Ford is Named ‘Most Innovative Volume Brand 2015’ at AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Awards, Focus is Class Winner

•  Ford wins “Most Innovative Volume Brand 2015” at the AutomotiveINNOVATIONS awards. Focus also wins award for its class, all-new Mondeo in top three in segment
• The Centre of Automotive Management announces the winners after considering 1,220 innovations from 53 auto brands across 18 global automotive companies
• Ford wins for safety and semi-autonomous driver assistance systems including Active Park Assist, and Active City Stop

FRANKFURT, Germany, April 29, 2015 – Ford Motor Company has been named the “Most Innovative Volume Brand 2015” for its safety and semi-autonomous driver technologies at the tenth annual AutomotiveINNOVATIONS awards.

The Centre of Automotive Management based in Germany named Ford the category winner after considering innovations from 18 global automotive groups representing 53 brands. The new Ford Focus also won in its class, and the all-new Ford Mondeo was in the top three for its segment.

Ford won the awards for safety and driver assistance systems including Active Park Assist that helps drivers to park alongside other cars, and in parallel parking spaces; and automatic braking technology Active City Stop that operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

“Innovation has always been the lifeblood of Ford and it’s more vital with the automotive industry entering a period of rapid technological advancement,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The technologies we are introducing today are enabling a safer, more efficient and more connected journey.”

The Centre of Automotive Management is an independent institute for automotive and mobility research and strategic consulting at the University of Applied Sciences, Bergisch Gladbach, in Germany. The AutomotiveINNOVATIONS awards recognises automotive engineering innovation. The judging panel, led by centre director Prof. Dr. Stefan Bratzel, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, reported that driver assistance systems accounted for nearly 300 of the innovations submitted.

“AutomotiveINNOVATIONS identified the future trends in the automotive industry on the basis of more than 1,200 technical innovations,” Bratzel said. “The award for Ford as ‘Most Innovative Volume Manufacturer’ proves the innovative power of the brand. With Focus and Mondeo, many of the innovations have already found their way into production.”

Jurors also recognised Ford for the award-winning1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that last year became the first engine to be named International Engine of the Year three years in a row, and the company’s Electronic Stability Programme technology.

In a speech in Frankfurt on Wednesday, Bakaj outlined Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to help protect the freedom of mobility and change the way the world moves as it becomes increasing more crowded and urbanized. In January, the company launched an initial 25 mobility pilot projects to foster innovation in the areas of connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer experience and big data.

Launched last year, the new Focus is sold in more than 140 markets worldwide and also offers voice-activated SYNC 2 technology that enables drivers simply to say “I’m hungry” to bring up a list of local restaurants, which they can then get directions to. The all-new Mondeo offers technologies including Inflatable Rear Seatbelt that combines airbag and seatbelt attributes, and Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings.

New Factory-Installed Strobe Warning LED Lights Available On All 2016 Ford F-Series Super Duty Trucks

Ford is offering an available factory-installed strobe warning LED light kit for all models of 2016 F-Series Super Duty trucks for customers – such as utility, road construction or municipal crews – that require enhanced vehicle visibility while working on-site. The no-drill option is warranted and not susceptible to corrosion issues that can be a result of poor aftermarket installation. The front- and rear-mounted amber-lens strobe lights that have been evaluated for any applicable regulations and industry standards, can be seen as far as 1,000 feet away during the day and as far as a mile away at night. The strobe lights installed on F-Series Super Duty trucks in use at worksites are designed to warn motorists and others that workers may be present and to proceed with caution.

Ford's Record Setting Hot Wheels Loop

Ford's Record Setting Hot Wheels Loop

2015 Ford F-150 Earns 5-Star Top Government Crash Ratings For All Cab Configurations and Crash Tests

The all-new Ford F-150 has earned the government’s highest possible crash safety rating – adding to the F-150’s strengths as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever.

The 2015 F-150 is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn NHTSA’s highest rating, a 5-star crash test rating, for the driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.

More details can be found here:

• SuperCrew details can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/q3zszrm
  
• SuperCab details can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/qgovvug
  
• Regular Cab details can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/o9r4833
  

F-150’s improved performance is enabled by up to a 700-pound weight savings through the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering.

A cross-functional group comprised of Ford truck product development veterans and researchers worked to optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crashworthiness. The team created 31 safety-related innovations including new structures, materials and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

Ford Sets World Record for Biggest Hot Wheels Car Track Loop in Support of Take Your Child to Work Day

• To help children cultivate an interest in science and engineering, Ford attempted to set a new world record for building the largest Hot Wheels^® car track loop as part of this year’s Take Your Child to Work Day
• Ford Mustang Hot Wheels car started at more than three stories high inside Ford Research and Innovation Center
• Old record loop stood at nine feet, nine inches tall

DEARBORN, Mich., April 23, 2015 – Ford ran circles around the old Hot Wheels^® record loop as part of this year’s Take Your Child to Work Day. When the effort was complete, Ford had made a world record attempt with a Hot Wheels car track loop that exceeded 12 feet tall.

The world record attempt was the brainchild of Ford dynamometer technician Matt West, who had built increasingly large Hot Wheels loops with his six-year-old son Blade at their home in Monroe, Michigan.

The attempt took place in the three-story atrium of the company’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn in support of Ford’s participation in national Take Your Child to Work Day.

“It started as part-fun, part-physics lesson with my son at home,” said West. “We built one in our playroom, and then built a five-foot-tall loop in our backyard. When people at Ford heard what we were up to, everyone thought it would be a great way to get young people excited about science and engineering by trying to break the world record on Take Your Child to Work Day.”

The current record of nine feet, nine inches tall was set in Ohio. West and his friends at Ford successfully made a Mustang Hot Wheels car complete a 12-foot, six-inch loop.

“On a track, a Hot Wheels car can only go so fast, so carrying the momentum of the vehicle through an entire loop is harder than you might think,” said West. “In a world where kids are inundated with TVs and tablets, I thought teaching my son with actual moving vehicle models would be so much more rewarding, and then it took on a life of its own.”

Early on, West and Blade went to work dreaming up the world record-breaking loop. With the help of others at Ford, including John Jaranson, technical expert in interior systems, and Grant Compton, computer-aided design engineer, they created the loop using computer-aided design software called CATIA, which is often used for car design.

Knowing they had to create the super structure out of four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood, they designed the loop into sections that would get bolted together.

Once designed, the team enlisted the help of Will Brick, general manager of TechShop Detroit, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio, to bring the digital design files to life. Jaranson is a member of TechShop, thanks to Ford’s innovative relationship with the company, a part-time instructor who helps other members utilize the available tools. The team cut the sheets of plywood using a water jet cutter.

“At TechShop, we like to say, ‘Build your dreams here,’” said Brick. “It was great to help Matt and to work with the Ford team to bring his son’s idea to reality.”

“It’s an honor for Hot Wheels to have inspired Matt West and the Ford team to embark on such an epic world record attempt,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and general manager, Hot Wheels. “Ford and Mattel have a history going back more than four decades. We both have tremendous passion for pushing the limits of design, and we’re happy to be involved in trying to generate enthusiasm for science and technology for kids everywhere.” 

With its signature 1:64-scale models, Hot Wheels has created hundreds of Ford Motor Company vehicles, including many of the original 16 Hot Wheels models released in 1968 – a custom Mustang, Thunderbird and Cougar.

Ford Celebrates Production Milestone – 100,000 Ford Police Interceptor Vehicles Built

On April 23, employees at Troy Design and Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, celebrated a major milestone – production of Police Interceptor No. 100,000. Since 2012, the 54,000-square-foot Troy Design and Manufacturing upfit facility has been the single source for America’s best-selling line of law enforcement vehicles. Troy Design and Manufacturing has the flexibility to produce between 600 and 1,200 vehicles per week depending on demand. It takes an estimated 5.5 hours for a vehicle to be completely upfitted with law enforcement equipment. Law enforcement agencies from across the United States – and around the world – can select from more than 125 packages, including different lighting options, wraps and styles. Police Interceptor No. 100,000 will be put into service with the Chicago police force later this year.

In 2014, Ford Police Interceptor was the best-selling law enforcement vehicle in America. It is the market share leader in 40 states, and has a 55 percent market share nationally. Production of the new 2016 Police Interceptor Utility, which was revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, begins this summer. With innovative features like Surveillance Mode, Pursuit Mode and EcoBoost® power, Ford Police Interceptor Utility will continue to change the face of law enforcement vehicles everywhere.

All-New Ford F-150 Earns Top Spot Among Pickups in 2015 AAA Green Car Guide

The all-new Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – leads its segment as the greenest truck in the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide.

AAA selected the 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCab Lariat with EcoBoost® gasoline engine as its top choice. When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop, the all-new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

F-150 is part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling full-size truck for 38 straight years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 33 straight years.

Read more details at http://newsroom.aaa.com/2015/04/top-green-vehicle-2015-tesla-according-fifth-annual-aaa-green-car-guide/?sf37738971=1. AAA Green Car Guide winners were tested and scored by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center in 13 categories, including braking, fuel economy, emissions, handling and ride comfort.

The Dog Who Cried Once | Car Stories

It’s no secret that a dog is man’s best friend. And this story only reinforces how our loyal pets go further for us.

Ford Global Designers Inspired by the Ford GT Share Their Vision

Ford designers whose work is featured at the 2015 Ford display at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy share their vision and inspiration.

The Ford GT is serving as inspiration for Ford Designers across the globe. At Salone del Mobile in Milan, designers are showing off functional art – from a clock to a couch to a guitar – created using the three guiding principles of Ford Interior design. Clarity of intent, innovation and connection allow designers to blend form, function and beauty.

The Salone Internazionale del Mobile was founded in 1961 as a vehicle for promoting Italian furniture and furnishings exports and soon became the most keenly awaited event in the world of furniture. Ford was the first automaker to show at Salone del Mobile and is excited to bring the inspiration of the new Ford GT for 2015.

F-150 SuperCrew Gets 5-Star Rating

Here’s the inside look at how the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew received its 5-star safety rating.

The Making of the 2015 Ford Mustang | Exterior Design

April 17, 1964 was the day Mustang made its mark on the world. To celebrate its 51st birthday, here’s a special series on how the latest pony came to be. Enjoy chapter one, and stay tuned for more chapters in the coming weeks. #FordMustang

2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Earns 5-Star Top Government Crash Ratings Thanks to 31 New Safety-Related Innovations

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with its five-star Overall Vehicle Score in New Car Assessment Program, the highest possible rating, making it the safest F-150 ever
  

• All-new F-150 safety features include an advanced restraint system with dual-stage airbags, Curve Control to help drivers stay on their intended path, and available inflatable rear safety belts in SuperCrew models – a segment-first innovation
  

• 2015 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever – includes the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market, plus best-in-class towing and payload ratings
  

The all-new Ford F-150 SuperCrew has earned the government’s highest possible crash safety rating –  adding to the F-150’s strengths as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever.

Thanks to 31 new safety-related innovations developed by the Ford truck team, the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“The five-star safety rating is a terrific example of One Ford collaboration and innovation,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Our truck team worked together for years to deliver this accomplishment, using an unprecedented combination of advanced materials throughout the all-new F-150. The 2015 model is engineered to be the safest F-150 ever, which matters to customers who depend on this truck to not only get the job done, but also get them safely home.”

F-150’s improved performance is enabled by up to a 700-pound weight savings through the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering.

A cross-functional group comprised of Ford truck product development veterans and researchers worked to precisely optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crashworthiness. The team created and patented new structures, materials and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

Supercomputers for safety

The F-150 team started engineering the truck with supercomputers before the first units were ever even crash-tested in a lab.

Engineers developed digital safety models with nearly 1.4 million separate elements to examine how even the smallest parts of the truck would perform in a crash situation.

Safety starts with the frame

Safety starts with the truck’s signature, fully boxed frame – the backbone of the all-new F-150.
Engineers added an extra crossmember and increased the use of high-strength steel to improve stiffness, durability and safety – while also helping reduce the frame’s weight by up to 60 pounds.

“The team had to invent new ways to manage crash energy, because advanced materials like high-strength steel behave differently,” said Matt Niesluchowski, Ford truck safety manager. “We found that changing certain shapes led to a weight reduction, while also improving crash performance.”

Safety engineers developed a patented 12-corner front crush horn to dissipate more energy in a front impact. The uniquely shaped structure helps manage crash forces so the frame buckles predictably to keep those forces away from occupants in the cabin. This is just one of the 31 new safety-related innovations the team developed to make the truck safer in the event of a crash.

Safety improvements to the aluminum-alloy body

Ford’s advanced research and safety teams worked together to engineer F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body structure to manage what happens to the body in the event of a crash.

The truck’s cab features hydroformed roof rails that constitute a cage-like structure around the doors, extruded roof bows to provide lateral strength across the top of the cab, and extruded rocker rails near the bottom to reinforce lower body strength.

How various parts of the truck were joined also yielded safety improvements. In many cases, welding was not the most effective way to join parts, so the team developed and patented methods to connect parts using high-strength adhesives. This resulted in structural strength equal to or greater than traditional welds.

Additional safety features

New to F-150 is an advanced restraint system that includes an adaptive steering column that adjusts energy management depending on occupant size and safety belt usage. The system includes dual-stage airbags and side-curtain airbags.

The all-new F-150 offers the following safety features:

• Safety belt pretensioners added to the belt anchor side that further tighten the lap belt around front seat occupants, keeping them in a more secure spot early in the event of a crash
  
• Curve Control, a technology that will slow the vehicle when it senses the truck is going too fast for a particular curve
  
• Available inflatable rear safety belts for SuperCrew – a segment-first feature
  

Driver-assist features

The 2015 F-150 introduces all-new driver-assist and semi-autonomous technologies, including several class-exclusive features such as adaptive cruise control and active park assist.

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use 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. 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.

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 truck. After confirming the F-150 can fit, active park assist automatically steers the truck into the space, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals.

Lane-keeping system is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting out of the intended driving lane. The system detects the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror. A warning vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver that the vehicle is drifting out of the lines. Semi-autonomous lane-keeping aid then can provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed.

Toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever

F-150’s advanced materials and weight savings lead to customer benefits regardless of model configuration or engine choice. The innovative new truck can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds than the 2014 model, and it has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market.

When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine, the all-new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

Kelley Blue Book: Ford C-MAX hybrids named to KBB.com’s 10 Best Green Cars of 2015 list

For the third straight year, Ford’s C-MAX hybrid line has been named to KBB.com’s list of its 10 Best Green Cars. Each year, KBB.com editors compile a list of the most efficient vehicles available, then pick 10 standouts representing a variety of price ranges and powertrains. Both C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi feature Ford’s acclaimed power-split technology that enables operation in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid. With 20 years of Ford research behind development of the vehicles, the C-MAX line offers impressive handling performance. Click here for more on the KBB.com award.

Building Community through BMX | Built Ford Tough Good Works: Episode 5

Meet Rodger and Michelle Brazell, a couple who started out to build a BMX track for their kids, and ended up building a community.

In this week’s episode, we head to Salina City, Utah, home of Rodger and Michelle Brazell, founders of Red Hills BMX. Although the couple simply set out to build a BMX track for their kids, it was so popular in their community they decided to turn their efforts into a non-profit enterprise. Now, with the help of their Ford F-150 and their all-volunteer staff, they regularly put together events that bring together family, friends, and BMX enthusiasts of all stripes.

New Transit Leads Ford Motor Company to More Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards Than Any Other Carmaker

DEARBORN, Mich., April 13, 2015 – Ford Motor Company won 11 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards for 2015 – more than any other manufacturer – led by the new 2015 Transit.
Ford Transit is America’s best-selling commercial van, leading Ford this year to its best first-quarter commercial sales performance since 1995.

Transit was determined to be the best value for fleets in five out of Vincentric’s six full-size van categories:

• Full-Size ½-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 150 Medium Roof
• Full-Size ½-Ton Passenger Van – Ford Transit 150 XL Wagon Low Roof
• Full-Size ¾-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 250 Medium Roof
• Full-Size 1-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 350 Medium Roof
• Full-Size 1-Ton Passenger Van – Ford Transit 350 XL Low Roof

The Ford Transit Connect XLT short-wheelbase midsize van was named Best Fleet Value in Vincentric’s Mini Passenger Commercial Van category. This recognition builds on Transit Connect’s earlier distinction as ALG’s Best Resale Value among midsize commercial vans.

Three other Ford models also were honored with Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards:

• Large Sedan – Ford Taurus SE 2.0-liter EcoBoost (sixth consecutive win for Taurus)
• Large Crossover – Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-liter EcoBoost (third consecutive win for Explorer)
• Large SUV – Ford Expedition XL 2WD (second consecutive win for Expedition)

Two Lincoln models round out the 11 Vincentric awards earned by Ford Motor Company.

Read more details at http://www.vincentric.com/Home/Best-Value-Awards/2015-Best-Value-in-America/2015-Best-Fleet-Value-in-America-Winners-List/2015-Best-Fleet-Value-in-America-Press-Release.

Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards are based on fleet lifecycle costs in eight key areas: depreciation, fuel, insurance, financing, repairs, fees and taxes, opportunity costs and maintenance. Winning vehicles have the lowest lifecycle costs across 20 different ownership and mileage scenarios – ranging from 24 months of ownership/10,000 miles annually to 60 months of ownership/30,000 miles annually.

MotorWeek | Retro Review: '83 Ford Ranger

MotorWeek | Retro Review: '83 Ford Ranger

MotorWeek | Retro Review: '89 Ford Taurus SHO

MotorWeek | Retro Review: '89 Ford Taurus SHO

Ford's Water Achievements Profiled in Michigan Blue Economy Report

Ford’s Water Achievements Profiled in Michigan Blue Economy Report

On April 7, the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas and the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute released Michigan Blue Economy, a report designed to spur strategic actions to expand and grow the State's already blue economy, and help Michigan to become the world's freshwater and water innovation capital.

In the report, Ford Motor Company is profiled as a company leading the way in developing new water technology products and services. The report notes that Ford has cut water use “in everything from cooling towers to paint operations” since 2000.

Ford is the only automaker profiled in the report.

Other notable sustainability achievements profiled in the report include:

· Ford was named Best Global Green Brand by Interbrand in 2014
· Ford has reduced its total global water use by 61%, or more than 10 billion gallons, since 2000
· Ford decreased the total amount of water used around global facilities, from 64 cubic meters per          year to 25 million cubic meters

To learn more, please visit http://michiganblueeconomy.org

Unique Power, Unique Sound | Shelby GT350

There's nothing like a Shelby GT350 Mustang.

The new GT350 is powered by a unique, high-revving flat-plane crankshaft 5.2-liter V8 engine that will produce more than 500 horsepower – the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever.

The Hare and the Haircut | Car Stories

Watch one parent recall the time she went further for her son- through sickness, storms and third floor walk-ups, this animation will make you want to hug your little bunny.

2015 Ford F-150: From Seats to Bumpers, No Part Overlooked to Reduce Weight

DEARBORN, Mich., April 6, 2015 – Ford engineers responsible for the all-new F-150 were tasked with taking weight out of the truck while improving its capability to accomplish all of the work owners expect of the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever. While many already know that the increased use of high-strength steel throughout the frame and the first-in-class military-grade, aluminum-alloy body led to approximately 450 pounds of weight savings, there’s more to the story, as engineers took approximately 250 pounds of additional weight from seats, bumpers and lots of other places. Every pound shaved from a variety of components returns capability back to the customer, so that the all-new F-150 can achieve its best-in-class payload of 3,300 pounds* and best-in-class towing of 12,200 pounds**. F-150 also offers a best-in-class EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy rating†.

Class is full-size pickups under 8,500 pounds GVWR
*When properly equipped with 5.0-liter V8, 4x2
**When properly equipped with 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6, 4x2
†EPA-estimated rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 4x2. Actual mileage will vary

A Wonderful New World of Fords (1960)

A Wonderful New World of Fords 1960 Advertising Film

Legendary | Ford Mustang GT350

One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time is returning.

The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet’s most challenging roads – an all-day track car that’s also street legal.

The new GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby’s original idea – transforming a great every-day car into a dominant road racer – by taking advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation Mustang to create a truly special driving experience. Driving enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Shelby GT350 can expect to be treated to the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet.

A New Way to See the World | Built Ford Tough Good Works: Episode 4

Meet Ian and Shelly Cox, a Colorado couple that provides charity hot air balloon rides to youths in need of a new perspective on life.

In this week’s episode, we head to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, home of Ian and Shelly Cox, the owners of Pegasus Hot Air Balloon Tours. With a little help from their 1983 Ford F-150 named Smurf, Ian and Shelly offer troubled youths an opportunity to see the world in a new way.

Ford Named Best Overall Truck Brand in 2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards

DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2015 – Ford claims Best Overall Truck Brand in the 2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards – the latest accolade for the brand that introduced the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever. This is the second consecutive year and the sixth time in seven years Ford has captured the award. Along with the all-new 2015 F-150, truck shoppers’ favorable perceptions of Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 helped Ford clinch the award. Read more details at http://mediaroom.kbb.com/2015-04-01-Kelley-Blue-Book-Announces-2015-Brand-Image-Award-Winners.


The 2015 Ford F-150, its groundbreaking technology and the engineering team behind it have won the following awards and accolades:

• 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year
• 2015 Motor Trend Truck Trend Pickup Truck of the Year
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Utility Vehicle of the Year
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Pickup Truck of the Year
• Detroit News 2015 Vehicle of the Year
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Truck
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Overall
• Popular Science Automotive Grand Award Winner Best of What’s New
• 2015 MotorWeek Best Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas
• Texas Auto Writers Association Luxury Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Full-Size Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Best Technology Feature
• Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
• New England Motor Press Association Yankee Cup
• Automotive Fleet Magazine 2014 Fleet Truck of the Year
• Motor Press Guild 2014 Innovation Vehicle of the Year Over $30K
• AutoGuide 2015 Reader's Choice Truck of the Year
• New Car Test Drive 2015 Truck of the Year
• Ruedas ESPN Best Full-Size Pickup Truck
• 2015 Detroit News Reader’s Choice NAIAS Awards Most Innovative
• Automotive Science Group
  - 2015 Best All-Around Performance Award Winner
  - Best Full-Size Truck of 2015
  - Smallest Carbon Footprint
• Urban Wheel Award for Urban Truck of the Year
• Green Car Technology Award
• Edmunds.com 2015 Most Popular Awards – Large Truck category
• Detroit Free Press Automotive Leadership Award – Engineering and Technology category
• Greater Atlanta Automobile Media Association Best Pickup/SUV

2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards are based on the Brand Watch^™ study from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence. Award calculated among non-luxury shoppers. For more information, visit www.kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.