My Take: 2015 Ford Mustang Inside And Out

  

Source: Youtube

 

2015 Ford Mustang GT, Lower, Wider And Meaner

 

Source: Youtube.com

A Chocolate 3D Ford Mustang

A chocolate 3D printed Mustang? That's a lot to love in one square inch.

3D Printing All-New Ford Mustang in Chocolate

You Test It: Ford Offers Opportunity To Be Among First People Behind The Wheel Of All-New F-150

• Truck customers and fans could win the opportunity to put the all-new Ford F-150 through its toughest challenge yet

• Consumers can enter at BuiltToughTest.com by describing how they would test the toughness of the all-new F-150

• Winners will be filmed putting a new F-150 through their own personal toughness test; videos will be posted to YouTube.com/FordTrucks

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 30, 2014 - Ford, America’s truck leader, is looking for truck buyers to take an all-new F-150 through some of the toughest testing it might ever encounter – their own.

Ford is launching the “You Test” campaign, in which actual Ford F-150 drivers and fans could win the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the all-new 2015 F-150 before nearly anyone else in the world. By visiting BuiltToughTest.com, customers can tell Ford how they would test the toughness of the new F-150 pickup – maybe through a grueling off-road challenge, or even through the daily routine of a demanding job site.

“We prove every day our trucks are Built Ford Tough – now we’re asking truck customers to help us prove it too,” said Eric Peterson, Ford F-150 marketing manager. “We’re looking for people who know how to punish a truck. Built Ford Tough isn’t just a tagline; it’s the philosophy that drives us every day to make the best trucks out there, and it’s what has made F-Series the No. 1 truck for nearly 40 years.”

Up to five winners will be selected to spend up to a week behind the wheel of a new F-150 while video crews document the truck undergoing the real-world testing. The videos will be posted to YouTube.com/FordTrucks.

Entries must be received by May 31, 2014. Winners will be announced before Sept. 1, 2014. No purchase necessary. Complete terms and conditions are available at BuiltToughTest.com.

The all-new F-150 is the toughest F-150 ever, with a high-strength steel frame and a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. The new F-150 will undergo more than 10 million miles of toughness and durability testing before it reaches showrooms later this year.

F-150 is also the preferred light-duty pickup among workers in some of the toughest vocations. According to Polk registration data of light-duty pickups, 53 percent of these truck drivers in the heavy construction industry, 56 percent in the heavy hauling industry and 60 percent in the energy/utility industry drive F-150 pickups.

Source: FordMotorCo

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

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

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

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

Click here to download fact sheet.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 30, 2014 - Ford Motor Company, the industry’s truck leader, will add 350 new jobs and invest $80 million in its Kentucky Truck Plant to meet growing demand for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.

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

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

Kentucky Truck Plant

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

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

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

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

Ford F-Series Super Duty

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

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

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

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

Source: FordMotorCo

Ford DSFL - Showing More Teens How To Steer A Safer Course

Award-Winning Driving Safety Program Expanding Global Reach

Experienced drivers know a dangerous situation can develop at any time or any place. An icy road, a flooded street or a distracted driver can quickly turn a routine trip into an emergency.

Brooklyn Dippo learned that lesson first hand when she lost control of her car. Thankfully, she paid close attention during her Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) training session and managed to keep her cool by remembering what the Ford DSFL pros told her - look where you want the car to go.

“Continuing to drive out of it instead of just slamming on my brakes caused considerably more damage on the passenger side of my car, but I was safe and able to walk away after the accident,” said Dippo, Miss San Antonio 2013. “Knowing what could have happened if I didn't respond the way I did still scares me. The Ford DSFL program really does save lives and it just may have saved mine.”

Now in its 11th year, Ford DSFL was established in 2003 to help reduce traffic accidents - the No. 1 killer of teens in the United States. The program has provided hands-on training to more than 30,000 teens in nearly 100 U.S. cities across 39 states. Ford DSFL has reached another 500,000 people through its Academy online training courses.

“Our mission is to make the roads safer for everyone,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We work closely with external partner agencies to make sure the training is fun, informative and – above all – effective.”

The next chapter in the Ford DSFL story is already underway in Europe, Asia and Africa. The program is established in more than a dozen countries from China, India and South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Germany.

“Each region has different issues and different needs, and we tailor the program accordingly,” said Jim Graham, manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL). “In some countries, not all new drivers are teens. In others, the environment, landscape or increasing traffic volumes are the main concern. One common thread in all areas is inexperience.”

More than 100,000 drivers around the world have taken part in the free, hands-on Ford DSFL training with professional drivers. Down the road, more U.S. states and countries such as Belgium, Romania and Myanmar are expected to join the effort to educate safer drivers.

Ford DSFL partners with government organizations such as the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to determine which locations could benefit most from Ford DSFL training. For example, Ford DSFL is continuing its partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation on Operation Teen Safe Driving, which has helped reduce teen auto fatalities by 48 percent. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning modeled Strive 4 A Safer Drive after the Illinois program and will reach out to more than three dozen high schools this year.

“Ford’s commitment to partnering with states on teen driver education remains unprecedented,” said GHSA Chairman Kendell Poole. “With state and federal highway safety funding continuing to be limited, Ford’s support is increasingly critical.”

Ford DSFL focuses on four main categories: speed management, vehicle spacing, vehicle handling and hazard recognition.

An important educational tool for students and parents is the redesigned Ford DSFL website www.drivingskillsforlife.com that includes an enhanced version of the interactive Web-based training called “The Academy.” The new website will feature interactive games and quizzes, and the opportunity to earn points toward items in the Ford DSFL Store. The entire website is accessible across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, making it easy for teens, parents and educators to access information on the go.

“As a parent of children who have recently acquired driving licenses, helping kids to learn to drive more safely has my whole-hearted support,” said Stephen Odell, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our vision is that a whole generation of young drivers will benefit from this program.”

Source: FordMotorCo

Video Profile: Going Further With Anthony Prozzi, Ford Senior Interior Designer

Anthony Prozzi is more than a designer; he has the insight of a modern sociologist. "You really have to understand the psychology of people," he says. "What we're really doing is designing experiences." A Physics Major at NYU, Prozzi always enjoyed fashion, and now brings his flair for science and style to transportation design.

Source: FordMotorCo

History Mud Towing Fun With The Ford F150 In The Badlands Of Alberta

Ford marks the 2013 model year with its most refined Ford F-150 yet.

DRUMHELLER, Alberta, 30 May 2013 - The first week of May was chocked full of history, mud, dust and driving - or as we like to call it, fun – as media from across Canada descended on Drumheller, Alberta (AB), to experience the new 2013 Ford F-150. Building on almost five decades of truck leadership, Ford marks the 2013 model year with its most refined Ford F-150 yet.
“The Ford F-Series has been Canada’s favourite truck for 47 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for three,” said Darren Halabisky, truck product marketing manager, Ford of Canada.  “There’s a reason F-Series has been at the front of the pack for so long, and Ford F-150 is an effective combination of style, strength and comfort.”
The program gave automotive and lifestyle media (both English and French speaking) the chance to hop behind the wheel to truly experience the feel of the truck, test payload and towing, appraise off-road capabilities, participate in a fuel-economy challenge and talk with Ford truck experts.
Why Drumheller?
In a nutshell - history, terrain and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Named after an early settler, Samuel Drumheller, the town was incorporated as a village in 1913 and became a city in 1930. Located in the heart of the Badlands, Drumheller Valley has an interesting history which spans back some 70 million years to a time when the land was flat, the climate tropic and dinosaurs roamed freely. In the 1880s, J.B. Tyrrell, in his search for coal deposits along the river, discovered a skull of a dinosaur. That dinosaur is today known as the Albertasaurus. This marked the beginning of a collection of dinosaur remains that are sought after by museums from all over the world. Could there possibly be a better place to test drive the toughest trucks on the market, including the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor?


Kickin’ it off Alberta style
The group gathered in Wayne (AB), population 27 (yes, you read that correctly), at the historic Last Chance Saloon in the Rosedeer Hotel.  Wayne is in the record books as having the most bridges in a 6km span – 11 to be exact – and the hotel was opened in 1913.  The Last Chance Saloon is home to a fascinating collection of historical items: instruments, general antiques, photos and knickknacks.  It’s a time capsule of sorts where items are being added every day. Serenaded by a local band over dinner, it was a perfect setting to welcome the group to rural Alberta.
A little off-roading at Dinosaur Downs
The appropriately named Dinosaur Downs includes a dirt race track and an off-road track, the ideal spot to test the capabilities of the Ford F-150. Following an engaging presentation of vehicle fun facts, the muddy course – worthy of a truck as tough as the Ford Raptor – was calling. Filled with hairpin corners, tight curves, steep hills and sharp declines, the Ford Raptor handled it all without breaking a sweat.

*Did you know that the available Hill Decent Control on the Ford F-150 uses technologies such as Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) so the driver can control the speed of hill descent without applying the brakes, even in reverse?  The speed is set for the truck to descend a hill by pushing a button, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving rather than modulating the brakes on a steep decline.

*Did you also know that the class-exclusive Off-Road Front Camera System found on the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gives drivers a new view on what’s happening in front of their truck? The system is designed for low-speed operation in challenging off-road environments. The display from the camera will appear on the MyFord Touch screen on the center stack with dynamic and static overlays to help drivers determine where their wheels will go. The camera is mounted in the front grille and even includes a dedicated washer function.

 

Payload
Next up on the program was fun with payload. A Ford F-150 with 2,000 pounds of payload (in the form of wooden fence posts) strapped to the bed is an impressive site.  Even more impressive is when the truck hauls the load up a brutal hill without flinching.
*Did you know that Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 engine owns best-in-class 3,120 lbs. payload vs. all competitors?
Towing
For the towing portion of the day, the mighty Ford F-150 with EcoBoost was connected to a trailer holding a Bobcat with a total weight of approximately 10,800 pounds.  Showing off the capabilities of the trailer tow technology, the truck didn’t disappoint. 
*Did you know that the Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine claims best-in-class 11,300 lbs. maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors?
Fuel Economy
Finally it was time for the fuel economy challenge which had the group following exact instructions that took them through city driving, uphill segments and along rural routes, asking that they drive as fuel efficiently as possible. 
“They really put the trucks through their paces, to see what the F-150 can do,” said Jackie DiMarco, F-150 chief engineer, Ford Motor Company. “Fuel economy is one of the main attractions for buyers.  Our EcoBoost engine has been a huge story for Ford.” 
*Did you know that the Ford F-150 already offers the segment’s best combination of fuel economy and work capability with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine?  Plus, Ford has been making great strides to make vehicles lighter to boost fuel economy. The company is already a leader in aluminum use in full size pickups, from the hood in today’s Ford F-150 to the lower control arms in the front suspension of the ultimate off-road truck, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. 

Paleontology 101
Over and above learning about the vehicle, one of the most rewarding aspects of a media program is being able to offer additional unique and engaging experiences. On that note, Drumheller is home to the world-famous Royal Tyrell Museum, Canada’s only museum dedicated to the science of paleontology.  In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, it also offers a wide variety of fun and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. The group was given the chance to enjoy the museum, as well as a behind the scenes tour.  They were able to get up close with fossils in the process of being uncovered, and met a paleontologist who explained that it can take years to fully uncover a single dinosaur bone. 
“Programs like this one allow our attendees to really test the vehicle and allow us to showcase the many best-in-class features of the F-150,” said Christine Hollander, manager, Communications , Ford of Canada. “The positive feedback has been overwhelming. There’s nothing that makes us smile more after an event like this, than when we hear guests say they totally understand why Canadians love this truck.”

Source: FordMotorCo

Domino’s Pizza, Ford Unveil Latest Ordering App Innovation Using SYNC AppLink System

• Domino’s and Ford to demo brand-new ordering platform using SYNC^® AppLink^™ at 2014 International CES on Jan. 8

• Ford drivers with SYNC AppLink-equipped vehicles will be able to easily order their saved Domino’s order for pickup or delivery using voice commands

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 - Domino’s Pizza^® and Ford Motor Company not only share the same backyard in the Detroit area, but also a belief in the importance of innovation.

Tomorrow, at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery and the second-largest U.S.-based automaker will unveil the latest in innovation and convenience when it comes to ordering Domino’s.

Available soon, Domino’s customers who have a registered Pizza Profile on their Domino’s mobile app, as well as the Ford SYNC^® AppLink^™ in-car connectivity system, will be able to use that combination to place their saved Easy Order^™ in just a few simple, voice-activated steps.

“This is, no question, one of the coolest in a long list of recent technology innovations for Domino’s,” said Patrick Doyle, Domino’s Pizza president and CEO. “To be able to work with a brand like Ford, with its terrific SYNC technology, and offer yet another way to bring our ordering app experience to life makes it all the better.

“We will continue to come up with every way possible to conveniently order from Domino’s, and use technology to offer the best customer experience possible,” added Doyle. “This is just the latest step, and we are very excited to roll this out later this year.”

Domino’s customers can save their favorite pizza combination, address and payment information using the Easy Order function at http://www.dominos.com or on their mobile app. The order can then be placed using simple voice commands provided by the SYNC system.

“We’re thrilled to add Domino’s to the ever-expanding lineup of mobile apps Ford drivers can use hands-free,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink. “Americans love pizza, and now they can have one ready for pickup or delivery when they are on their way home or heading to a gathering with friends.”

The industry-leading AppLink feature enables drivers to control selected apps on connected smartphones and tablets using the SYNC voice button on the steering wheel or the audio system buttons of equipped Ford vehicles.

SYNC AppLink is available on more than 1.5 million Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Mustang, Edge, Explorer, Flex, Expedition, Transit Connect, Fusion, Taurus, F-150, Super Duty, Focus, E-Series and C-MAX hybrids.

Source: FordMotorCo

Ford Atlas Concept: The Future Of Pickups

• Ford Atlas Concept is the future vision for pickup trucks

• Innovative design integrates capability and smart technologies to transform customer expectations of what Built Ford Tough^® will look like in the future

• Next-generation EcoBoost^® – coupled with advanced engineering and design innovations – creates leading fuel efficiency and increased capability

• Trailer towing and cargo hauling are made easier with innovative features designed specifically for truck owners to improve utility and confidence

Click here to visit the Ford Atlas Concept mini-site.

 

Soundbites: Ford Atlas Concept

 

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2013 – Ford today unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

 

“The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With 36 years as America’s best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market.”

 

Design with purpose

The Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille – all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough^® image. 

 

“We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds – professionally and personally,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer. “Every surface and feature in the vehicle has been crafted for purpose and capability while retaining an unmistakable Built Ford Tough look.”

 

Designers enhanced truck functionality, while creating new advanced features(see infographic here). For example, multiple tie-down points are integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck unique functionality for a variety of jobs.

 

The interior is themed with structural styling cues and features the latest thinking in comfort, utility and refinement. Innovative, thin, lightweight seating in comfortable leather allows for extra legroom for rear passengers – along with integrated storage for smaller items. “Floating” instrument pods and glove-friendly buttons and controls keep the interior functional and ruggedly stylish.

 

Leading fuel efficiency

The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost^® powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel – and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing.  

 

EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150.

 

The Ford Atlas Concept goes further to save fuel through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They include:

• Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
• Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters
• Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance – helpful for off-roading
• Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance 

The combination of these fuel-saving features saves more than 2 mpg on the highway without diminishing towing or hauling capability.

 

Work and play smarter, not harder

Ford Atlas Concept is a rolling showcase of features that improve capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Features include:

 

• Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle – lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed spaceTrailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
• Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen
• 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck – such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
• LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
• LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
• Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed – from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes

Source:  Ford Motor Company,

Parkopedia Launches In-Car, Voice-Activated Parking Spot Discovery App For Ford SYNC AppLink

• Using Ford SYNC^® AppLink^™, Parkopedia^® app users can find the closest parking spot and check on availability using simple voice commands

• Parkopedia offers detailed information on more than 28 million parking spaces in 40 countries

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 - Parkopedia^®, the leading parking information provider with more than 28 million parking spots listed, announces an app compatible with the Ford SYNC^® AppLink^™ in-car connectivity system. Using the AppLink interface, drivers will be able to locate available nearby parking spots and get pricing information through simple voice commands, eliminating the need to touch their mobile phone while driving.

“Parkopedia provides real-time space availability information for drivers, allowing drivers to go directly to the open spot as opposed to circling the block searching for an opening,” said Eugene Tsyrklevich, CEO of Parkopedia. “At Parkopedia, we understand the value of the connected car.

“Working with Ford will help us reach millions of consumers who want to use technology to arrive at their destinations efficiently and on time, while hopefully avoiding a few parking tickets along the way,” he added.

To use Parkopedia, drivers of SYNC AppLink-equipped Ford vehicles need to have the app installed on an iOS or Android-based smartphone. Drivers can activate Parkopedia by pressing the SYNC voice button on the steering wheel and saying “Mobile applications,” and then “Parkopedia,” to begin finding real-time available parking spots.

“Parkopedia is another example of how Ford is going further to heighten the driver experience so our customers feel their vehicle is working with them to get where they are going,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink. “Parkopedia has a similar goal to Ford – to deliver a more convenient and efficient driving experience through the use of technology.”

SYNC AppLink is available on more than 1.5 million Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Mustang, Edge, Explorer, Flex, Expedition, Transit Connect, Fusion, Taurus, F-150, Super Duty, Focus, E-Series and C-MAX hybrids.

For more information regarding Parkopedia and to download the mobile apps, please visit http://en.parkopedia.com/mobile-parking-apps/. The Ford SYNC AppLink-compatible version of Parkopedia will be available as a free update in spring 2014.

Source: FordMotorCo

Ford Selects Canadian Plant To Build All-New Global Utility Vehicle for Export To More Than 60 Countries

• Ford will build an all-new Edge utility vehicle for global markets at its Oakville Assembly plant, near Toronto, and export to more than 60 countries
  
• Adding a new global product at Oakville follows Ford’s C$700 million investment in the plant to make it one of the most competitive and advanced global manufacturing facilities in Canada, while preserving 2,800 jobs
  
• Edge Concept, now on display at the Canadian International Auto Show, strongly hints at the technology, dynamic design and premium craftsmanship that will define the next generation of global utility vehicles from Ford
  

TORONTO, Canada, Feb. 13, 2013 - Ford of Canada’s Oakville Assembly plant will build the all-new Ford Edge global utility vehicle, shipping it from Canada to more than 60 countries as demand for utility vehicles grows worldwide.

The Ford Edge competes in the global utility segment, which grew 13 per cent year over year in 2013. Ford outperformed the segment with 35 per cent growth and more than 1.2 million vehicles sold worldwide, and Edge production surpassed its 1 million vehicle milestone last year. The utility segment in markets outside North America grew 112 per cent in 2013 and is forecast to grow 30 per cent in 2014, with utility sales expected to total approximately 600,000 vehicles this year.

“The decision to produce the all-new global Edge in Canada is proof that Canadian manufacturers can compete, and win, globally,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. “We’re ready to showcase Oakville Assembly’s commitment to craftmanship and advanced manufacturing to deliver what our global customers want and value -- a high-quality vehicle with class-leading design, fuel efficiency and performance.”

Ford announced in September a C$700 million investment at Oakville Assembly to expand the plant’s manufacturing capability to meet surging global demand and preserve more than 2,800 jobs. Oakville Assembly manufactures Ford Edge and Ford Flex, as well as Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT.

“Oakville is vital to Ford’s global manufacturing system as we prepare to launch more vehicles this year than ever before,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “The Oakville facility will offer world-leading flexibility, enabling us to react quickly and efficiently to shifts in consumer demand here in North America and around the globe.”

Ford’s global utility portfolio spans small, medium and large vehicles – from the compact EcoSport to midsize Explorer and full-size Expedition – to fit the needs of consumers around the globe in various life stages.

Ford will provide customers with more choices in 2014 as it plans an unprecedented product year launching 23 vehicles globally – 16 in North America, including the all-new global Edge.

Visitors to the Canadian International Auto Show will get a glimpse of the new Ford Edge Concept vehicle at the Ford stand, including a preview of automated driving options Ford is developing. These include:

• Fully assisted parking aid: Automatic parking technology allows for control from inside or outside the vehicle
  
• Obstacle avoidance: Automatically steers around an object when the driver does not; if the driver fails to react, the system will automatically steer and brake to avoid a collision
  
• Adaptive steering: The next step in steering technology leads to improvements in both low- and high-speed driving situations
  

In addition, Ford Edge Concept features fuel-saving technologies such as Active Grille Shutters, Auto Start-Stop and an innovative air curtain, which manages airflow around the front wheels to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

Edge Concept will be on display at the Ford booth Feb. 14-17, 2014. 

Source: FordMotorCo

World’s Best-Selling Nameplate Gets Even Better: Ford Reveals Sophisticated New Focus With 1.0-Liter EcoBoost

• Redesigned Ford Focus delivers new exterior design, completely revised interior and advanced new technologies for improved customer comfort and safety
• 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine raises the competitive bar for fuel efficiency
• New Focus will offer driver-assist technology including a standard rearview camera, along with available lane-keeping system and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®)

DEARBORN, Michigan, February 23, 2014 - The 2015 Ford Focus, the world’s best-selling nameplate, is expected to hold onto this coveted title with a bold new look that emulates other recent Ford vehicle designs and more advanced technologies that improve driver comfort and safety.

The new look and added technologies were revealed today at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry.

“We have taken the title of world’s best-selling nameplate to impressive new heights with the redesigned Focus,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of The Americas. “Its combination of compelling, modern design and the most high-tech interior in the class will appeal to contemporary consumers who desire a small car with very sophisticated features. What makes Focus so attractive to consumers today – being great to drive, delivering exceptional fuel economy and value, and offering leading-edge in-car technologies – is amplified with the new Focus.”

Award-Winning 1.0-Liter EcoBoost

In addition to a host of styling and technological advances, the new Focus will offer the remarkably efficient, fun-to-drive, award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine with a six-speed transmission – surpassing the fuel efficiency of the previous model, and once again raising the bar amongst the competition. Twice already, automotive journalists have named Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant International Engine of the Year, for 2012 and 2013. The optional engine will be offered alongside the base 2.0-liter GDI I-4 engine, which currently helps the Focus deliver an EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg on the highway.

“The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is proof that excellent fuel economy and performance can come in one package,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “Focus is already known for bringing together efficiency and fun, and our latest addition will bring consumers a whole new level of enjoyment – on the road and at the pump.”

The smallest engine in the company’s growing EcoBoost family will increase the choice for Ford customers in the United States, as Fiesta is already available with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

In Europe, where it is already on five nameplates, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost accounts for 32 percent of sales of the current-generation Focus and 26 percent of Fiesta sales this year. Robust demand for the 1.0-liter in Europe has prompted Ford to double production capacity at its state-of-the-art plant in Cologne, Germany, to more than 1,000 engines a day.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines can deliver significantly better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.

Stylish New Focus

The new Focus will arrive with a more stylish, bold look. It features a restyled hood and grille, signature lighting for the headlamps and taillamps, new rear lamp clusters and a restyled trunk lid. Four-door and five-door versions will be available in the United States.

Inside, colors and materials have a clean, modern look, with satin chrome detailing, new seat trims, switches and an available heated steering wheel. Storage is improved with a new center console incorporating adjustable cupholders, and a new, easier-to-access glove box.

Advanced Technologies

A package of sensors brings a new level of convenience for compact car customers by adding driver-assist technologies including a rearview camera and an available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) and lane-keeping system.

Standard on Focus for the first time, the rearview camera will appear on either a 4.2-inch screen or the 8-inch screen that comes with MyFord Touch^®-equipped cars.

BLIS uses two multiple-beam radar modules, the same used with cross-traffic alert, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels, one on each side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror, providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

Should a Focus driver start to drift out of the current lane without a turn signal on, the available lane-keeping system provides a warning through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic a rumble strip. If the unintended lane departure is not corrected by the driver, the aid function of the system actively applies steering torque to help the driver direct the car back toward the center of the current lane.

SYNC AppLink

New Focus drivers will also have access to powerful new capabilities thanks to a host of new functions developers can integrate as they modify their apps to communicate with enhanced SYNC^® AppLink^™.

Android and iOS smartphone owners can download more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps from the Apple App Store and Android market.

New functions include:

• Connected apps can access a variety of real-time vehicle data such as speed, acceleration, odometer and location information that can be used by the app to further customize and personalize the user experience. For example, access to the in-vehicle GPS signal can enable more precise and accurate location-based services than phone sensors
• More consistent user experience thanks to voice pass-through capability. This enables developers to use on-device or cloud-based voice-recognition systems to evaluate driver commands, meaning drivers can use the same set of voice commands to control an app when connected to the vehicle as they would use when not connected
• Notifications read aloud as a driver enters the car, with no need to touch the phone. Best of all, alerts are available any time a mobile device is connected to SYNC AppLink, even if the app is not currently active. This means a driver could get an alert about a traffic jam ahead while listening to the radio or using another app

In addition to the many advancements in exterior styling, interior design, powertrain and technology, the new Focus will also benefit from suspension and chassis upgrades. These include a new shock absorber valve design providing improved interior quietness, a new electronic stability program system with less intrusion and improved comfort, and a change to the rear suspension to give drivers a more connected feel to the road.

The 2015 Ford Focus goes on sale in the second half of 2014.

Source: Ford

Ford Reveals 2015 Expedition With EcoBoost Engine, Advanced Technology, New Platinum Series

• 2015 Ford Expedition will feature 3.5-liter, direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost^® engine popular in Ford F-Series; engine designed to deliver most powerful, fuel-efficient Expedition ever

• Advanced technology in new Expedition includes Blind Spot Information System^® with cross-traffic alert, electric power-assisted steering, SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, available suspension damping to improve passenger comfort; a new high-trim Platinum series debuts

• Ford global utility vehicle sales rose 35 percent in 2013; Ford has been the leader in North America utility vehicle sales since 2011

DALLAS, Texas, February 18, 2014 - The new 2015 Ford Expedition, revealed here today ahead of the 2014 DFW Auto Show, continues to represent the smart choice for people who need a full-size utility vehicle that provides capable performance, usable space and advanced technology.

Expedition now features Ford F-Series’ popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, more technology than ever and a fresh new look. Launching later this year, it is the latest Ford nameplate to offer a Platinum series. Expedition is being shown for the first time in Texas, Ford’s largest market by sales volume, and home to the top two cities for Expedition sales – Dallas and Houston.

Expedition debuted in 1996 and is Ford’s largest utility vehicle. By most measures, it is a leader in interior space, accommodating eight passengers. Two versions are offered – the standard 119-inch wheelbase is just more than 6 inches longer than Ford Explorer. It has three rows of seats and up to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The longer-wheelbase version sits on a 131-inch wheelbase, and features three rows of seats and up to 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Expedition remains the only full-size utility vehicle not classified as a luxury offering to feature an independent rear suspension. This helps deliver more confident ride and handling characteristics, and allows for the lower, more convenient fold-flat third-row bench seat.

Both standard and EL versions of Expedition are built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, alongside Ford’s popular Super Duty pickup. Last month, the company confirmed plans to add more workers and invest an additional $80 million in facility upgrades to improve automation and increase capacity at the plant.

Ford is responding to strong customer feedback and introducing a top-of-the-line Platinum series Expedition with unique, premium interior appointments. The new vehicle features the latest popular technologies like SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, push-button start and Blind Spot Information System^®. A new 3.5-liter, direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost delivers more power and performance than the current 5.4-liter V8, and is designed to be more efficient.

“This new Expedition is proof Ford is committed to remaining the leader in utilities – small, medium and large,” said Jackie DiMarco, Expedition chief engineer. “We listened to our customers and created a full-size utility vehicle that doesn’t compromise in performance, technology or design.”

Improved on the Road

From the outset, engineers worked to make the 2015 Expedition a technologically advanced vehicle that is easy to drive and offers refinement for all types of drivers.

The new EcoBoost engine dramatically changes the driving characteristics of Expedition. Compared with the 5.4-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.

“Expedition becoming the latest Ford utility vehicle to wear the EcoBoost badge will be exciting for customers,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Increased torque and horsepower, combined with new levels of efficiency and an advanced suspension not only will make Expedition more fun to drive, but also easier to own. This is another ‘and’ solution from Ford.”

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost will be the only engine offered in the new Expedition in North America. To maximize performance and control, the vehicle is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift^® automatic transmission featuring a manual mode that allows the driver to use a shift-mounted rocker switch to select the desired gear.

With EcoBoost now standard equipment across the 2015 Expedition range, the entire U.S. lineup of Ford utility vehicles will be available with EcoBoost power by the end of 2014.

New continuously controlled damping, available for the first time on a Ford nameplate, will make Expedition the only Blue Oval-branded vehicle in the United States with three selectable drive modes – comfort, normal and sport.

Using a suite of sensors that detect 46 unique body, steering and braking inputs, the advanced suspension monitors body motion and then adjusts Expedition’s damping system in milliseconds to manage the vehicle’s natural body motion. A vehicle with poor damping feels as if it is bouncing on its suspension springs; continuously controlled damping recognizes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and then reacts accordingly, helping to control body motion so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The new Expedition also features Ford’s innovative electric power-assisted steering, which gives drivers noticeably improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds, and saves fuel because it operates more efficiently than traditional pump-driven systems. The technology reduces steering effort and makes Expedition more engaging to drive.

More Technology Customers Want

The new Expedition debuts with popular technology upgrades consumers are now demanding, including SYNC with MyFord Touch and driver-assist features such as radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

The updated interior of Expedition incorporates a fresh center stack to accommodate new technologies, such as an 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. The driver information cluster features two full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens.

Other new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a 10-speaker, 700-watt Sony audio system; Intelligent Access with push-button start; rearview camera; seven-color, interior ambient LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

Fresh Style and Design

The new Expedition pushes full-size utility vehicle design to a higher level, with fresh interior and exterior styling and a diverse series lineup – each with a distinct look and feel to give customers more choice than ever. A Platinum trim package, which has been very successful on Ford F-Series, will be available on Expedition for the first time.

“The Platinum series brings Expedition into a whole new arena of design and style,” said Scott. “One of the strengths of Expedition has always been the different trim series we offer. From XLT to Limited and now with Platinum, we have an Expedition that will fit any customer’s needs.”

The Platinum series is tailored with lush leather seating described by designers as buttery – soft and smooth to the touch. It’s available in a new Brunello leather, a red wine color with tuxedo-stripe accents and French-seamed stitching. Platinum customers can also choose black leather with Agate Gray accents.

Beyond the new Platinum series, the 2015 Expedition lineup includes the XLT, Limited and a new King Ranch edition to be revealed later.

The design team, finding inspiration in the world around them, incorporated different themes to define the look for each series. The intent was to reflect a consumer lifestyle, from the sporty XLT, to the confident, elegant Limited, to the sophisticated, urban Platinum. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while for the Platinum edition, the colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

The Expedition exterior has been updated with an all-new front end featuring available LED fog lamps for a fresh, aggressive look.

An all-new wheel lineup including factory-installed 22-inch models, a redesigned rear hatch and subtle, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes round out the exterior changes to the 2015 Expedition.

With this new model debuting at the DFW Auto Show – deep in the heart of the full-size utility vehicle market – Ford is building on a successful tradition of Expedition capability and quality with significant improvements in design, performance, efficiency and available technology.

Source: FordMotorCompany

Bold Redesigned Ford Focus

Ford Trucks

Ford has been in the truck game for a long time (even the Model T was available in truck configuration a century ago). It's served them well. The F-150 is the best selling vehicle in the United States. The first F-series truck was introduced in 1948 and has continually evolved to the broad range available for consumer and commercial use today.

The standard F-150 is available in every form from a traditional king cab junk-hauler to a desert destroying off-road monster, the SVT Raptor. For even tougher jobs, the F-Series Super Duty is available in 15 different variations including an unstoppable 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel Dually F-450. Super Duty based Chassis Cabs are available for bespoke upfits to be applied in any way imaginable for small or large businesses alike. F-650/F-750 Chassis cabs are even available for dump truck or tow truck type applications.

Though the iconic rock-band hauler Econoline has sadly been retired, Ford's E-series van has been a staple in the commercial van world since its introduction in the early 60s. Capable of hauling up to 15 passengers in proper spec, the E-series is a favorite for shuttle services the world over. Taking more cues from Europe, Ford has introduced two versions of the Transit Connect, small commercial vans with flexible interior configurations to accommodate as much cargo as possible without the sheer mass of the E-series.

Source:  autos.yahoo

Henry Ford

Henry Ford didn't invent the automobile. But he did invent the automotive assembly line, and the Model Ts that poured off that line made cars affordable for ordinary people for the first time, changing car culture, American culture, and global culture forever. Though it's no longer the leader, Ford Motor Company hasn't lost all its luster. It's still a top 5 car marker domestically, and it's the only one of the Big Three that kept its head above water during last decade's economic crisis, thanks to a diverse range of offerings and a saavy international business strategy.

Minority ownership in Mazda of Japan has allowed Ford to use the Mazda2 platform as the basis for the basis fo the Fiesta hatch or sedan, which it sells in Europe and elsewhere. The Ford Focus has been sold in Europe for generations, with higher craftsmanship and driving dynamics than many of Ford's other cars, which has finally also been brought to American models. The new Ford Fusion has also been served well by Ford’s European branch, with impressive road manners and style to spare. Atop the sedan range is the long-standing Taurus badge, available in four flavors from the FWD SE up to the AWD performance Taurus SHO. Meanwhile, the Mustang, originally introduced in 1964, has remained one of the most iconic cars in the world. Though Ford sadly retired the Mustang Boss 302 this year, its Mustang continues to be the top muscle car on the market, and a coming 2015 redesign promises to bring fresh thrills.

Last year, Ford went directly after the Toyota Prius, bringing the C-Max car/ to the US market with a traditional Hybrid powertrain, or Ford’s Energi powertrain that adds a plug-in hybrid options. Hybrid and Energi powertrains are also available on the Fusion while a full electric Focus will be available soon. These cars aren't yet matching Toyota's for quality or gas mileage, but they have their adherents.

Ford also does well with its SUV segment. The Escape CUV shares a platform with the Focus, but feels like twice the size, and has been a big seller and a huge success for FMC. The Edge offers a little more room and little more power, it's still more or less meant to be a family soccer van. The Explorer SUV shares a platform with the Taurus and has some offroad capability, while the aging Expedition has even more, but it's well overdue for an update. With no minivan in the lineup, Ford loyalists can and have flocked to the Flex Crossover with seating for up to seven and a fun minimalist square design.

Source:  autos.yahoo