10/31/12

Ford Racing Raptor Assault Program Offers Hands-On, High-Performance Off-Road Driving Over Varying Terrain
  • Ford Racing Raptor Assault program provides hands-on experience in high-performance off-road driving over a variety of terrain at the state-of-the-art Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City. The 2013 season offers several opportunities for enthusiasts and the curious alike to participate
  • Raptor Assault allows drivers of all skill levels to get behind the wheel for their own extreme off-road adventure. A variety of terrain, including an eight-acre rock-crawling course, a 22-acre high-speed off-road short course, and a 900-acre desert racing course are available to demonstrate Raptor’s portfolio of off-road capabilities
  • The 2013 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford’s focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track including industry-exclusive beadlock wheels to help increase grip in low-traction conditions
 
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 23, 2012 – Owners and fans of the ultimate high-performance off-road vehicle – the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – now have a unique opportunity to experience it at a state-of-the-art off-road course at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
 
Introduced in 2009, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is the only production-ready vehicle on the market that combines the best of on-road driving and Ford tough truck capability with high-performance off-road ability. Ford has sold more than 28,000 Raptors, making it the best-selling specialty truck ever from Ford.
 
To broaden the experience behind the wheel of the F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford – with Miller Motorsports Park – has created the Ford Racing Raptor Assault program.
 
This new program provides hands-on experience in high-performance off-road driving over a variety of terrain at Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City. The 2013 season offers numerous dates where those interested can sign up to participate in the fun.
 
“We’re very excited about the Ford Racing Raptor Assault program,” said Mickey Matus, Marketing Communication manager for Ford Racing. “The variety of terrain offered at Miller Motorsports Park is unique in North America, and perfectly suited to showcasing the high-performance off-road capabilities of the formidable F-150 SVT Raptor.”
 
Robust capability and sales
The 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford’s focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track.
 
Strong sales reflect the work Ford engineers have put into making Raptor a dynamic presence on- and off-road. In September, sales were up more than 40 percent from the year before – part of a more than 30 percent increase year-to-date over 2011.
 
Raptor’s newly available forged wheels combine the proven reliability of a conventional wheel with the capability to convert to a true beadlock wheel. These wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces, so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it’s aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.
 
A Raptor development imperative has been to continually improve off-road prowess in every dimension, from rock-crawling to hammer-down desert-running. Last year, Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks and other obstacles that might be obscured by the front of the truck.
 
The 2012 model year saw Raptor add a Torsen® limited-slip differential to the 4WD system enabling the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa. The system is optimized to help minimize steering kickback when navigating challenging surfaces.
 
The SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.
 
Opportunities to drive and ride off-road
The Raptor Assault program allows drivers of all skill levels to get behind the wheel for their own extreme off-road adventure. A variety of terrain, including an eight-acre rock-crawling course, a 22-acre high-speed off-road short course, and a 900-acre desert racing course are available to demonstrate Raptor’s portfolio of off-road capabilities.
 
Three experiences are offered: a hot laps ride-along program; a three-hour Raptor Assault Experience that includes driving on the rock-crawling course and off-road short course, plus hot laps with a professional driver; and a one-day school that includes driving on all three off-road facilities in addition to hot laps with a professional driver. Special discounted pricing is available for Raptor owners.
 
The Ford Racing Raptor Assault is the latest addition to a portfolio of high-performance experiential opportunities -- supported by Ford Racing – designed to provide Ford performance enthusiasts with professional opportunities to take their skills to the next level and to experience exciting new Ford products in a controlled environment. The other programs include road course instruction, rallying, and drag racing.
 
More information and a full schedule are available at www.RaptorAssault.com.

10/26/12

Ford F-Series Trucks and Utilities Recognized by Texas Auto Writers



SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 22, 2012 – The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has awarded Ford F-Series trucks and utilities with top honors in key categories after comparing the vehicles against competitors during the group’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio.

  • 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty won Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck category
  • 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor won Off-Road Truck category
  • 2013 Ford Escape won Compact SUV category
  • 2013 Ford Explorer Sport won Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility category

“Texas is the No. 1 one truck market in the United States, and Ford is the best-selling truck in Texas,” said David Mondragon, Ford Motor Company General Marketing Manager. “Texas truck buyers have helped F-Series continue as the nation’s top-selling truck for 35 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for the past 30 years. We’re also proud that Escape sales are on pace to surpass last year’s record sales and that Explorer sales are up 17.2 percent this year.”

Ford F-Series Trucks have been awarded TAWA’s coveted “Truck of Texas” honor in eight of the past 10 years and have been named “Truck Line of Texas” in 13 out of the past 14 years.

Ford has the largest share of the light- and heavy-duty pickup truck market in North America – 38 percent. And it’s growing. Ford’s share is up 1.3 percentage points over last year. Through September, Ford sold 463,733 trucks. That’s 165,533 more than the nearest competitor and its 14th straight month of sales increases.

Sales of Ford F-150’s award-winning, segment-exclusive 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine have exceeded more than 200,000 since 2011.


10/24/12

Final ‘Random Acts of Fusion’ Adventure Combines Fun, Philanthropy and Fusion in a Way Only Ford Can


  • Ford dealers throughout the country will present “Go Further with Ford Night” on Thursday, Nov. 15 – a fundraising event that will benefit charities across the U.S., engage consumers in the final “Random Acts of Fusion” adventure and offer them a chance to see the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion in person
  • While at dealerships, consumers will have an opportunity to test their judging skills with American Idol® and compete to win a unique VIP experience during the show’s 12th season
  • Random Acts of Fusion is a unique transmedia marketing program that already has introduced Fusion to millions of fans by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms


DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 17, 2012 –Ford dealerships across the nation are banding together to present a spectacular, one-night-only fundraising event on Thursday, Nov. 15 that will benefit local communities and engage consumers in a unique American Idol® experience and offer them a personal introduction to the all-new Ford Fusion.

“Go Further with Ford Night” is the fun finale to “Random Acts of Fusion,” the unique transmedia program hosted by Ryan Seacrest that has generated more than 12 million consumer engagements with the Ford Fusion by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms.

“Random Acts of Fusion has captured America’s imagination,” said Lew Echlin, Fusion Marketing manager. “Go Further with Ford Night is our way of pairing that imagination with reality by offering consumers the chance to give back to their local communities, have a lot of fun, enjoy the final random act – which will test their judging skills to win a unique VIP American Idol experience – and meet the all-new Ford Fusion in person.” 

For each person who visits one of the participating Ford dealerships on Nov. 15, dealers will donate $10 – up to a total of $500 – to a local charity.

“We all want to be part of something bigger,” said Echlin. “This is a great way for our customers to go further with Ford and our dealers, and to give something back to their local communities.”

While at the dealership, consumers will have a unique opportunity to compete to win a special VIP experience with American Idol. A computer with a webcam will be set up in the dealership to allow consumers to view a special message from Seacrest and test their judging skills on camera, in true American Idol style. American Idolpremieres in January 2013 on FOX.

Entries will be sent back to Ford’s program headquarters where a team of experts will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a unique VIP experience with American Idol.

Consumers 18 years and older who are interested in participating in Go Further with Ford Night may preregister for the event at www.RandomActsofFusion.com and be entered for a chance to win tickets to a live taping of American Idol. Additionally, registrants at dealerships on Thursday, Nov. 15 will be entered into a prize drawing to win an all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. No purchase is necessary and other restrictions apply. See full official rules online for details.

All-new Ford Fusion
With its sleek new design, the all-new Ford Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford.

In addition to its fresh face, Fusion offers the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

On sale now, the new Fusion offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®.

10/22/12

2013 Ford SVT Raptor




Raptor raises the bar for off-road high performance, again. Honoring the Raptor development imperative of increasing capability, 2013 brings the availability of industry-first beadlock-capable wheels to improve traction over uneven surfaces.

10/20/12

2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Raises the Bar with Best-in-Class Towing and Payload Benchmarks



  • Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks again raise the bar, setting new best-in-class industry benchmarks for heavy-duty pickup towing and payload capacities
  • Super Duty brake system improvements enable higher payload figures, delivering a robust, confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel for customers
  • A larger parking brake also contributes to increased payload capacity for 2013 F-Series Super Duty pickups

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 19, 2012 – Ford continues to strengthen the F-Series lineup for 2013, raising the bar for Super Duty towing, hauling and braking to again set the standard among heavy-duty trucks.

“Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we’ve increased our towing and payload capability yet again.”

Best-in-class towing and payload
F-Series Super Duty trucks are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest customers. With their needs in mind, Ford engineers have raised conventional towing capacity to a class-leading 18,500 pounds, besting the nearest competitor by 500 pounds.

Increased towing brawn goes hand-in-hand with improved payload capability to a class-leading 7,260 pounds.

Improved brakes
F-Series Super Duty’s best-in-class payload numbers are supported by an improved brake system that delivers increased capability and usability.

Braking engineers increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking to help dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades.

These changes support a 700-pound increase in the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds. Improved brake pads and a retuned booster enable enhanced pedal brake feel to increase driver confidence.

“We’ve really improved brake feel,” said Michael Watkins, brake system engineer. “There’s refined modulation in the pedal – you really feel the stopping power. With a full load of cargo, drivers will notice strong, confidence-inspiring brakes.”

A larger parking brake for F-250 and F-350 models also allowed an increase in maximum payload rating.

Available adjustable pedals also enhance customer comfort by personalizing the interface between driver and brake system.

All-new F-Series Super Duty Platinum
Other changes for 2013 include the introduction of the all-new Platinum series model and the availability of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside, plus other special exterior upgrades. The interior showcases luxury in the form of premium wood grain appliqués, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other high-end luxury touches.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features, along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, the physical interface for MyFord Touch has been optimized to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Expect more
Leadership is expected of F-Series, which has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 35 straight years.

Historically, best-in-class towing and payload capability and legendary Built Ford Tough durability have driven F-Series customer loyalty. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines – with class-leading fuel economy – give Ford customers even more reasons to stay loyal in the years ahead.

10/18/12

Ford and MobilityWorks Commercial offer Wheelchair Accessibility Solution for Nation’s Taxi Fleets

  • The first wheelchair-accessible Ford Transit Connect Taxi has entered service in New York City
  • Transit Connect offers an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant rear entry option for taxi companies, clinics, nursing homes and any other business that transports wheelchair passengers
  • The wheelchair-accessibility solution by MobilityWorks Commercial quickly converts Transit Connect Taxi between conventional operation and barrier-free accessibility
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 15, 2012 – Taxi operators looking for a fuel-efficient wheelchair-accessible vehicle have a new solution – Ford Transit Connect customized by MobilityWorks Commercial.

MobilityWorks Commercial is a national commercial van upfitter specializing in customizing vehicles for handicap access. A Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier, MobilityWorks Commercial recently completed and deployed the first Ford Transit Connect mobility vehicle as a New York City Taxi.

Since its introduction in 2010, Ford Transit Connect Taxi has entered service in major metropolitan areas from coast to coast.

“The strong taxi fleet sales we’ve seen for Transit Connect are proof that taxi operators are recognizing the Transit Connect for its roominess, comfort and durability,” said Len Deluca, Ford’s North American director of commercial vehicles. “A logical next step was to offer a mobility solution for taxi operators looking to comfortably and efficiently serve persons with disabilities.”

The initial Transit Connect mobility taxi was purchased and put into service by Brooklyn-based McGuinness Management, which operates nearly 50 traditional cabs in Manhattan.

“I drove it personally and found it to be a lot more comfortable than any other taxi I’ve ever driven,” said Chris Harisopoulos, general manager, McGuinness Management. “The roominess is great thing about this vehicle for both passengers and drivers… It’s just a great taxi.”

The Transit Connect mobility taxi offers a number of benefits for the ambulatory and persons with disabilities, such as a rear wheelchair ramp to keep passengers out of passing traffic lanes and a short, lowered ramp to speed up entry and exit.

The exclusive FlexFlat ramp, a strong yet lightweight manual ramp, is fast and easy to deploy. When stowed it creates a useable deck for cargo – adding convenience for drivers and passengers alike.

“The Transit Connect mobility taxi offers drivers and passengers something you can’t find in other accessible vehicles, including safety for all passengers, economical operating costs, ease of use and comfort,” said Taylor Clark, president, commercial operations, MobilityWorks.

Before mobility upfit, Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility.

The taxi model’s rear seat has been moved back three inches to maximize passenger comfort. With 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers can step easily through the dual sliding side doors. Additional climate control ventilation has been added for rear seat passenger comfort.

For its payload capacity, Transit Connect delivers unmatched fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for wagon models.

“We continue to see exceptional sales for the Transit Connect since its North American launch in 2009,” said Kevin Koswick, Ford’s North American director of fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “The forthcoming introduction of the all-new Transit Connect in 2014 will further expand Ford’s leadership in this segment, offering fleet owners, taxi operators, drivers and passengers additional improvements, refinements and choices.”