-new F-150 is available with more smart features than the previous model including class-exclusive driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, smart towing module, multicontour seats, active park assist and 360-degree camera system
• 2015 F-150 also offers Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert – a driver-assist feature that helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots

The all-new Ford F-150 pickup – the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – will be the Official Vehicle of the 2015 International CES.

CES, which will take place Jan. 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas, is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association and is the world’s largest hands-on showcase of emerging innovation.

The all-new F-150 demonstrates Ford’s product excellence and innovation. The truck is completely redesigned, with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body coupled with a high-strength steel frame, making it nearly 700 pounds lighter and more efficient. Also available are more smart features than the previous model, including class-exclusive driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, smart towing module, multicontour seats, active park assist, 360-degree camera and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

“We are honored the 2015 F-150 is the Official Vehicle of CES, proving that the new standard in full-size pickups is not only Built Ford Tough but also smart, with innovative design and technologies that help truck customers do more with their truck,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group marketing manager.

As Official Vehicle of 2015 CES, F-150 will be featured in Ford’s main display area in the North Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as prominently throughout the show floor.

“We are excited to have the new F-150 as the Official Vehicle of the 2015 CES,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association. “With state-of-the-art technologies, driver-assist features and dramatic improvements in weight savings, the F-150 delivers the type of connectivity, efficiency and performance tech-savvy consumers demand in their vehicles. We look forward to seeing Ford once again at our show.”

F-150 features several innovative and smart technologies, including:

·         Class-exclusive active park assist: Active park assist uses two ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers parallel park. The sensors measure the gap between two vehicles to determine if there is enough room for the F-150. After confirming the vehicle can fit, the truck automatically steers into the space, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals

·         Class-exclusive adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support uses radar in the front of the truck to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead. Using this information, F-150 can automatically slow to keep a consistent following distance set by the driver. The slower speed will be maintained if adaptive cruise control is activated. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. It also pre-charges the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly

·         Class-exclusive smart trailer tow module with Dynamic Hitch Assist: The smart trailer tow module shows the driver which lights on a trailer connected to the truck aren’t working, so the driver or a passenger doesn’t have to exit the vehicle and walk around the trailer to discover lights are blown. Dynamic Hitch Assist is a new rearview 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 exit the vehicle

·         Class-exclusive 360-degree camera with split-view display: Available 360-degree camera with split-view display uses four exterior cameras to give the driver a bird’s-eye view of up to seven feet surrounding the F-150 to assist in parking, maneuvering in tight spots and navigating narrow roads and trails at low speeds

·         High-wattage outlets: 400-watt, 110-volt outlets in the cab allow drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or mobile devices on-site or while in transit

·         LED spotlights: LED spotlights on sideview mirrors provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior

·         Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert: Available BLIS^® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver. The sensors trigger a warning light in the sideview mirrors to indicate another vehicle is in a blind spot if the driver is attempting to change lanes. These same sensors can detect a vehicle coming down an aisle when the driver is slowly backing out of a parking space

·         Lane-keeping system: Available lane-keeping is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting outside of the intended driving lane. The system automatically detects the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror. A vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed

·         Lighter yet more capable: Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every truck customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with the 2015 F-150; F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds, haul up to 530 more pounds, and brings the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-size gasoline pickup on the market. When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine, the new F-150 4x2 has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage may vary  
 
“We’re always looking to deliver more for our customers, and this truck offers a whole new level of productivity by being the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever,” said Scott.

The #Holidaze: Deflated

Cheers to the #HOLIDAZE and all the joy that gets you right in the gut.

The #Holidaze: Herding The Sheep

Wherever you need to go this time of year, may the roads be less difficult than the passengers who ride them.

The #Holidaze: The Best Gift Of All

So what if the last roll of wrapping paper is ruined. I mean, look at that face!