3/31/15

How Ford Switched Gears for the All-New F-150





Ford redeveloped its F-150 plant for a complete restructuring of the famous truck line.

About: This Built America celebrates the rebirth of American industry.Explore the individuals and companies that are building and re-imagining America, whose ambition and dedication stretch from sea to shining sea.

See more here: http://goo.gl/4mEGvb

3/29/15

The Work Truck Show 2015





A record-setting 11,005 industry professionals from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 23 countries turned out for The Work Truck Show® 2015, North America’s largest work truck event. This breaks the Show’sprevious attendance record of 10,408 set in 2012. The Work Truck Show2015 was held March 4–6, with educational sessions and the concurrentGreen Truck Summit kicking off March 3, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. It is produced annually by NTEA – The Association
for the Work Truck Industry.


Learn more at worktruckshow.com

3/25/15

A Day in the Life - W.J. Scott Company





To make a family business last from generation to generation, families pass down the best ethics and practices to keep their businesses the most successful that they can be. This is one thing that The KnapheideManufacturing Company and W.J. Scott Company have in common.


Watch this video to find out why Matt and James Scott continue to choose Knapheide KUVs for their business for the fourth time in their company's history.

3/23/15

Kansas City Assembly Plant Comes on Line as Second U.S. Factory Building All-New Ford F-150

  •     2015 Ford F-150 starts production at Kansas City Assembly Plant; along with three shifts in operation at Dearborn Truck Plant, Ford is now producing even more units of the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever
  •     All-new F-150 is turning more than four times faster than the overall full-size pickup truck segment; In addition to producing all F-150 models and cab configurations, Kansas City exclusively builds specialty F-150s with 8-foot cargo boxes and heavy payload packages to meet the needs of commercial fleet customers
  •     Kansas City Assembly Plant facilities transformed with the latest in manufacturing technology to build the first mass-produced truck in its class featuring a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and bed 
CLAYCOMO, Mo., March 13, 2015 – Ford today marks the official start of production of the all-new 2015 F-150 at Kansas City Assembly Plant, which joins Dearborn Truck Plant in building the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. 



This means Ford has expanded production of the first mass-produced light-duty pickup truck with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. In addition to producing all F-150 models and cab configurations, production at Kansas City Assembly Plant now includes F-150s with an 8-foot cargo box and heavy payload package to meet the needs of commercial fleet customers.



“The all-new F-150 has surpassed our expectations – setting new standards for full-size truck capability, technology and efficiency,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “With production starting at Kansas City Assembly, we are better poised to start meeting growing customer demand for our pickup.”



The all-new F-150 is off to a strong start. In January, F-Series had its strongest sales month since 2004 – Ford’s best sales year ever for F-150. Retail sales increased 7 percent in February. These numbers make F-Series one of Ford’s fastest-selling vehicles, at just 18 days to turn on dealer lots – well below the light-duty full-size pickup truck average of 105 days.



F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 67th year, F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 33 consecutive years and America’s favorite truck for 38 years.



“The rollout of the all-new Missouri-made F-150 cements our position as America’s truck manufacturing headquarters and marks a historic moment that has been years in the making,” said Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. “Six years ago, we made a commitment that the vehicles of the future would be built right here in the Show-Me State, and with today’s launch of the 2015 Ford F-150, we are delivering on that promise.”



Kansas City Assembly Plant renovation

In 2011, Ford announced a $1.1 billion investment to retool and expand Kansas City Assembly Plant to support production of both F-150 and the Transit full-size van family.



Similar to the work Dearborn Truck Plant received, 13 weeks were spent upgrading Kansas City Assembly Plant with the latest in advanced materials and forming and joining technologies to support F-150’s innovative manufacturing process.



Upgrades to the facility include:



    More than 900 new workers added to ensure the new 2015 F-150 is built with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship

    All-new body shop with more than 500 new robots:

    Robots to conduct state-of-the-art joining technology using riveting and structural adhesives – resulting in a tougher, more durable truck and a quieter, nearly spark-free manufacturing environment

    More compact robots to install roof and door panels and to transfer the light-weighted truck to final assembly – resulting in a smaller manufacturing footprint

    Robots with cameras to scan truck body to ensure the highest quality standards are met



    Updated paint shop with dirt detection technology and increased robotic paint automation for a durable, best-in-class exterior appearance

    Innovative production processes to support installation of new truck features such as class-exclusive 360-degree camera with split-view display

    Rough-road test course to replicate extreme, real-life road conditions to ensure delivery of quiet, more durable truck



“The hardworking men and women of UAW Local 249 and Kansas City Assembly Plant are proud to be part of the F-Series tradition – one that continues to set the standard by which all American trucks are measured,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president and director, National Ford Department. “But the real contribution goes far beyond these walls; the addition of 900 new jobs and more than $1 billion in financial investment provides tremendous stability to the Kansas City, Missouri community, for which the entire UAW-Ford family can be proud.”



Combined, Kansas City Assembly and Dearborn Truck facilities will have capacity to produce more than 700,000 Ford F-150 pickups per year for availability in 90 markets globally.



Toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever

The all-new F-150 is the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – boasting a military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, and shedding up to 700 pounds for a lighter, more efficient truck than any previous F-150.



The weight savings lead to customer benefits regardless of model configuration or engine choice. The innovative new truck can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds than the 2014 model, and it has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-size gasoline pickup on the market. When equipped with an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine, the new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.



Numerous groundbreaking features debuted in the all-new F-150, including these class-exclusives:



    360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails when driving slowly

    Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

    BoxLink™ cargo management system combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers

    Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle

    Remote tailgate allows for tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob



The 2015 Ford F-150 has won the following awards and accolades:



    2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year

    Detroit Free Press 2015 Truck of the Year

    Detroit News 2015 Vehicle of the Year

    AAA Top Pick 2015 Pickup Truck

    Motor Trend’s Truck Trend Magazine 2015 Pickup Truck of the Year

    Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Truck and Best Buy Overall

    Popular Science Automotive Grand Award Winner Best of What’s New

    Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas

    Texas Auto Writers Association Luxury Pickup Truck

    Texas Auto Writers Association Full-Size Pickup Truck

    Texas Auto Writers Association Best Technology Feature for high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy

    New England Motor Press Association Yankee Cup

    Automotive Fleet Magazine 2014 Fleet Truck of the Year

    Motor Press Guild 2014 Innovation Vehicle of the Year Over $30K

    AutoGuide 2015 Reader’s Choice Truck of the Year

    Automobile Journalists Association of Canada 2015 Best New Pickup Truck

    New Car Test Drive 2015 Truck of the Year

    Ruedas ESPN Best Full-Size Pickup Truck



About Ford Motor Company



Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 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 http://corporate.ford.com.

3/21/15

2015 Ford Aluminum F150 Line X Bedliner Install





We take a 2015 F150 to Great lakes Line X for a new Platinum bed liner.
I would recommend Line X over any other bedliner product.

3/19/15

2015 A.R.E. NTEA Inside Look


A.R.E.'s Todd Schroeder shares some insights about two new pickup truck bed caps on display at the 2015 The Work Truck Show that are designed for heavy-duty/commercial applications.

3/17/15

Adrian Steel at the 2015 NTEA WORK TRUCK SHOW





The 2015 NTEA Work Truck Show was a huge success! Thank you to all whostopped by the Adrian Steel booth to talk with us and see the newvehicles and products!

3/15/15

Ford Telematics Delivers Innovative Fleet Management Solutions for Ford’s Global Commercial Vehicle Customers



Ford Telematics Delivers Innovative Fleet Management Solutions for Ford’s Global Commercial Vehicle Customers
  •     Ford Telematics™ powered by Telogis® is a next-generation cloud-based fleet management solution that helps commercial customers better manage vehicles and improve their customer service
  •     Ford Telematics adds new services, real-time actionable analytics and communications capabilities globally
  •     Ford Telematics available today for 2009 and newer Ford F-Series, Transit Connect, Transit and E-Series vehicles, as well as for Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan
Indianapolis, March 3, 2015 – Ford Motor Company introduces Ford Telematics™ powered by Telogis® to help fleets run more efficient operations and better serve their customers.

Ford Telematics is the next generation of the fleet management platform previously known as Crew Chief™ powered by Telogis, which was available in the United States and Canada. The new version will be available globally and adds new features and analytics.

“Commercial trucks have to be more than delivery boxes on wheels, and innovations like Ford Telematics are critical to helping our fleet customers succeed,” said Raj Nair, Ford chief technical officer and group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford, in coordination with Telogis, is leading the development of smart solutions for hardworking fleets so they can maximize their operations to better serve their customers.”

Ford Telematics is a suite of cloud-based applications that gives Ford customers visibility into the workday of every driver in the field. The technology is designed to provide exclusive metrics and insights for any size commercial fleet.

Ford Telematics services and features include:

    Mobile connectivity: Connects workers in the field with fleet managers to coordinate Department of Transportation compliance (including hours of service and driver vehicle inspection reports), work orders and more
    Data reporting: Ford-exclusive data and services for more vehicle intelligence, such as diesel emissions and idle time
    Workflow and information gateways: Integration with new workflows, scripted alerts and application programming interfaces that connect Ford Telematics with customer information systems to leverage data in new ways in the back office or in the field
    In-cab alerts: Provide audible driver feedback on harsh acceleration, hard braking, excessive speed and excessive vehicle idle time
    Driver scorecards: Customizable driver behavior scorecards, dashboards and optional Telogis Coach, an industry-first driver feedback mobile application for Android or iOS
    Fuel management: Fuel management reports and dashboards
    Dashboards: Ready-to-use dashboards monitor driver behavior and operations to help ensure the fleet is running efficiently and productively
    Customizable reports: Easier-to-use reports with new user interface improvements, resource filtering and more output formats

Ford Telematics is available from the factory and as a dealer-installed aftermarket option, giving fleets access to actionable analytics even after they place their vehicle orders.

Ford Telematics can be financed with the purchase of a Ford vehicle and is covered under a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. The system is serviceable at Ford dealerships.

“With the launch of Ford Telematics, we renew our commitment to providing Ford customers with a best-in-class, mission-critical platform on which they can manage every aspect of their mobile business,” said Susan Heystee, executive vice president, worldwide sales at Telogis. “The key benefit to customers is improved workforce utilization and fleet productivity that’s easily ordered in Ford trucks with the technology built right in.”

Ford Telematics is available today in North America for 2009 or newer models of the following Ford vehicles:

    Super Duty and F-150 pickups – part of the F-Series lineup, America’s best-selling trucks for 38 years
    Transit – America’s best-selling full-size van
    Transit Connect – with best-in-class EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings
    E-Series vans
    Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan – America’s best-selling law enforcement vehicles – through Ford Telematics powered by Telogis Law Enforcement Edition

The system will be introduced on F-650/F-750 trucks for 2016.

Additionally, Ford Telematics soon will be available around the world for Ford commercial customers.

“We want to have one solution customers can rely on no matter where in the world they do business and where they are buying Ford vehicles,” said Nair. “They will be able to walk into a dealer in North America, Germany, Australia or anywhere and ask for one brand, one product.”
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 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 http://corporate.ford.com.
About Telogis, Inc.

Telogis, Inc., the platform for connected intelligence, is dedicated to enhancing the value of its customers’ businesses through intelligent integration of location technology, information and services. Telogis was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., with offices in Europe and Latin America as well as development centers in Austin, Texas; Toronto; and Christchurch, New Zealand. Telogis’ products and services are used and distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. To learn more about Telogis, visit www.telogis.com or call toll free at 866-TELOGIS (866-835-6447)

3/13/15

2015 Ford F-150 Offers $50 Snow Plow Prep Package



During a snowy afternoon in Detroit, we wondered: "Why plow with a half-ton?" Typically, snow plowing is reserved for larger, heavy-duty pickup trucks. Ford says this setup appeals to the occasional snow plow operator  a farmer, a homeowner with a long driveway or a small business with a parking lot. Instead of firing up the heavy-duty, these ownerscan adapt a new Ford F-150 to handle the job.


Ford says it is just beginning to offer the package for half-tonpickups and many dealerships are ordering the option for trucks to besold off their lots. Currently, Ford has about 1,100 orders for the Snow Plow Prep Package (just $50), which requires some changes to the software program via a dedicated plow switch found on the F-150 instrument panel and an extra hot wire near the driver's knee to power the plow joystick toggle. With that option loaded, customers can then take their truck to a third-party plow manufacturer for additional electrical wiring and under-frame hardware items.


Find out more at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/02/2015-ford-f-150-offers-50-snow-plow-prep-package.html


Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/02/2015-ford-f-150-offers-50-snow-plow-prep-package.html

3/11/15

Transfer Tank Video by Highway Products





Aluminum transfer tanks are very convenient when you need to transport diesel, bio-diesel or water to your worksite. We have four differenttransfer tanks to choose from or you can customize a fuel tank that will meet your needs. We use 3/16 inch marine grade aluminum and Heliarc®all transfer tank shells. All transfer tanks for pickup trucks and custom transfer tanks come with a Lifetime Warranty.


3/09/15

What’s in the 2015 F-150? | Cabin Storage | Ford Trucks





A lot went into the new body of the 2015 F-150. Now see all that goes into its redesigned bed and cab, with a fully flat load floor and almost 2 inches more space.


Thanks to the innovations in the 2015F-150, the cab and box of the pickup truck have been redefined. Here are just some of the ways:


• Class-exclusive** Integrated Tailgate Step with Lift Assist* – now fully integrated inside the tailgate

• Class-exclusive** Remote Tailgate Release* – release and lower the
tailgate with the key fob; lock or unlock the tailgate with the key fob
or inside door switch

• LED Box Lights* – work at night or under a tonneau cover

• Stowable Loading Ramps* – easily load items such as ATVs, motorcycles
and mowers; adjustable ramps can be spaced to suit the item being
loaded.

• Deployable Box Side Steps* – now available on all cab configurations including the 4-door SuperCrew® with 5.5-ft. pickup box.


*Available feature.

**Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR.


Explore the all-new 2015 F-150: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150


Subscribe to Ford Trucks YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/fordtrucks

Visit Ford Trucks online: http://www.ford.com/new-trucks/


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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fordtrucks

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Ford Social: http://social.ford.com/



The
official YouTube channel of Ford trucks. Learn more about our F-150 and
Super Duty® trucks, and how we put them to the test to meet our
rigorous Built Ford Tough® standards.

3/07/15



  •     2016 Ford F-650/F-750 powered by Ford-designed and -built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine is 25 percent quieter inside the cabin at 60 mph than the previous model
  •     2016 Ford F-650/F-750 with available 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine at idle is as much as 45 percent quieter inside the cabin and 35 percent quieter when outside the truck in front of the grille
  • All-new F-650/F-750 goes on sale this summer and will be built at Ohio Assembly Plant

INDIANAPOLIS, March 3, 2015 – Ford is lowering noise levels in the all-new Ford F-650/F-750 – the company’s toughest, smartest and best-value F-650/F-750 medium-duty commercial trucks ever – to give drivers and their customers a quieter, more comfortable experience inside and out.


Thanks to its exclusive Ford-designed and -built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel engine, those inside and outside the truck will notice a quieter, more refined sound compared to the previous F-650/F-750’s diesel engine.


“Our all-new F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks are purpose-built to give our hardworking vocational customers maximum capability,” said John Ruppert, general manager, Ford Commercial Vehicle Sales and Marketing. “While the truck is able to work harder, we also made life inside the cab easier. Lowering in-cab and exterior noise levels improves driver comfort and minimizes disturbances while idling at work sites.”


The 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 powered by the Ford-designed and -built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine is 25 percent quieter inside the cabin at 60 mph than the previous model, with noise levels dropping to 68 decibels from 74 decibels. At idle, noise levels are improved as much as 45 percent, dropping to 48 decibels from 63 decibels.



Decibels measure the intensity and power of sound. Each 10-unit increase represents a 10-fold increase in sound power, so a 10 decibel sound is 10 times more powerful than a zero decibel sound, and 20 decibels is 100 times stronger than zero decibels.



Advanced and quiet diesel engine


The 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 with the available 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine is 35 percent quieter at idle than the previous model for a listener standing outside in front of the grille.


Ford is the only medium-duty truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination – ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations. This approach enables Ford engineers to optimize vehicle performance across the entire lineup and further refine the powertrain to specific customer needs.


Enhancements to the Power Stroke combustion system, structural integrity of the compacted graphite iron block and single turbocharger mounted to the engine block account for many of the noise, vibration and harshness improvements over the previously offered diesel engine.


Specific design upgrades were made to the fuel injectors to optimize the combustion process, which features a two-stage combustion event instead of a single-injection event, further avoiding harsh, sudden and loud combustion. A starter or pilot fuel injector in the 6.7-liter engine begins the compression process before the main injection. The result is smoother combustion with less diesel clatter and a reduction of intrusive engine sound both inside and outside the truck.


At idle, two pilot injection events are used to make the firing process even smoother and to aid in quietness. The “ticking” of the high-speed injectors is masked by specially designed covers on the engine.


Mounting the engine’s turbocharger inside the engine block valley also brings improvements in overall noise, vibration and harshness.


“We used smart engineering and our unique Power Stroke engine architecture to create a powerful yet quiet diesel for our commercial customers,” said John Davis, chief engineer, Ford Commercial Vehicles.


In addition to quieter operation, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine will feature three engine power ratings, including best-in-class standard diesel horsepower and torque, and no vocational limits on top ratings.


The three diesel power levels available for the 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 are:

  •     Best-in-class standard 270 horsepower, 675 lb.-ft. torque
  •     300 horsepower, 700 lb.-ft. torque
  •     330 horsepower, 725 lb.-ft. torque
Multiple ratings provide customers the flexibility to scale engine power to work applications and operations.


The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 comes with a five-year, 250,000-mile warranty.


In addition to its Power Stroke diesel engine, Ford remains the only automaker in the segment to offer a gasoline-powered engine for a medium-duty truck. The 6.8-liter V10 engine with 320 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque is now available for both F-650 and F-750 models with the TorqShift® heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.8-liter V10 engine can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or propane autogas as cost-effective alternatives to gasoline.


More information about the all-new F-650/F-750


The Ford F-650/F-750 anchors the Ford commercial truck lineup – America’s best-selling line of commercial trucks for 30 years – giving vocational customers an unmatched one-stop shop to meet their needs, from a Class 1 Ford Transit Connect cargo van to a Class 7 Ford F-750 tractor rig.


Offered in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab styles and in straight-frame, dock-height and an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing applications, the 2016 F-650/F-750 features a bold look inside and out.


The new exterior styling commands attention on the road with Built Ford Tough looks that also help deliver improved functionality. The all-new mesh grille framed by hallmark Ford nostrils helps improve airflow for optimal cooling performance. Also new are sharp fenders, aerodynamic headlamps and F-650/F-750 badges embossed in “Bold Leadership” font. Available PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors feature large standard mirrors as well as spotter mirrors and a segment-exclusive power telescoping and folding design.


The area behind the cab was redesigned to more easily accommodate custom work bodies, such as tow truck, dump truck and ambulance bodies.


The new medium-duty truck lineup will be available this summer and built at Ohio Assembly Plant.

About Ford Motor Company


Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 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 http://corporate.ford.com.

3/03/15

Knapheide's Deluxe Gooseneck Body

Knapheide's PGND Gooseneck combines the secure storage of a Service Body with the hauling ability of a Gooseneck body.


The PGND Gooseneck Body is the top of the line Gooseneck offering fromKnapheide.  Versatile storage including service body style compartmentsand a flip top compartment enable you to store a wide variety of  tools and equipment.  The integrated gooseneck hitch and receiver hitchsystems allow you to haul virtually any trailer.  Aluminum tread platetrim give the PGND Gooseneck Body premium styling and appearance.  TheKnapheide PGND Gooseneck Body is the ideal work truck for mining,agriculture and many other vocational applications.


For increased functionality, look to Knapheide's PGNDHD Gooseneck Body models which have all the same great standard features as a PGNDGooseneck Body plus a 3/16" treadplate floor (ILO 12 gauge treadplate),slam lock tailgate, and side tie-down rings in the cargo area.  

3/02/15

Ford Trains Thousands of Kansas City Assembly Plant Workers to Support Upcoming F-150 Production





Since May 2013, more than 8,000 skilled trade and production workers atFord Dearborn Truck Plant and now, at Kansas City Assembly Plant, haveundergone an intensive training program to support production of theall-new Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, and most capable F-150 ever.