2015 Ford F-150--Tougher, Smarter, more Capable!

Yesterday Ford introduced the new 2015 Ford F-150...today let's dig deeper into the new truck!

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

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

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

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

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

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

*360-degree camera view, using exterior cameras to create a bird's-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow roads and trails.

*Integrated loading ramps, which enable easy loading of ATV's, motorcycles and mowers.

*BoxLink, which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers.

*LED headlamps and taillamps, which provide excellent nighttime visibility.

*Trailer hitch assist, a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle.

*Smart trailer tow module, using an all-new smart trailer tow wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults.

*Remote tailgate, allowing for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob--eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security.  The tailgate is also damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened.

*High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or or mobile devices on-site or while driving.

*LED spotlights on sideview mirrors, which provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior.

*Latest EcoBoost technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design.

*Next-generation tailgate step, which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use.

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

*LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box, which brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items.

*Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs, providing hidden storage for valuables.  Two storage bins are also located underneath the rear seats.

*Boxside step, no available for the short 5.5-foot box.

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

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

*Second-row inflatable safety belts, which work like a traditional belt but include a tubular airbag that inflates in the event of a crash and distributes the force of the impact across a wider area of the pasenger's chest.

*Curve Control, which automatically provides more aggressive four-wheel braking when the truck is going into a corner too fast.

*Adaptive cruise control, allowing drivers to set a cruising speed and use radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

*Lane-Keeping System, which is designed to help avert unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside the intended driving lane by automatically detecting the left-or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror.

*Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, which uses radar hidden in the taillamps to detect a vehicle entering a driver's blind spot while driving or backing up.

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

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

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

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

Check back soon for information regarding availability of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150!

ALL-NEW FORD F-150 REDEFINES FULL-SIZE TRUCKS AS TOUGHEST, SMARTEST, MOST CAPABLE F-150 EVER!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check back in the coming days to see more details about the all-new 2015 Ford F-150!

VEGAS BABY!

Louisburg Ford caps spotted in Vegas Baby! A group of happy Louisburg Ford customers took their caps with them to the pool! Stop in today to get your Louisburg Ford cap and show us where you wear it!

FORD ECOBOOST ENGINES: CONSERVING FUEL, ADDING SALES, ATTRRACTING NEW CUSTOMERS

DEARBORN--The EcoBoost engine family isn't just giving some Ford vehicles a bump in fuel economy. The engines also are giving Ford sales a boost by attracting customers who had not previously considered a Ford brand product.





"EcoBoost is like having your cake and eating it, too," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. "The unmatched combination of responsive power with responsible fuel efficiency is attracting new customers to Ford showrooms."





EcoBoost pickup sales


Demand for the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since launch. One in every four Ford F-150 pickups sold during March was powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. In April, EcoBoost F-150 sales are running at about 35 percent. In the F-150, the EcoBoost engine with its 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque provides best-in-class towing capacity of 11,300 lbs combined with up to 20 percent fuel economy savings. The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost carries an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, making it the best combination of capability and efficiency among light duty full-sized pickups.





In addition, incoming F-150 orders reflect stong customer demand--currently running at over 40 percent mix--for the EcoBoost engine option.





Later this year, the first North American four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter, will make its debut in the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV. Next year, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be available in the high-performance Focus ST. Ford is currently rolling out EcoBoost engines globally. EcoBoost is available in Europe for Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, for example, and has just launched in Australia in Mondeo.





EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally in a wide variety of vehicles from small cars to trucks.

FORD COMMITS TO INVEST $400 MILLION, RETAIN JOBS IN KANSAS CITY TO SUPPORT VEHICLE PRODUCTION

• Ford commits to build a new vehicle at its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri after current model Ford Escape production moves to the company's Louisville Assembly Plant and retooling of the Kansas City facility is completed.
• Ford will invest $400 million in its Kansas City facility to upgrade the plant and accommodate production of the new vehicle, while retaining full-time employment of 3,750.
• Based on the company's commitment to this investment level and job retention, the state of Missouri approved tax incentives that played a role in Ford's decision.

Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 18, 2011--Ford Motor Company today announced a further commitment to U.S. manufacturing with plans to build a new vehicle at its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri after Ford Escape production moves to Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant and retooling of the Kansas City facility is complete.

Ford will invest $400 million in the Kansas City plant to install a new body shop, new tooling and other upgrades. In addition, the company has committed to retain 3,750 full-time jobs at the plant--consistent with current employment levels. This includes the positions required to assemble the Ford F-150, which will continue to be built at the facility on a separate line.

"This investment and promise of a new vehicle to be built in Kansas City reinforces Ford's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and American jobs," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Investing in our plants, products and people is critical to Ford's ability to compete with the best in the business. Ford is committed to doing everything it takes to work with its partners, including the United Auto Workers, to remain competitive."

Kansas City Assembly Plant is the fourth North American facility Ford is retooling for production of new vehicles that are at the heart of an increasingly balanced lineup of cars, trucks and utilities. The new vehicle planned for the plant will be announced at a later date.

In planning to secure Ford's future manufacturing presence in the state, Ford worked closely with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri State Legislature in passage of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. This legislation provides tax incentives for certified automotive manufacturers that commit to new investments and job retention in Missouri and suppliers who create new jobs in the state.

"Today's announcement ensures that next-generation vehicles will be built right here in Missouri, by the best workforce in the country," said Nixon. "Last year, we came together to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act to help our state compete for the production jobs of the future. That hard work paid off. For thousands of employees at Ford's Claycomo plant, and thousands more at suppliers across Missouri, this news is a big win. We'll be building the vehciles of the future right here in the Show-Me State."

Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1951 and has approximately 3,750 employees. It currently produces the best-selling Ford F-150 on one shift and the award-winning Ford Escape on three crews.

FORD TO EXPAND FUEL-SAVING START-STOP TECHNOLOGY FROM HYBRIDS TO CONVENTIONAL CARS, CROSSOVERS

DEARBORN--Ford's popular fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop--a feature found today on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and some Ford cars in Europe--will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and SUV's in North America.

Ford's patented new Auto Start-Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least 4 percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stoplight. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company's commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.

Ford's global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver's behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle's accessories funtion normally.

"For the drive, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. "And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort."

The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all Ford's global markets.

Many North American Ford customers are already familiar with Auto Start-Stop. A similar system has been installed on more than 170,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles Ford has sold since 2004. Ford is the leading domestic producer of start-stop systems. In 2011, the version of Ford's Auto Start-Stop designed for gasoline-electric powertains will be on the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as well as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

"Many of the same Ford engineers who designed the Auto Start-Stop system used on Ford and Lincoln hybrids are developing the Auto Start-Stop system for non-hybrid vehicles that will be sold around the globe," said Samardzich.

When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and sport utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford's patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford's aggressive move to direct-injection EcoBoost engines is one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlesly, Samardzich said. The direct-injection system, which sprays the exact amount of fuel delivery into the precise location in the combustion chamber, helps enable extremely fast engine starts, Samardzich explained. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.

Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt automobile battery and upgraded starter motor, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, program manager for Auto Start-Stop.

"Our hybrid owenrs tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features," said Sorgenfrei. "When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions."

The system includes a light on the dash that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.

Ford engineers are making customer comfort a priority in engineering the system. A special electric pump keeps engine coolant circulating through the heater so drivers will stay warm in cold weather, Sorgenfrei said.

"Ford's start-stop techonolgy conserves fuel and eliminates emissions at every vehicle idle opportunity once customer comfort and convenience are assured--this is good for the environment," Sorgenfrei said.

Auto Start-Stop is just the latest in a long list of fuel-saving technologies Ford has brought to market in recent years.

Ford's industry-leading suite of fuel-saving technologies include:

• EcoBoost engines, which combine turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing or Ti-VCT, with downsizing to deliver outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
• Improved and highly fuel-efficient TDCi turbo-diesel engines in European models with low emissions and high levels of refinement
• Electric power steering, which eliminates the engine-driven hydraulic pump, lines and fluid
• Six-speed transmissions, which enable engines to run more efficiently by aleays selecting the best gear for fuel economy
• PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which efficiently sends the engine's power through the transmission without relying on a torque converter or hydraulic pumps

In 2011, Ford will be the only manufacturer in North America to offer four vehicles that get 40 mpg or more. Those vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, are part of a dozen vehicles leading their sales segments in fuel economy, a record no other manufacturer can match.

"Ford Auto Start-Stop works so fast and so seamlessly, most drivers won't even notice it is there, though they will notice the benefits in their lower fuel bills," Samardzich said.

2011 Explorer Safety--Strength, Technology and Innovation

DEARBORN--The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer targets top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation--the world's first second-row inflatable rear belts.

Rear seat passengers-often children or mature passengers-can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford's unique inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.

From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer's rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.

Standard Explorer safety features include:

• AdvanceTrac with RSC features Curve Control functionality to provide braking--optimized by each individual wheel.
• Second-generation first-row airbags, side seat airbags
• Belt-minder for driver and first-row passenger
• Front-passenger sensing system
• Energy-management system pretensionin for height-adjustable first-row seat belts
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for outboard second row positions, for safely securing child safety seats
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• Safety Canopy side curtain airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Available Explorer safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert