2/27/17

2017MY CNG Certification – Ford E-450 6.8L V-10 Cutaway


Landi Renzo USA, a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), is pleased to announce the industry’s first natural gas EPA certification for the 2017MY Ford 6.8L V-10 Heavy Duty (HLDRE06.8B10) engine utilized in E-series trucks, including the E-450 Cutaway.

Landi Renzo has maintained both EPA & CARB certifications on the Ford 6.8L 2-valve V10 engine since 2014MY. The most recent 2017MY EPA certification makes it the industry’s first dedicated CNG application for the engine test group HLDRE06.8B10 under Ford’s gaseous fuel QVM program

Read More…

2/25/17

Municipal Dump Spreader (MDS) by Buyers Products


New Municipal Dump Spreaders from Buyers Products combine dumping and spreading for year-round use. Available with optional pre-wet system.

2/23/17

NEW FORD COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CENTER PROGRAM KEEPS FLEET AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS ON THE ROAD

  • New Ford Commercial Vehicle Center dealers provide an outstanding sales, service and finance experience to fleet and commercial customers nationwide
  • Commercial Vehicle Center dealers offer best Ford truck and van selection, expanded service hours, greater parts inventory and highly trained staff to improve customer vehicle uptime
  • Program replaces groundbreaking Ford Business Preferred Network of commercial dealers

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1, 2017 – Ford, the commercial vehicle leader for 31 straight years, introduces its Commercial Vehicle Center program to provide fleet and commercial customers nationwide with outstanding sales, service and financing at the dealership level.

The network includes more than 650 Ford dealers committed to offering commercial customers the vehicles, financing options and service support their businesses need. The Commercial Vehicle Center program replaces the groundbreaking Ford Business Preferred Network of commercial dealers.

“Nearly 30 years ago, Ford established its first program to improve the purchase experience for our commercial vehicle customers,” said John Ruppert, Ford general manager, commercial vehicle sales and marketing. “Now we are introducing the next chapter in our commercial vehicle story, not only by rebranding the program, but by further expanding a number of program elements to improve the overall customer experience.”

To maximize customer vehicle uptime, Commercial Vehicle Center dealer service departments are open at least 55 hours per week, and new stocking programs improve parts availability.

Ford’s new Commercial Advantage Rewards loyalty program lets customers earn a range of factory benefits that can be redeemed at any Commercial Vehicle Center location. Dealers can offer their own rewards through the program as well.

All Commercial Vehicle Center dealer employees are cross-trained by the factory to provide customers with knowledgeable, trustworthy support – from sales to finance to service.

Ford has the broadest line of commercial vehicles available – from Transit Connect compact vans to full-size Transit cargo vans, from F-150 pickups through Super Duty chassis cabs, all the way up to F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks. Commercial Vehicle Center dealers offer the best selection of in-stock Ford commercial vehicles, and a range of financing options and incentives.

“Our goal is to make Ford Commercial Vehicle Center dealers the trusted choice for commercial customers by providing an easy, effortless customer experience through a comprehensive, industry-leading commercial dealer network program,” said Ruppert.

For more information, or to locate a local Ford Commercial Vehicle Center, visit fordcommercialvehiclecenter.com.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

2/21/17

NEW OMNICRAFT BRAND TO SELL QUALITY, COMPETITIVELY-PRICED PARTS FOR ALL VEHICLE BRANDS AT FORD DEALERSHIPS


  • Ford Customer Service Division launches Omnicraft, an all-new brand of replacement parts for all makes of non-Ford vehicles. Non-Ford customers now are able to purchase parts and have their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships
  • The 1,500 most commonly requested parts are now available and include oil filters, brake pads and rotors, loaded struts, and starters and alternators. The list of available parts will eventually grow to 10,000 for even more customer convenience
  • Omnicraft is the first new brand for Ford’s Customer Service Division in 50 years and is an important growth opportunity for dealerships as they will be able to sell parts and offer service for all vehicles

DEARBORN, MI, January 24, 2017 – Ford dealers now have access to a complete family of parts to sell and to service all makes of vehicles as the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) launches its new Omnicraft brand.

Adding Omnicraft to Ford’s family of parts line to also cover non-Ford vehicles means an improved customer experience through competitive pricing, quality and convenience.

“Omnicraft is a significant benefit to any vehicle owner who needs parts or to have their vehicle serviced,” said Frederiek Toney, president, Global Ford Customer Service Division. “Now, owners of non-Ford vehicles have access to quality parts at a competitive price, backed by Ford and installed by Ford’s world-class certified technicians.”

For launch, Ford focused on developing the most commonly requested parts at a competitive price. Initial offerings include oil filters, brake pads and rotors, loaded struts, and starters and alternators.

“Today, 1,500 parts numbers are available with plans to eventually reach approximately 30 parts categories and 10,000 parts,” Toney said. “We targeted the most requested parts first to provide our dealers with a solid foundation of inventory.”

At launch, Omnicraft parts will be available at Ford and Lincoln dealerships and will roll out to other Ford Authorized Distributors throughout 2017.

Omnicraft is the first new brand offered by FCSD in 50 years and is an important growth opportunity for dealerships as they will be able to sell parts and offer service for all vehicles.   Ford also offers its Motorcraft® complete line of replacement parts for Ford vehicles.

ABOUT OMNICRAFT
Omnicraft is part of the Ford family of parts brands: Ford, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

2/19/17

SMART ENGINEERING EARNS ALL-NEW FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY CREW CAB 4X2 FIVE-STAR OVERALL GOVERNMENT CRASH RATING


  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab 4x2 with a five-star overall vehicle score in its New Car Assessment Program – the highest possible rating – making this all-new truck the safest Super Duty ever
  • Frontal driver rating improves to five stars; side crash ratings for front and rear remain five stars
  • Safety starts with Super Duty’s backbone – a fully boxed frame that is 95 percent high-strength steel; and its segment-exclusive high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 30, 2017 – The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab 4x2’s smart engineering has earned the all-new truck the government’s highest possible crash rating of five stars – adding safety to its strengths as the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

The 2017 F-Series Super Duty is the only heavy-duty pickup truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest safety rating.

Thanks to its robust design, advanced materials and safety features developed by the Ford truck team, the 2017 model earns a five-star overall vehicle score in the agency’s New Car Assessment Program, as well as a five-star rating for frontal driver crash tests. Side crash ratings for front and rear remain five stars.

Super Duty’s improved performance is enabled by weight savings of up to 350 pounds through the use of high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body and box. This leads to more local frame stiffness at strategic locations to deliver considerable improvement in occupant protection. The weight savings is then reinvested into an all-new fully boxed frame that is more than 95 percent high-strength steel and up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame.

But Ford didn’t stop with the truck’s body and frame – Super Duty sets a new level of technology availability for the segment. Options such as 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, lane-keeping alert and inflatable seatbelts help the driver to have more confidence and control while towing and hauling heavy loads from job site to job site.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

2/17/17

How Ford Will Electrify Vehicles to Make Them Better

Ford is electrifying its most popular vehicles to make them 
even more capable, productive and fun to drive.




Happy New Year!

As we kick off 2017, at Ford, we’re also looking further into the future. The era of more affordable electrified vehicles is dawning, and we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make people’s lives better by changing the way the world moves.

That’s why, today, we’re confirming seven of 13 new global EVs coming from Ford in the next five years as part of a $4.5 billion investment. They include our most popular trucks, commercial vehicles and performance vehicles. At the same time, we’re also creating new services and mobility solutions that will make it easy to use EVs.

    Why this major investment in technology?

In the next 15 years, we see global EV industry offerings outnumbering gasoline-powered vehicles, as people around the world continue moving to cities, consumer preferences shift to greener transportation and battery prices fall — all making tomorrow’s EVs less expensive to own than today’s gas-powered vehicles.

These new Ford electrified vehicles will include full hybrids that never need to be plugged in, plug-in hybrids that can run on electricity alone or gasoline when the battery is almost empty, and full electric vehicles that make zero emissions by using only batteries and electric motors to move.

This kind of EV leadership is two decades in the making, starting with the introduction of the Escape Hybrid in 2004 — the first mass-produced hybrid built in the U.S. and the first SUV hybrid. Some are still being used as taxis today, moving passengers for more than 350,000 miles with their original batteries.

Last year, our C-MAX and Fusion Energi hybrids made Ford the best-selling brand of plug-in hybrid vehicles in America. Plus, we’ve sold more than 560,000 EVs globally since 2005.

More importantly, leading in electrification, autonomy and connectivity are critical to Ford’s expansion to an auto and a mobility company.

Read the whole story at: https://shift.newco.co/how-ford-will-electrify-vehicles-to-make-them-better-f4970fbd426e#.nh13nnxgk

2/15/17

Learning to Operate a Crane

The Stellar 7621 Telescopic Service Crane was mounted on a Stellar service body and constructed by Pomona, Calif.-based Phenix Enterprises. (Photo: Mike Antich)

Bobit Business Media received a visit from Stellar Industries, a manufacturer of hydraulic truck-mounted equipment, and Phenix Enterprises, a custom truck builder, at our office in Torrance, Calif. on November 29th, 2016.

Editors from Work Truck, Automotive Fleet, Business Fleet, and Government Fleet magazines all got the opportunity to learn how to operate a truck-mounted crane.

Mike Butsch, strategic accounts manager for Stellar, and James Day, sales manager for Phenix, a Stellar upfitter, brought the Stellar 7621, a telescopic service crane that was mounted on one of Stellar’s service bodies and built at Phenix’s headquarters in nearby Pomona, Calif.

Read more at: http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/utility/article/story/2017/01/learning-to-operate-a-crane.aspx

2/13/17

PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies by United Plastic Fabricating



The PolyBody® Line Bodies, Service and Aerial Bodies are all made from polypropylene, a tough, durable, impact resistant plastic material. The PolyBody® will not rust or corrode, can resist day-to-day dings and dents and offers lighter weight than conventional steel or fiberglass bodies. The PolyBody® is a true long-life body that is transferable from chassis, with the outstanding appearance that only a hand crafted body can provide.

Find out about poly products at: http://www.unitedplastic.com/product/line-bodiesserviceaerial-bodies/

2/11/17

Winter Treads



When much of the country is getting pounded by winter storms and deep snow, our thoughts turn to tires. Some pickup truck owners have separate wardrobes for summer and winter. Nome, Alaska, and Miami residents maybe not so much.

Pickup winter wear can include anything from a fresh wax to do-it-yourself undercoating to lighter lubricating fluids to a block heater to winter diesel fuel. But does your truck's cold-weather wardrobe include winter tires?

Winter tires are designed for cold weather and associated precipitation. Tires rated for mud and snow (M+S) may not qualify as winter tires and often don't excel in either mud or snow. A winter tire's specific compound, tread design — and studs if you want them — is far more suitable and safer on cold roads and the various forms of water you might find on them.

In every road-based comparison in which I've participated, dedicated winter tires were more valuable than the number of driven wheels. However, while winter tires can improve performance, they are no substitute for common sense and can be pushed beyond their limits. They also add expense and create the issue of storage logistics.

The U.S., unlike some countries, does not mandate winter tire use, although some states and cities have laws about the use of studded tires or chains. It's worth noting that some insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires.

Do you think winter tires should be required for new drivers or general safety, and if so, under what parameters? And if you don't believe in running dedicated winter tires, studs or chains, how do you deal with marginal winter traction? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2017/01/talking-trucks-tuesday-winter-treads.html#more

By G.R. Whale

Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; cars.com image by Bruce Smith

2/09/17

LONDON TRIALS NEW PLUG-IN HYBRID VANS THAT COULD HELP DELIVER CLEANER AIR; SUPPORTS FORD PUSH FOR EV LEADERSHIP

  • Ford Motor Company and the City of London are joining forces to help improve air quality there as part of the company’s plan to lead in building electrified vehicles with 13 new global models in the next five years
  • Select London businesses to test plug-in hybrid vans running solely on electric power for the majority of city trips; ideal for urban deliveries, these vehicles offer enhanced productivity
  • Commercial vehicles in London make 280,000 trips a day for a total of 8 million miles; vans make up 75 percent of peak commercial traffic there
  • Ford of Europe to launch multimillion-pound project this fall in collaboration with Transport for London; project supported by U.K. government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre
Ford was Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand for the second consecutive year in 2016; Transit Custom plug-in hybrid planned for commercial production in 2019

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 20, 2017 – Ford Motor Company is launching a multimillion-pound project designed to help improve air quality in London as the automaker accelerates its electrification plans with 13 new global electrified vehicles scheduled for introduction in the next five years.

The project, supported by Transport for London, features a 12-month trial of 20 new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ford Transit Custom vans that reduce local emissions running solely on electric power for the majority of city trips such as deliveries and maintenance work. Scheduled to launch this fall, it is part of Ford’s commitment to work with major cities around the world to tackle local transportation challenges to help people and goods move freely.

Commercial vehicles in London make 280,000 trips on a typical weekday, traveling a total of 8 million miles. Vans represent 75 percent of peak commercial traffic, with more than 7,000 vehicles an hour on the road in central London alone.

Ford will provide 20 plug-in hybrid Transit Custom vehicles to a range of commercial fleets across London, including Transport for London’s fleet, to explore how these commercial vans can contribute to cleaner air targets while boosting operator productivity in urban conditions – the toughest working environment for vehicles. The project is supported financially by the U.K. government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre.

“Ford is the No. 1 commercial vehicle brand in Europe and it’s now going electric. Teaming up with our London partners, we will also be able to trial software and telematics with enormous potential to reduce emissions and costs in the city,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “This new type of partnership demonstrates our evolution to both an auto and mobility company. We have lots of work to do, but everyone is so energized by this breakthrough opportunity.”

Ford is focusing its EV plan on its areas of strength – electrifying its most popular, high-volume commercial vehicles, trucks, SUVs and performance vehicles to make them even more capable, productive and fun to drive – plus more fuel efficient.

Scheduled to launch in autumn this year, the fleet trial is part of Ford’s commitment to work with major cities around the world to tackle their local transport challenges, and help people and goods move more easily.

“The freight sector’s transition to ultra-low emission vehicles is central to cleaning up London’s toxic air,” said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. “Transport for London continues to lead by example by increasing the number of its own vehicles that are electric and will find the data from these trials an invaluable resource for the LoCITY program, which encourages the uptake of low-emission commercial transport.”

The Transit Custom plug-in hybrid vans in the London trial are an advanced design that allows the vehicles to be charged with electricity for zero-emission trips, while featuring an efficient on-board combustion engine for extended range when longer trips are required. Ford is the first volume manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid technology in this segment.

The fleet will operate across a cross-section of city-based businesses day-to-day. A Ford telematics system will collect data on vehicle financial, operational and environmental performance to help understand how the benefits of electrified vehicles can be optimized.

Development of the 20 fleet vehicles is supported by a £4.7 million grant from Advanced Propulsion Center. The vans are being designed and engineered at Ford’s technical center in Dunton and at Prodrive Advanced Technology in Banbury, with support from Revolve Technologies.

“The U.K. is a global leader in low-emission motor technology. This new project, with nearly £5 million of government money, has secured work here in the U.K. and demonstrates our commitment to not only reducing carbon emissions, but to work with industry on developing next generation technology that will make a real difference to people’s lives,” said Nick Hurd, Climate Change and

Industry Minister. “This government will continue to work with the auto sector as we develop a comprehensive Industrial Strategy that will increase productivity, create high skilled jobs and ensure sustainable economic growth.”

Ford was Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand for the second consecutive year in 2016. Transit Custom plug-in hybrid is planned for commercial introduction in 2019, part of Ford’s $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020 as it evolves to be both an auto company and a mobility company – a leader in electrified vehicles, autonomous vehicles and new mobility solutions.
Transit Custom is one of 13 new electrified vehicles Ford is launching in the next five years globally.

This includes a fully electric SUV with an estimated range of at least 300 miles, a high-volume autonomous hybrid vehicle designed for commercial ride hailing or ride sharing to debut in North America in 2021, and a hybrid version of the iconic Ford Mustang.

Ford has a memorandum of understanding with several other automakers to create the highest-powered charging network for electric vehicles in Europe.

Note to editors: LoCITY is an industry-led initiative developed by Transport for London to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by lowering the impact of commercial vehicles on the environment. For more information, go to www.LoCITY.org.uk

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

FORD OF EUROPE
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911

2/07/17

VBX Hopper Spreader Family Overview | BOSS Snowplow |


The BOSS VBX Hopper Spreader lineup continues to grow. See all of the features and benefits of owning a BOSS spreader so while the front of your vehicle is taking care of all things snow and ice, the back of your vehicle can top it off with the finishing touches.

2/05/17

Ford Transit: A Plumber’s Perfect Work Van | Transit | Ford


K.C. Montgomery is helping his customers find innovative ways to get the most out of their water in drought-ravaged California. He isn’t your average plumber -- and his Ford Transit isn’t your average work van: Customized shelving and storage, lots of space to load and unload and incredible on-road efficiency. See how Transit has completely changed the face of K.C.’s business.

2/03/17

BrandFX - WHO WE ARE


Started in 1984, BrandFX Body Company has grown to become the world’s largest producer of advanced composite line bodies, service bodies, insert, toppers, and covers. We are fully focused on designing and producing lightweight, durable composite truck bodies that deliver the highest life cycle value in the industry.

Our truck bodies have been proven to deliver more than 20 years of reliable service, while also maintaining their quality finish and appearance. That’s why, for over 30 years, many small-to large-size companies, including five out of the top six U.S. service fleets, have counted on BrandFX. Today, the BrandFX product line is expanding to include specialized bodies for the lawn care and pest control industries.

At BrandFX, we believe in American-made quality, and all of our service bodies are manufactured in the U.S. Our operation includes almost 1 million square feet of manufacturing space in facilities strategically located across the U.S., supporting the efforts of more than 450 employees. To ensure the consistent quality of our truck bodies, we utilize the most advanced manufacturing and quality control processes.

Over the years, our innovations have led to many improvements in service body design and performance. And we continue to innovate. We are committed to working closely with our customers, knowing that the best designs and ideas often result from a partnership effort between our customers and us.

Combining the experience of over three decades of operation with outstanding facilities and a drive to produce innovative, highly durable truck bodies…BrandFX is committed to meeting the market’s need for high life cycle value truck service bodies.

WE’VE EARNED THE TRUST

2/01/17

FORD REVEALS NEW F-150; BRONCO IS BACK; ALL-NEW RANGER COMING TO NORTH AMERICA; COMPANY PRESENTS VISION FOR CITY OF TOMORROW



  • Ford reveals new, even tougher, smarter and more capable F-150, featuring segment-first technology, including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, embedded 4G LTE modem, SYNC 3 and B&O PLAY audio
  • All-new Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck will be reintroduced to the North American market in 2019
  • Rugged all-new Ford Bronco midsize SUV returns in 2020 as a global vehicle; both Bronco and Ranger to be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant
  • Ford-owned Chariot – the app-based, ride sharing service in San Francisco and Austin, Texas – will expand this year to eight cities, including at least one global city
  • Ford presents a vision for the “City of Tomorrow” to inspire innovation and assist cities in solving mobility challenges to help people move more easily today and in the future
DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2017 – Ford’s expansion to an auto and mobility company gains momentum today, as the company unveils the new F-150 pickup, announces the return of the Ranger pickup in North America and Bronco globally, and presents its vision for the “City of Tomorrow.”

Ford’s news at the North American International Auto Show – including expansion of its Chariot ride-sharing service to eight cities – underscores the company’s drive to strengthen its core automotive business while aggressively expanding in growing mobility services.  

“This year, the expansion of our business as an auto and mobility company moves into even higher gear,” said Mark Fields, president and CEO. “We’re introducing even more new vehicles and technologies to make life better for millions of people in the near term, plus we’re presenting a vision and partnering with cities to move more people even more efficiently in the future.”

Today’s news follows other announcements about Ford’s business expansion:
Adding 13 new electrified vehicles and investing $4.5 billion in the next five years, including a hybrid versions of the F-150 and Mustang, two pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles, a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, a fully electric small SUV with an estimated range of at least 300 miles and a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle – with no steering wheel, gas or brake pedal – in commercial operation in 2021 in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service.

The debut of its next-generation Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle, the next step in Ford’s plan to deliver a fully autonomous vehicle in 2021.

The creation of a City Solutions team to work with major global cities to help solve congestion issues and help people move more easily, today and in the future.
Ranger and Bronco Return

Ford is bringing back the Ranger midsize pickup truck to its North American vehicle lineup in 2019 and Bronco midsize SUV to its global vehicle portfolio in 2020. Both vehicles will be manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

“We’ve heard our customers loud and clear. They want a new generation of vehicles that are incredibly capable yet fun to drive,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ranger is for truck buyers who want an affordable, functional, rugged and maneuverable pickup that’s Built Ford Tough. Bronco will be a no-compromise midsize 4x4 utility for thrill seekers who want to venture way beyond the city.”


City of Tomorrow
Beyond vehicles, Ford is working with cities around the world to help address growing mobility challenges in urban environments, including gridlock and air pollution.

Ford’s City Solutions team – the only one of its kind in the auto industry– is working with cities around the world to propose, pilot and develop mobility solutions. The team also is beginning to collaborate with Bloomberg Philanthropies and its global coalition of mayors.

“This is an issue that goes far beyond congestion. It is one that represents a massive challenge to mankind, one that affects our well-being and access to health care, clean drinking water, food, a safe place to live and even the ability to find work,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “By solving the mobility challenge, we have the chance to create a better world for future generations. It’s both an exciting opportunity and a big responsibility.”

Ford today presented its vision for the “City of Tomorrow.”

Ford’s City of Tomorrow looks at how near-term mobility advancements – including autonomous and electric vehicles, ride-sharing and ride-hailing and connected vehicles – interact with urban infrastructure and create a transportation ecosystem.

For example, Ford is imagining a world in which reconfigurable roads fluidly respond to commuter needs and traffic flow. Bikes and drones provide last-mile solutions for both people and goods.



City of Tomorrow
The Future: Near Term
Within the next five years, Ford expects autonomous vehicles will be introduced in cities around the world. This includes Ford’s first fully autonomous vehicles in 2021.

At the same time, the company expects continued growth in electrified vehicles – with global EV industry offerings eventually outnumbering gasoline-powered offering in the next 15 years.

Shared modes of transportation will continue to gain popularity, such as the Ford’s Chariot app-based, crowd-sourced ride sharing service, which is expanding globally.

Chariot, which currently operates in San Francisco and Austin, Texas, is growing its operations to eight cities this year, including at least one city outside of the U.S.

In Ford’s vision of the near-term future, connected communications between vehicles and infrastructure also will grow:

Vehicles will be capable of connecting with other vehicles and cities’ transportation operating systems. Ford alone will equip 20 million cars globally with built-in modems in the next five years.

As these vehicles and other connected vehicles are introduced into cities around the world, cities themselves will change. Large-scale innovations likely, including wireless charging and enhanced connectivity.

These changes could give city transportation managers all-new operating systems, which allow them to manage multiple aspects of their city transportation system centrally, including traffic flow and vehicle emissions.

City of Tomorrow
The Future: Long Term
Further out, Ford sees the City of Tomorrow with significant concentrations of autonomous vehicles, most of which will be electrified.

Mass transit will improve for the largest cities with new technologies like advanced high-speed public transit. Other innovations could include:

  • Drones that will play many roles. For example,  they could be quickly deployed to survey and map the hardest-hit areas following earthquakes, tsunamis or other major disasters
  • Advanced transportation operating systems that more robustly and seamlessly integrate data from all aspects of the ecosystem. This includes vehicles, bikes, drones and mass transit as well as street lights, parking meters and charging infrastructure
  • Large-scale implementation of advanced technologies for flexible traffic management coupled with autonomous vehicles – eliminating traffic jams, reducing emissions and bringing traffic accidents to nearly zero
  • Converting road space into green space and parks, allowing for higher quality of life and healthier communities
  • “For more than 100 years, Ford has been part of the community and the trusted source for automotive transportation,” Fields said. “Now, we want to work with communities to offer even more transportation choices and solutions for people – for decades to come.”

City of Tomorrow Symposium
As part the North American International Auto Show, Ford is hosting a symposium on the City of Tomorrow at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. Together with partners TED, The New York Times and VICE Media, Ford has created sessions with thought leaders, mayors and prominent leaders to discuss the mobility challenges, opportunities and emerging solutions that will shape the City of Tomorrow. Information about the sessions can be found here.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.