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Just another WordPress.com siteNew Ford Edge Concept Shows off Remote Automatic Parking
by Ford in the News on November 20, 2013
A concept vehicle that previews the next-generation Ford Edge made its debut recently at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The sleek and athletic crossover also previewed two new technologies for the company.
The first is an enhancement to the active park-assist feature found on Blue Oval products like the current Ford Edge, designed to make things even easier for owners. That’s because the new system not only offers fully autonomous parking capabilities, it can also “un-park” the vehicle, and do so before the driver even gets behind the wheel. As a result, owners who find themselves in a tight (parking) spot don’t have to struggle to get into the vehicle; they can just wait for the Ford Edge Concept to pull out of the space by itself.
Also being shown on the Ford Edge concept is adaptive steering, which takes the company’s electric power-assisted steering system to the next level with dramatically easier low-speed steering and improved feel at all speeds. But those two technologies are just the tip of the ol’ iceberg for Ford.
“The rate of change in vehicle technology right now is unprecedented,” noted Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of global product development. “Our engineers around the world are advancing the systems that will ultimately help make drivers smarter, safer and more efficient. From advanced engine systems to collision avoidance and automated driving systems, Ford will continue to lead in delivering the technologies consumers want and need.”
Further, if the new Ford Edge Concept is any indication, those technologies will be wrapped in striking designs created with significant attention to detail.
“The original Ford Edge offered customers in North America a fresh, compelling choice for an accommodating, efficient and safe medium utility vehicle,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “The next-generation Edge—previewed in the Ford Edge Concept—will build on these cornerstones to create a global vehicle with technology to make life easier, and design and craftsmanship to appeal to customers around the globe.”
Written by Charles Krome.
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Tagged as: Ford Edge Concept, Los Angeles Auto Show, Remote Automatic Parking
2014 Ford F-150 Expands Capability with Compressed Natural Gas
2014 Ford F-150 Expands Capability with Compressed Natural Gas
by FORD IN THE NEWS on NOVEMBER 21, 2013
Even though the 2014 Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in America, Blue Oval engineers remain committed to offering truck buyers more benefits on a regular basis. The latest example comes to market from the Show-me State, which has now begun building 2014 Ford F-150 models that are capable of running on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. It’s another first for Ford, which is now the only manufacturer with an available gaseous-fuel prep package for its half-ton pickups.
The system is a $315 option on the 2014 Ford F-150 with its 3.7-liter V-6 engine, with upfitting from a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier, running approximately $6,000 to $9,000. But that price of admission delivers a range of up to 750 miles, the ability to run on an affordable and clean-burning fuel, and in a growing number of states, access to a range of tax incentives and rebates. At the same time, Ford is providing a growing number of CNG-capable vehicles.
By the end of next summer, customers will be able to choose a CNG package for:
- Transit Connect (van and wagon)
- Transit (van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab)
- E-Series (van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis)
- F-series Super Duty (F-350 pickup and chassis cab, F-450 chassis cab and F-550 chassis cab)
- F-650 medium-duty truck
- F53 and F59 stripped chassis
- F-150 light-duty pickup
This is good news for folks like Jerome Webber, vice president of global fleet operations for AT&T. According to Webber: “We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of 2018. Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”
Written by Charles Krome.
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
More from Ford in the News
- Blue Oval Marks 400,000 EcoBoosted Pickups with 2014 Ford F-150
- 2014 Ford F-150 Contributes to New Wave of Blue Oval Marine Engines
- Ford F-150 Becomes First Full-size Pickup to Run on CNG
- 2013 Ford C-Max, 2014 Ford Transit Connect Join Blue Oval Taxi Team
- Ford Transit Connect Taxis Hit Chicago Streets
Tagged as: 2014 Ford F-150, cng, Compressed Natural Gas, Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier
We Want Your Muddy Pictures!
A truck covered in mud usually means that there is a great story waiting to be told. We also know a few car and SUV owners who like to get them dirty!
Charlie Snearly, 9/10/2013
Snap a picture of your dirty Ford vehicle after a day out in the elements, with mud hanging off the fender and dirt tracks on the driveway, and click here to submit to us!
Just take a look at Caleb M, who says that he always using his Ford to pull his friend’s trucks out of the mud when they head off road for some fun.
Larry M can be found driving his Raptor into the woods at Mt. Morris Mounds, one of the off-road vehicle parks in the Great Lakes region. He has found several deep mud holes that come up to the axles. You can bet that his Raptor sports a nice coat of mud every time he drives home.
This Ford Social member installed 37-inch tall mudding tires on his truck, which leaves it sitting niche and high off the ground when combined with a 6-inch lift kit. He manages to get it into the muck up to the fender flares.
We will gather all the submissions together and then give you an opportunity to vote for the truck that is the dirtiest of the dirty, the most in need of a wash.
So what are you waiting for? Get out into the beautiful, outdoors and make some memories to share!
Ford Global Week of Caring Tori Tellem, 9/8/2013
One person can truly make a difference. Now imagine the change in the world when that number becomes thousands upon thousands.
September 2013 marks the eighth annual Ford Global Week of Caring, in which Ford employees and retirees as well as dealerships volunteer for community projects. This year, approximately 12,000 Ford employees are taking part in more than 315 projects on six continents.
“Our employees do everything from assisting Habitat for Humanity builds here, working with orphans in Nanjing to building fresh water wells in South Africa,” said Janet Lawson, Director of Ford Volunteer Corps. “Some run blood drives or help stock food pantries. Last year in India, volunteers collected and donated 750 pairs of shoes and 1,500 pairs of socks to schoolchildren in India who had none.”
It’s estimated that volunteers will give 55,000 hours during Global Week of Caring. The Ford Volunteer Corps is part of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.
In addition to new community projects, each year some are expanded or ongoing.
“I mean there are so many unbelievable projects. Really, it’s about making a difference in the world. A huge difference,” Janet said. “Ford Global Week of Caring is part of our DNA. It’s another way we Go Further. It’s what we are all about.”
Ford has a legacy of caring that extends back more than 100 years, and that same level of commitment and care given to building vehicles extends to giving back to others.
“Ford volunteers are engaged, energized, and making a world of difference for people in need,” Janet added. “Ford volunteers are the face of Ford in the community, and proudly carry on the company’s legacy of caring and community service.”
Ford F-150 to Offer Ability to Run on Compressed Natural Gas; Sales of Ford CNG-Prepped Vehicles Continue Growth
- 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine; it will be able to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
- With the addition of F-150, Ford will have eight vehicles available to run on clean-burning, inexpensive CNG/LPG. Sales continue to grow rapidly, with Ford expecting to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year
- Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs
Ford, America’s truck leader, will offer the2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.
The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. W
When the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 is equipped with a CNG/LPG engine package, it is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on one tank of gas, depending on the tank size selected. The Ford F-150 averages 23 mpg on the highway.
“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “With the money saved using CNG, customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months.”
CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.
CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $3.66 per gallon.
In the next year, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, a number no other full-line manufacturer can match:
- Transit Connect van and wagon
- Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
- E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
- F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
- F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
- F-650 medium-duty truck
- F53 and F59 stripped chassis
- 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup
Customers are enthusiastically responding to this powerful array of choices. Since reintroducing the option in 2009, Ford has established itself as the leader in CNG/LPG engine sales. Ford is on pace to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012.
AT&T is one of many Ford customers that are finding value in CNG. The communications giant recently purchased 650 F-350 chassis cabs with the CNG-prep option. “We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of year 2018,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president, global fleet operations. “Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”
Qualified Vehicle Modifiers
Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. The QVM program is intended to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.
QVMs offer a wide variety of CNG/LPG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles); the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. About 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.
Another benefit of this alternative fuel: Cleaner emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.
Celebrating the Life of Henry Ford Tori Tellem and Andrew Schuth, 7/30/2013
Celebrating the life of Henry Ford is perhaps the most important part of Blue Oval history. But celebrations and events have really ramped up recently! That’s because Henry’s 150th birthday is July 30, 2013. And the state of Michigan recently named that date Henry Ford Day!
Both the Michigan House and Michigan Senate adopted resolutions earlier this year to acknowledge Henry Ford’s impact on the automotive industry and on society at large. The resolutions note, “He is recognized for his pioneering spirit and innovation that put the world on wheels, and we honor his contribution to significant social and economic progress.”
There are myriad reasons to fest how he changed the automotive industry and helped invent car culture. Plus, his innovations and the technology developed under his leadership are legendary. And to think, he started it all in 1903 with just $28,000 in cash!
Let’s talk Ford vehicles, too. The first one sold was a Model A, to Dr. E. Pfenning in Chicago in July 1903. Since that date, Ford has sold more than 300 million vehicles worldwide. That includes the uber-popular Mustang, which will have a major celebration of its own in 2014: its 50th anniversary.
And Henry also figured out how to alter the process when it came to building vehicles. To deal with the Model T selling like hot cakes following its introduction in 1908, he revolutionized the manufacturing process by bringing the concept of the “moving assembly line” to automotive production.
These are a just a few reasons we here at Ford Social think Ford is an iconic brand. Why do you think the Blue Oval has withstood the test of time? Tell us — leave a comment to let us know your thoughts!
If you’re looking for activities to partake in for the 150th birthday, there are many events throughout the year. Be sure to click here to learn more about the ongoing celebrations. And to learn more about Ford history and Henry Ford, visit the The Henry Ford Museum either in person in Dearborn, Michigan, or click here to check it out online.
JUL 31, 2013 | DEARBORN, MICH.FORD ESCAPE SETS NEW SALES RECORD FOR SMALL UTILITIES
JUL 31, 2013 | DEARBORN, MICH.FORD ESCAPE SETS NEW SALES RECORD FOR SMALL UTILITIES
- New Ford Escape is the first-ever small utility to break the 150,000-vehicle salesmark through the first six months of the year
- Escape’s coastal sales were up 33 percent from January through May, based on Polk retail registration data; top trade-ins for Escape are coming from Honda and Toyota owners
- After adding a third shift, Louisville Assembly Plant – home of Escape – has built more vehicles in the first six months of the year than any Ford plant in North America
The Ford Escape set a new sales record. It is now the first small utility ever to sell more than 150,000 vehicles in the first half of any year.
Ford Escape is on pace to break its all-time annual sales record, set last year, of 261,008 vehicles sold. Sales through June totaled 156,626 vehicles. Escape has outsold Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 through the first half of this year.
“The Ford Escape’s great performance, standout design and outstanding fuel economy are bringing new buyers into the showroom,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, global cars and crossovers. “It’s great to see Escape break new ground, which shows we are listening to customers and delivering competitive global vehicles.”
With year-over-year U.S. sales up 23 percent, Escape outpaced the industry growth rate in the small utility segment, which grew 13 percent during the same six-month period. Retail registrations of Escape on the coasts were up 33 percent, three times as much growth as the small utility segment, with new customers in key coastal markets contributing to Escape’s success.
Coastal cities experiencing top retail sales growth include Miami, 61 percent; Orlando, Fla., 41 percent; Charlotte, N.C. and Seattle, both 33 percent; Washington, D.C., 31 percent; and San Francisco, 26 percent. Escape is seeing strong growth from coast to coast, with retail sales increases of 25 percent in both Los Angeles and Boston.
In Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Charlotte and Washington, D.C., the top competitive conquest brand is Toyota. In New York and San Francisco, the top competitive conquest is Honda.
“Coastal areas, historically dominated by Honda and Toyota, are important to overall U.S. share growth of Ford Motor Company,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Honda’s share of the small utility segment is down 2 full percentage points this year, as Escape continues to conquest retail customers on the coasts.”
The highest competitive conquest rates for Escape include San Francisco, 58 percent; Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C., all 54 percent; Boston, 53 percent; and Charlotte, 52 percent.
With a strong lineup of cars, trucks and utilities, Ford brand sales are up 14 percent over last year, with 20 percent of this growth coming from Escape sales. Within Ford’s utility lineup, Escape accounts for 57 percent of this year’s
This momentum means Louisville Assembly Plant, home of Ford Escape, produced more vehicles than any Ford plant in North America for the first six months of the year.
“Because of unprecedented demand, last year we had to add a third crew and 1,300 additional jobs for a total of approximately 4,500 people making the all-new Escape,” said Daryl Sykes, Louisville plant manager. “We have the best, brightest and most hard-working workforce right here in Louisville, and that’s why we’re the busiest plant in North America.”
Customers have responded to Escape’s improved fuel economy, sleek new design, enhanced cargo capacity and such innovative technology features as its foot-activated, hands-free liftgate.overall sales growth.
WWII JWWII Jeep ‘found in crate’ set to cross Greenwich auction block
By Jeffrey N. Ross
Posted May 30th 2013 5:44PM Via: http://www.autoblog.com
1945 Ford GPW auction Photos – too see more photos
Fans of old military vehicles might want to pay extra close attention to the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance coming up this weekend. Crossing the Bonhams auction block on Sunday are a pair of seemingly flawless World War II Jeeps, which are both expected to fetch serious dollars. Lot Number 305 at the auction is a 1945 Ford GPW Jeep that has been fully restored, which is expected to command between $35,000 and $45,000. Shortly after the Ford GPW, a potentially more interesting 1944 Willys MB (shown above) will be auctioned off, but Hemmings raises some red flags about this Jeep. First, it is claiming to have been “discovered in its original crate about 30 years ago,” but there is no proof or documentation of any sort. Also, it is claiming to be all original, but it was given a paint job “shortly after it was discovered.” Even with these questionable descriptions, this Willys could reach between $20,000 and $30,000. Head over to Bonhams’ site and Hemmings for more information on both WW2-era Jeeps. Related Gallery1945 Ford GPW auction News Source: Bonhams [1], [2] via Hemmings Category: Classics, Auctions, Jeep, Military Tags: bonhams, ford gpw, ford jeep, greenwich concours delegance, jeep, military jeep, military vehicle, willys jeep, willys mb, willys mb jeep, world war ii, ww2, wwii
2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercrew –
By Michael Harley
Posted Mar 15th 2013 3:00PM
See full story on Autoblog http://aol.it/XX8mZz
I’m not normally a pickup kind of guy, but the 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor won me over nearly instantly. The street-legal trophy truck – there is really no other way to accurately describe it – is big, brawny and incredibly capable. Let’s just say it’s every bit the monster it visually portrays. I spent a week pretending I was one of Ford’s Baja 1000 drivers, but lacking desert sand, I headed into the local mountains where a mild winter storm had dropped a couple inches of fresh snow on my favorite off-road park. The Ford was, for the most part, practically unstoppable.Ford offers its SVT Raptor package on Supercab and Supercrew platforms with the five-foot, five-inch bed. The Supercrew I tested rides on a 144-inch wheelbase (about a foot longer than the Supercab). In addition to its cosmetic differences when compared to the standard F-150 – there isn’t a young boy on the planet who doesn’t think the matte black Ford grille is cool – the Raptor has a 73.6-inch track – nearly seven inches wider than the track on the standard F-150.After upgrading the F-150 SVT Raptor significantly for the 2012 model year, there are only a few changes for 2013. The list includes standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, Hill Descent Control, forged beadlock-capable wheels, and the new matte Terrain color (aka “Desert Storm”) option seen on my test model.
Ford and SHFT.com Team Up to Help Fans Find Fresh Local Food Sean Johnston,
5/07/2013
Want to help improve the health of your body, and the planet? Consider eating local. Joining the so-called “Locavore” movement means making a commitment to eating fresh foods that are grown close to where you are. Closer food sources means less energy is used to transport it from the farm to your plate. Plus, it’s nice to know where the contents of your salad or fruit plate came from. So what’s Ford got to do with food? As part of the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices, Ford teamed up with SHFT.com – a leading sustainability website – to create an app that makes it easy for users to find local food options. The Food Tripping App has over 50,000 “good food” locations including eateries, farmer’s markets and food stores with locally-sourced options. Just in time for Earth Day! “This new app is just one example of how Ford and SHFT.com are collaborating to help inspire people to make smarter environmental decisions,” says John Viera, Global Director of Sustainability, Ford Motor Company. Do you have a hot tip on a great place to score some good local food? Well, don’t keep it to yourself! Connect and share your favorite places with other tech-savvy locavores. The Food Tripping App allows users to add custom entries into their expansive database, so check back often. Whether you’re in the mood to try a new fresh market near your house, or if you’re on the road and looking for a good place to eat healthy, the Food Tripping App can help. You can download the app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also find both links, along with a comprehensive overview of the app on the SHFT.com website. If you’re heading over to SHFT.com, you might want to also check out the list of best green gadgets to take with you when you’re on the go. From backpacks made from used plastic bottles to a solar-chargeable music boom box, these are must-haves for any green-conscious traveler. Keep the Earth Day celebrations rolling by checking out our coverage of green technology news from Ford Motor Company and by grabbing a Green badge.
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