8/30/13

New 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew Delivers Extra Space and Value; STX Sport Package Adds Style

  • Arrival of new 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew® gives customers full range of cab options on value-oriented pickup; stylish new STX Sport Package now available as well
  • Ford F-150 STX comes standard with 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway; Ford F-150 also offers the half-ton segment’s only available compressed natural gas prep package
  • SuperCrew offers customers more cabin space and four doors to accommodate crews on a work site or a family night out
Ford, America’s truck leader, adds the 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew® and STX Sport Package to its lineup, offering entry-level and value-oriented truck customers capable, roomy and stylish new options.

“With the rapidly expanding full-size pickup market continuing to benefit from economic growth and replacement demand, price-conscious buyers are returning looking for an affordable truck with space, capability and style,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Adding the Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew and the new STX Sport Package to our 2014 lineup gives these truck shoppers more value-oriented F-150 models to consider.”

The F-150 STX SuperCrew meets the needs of first-time and returning value-conscious pickup truck customers, especially those who need to transport a crew to a job site or take the family on a trip.
Positioned between the work-ready XL and popular XLT models, STX offers upgraded exterior and interior features beyond what’s usually available for entry-level crew cab pickups:
  • Body-color front bumper fascia, grille surrounds, and front and rear step bumpers
  • Power Equipment Group, which includes power door locks, integrated keyhead transmitter remotes, power one-touch up/down windows and sideview mirrors, Illuminated Entry System and perimeter alarm
  • 17-inch machined aluminum wheels
  • Audio input jack
  • Cruise control
  • Customer information display
  • MyKey® , a programmable feature that allows fleet owners and parents to limit top speed and audio volume, and set speed-alert chimes to encourage safer driving
  • Outside temperature display
  • Front-row 40/20/40 premium cloth bench seat
  • Driver manual lumbar adjust
  • Air conditioning
  • AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control
  • Tilt steering wheel
  • AM/FM stereo with single CD player
Ford F-150 STX comes standard with a 302-horsepower, 278-lb.-ft.-of-torque 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Ford F-150 also offers the half-ton segment’s only available compressed natural gas prep package.

A 5.0-liter V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque is also available, enabling STX SuperCrew to tow up to 9,500 pounds when properly equipped.

For buyers looking for extra style and personalization, the new STX Sport Package, available in all cab configurations, strengthens vehicle appearance with custom-inspired details.
The new STX Sport Package adds:
  • 20-inch machined aluminum painted wheels with P275/55R20 tires
  • Black billet grille with body-color surround
  • Black tubular running boards
  • Black and Gray Piston cloth front seats (40/console/40 on SuperCab and SuperCrew, 40/20/40 on Regular Cab)
  • Color-coordinated carpet
  • Unique box decals
Ford is offering this new configuration at a time when truck sales continue to be a bright spot in the economy. Sales of full-size pickups through July are up 23 percent, compared to an industry that is up 8 percent, making it the fastest growth segment this year. Through July, 427,935 Ford F-Series pickups have been sold. Ford F-Series is America’s best-selling vehicle for 31 consecutive years and best-selling truck for 36 consecutive years.

The 2014 Ford F-150 STX model lineup starts under $30,000. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for STX SuperCrew starts at $33,145 for the 4x2 version with 3.7-liter V6 and $37,570 for the 4x4 with 5.0-liter V8. Current available discounts reduce the final price of the STX Sport Package, and F-150 Equipment Group 201A featuring the Trailer Tow Package, SYNC® voice-activated controls and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, to $980. Destination charges are $1,095.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

8/28/13

The Perfect Combination of Service Body and Gooseneck Body From Knapheide

The Westerner Storage Bodies are designed to help you haul your load and store your gear.



The Knapheide Westerner Storage Bodies are designed for safe and secure storage plus towing ability.  With four external compartments for all your tools and equipment and an optional gooseneck or receiver hitch, the Westerner Storage Body is the jack of all trades.





Some features and benefits of the Westerner Storage Body:


• Bulkhead is one piece heavy-duty 12 gauge rust resistant galvanneal construction

• Bulkhead is a ladder rack design with two built in tie-downs

• Two recessed cargo area work lights for convenience

• Interior light guards provide protection for lighting package

• 14 gague two-sided A-40 galvenneal steel body for durability

• 12 gauge tough as nails treadplate floor

• Double shell 20 gauge galvanneal steel compartment doors with stainless steel continuous hinges for great security

• Riveted rotary latches

• Adjustable striker on compartment door latches to ensure doors stay closed

• Thick bulb type neoprene door seals to help protect your contents from the outside elements

• Bodies are undercoated for extra corrosion protection

• Complete immersion in Knapheide's electrodeposition prime paint system for superior corrosion resistance




See more about this great body from Knapheide, including downloadable brochures and specifications, and find a dealer near you at http://www.knapheide.com/product/westerner-storage-bodies/



8/26/13

Hot-Selling Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle Now Offers 365-Horsepower EcoBoost Engine

  • Ford adds 3.5-liter EcoBoost® utility vehicle model to Police Interceptor lineup to provide best-in-class horsepower and torque for police agencies
  • Since launch of the new Ford Police Interceptor products in 2012, the utility model accounts for half of the company’s police vehicle sales
Ford today announced police agencies will soon be able to order a Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6.

The engine, which delivers 350 lb.-ft. of torque, has been available in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the Police Interceptor sedan, and is the choice for more than 40 percent of Ford F-150 truck buyers.

“We continue to look at ways we can offer our customers additional product enhancements to further meet their unique needs,” said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. “Our Police Advisory Board and customers across the country identified the EcoBoost engine as their No. 1 want in the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.”

Agencies often need to outfit vehicles with an increasing amount of equipment, but still require first-responder, pursuit-capable performance and handling; the new Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle is designed to meet these requirements.

“With the Police Interceptor utility vehicle representing half of our police orders, it is evident our two-vehicle strategy was on target,” said Koss. “Our engineering team designed this vehicle specifically for the police market.”

The Police Interceptor utility has received very positive feedback from law enforcement agencies, including the performance of the standard 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, which delivers 304 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque, said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.
Gubing cited recently released results of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department testing and evaluation of 2013 model year vehicles, which show Ford’s Police Interceptor utility vehicle swept all categories, including acceleration, braking, 32-lap high-speed and pursuit versus the Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine.

“The 3.5-liter EcoBoost will offer best-in-class performance and top-notch fuel economy,” said Gubing. “That means law enforcement agencies that require this level of capability won’t have to compromise.

“It also complements our strategy of offering a choice of either sedan or utility vehicle based on a common platform, and sharing a large amount of common components, including powertrains, brakes, wheels/tires, seats and maintenance items,” Gubing added.

Lt. Charlie Powell, commander of fleet operations for Nevada Highway Patrol, said Ford “has made a good vehicle even more impressive” with the addition of the EcoBoost engine for the Police Interceptor utility vehicle. “This is good news,” he said. “We at Nevada Highway Patrol look forward to putting this platform in the field as soon as practical.”

Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that outperforms V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with three powertrain options – a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, 3.7-liter V6 with all-wheel drive and the powerhouse 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with all-wheel drive – allowing police to choose the powerplant that best meets their patrol requirements.

For more information on Ford Police Interceptor, visit www.FordPoliceInterceptor.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

8/22/13

Nice Superduty with a Scelzi Flat Bed with Racks


Here is a very sharp Superduty outfitted with a Scelzi Flat Bed with rack sides. Notice the headboard with the nice rounded corners and expanded metal see-through construction! What a beauty!

Scelzi builds flats, service bodies, contractor bodies, welder bodies and flat and landscaper dumps.

 Here are the specs on standard Scelzi Flat Bed
 Standard Accessories and Features
  • Formed 3/16” Diamond plate bed with 1-1/2” bottom flang.
  • Formed 6” side rails.
  • Formed 4” channel crossmembers.
  • Required 3” to 5” Structural channel long sills.
  • Material For Steel Floor Construction
  • Flatbed and frame.
  • Flooring: 3/16” Diamond, or Smooth steel plate.
  • Tailplate: 3/16” Diamond, or Smooth steel plate.
  • Material For Wood Floor Construction
  • Flatbed and frame.
  • Flooring: 1-1/8” Hardwood flooring.
  • Tailplate: 10 Gauge Smooth steel plate.

8/20/13

NASCAR's Brad Keselowski Drives the new F-150 Tremor




NASCAR Driver Brad Keselowski drives a road course at Michigan International Speedway in the 2014 F-150 Tremor, Ford's first EcoBoost-powered sport truck.

8/18/13

The Harbor Hauler Body - Great for Trailering and Plenty of Cabinet Space!







Whenever people are pulling trailers, they always seem to need stuff and then they need someplace to put the stuff and here is the solution. There is plenty of room for stuff in this body and it is
specifically designed to make trailering with 5th wheel or gooseneck very easy and efficient.


The Hauler Body is designed with a 5th wheel hitch in mind and has a lower height than our standard low profile body. This body is 30" compared to 33" for the low profile body. This allows the connection of the trailer and to be able to turn without affecting the compartments. Yet, this body still
holds a good deal of cargo. The front compartment opening is 24.5" x 30" and the rear is 22.5" tall by 16" wide. This allows for good sized items. The horizontal compartment opening is 38" long by 7.25"
tall. The compartments are actually slightly larger than this, but these are the opening dimensions on the 8' body. Available for single rear and dual rear applications.


A nice looking body that is so much more functional than the standard pickup for this configuration. Order a hauler body to improve your trailering life!

Give us a call at 800-433-9452 and let us build one for you in your color on your favorite truck. See our website at http://www.htbi.net/.

8/16/13

All-new Ford Transit Range makes Australian Debut


  • Ford is launching the all-new Ford Transit range early next year, the latest in the long line of market-leading vans, of which 7 million have been sold since the first model appeared in 1965
  • Designed to be the most stylish and safest Ford Transits ever
  • All-new Ford Transit Custom combines a car-like interior and driving experience, with class-competitive load-carrying ability, low cost-of-ownership and legendary Transit heritage
  • All-new Ford Transit Cargo adds flexibility of multiple combinations for customers
Ford’s small business and commercial customers have more reasons to smile with the arrival of the all-new Ford Transit Custom van and all-new Ford Transit Cargo early next year.
Designed to be the most stylish and safest Transit range ever, the all-new Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo have bold an expressive new looks and are packed with the latest safety technologies, as part of Ford’s mission to appeal to a broader range of customers, including skilled tradesmen and small businesses.

“These two cargo carriers are designed to meet the most demanding needs of van users small and large,” Ford Motor Company Chief Operating Officer, Mark Fields, said.
Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said: “We are bringing Australians a full family of stylish, innovative, safe, high quality, fuel efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles.”
Although it provides a more car-like interior and driving experience, the new Ford Transit Custom has lost none of Ford Transit’s legendary toughness, combining class-competitive load-carrying ability and attractive cost-of-ownership with the fuel efficiency expected by van customers.

“The Ford Transit Custom is a new kind of Transit, with a distinctive new design direction and a host of advanced features that will appeal to our customers,” Graziano said.
Australian customers will be able to get behind the wheel of the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo early next year. The Ford Transit Cargo adds the flexibility of multiple combinations for customers, which will include multiple roof heights, Single and Double Cab chassis models and a 12-seater bus.

The Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo are both important components of Ford’s transition story in Australia.

“We’re committed to offering our customers the latest technologies and design and that includes providing wider choices for those customers seeking more versatility from their van,” Graziano said. “Both are stylish, modern vans that our customers will be proud to have in their driveway and yet will have the hard-working attitude customers expected of a Ford Transit.”

The newest Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo are the latest in a long line of market-defining Transits, which have sold 7 million vehicles since the first model was introduced in 1965.

Bold new appearance, strong driver appeal
The Ford Transit Custom “International Van of the Year 2013” features a bold new exterior which embodies the same dynamic character as Ford’s latest passenger cars.

The new model offers class-competitive load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new load-space features, such as a unique integrated roof rack system and an ingenious load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items.

In the cab, there is a modern, driver-focused cockpit, which features a sculpted instrument panel that combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers.
Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of driver assistance technologies shared with Ford’s latest passenger cars, including the Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity system.

The strong driver appeal of the Ford Transit Custom is reinforced by dynamics and performance which have been carefully tuned to reflect the same natural and easy-to-drive character which customers appreciate on Ford’s passenger car range, together with much reduced noise levels.

Built tough for maximum occupant protection, and extreme durability
Designed to be the safest Ford Transits ever, the Ford Transit Custom features an optimised body structure to maximise occupant protection that features ultra-high-strength Boron steel for the first time on a Ford Transit.

Like all Ford commercial vehicles which share the Transit badge, the all-new Ford Transit Custom has been developed to offer exceptional cost-of-ownership and durability.

The all-new Ford Transit Custom has also been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards.

Even before the vehicle goes on sale, it will have been driven the equivalent of five million kilometres, including at least 400,000 km with existing Transit customers.

Key components and systems are tested to the limit: for example, front doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 non-stop slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford’s equivalent passenger car test.

The Ford Transit Custom will feature Ford’s latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.
Apart from Australia, the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo will be sold in more than 90 markets worldwide.

Full specification and features of both the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Cargo will be revealed closer to launch.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit  www.corporate.ford.com.

8/14/13

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor Sport Truck Will Pace Field for NASCAR Trucks Race at Michigan International Speedway

  • 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor has been chosen to pace the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 on Saturday, Aug. 17
  • 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor sport truck with EcoBoost® engine cranks out 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering V8 power with V6 fuel economy
  • Ford F-150 Tremor will be on sale this fall
The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor – the first EcoBoost®-powered sport truck – will lead the field to the green flag at the always-fast Michigan International Speedway for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 on Saturday, Aug. 17.

“Michigan International Speedway is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit, so the vehicle pacing the field also needs to be fast,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor, with its light-weight configuration, EcoBoost engine and launch-optimized performance, is well-suited for this job.”

This 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor’s EcoBoost engine is the same powerful powertrain customers can buy – the only major modification to the pace truck is a bank of safety lights mandated by NASCAR. The short-wheelbase, regular-cab Tremor goes on sale this fall delivering distinctive looks and performance.

The all-new truck couples the style of the FX Appearance Package with an EcoBoost engine and a launch-optimized 4.10 rear axle – the shortest final drive ratio offered in an EcoBoost F-150 – to help provide customers with fast acceleration. The FX Appearance Package features stealthy, flat-black accents that include unique 20-inch wheels, stylized bodyside graphics and black badges with red lettering.

Tremor is the only regular-cab F-150 offering a flow-through center console and bucket seats. Interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red piping, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel. Alcantara® seat inserts add texture and style as well.

F-150 Tremor is powered exclusively by Ford’s groundbreaking 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which features:
  • 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
  • 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm
  • Twin independent variable camshaft timing for improved performance and fuel economy
An electronic locking rear differential that’s standard for both two- and four-wheel-drive versions helps deliver the power to the pavement by improving traction during takeoff.

The 2014 F-150 Tremor also comes standard with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, which includes a large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.
Saturday’s race caps a busy week for the Ford F-150 Tremor:
  • On Wednesday, Aug. 14, reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski will drive hot laps with the 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor at Michigan International Speedway. The Rochester Hills, Mich., native is looking to defend his Sprint Cup title in his Ford Fusion
  • On Thursday, Aug. 15, the F-150 Tremor will be the subject of a live Tremor Talk web chat featuring Brian Bell, F-150 marketing manager, also known as the father of the 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor, co-hosted with Edmunds.com
“We are proud to continue using Ford trucks to pace the field at MIS,” said Allison. “Just like last year when we showcased the F-150 FX4, we’re using this Michigan race as a platform to promote another one of the outstanding products in the Ford F-150 lineup.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit  www.corporate.ford.com.

8/12/13

Truck Buying Guide - The CNG Advantage




Thinking of buying a CNG pickup truck? Want to know more about the benefits of transitioning to CNG? Not all CNG trucks are the same.


There are a number of key factors to consider before buying, including the importance of selecting a qualified vehicle modifier. This video outlines some of the guidelines you should check into before selecting your next bi-fuel pickup truck. www.WestPort.com

8/10/13

Ford’s New Sustainable Workforce Initiative Helps Ensure Hourly Employee Health, Efficiency and Productivity


  •     Ford takes a four-pronged approach – strategic hiring, training, protection and safety, and health care initiatives – to build and maintain a sustainable hourly workforce
  •     Ford’s virtual and simulated factories improve manufacturing quality and safety
  •     With the rollout of global safety standards, overall injury rates have dropped 90 percent since 2000
Ford is taking environmental sustainability a step further through an initiative called Sustainable Workforce meant to ensure the long-term health, efficiency and productivity of the company’s most important asset – its people.

“Ford could not exist without all of our hard-working employees, so it’s important for us to do everything in our power to provide a safe and sustainable work environment,” said Jim Tetreault, vice president, Ford North America manufacturing. Speaking today at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars, Tetreault added, “Through our Sustainable Workforce initiative, we’re taking a new, holistic approach to fostering growth and well-being amongst our workers, and making sure Ford is a great place to build a career over the long-term.”

The goal of Sustainable Workforce is to keep hourly employees healthy and safe throughout their careers with Ford – from before their first day on the job through their retirement. The initiative focuses on four components: high-performance hiring, advanced training, protection and safety, and health and well-being for life.

High-performance hiring
Selecting the right candidates for open hourly positions can be challenging, said Tetreault, given the ratio of job applicants to open positions – nearly 30 to 1. To narrow the field, Ford’s human resources team determines which candidates are likely to be high performers based on a comprehensive test that looks at skills, abilities and motivation.

“We look at what candidates can do as well as what they will do,” said Tetreault. “Factors associated with motivation – work ethic, conscientiousness and teamwork – are just as important in an effective employee as skills and abilities such as reading, arithmetic, defect spotting and manual assembly. Looking at candidates from both perspectives allows us to better select potential high performers who we want working with us.”

Advanced training
After strategic hiring, training is crucial to ensure new hourly employees are prepared to work safely and efficiently. Base operators receive several weeks of training – a combination of classroom, simulated factory and hands-on factory work. Semiskilled operators receive up to six months of training, and skilled trades training has increased to more than six months, or up to nine months prior to a model launch.

Simulated factory training, which was developed at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, has expanded to Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan in preparation for the start of Ford Fusion production.

“This training process – which provides workers with hands-on training in a real-world work environment – has been so successful that it is now considered a global standard and is being implemented in our plants worldwide,” said Tetreault.

Protection and safety
In 1999, Ford revamped its safety program to create global safety process standards. Employees must “stop, think and plan” before taking on any task – whether it’s replacing a light bulb or a production task on the assembly line.

“By having our employees analyze the task before any work begins, we are able to better prevent safety incidents in our facilities,” said Tetreault. “Overall injury rates have dropped to one-tenth of the levels of 1999, and our lost-time case rate is just a fraction of what it was in 2000.”

To identify ergonomic issues early and reduce the risk of chronic repetitive motion injuries, Ford conducts virtual ergonomic assessments in its virtual factory. Resolving issues before the production of physical parts plays a significant role in keeping employees safe in the workplace.

“Since implementation of our virtual factory, the number of ergonomic issues during physical builds has been greatly reduced,” said Tetreault. “So far in 2013, our days away and restricted time rate has fallen to less than one-sixth of where it was in 2001, and we continue to make progress.”

Health and well-being for life
Ensuring employees’ long-term health is the final step in maintaining a sustainable workforce. To improve the health care experience and outcome for hourly employees with the greatest need, Ford recently announced its Enhanced Care Program in conjunction with the UAW and UAW Trust. This voluntary two-year pilot program uses a personalized care approach to help eligible participants manage chronic health care needs and prevent future problems when possible.

“Our hourly worker population tends to be more high-risk, to have more chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, and to use preventive services less often compared with the national average,” said Tetreault. “As health care spending continues to increase, Ford, the UAW and health care providers continue to work together to develop and promote programs that will maintain or improve employees’ health while reducing costs at the same time. We think the goal is imminently achievable.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit  www.corporate.ford.com.

8/08/13

Built Ford Green: Sustainable Materials Make America’s Best-Selling Truck Environmentally Friendly and Tough


    • Rice hulls are the latest sustainable material used in Ford F-150; the hulls reinforce plastic used in an electrical harness in 2014 F-150
    • Other eco-friendly materials in F-Series trucks are soybeans and post-industrial recycled cotton – one 2014 Ford F-150 truck uses the equivalent of about 10 pairs of jeans, 26 bath towels or 31 T-shirts as carpet insulation or sound absorber
    • Eco-friendly materials complement fuel efficient F-Series powertrains, including an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, which improves fuel economy up to 20 percent and reduces CO2 emissions up to 15 percent compared to similarly capable V8 engines
    Ford is proving that pickups can be green and tough by adding rice hulls to the list of sustainable materials used to build F-150 – America’s best-selling truck.

    Ford is using plastic reinforced with rice hulls – a byproduct of rice grain – in an electrical harness in the 2014 F-150. The company will need at least 45,000 pounds of hulls in the first year.

    “The 2014 F-Series exemplifies our continued efforts to use recycled content in our vehicles,” said John Viera, Ford global director of sustainability and vehicle environmental matters. “We can have greater impact in this case because of the size and sales volume of this product.”

    The rice hulls are sourced from farms in Arkansas and will replace a talc-based reinforcement in a polypropylene composite made by RheTech, a Whitmore Lake, Mich.-based automotive supplier.

    “We developed this resin specifically for Ford over the last three years, working with the automaker closely, including in all phases of material qualification,” said David Preston, director of business development for RheTech. “The whole process has been a rewarding success for both Ford and RheTech, which can add yet another natural-fiber based product to our RheVision line.”

    Rice hull-reinforced plastic is the most recent example of Ford researchers and engineers using sustainable material whenever possible in the F-Series – without compromising toughness and durability. F-Series trucks already feature:
    •     Recycled cotton: Used as carpet insulation and a sound absorber; every 2014 F-150 contains enough recycled cotton to make the equivalent of 10 pairs of jeans
    •     Soybeans: Used to make seat cushions, seat backs and head restraints
    •     Recycled carpet: Some F-150 trucks have cylinder head covers made with EcoLon, a nylon resin produced from 100 percent post-consumer recycled carpet
    •     Recycled tires: A thermoplastic material made from recycled tires and post-consumer recycled polypropylene is used to make shields and some underbody covers on F-150
    •     Recycled plastic soda pop and water bottles: A lightweight fiber derived from recycled plastic soda pop and water bottles is used to construct F-150 wheel liners and shields. The parts are significantly lighter than traditional injection molded parts and lead to a quieter ride. Select F-Series trucks feature fabric made from recycled fiber
    •     Recycled post-industrial plastics: Used in interior finish panels, including around radio and climate controls
    Researchers in Dearborn are constantly searching for the next sustainable material that can feasibly be used in Ford vehicles. Finding a source of material is only the beginning of the process, however, because before making it to production, components made from recycled content must perform as well or better than comparable virgin-grade material.

    Materials development engineers at Ford Materials Engineering, Testing and Standards in Dearborn, in conjunction with RheTech, conducted testing of the rice hull material for more than a year, examining everything from smell and appearance to functionality and flammability. The rice hull-based material successfully passed all tests.

    With F-Series as America’s best-selling truck for 36 years – averaging more than 650,000 sales per year – the environmental impact of being as sustainable as possible adds up fast. Ford estimates about 10 million pounds of recycled cotton are used in F-Series trucks annually.

    “Fuel economy is a top priority when it comes to Ford’s environmental impact,” says Carrie Majeske, Ford product sustainability manager. “But we also recognize the tremendous impact that can be made by using sustainable materials inside our cars, utilities and trucks.”

    The eco-friendly aspects of F-Series extend to the powertrain. The available 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine combines technologies typically associated with heavy-duty truck diesel engines – turbocharging and direct fuel injection – in a gasoline engine. The engine delivers fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent.

    Further, the 2014 F-150 equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a factory-installed package that allows the engine to operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

    The complete F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, B20, and dedicated compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas capability, or CNG/LPG bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be outfitted for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can operate on E85, an ethanol-gasoline mix.

    More press releases, graphics and videos related to Ford’s sustainability efforts can be found here.
    About Ford Motor Company

    Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit  www.corporate.ford.com.

    8/06/13

    Third Production Crew with 900 New U.S. Jobs Begins to Meet Surging Ford F-Series Demand


    Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant today launches a third crew that adds 900 new jobs to meet surging customer demand for Ford F-Series, part of the 200,000 units of added annual straight-time capacity Ford plans for 2013
    • Through July, Ford F-Series sales 50 percent higher than the second-best-selling vehicle in America
    • With the additional crew at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Ford has reached 75 percent of its goal to create 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015
    • Ford has added 2,335 hourly jobs and 1,500 salary jobs in the United States this year alone
    Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 5, 2013 – Ford, America’s truck leader, today welcomes a third crew of 900 new hourly workers at its Kansas City Assembly Plant to meet surging customer demand for the Ford F-150.

    Ford F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup, the nation’s No. 1-selling vehicle for 31 years and the best-selling truck for 36 years.

    “Ford F-Series sales are the strongest since 2006, and we are increasing production to meet this demand.” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager. “This is an important indicator that our economy is growing again. We are proud that Ford Trucks are helping more and more of our customers get back to work.”

    The additional production crew is Ford’s first step in bringing more than 2,000 jobs to Kansas City Assembly Plant to meet growing truck demand and to launch production of the all-new Ford Transit van early next year.

    Over the past year, Ford announced it will increase capacity by 600,000 units in North America to meet surging demand for its cars, trucks and utilities.

    F-Series demand
    Customer demand for Ford F-Series continues to strengthen:
    • F-Series sales increased 22 percent from January to July 2013, compared to the same period last year
    • F-Series sales were at 60,449 in July, representing the best July sales month since 2006 and a 23 percent increase over 2012
    • Based on July U.S. sales results, F-Series sales now have increased for 24 consecutive months
    The Built Ford Tough F-150 delivers the segment’s best combination of power, capability, safety and fuel economy. F-150 leads in a variety of fields, including:
    • 68 percent market share in hazardous materials work
    • 67 percent share in the oil pipeline industry
    • 62 percent share in road and highway maintenance
    “Whether it’s construction, farming, energy or law enforcement, Ford trucks keep America working,” said Scott.

    Going further
    The additional jobs at Kansas City Assembly Plant come as Ford continues to retool and expand the facility through a $1.1 billion investment to ready for Transit production. Kansas City Assembly Plant has more than 250 suppliers nationally and more than 10 suppliers locally that will benefit from the addition of a third crew. When Transit production begins, close to 275 suppliers nationally and six suppliers locally will grow their business.


    “Missouri’s resurgent auto industry continues to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Missouri families in Kansas City and across the state,” Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said. “I applaud Ford for their historic investment in this region and congratulate the hundreds of additional autoworkers going to work building America’s most popular pickup right here in the Show-Me State.”




    About Ford Motor Company

    Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit  www.corporate.ford.com.

    8/04/13

    Westport Wing for 2014 F150 Pickups

    August 3, 2013 in NGVs by Rich Piellisch  

    Watch for a Unit with Full Cargo Bed (All Tanks Stowed Below)

    Westport confirms that its will offer Ford F-150 pickups converted to compressed natural gas operation with the Westport WiNG system, in both the U.S. and Canada, with deliveries expected to commence in the first quarter of 2014.



    Westport confirmed Thursday that it will offer a CNG version
    of the Ford F-150 pickup for 2014.

    Westport Innovations (Toronto:WPT and NASDAQ:WPRT) dramatically expanded its Ford natural gas vehicle line-up with theacquisition of Dallas-based BAF Technologies and its subsidiary
    ServoTech Engineering late last month.

    BAF, Westport notes, is Ford’s largest partner under themanufacturer’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program, with more than tenvehicle products and approximately 150 Ford-authorized dealerships. BAFoffers trucks with all CNG storage underneath, freeing the full pickup bed for cargo.

    Ford Announced 3.7-Liter Gas-Prep V-6

    Ford confirmed this week that it is offering a gaseous-prep version of its 3.7-liter V-6 engine, clearing the way for QVM-warranted CNG-fueled F-150 sales.

    “Our customers have been anticipating the availability of a natural gas version of Ford’s flagship pick-up truck, and as we believe Westport has the largest portfolio of Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM)products, this will give us even greater options for fleets and consumers,” Westport VP John Lapetz said in a release.

    “Ford has recognized the market demand and responded by adding one of its most popular models to the natural gas line-up.”

    Ford offers the base vehicle with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings allowing it to operate on either natural gas or gasoline.

    “The Westport WiNG powered Ford F-150 will offer customers a range of options
    to meet their needs, in a variety of cab, bed and driveline configurations,” the upfitter says.

    Westport promises F-150 pricing and ordering details in September.


    -------------------------------



    Source: Westport with Fleets & Fuels follow-up



    8/02/13

    Super Duty.® Toughness has a Name Official Trailer HD





    A classic story about everyman's struggle against the odds. See how strength, toughness and determination win out and make you the hero with the Ford Super Duty®.