Jessica gives us a tour of her "Pink1" project truck that promotes breast cancer awareness. The truck features an A.R.E. LSX Series tonneau cover.
12/31/13
2013 SEMA Show - Pink1 Project Truck - A.R.E. LSX Series
Jessica gives us a tour of her "Pink1" project truck that promotes breast cancer awareness. The truck features an A.R.E. LSX Series tonneau cover.
12/29/13
FedEx Work Trucks
FedEx contractors sing praises of the Durashell 370 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies on a Ford pickup truck as a van alternative. A pickup truck provides 4x4 capability not available with the old work vans. The Durashell also has greater capacity than full size vans. Drivers enjoy easy access to cargo thanks to the stand-up height of the Durashell 370.
Durashell Vs. Van
Durashell Vs. Van
- The Durashell factory availability is 3 weeks or less while a new full-size transit van could take 4-10 months
- Ownership costs for the Durashell are much less than a van because of lower maintenance costs and a 3+ pickup truck lifecycle
- The residual value for pickup trucks are higher than a van. The Durashell service body provides the added benefit of transferability with no-holes drilled installation, making the resale value of both the pickup and service body higher
12/27/13
A New F150 Could Be Just the Begining for Ford
Yes, it sounds like the hugely important and highly profitable all-new Ford F-150 will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it will create ripples that will be felt, no doubt, across the industry for years to come. To say this truck is important to Ford is almost laughable. And, you can bet, since other truck makers have significantly revised or completely redesigned their own pickups to better compete with half-ton Fords in the last several years, they will be watching very closely.
Add to the mix of this very important debut the fact that Ford is also bringing out a new Mustang for the 2015 model year, and you can see why there is so much interest both inside and outside the auto industry.
A next-generation F-150 that attacks the more challenging, staggered EPA fuel economy standards that come online in 2016, and then get bumped up again for 2025, will likely cost more to produce and certainly have a host of segment-leading technology and problem-solving features. We saw the Atlas concept earlier this year and, as much as Ford representatives want to deny it, from the interior and exterior spy shots we've seen so far, it looks like this new Ford will be more advanced than anything we've seen in the segment. No doubt this truck has taken a lot of money to develop, and could cost a big chunk of change more to produce. Those costs could be driven by the possible use of more expensive (but lightweight) materials.
It wouldn't surprise us one bit if Ford is hedging a few bets and spreading out this hefty development cost onto another, potentially smaller, pickup platform. Perhaps it would be adapted to North American tastes and requirements, remaking the global Ford Ranger that's so popular in Asia and Australia. It wouldn't take much for a clever and efficient small pickup to gobble up market share. Clearly, that's what GM is hoping much sooner in the timeline with the Colorado and Canyon. We thought it might be interesting to see what a new Ranger might look like (Can you see any Mustang in there?) and offer it for your enjoyment.
We've also included some sketches that Ford provided to us of some of the designs it was entertaining in the early stages of Atlas design, and this image of the tailgate storage box caught our eye. We were one of the few people who liked the Ford Explorer Sport Trac for its composite bed-hidden storage cubbies, but always thought the small bed storage drawer at the back of the bed was annoyingly inconvenient. This design makes more sense and is infinitely more practical than the Ram 1500 Sun Chaser's tailgate bench seat.
We'll see exactly what Ford has to offer us early on Jan. 13 during its press conference reveal, and we'll be right here delivering all we know and find out. More to come.
Ford Locomotive
From http://news.pickuptrucks.com/
12/23/13
2015 Transit
Ford’s all-new full-size 2015 Transit van will provide professional tradesmen and commercial fleet customers unmatched fuel economy, innovative new configurations and leading versatility in the expanding commercial vehicle market.
With global commercial vehicle sales expected to grow by 4.8 million over the next several years to 21 million units annually by 2017, Transit represents a major opportunity.
Ford, the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world and best-selling commercial vehicle brand in North America, is leveraging its One Ford product strategy to meet the needs of Transit customers on six different continents and in 116 markets with vans that are Built Ford Tough, more fuel efficient and even more capable.
Transit joins the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. This year Ford is offering seven vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double 2011’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.
Transit is born from a combined total of nearly a century of hard-earned experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in North America, Europe and other global markets.
For North America, Transit will eventually replace the E-Series nameplate, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline and America’s best-selling commercial van for 33 years. In other global markets, this all-new vehicle will replace popular, market-specific Transit models first sold in 1965, and the best-selling commercial van in Europe.
Transit also is joined by the upgraded 2014 Ford Transit Connect, which pioneered the small van market in the United States and has been a hit with cost-conscious commercial fleets and small business proprietors.
Superior cargo hauling and people moving capabilities combined with best-in-class fuel economy were design imperatives for the all-new Transit range.
Transit will be offered in three body lengths; two wheelbases; three roof heights; van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway bodystyles; and in XL and XLT trim levels.
Power of choice
“Transit is the new standard in full-size vans and customer choice,” said Len Deluca, director of Ford commercial vehicle operations. “We’re going from an exclusively gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series to offering customers a standard 3.7-liter V6, the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine proven in Ford F-150 and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel option.”
Ford will offer Transit’s 3.7-liter V6 with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep kit to assist customers running their vehicles with this abundant, affordable, clean fuel alternative. The 3.7-liter is engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex fuel.
The all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke® five-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel, based on Ford’s proven Duratorq global diesel engine architecture, features state-of-the-art fuel, turbo and emissions systems that meet stringent U.S. clean diesel standards, providing an ideal balance of fuel economy and job capability.
For maximum capability, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® promises to be a trusted workhorse, whether carrying materials to the job site or towing a trailer with Transit’s available Class IV hitch.
Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.
Biggest range ever
For Transit, power of choice goes beyond powertrain options to encompass multiple lengths and roof heights to provide full-size van buyers with the precise combination and configuration they require.
The high-roof Transit features 81 inches of interior cargo height, enough headroom for a person standing six foot, five inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The medium roof can accommodate up to 72 inches of cargo height and the low roof has 56 inches of cargo height to provide an ideal combination of payload management, upfit readiness and garageability. Cargo volume ranges from 256 cubic feet to more than 550 cubic feet – nearly 75 percent more space than a Chevrolet Express.
Transit’s rear cargo doors open 270 degrees for easy rear cargo space access.
The interior of each Transit van features advanced, durable LED lighting and has been developed for easy upfit of racks, bins, shelving and other cargo storage and hauling solutions. The largest passenger version can carry up to 15 people.
Transit is available with a wide variety of comfort and convenience options. A 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system – is also available.
Driving quality
The all-new Ford Transit was designed with improved handling, steering and ride qualities.
A power rack-and-pinion steering setup provides exceptionally communicative steering feel to the driver, serving as a confidence builder.
The front suspension consists of subframe-mounted MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar for smoother, flatter cornering, combined with progressive rear leaf springs and heavy-duty gas-charged dampers for well-controlled ride quality – regardless of load status.
Minimized operating costs
Transit’s global design delivers on the same customer expectations in 116 markets worldwide where this sturdy commercial vehicle will be available, meeting such requirements as versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
Transit has been developed to be efficient to service and maintain, with specialized technical service support and extended operating hours available at more than 600 Ford Business Preferred Network dealers.
Designed and developed to provide efficient service over the long haul, Ford Transit scheduled maintenance costs for a three-year usage cycle are projected to be more than 30 percent less than a Chevrolet Express 1500 with the standard 4.3-liter V6, helping give Transit the segment’s lowest cost of ownership per cubic foot or pounds of cargo transported.
Built Ford Tough
The all-new Ford Transit has been engineered to deliver a severe-usage service life of 10 years and 150,000 miles. Transit features rugged unibody construction and extensive application of high-strength and boron steel that has been tested to the same standards as E-Series vans at Ford’s proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.
A durability program to deliver on Built Ford Tough customer requirements included 148 prototype vehicles, with a regimen of 215 separate tests to validate the long-haul functionality of various vehicle systems and hardware.
Cumulatively, Transit durability test vehicles were driven more than 4.6 million miles, or far enough to circle the globe 185 times.
The 2015 Ford Transit will be built at the recently upgraded Kansas City manufacturing facility.
- All-new Transit van joins the nation’s best-selling lineup of commercial vehicles, giving Ford customers best-in-class fuel economy, the segment’s lowest cost of ownership, increased capability and Built Ford Tough durability
- The 2015 Ford Transit offers the broadest lineup of configurations for full-size van customers, available in more variations than the competition combined – three body lengths; two wheelbases; three roof heights; and in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway variations
- Ford Transit will achieve an average of 25 percent better fuel economy and haul at least 300 pounds more than today’s E-Series
With global commercial vehicle sales expected to grow by 4.8 million over the next several years to 21 million units annually by 2017, Transit represents a major opportunity.
Ford, the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world and best-selling commercial vehicle brand in North America, is leveraging its One Ford product strategy to meet the needs of Transit customers on six different continents and in 116 markets with vans that are Built Ford Tough, more fuel efficient and even more capable.
Transit joins the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. This year Ford is offering seven vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double 2011’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.
Transit is born from a combined total of nearly a century of hard-earned experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in North America, Europe and other global markets.
For North America, Transit will eventually replace the E-Series nameplate, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline and America’s best-selling commercial van for 33 years. In other global markets, this all-new vehicle will replace popular, market-specific Transit models first sold in 1965, and the best-selling commercial van in Europe.
Transit also is joined by the upgraded 2014 Ford Transit Connect, which pioneered the small van market in the United States and has been a hit with cost-conscious commercial fleets and small business proprietors.
Superior cargo hauling and people moving capabilities combined with best-in-class fuel economy were design imperatives for the all-new Transit range.
Transit will be offered in three body lengths; two wheelbases; three roof heights; van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway bodystyles; and in XL and XLT trim levels.
Power of choice
“Transit is the new standard in full-size vans and customer choice,” said Len Deluca, director of Ford commercial vehicle operations. “We’re going from an exclusively gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series to offering customers a standard 3.7-liter V6, the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine proven in Ford F-150 and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel option.”
Ford will offer Transit’s 3.7-liter V6 with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep kit to assist customers running their vehicles with this abundant, affordable, clean fuel alternative. The 3.7-liter is engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex fuel.
The all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke® five-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel, based on Ford’s proven Duratorq global diesel engine architecture, features state-of-the-art fuel, turbo and emissions systems that meet stringent U.S. clean diesel standards, providing an ideal balance of fuel economy and job capability.
For maximum capability, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® promises to be a trusted workhorse, whether carrying materials to the job site or towing a trailer with Transit’s available Class IV hitch.
Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.
Biggest range ever
For Transit, power of choice goes beyond powertrain options to encompass multiple lengths and roof heights to provide full-size van buyers with the precise combination and configuration they require.
The high-roof Transit features 81 inches of interior cargo height, enough headroom for a person standing six foot, five inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The medium roof can accommodate up to 72 inches of cargo height and the low roof has 56 inches of cargo height to provide an ideal combination of payload management, upfit readiness and garageability. Cargo volume ranges from 256 cubic feet to more than 550 cubic feet – nearly 75 percent more space than a Chevrolet Express.
Transit’s rear cargo doors open 270 degrees for easy rear cargo space access.
The interior of each Transit van features advanced, durable LED lighting and has been developed for easy upfit of racks, bins, shelving and other cargo storage and hauling solutions. The largest passenger version can carry up to 15 people.
Transit is available with a wide variety of comfort and convenience options. A 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system – is also available.
Driving quality
The all-new Ford Transit was designed with improved handling, steering and ride qualities.
A power rack-and-pinion steering setup provides exceptionally communicative steering feel to the driver, serving as a confidence builder.
The front suspension consists of subframe-mounted MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar for smoother, flatter cornering, combined with progressive rear leaf springs and heavy-duty gas-charged dampers for well-controlled ride quality – regardless of load status.
Minimized operating costs
Transit’s global design delivers on the same customer expectations in 116 markets worldwide where this sturdy commercial vehicle will be available, meeting such requirements as versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
Transit has been developed to be efficient to service and maintain, with specialized technical service support and extended operating hours available at more than 600 Ford Business Preferred Network dealers.
Designed and developed to provide efficient service over the long haul, Ford Transit scheduled maintenance costs for a three-year usage cycle are projected to be more than 30 percent less than a Chevrolet Express 1500 with the standard 4.3-liter V6, helping give Transit the segment’s lowest cost of ownership per cubic foot or pounds of cargo transported.
Built Ford Tough
The all-new Ford Transit has been engineered to deliver a severe-usage service life of 10 years and 150,000 miles. Transit features rugged unibody construction and extensive application of high-strength and boron steel that has been tested to the same standards as E-Series vans at Ford’s proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.
A durability program to deliver on Built Ford Tough customer requirements included 148 prototype vehicles, with a regimen of 215 separate tests to validate the long-haul functionality of various vehicle systems and hardware.
Cumulatively, Transit durability test vehicles were driven more than 4.6 million miles, or far enough to circle the globe 185 times.
The 2015 Ford Transit will be built at the recently upgraded Kansas City manufacturing facility.
12/21/13
Ford F-150/Super Duty Natural Gas Models
The Westport WiNG Power System is available in the popular Ford F-250 (right) and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks (based on Ford’s new 6.2L hardened engine platform).
Ford Motor Company continues to expand its compressed natural gas (CNG) lineup of commercial vehicles. The fleet industry has taken notice and is adding these alternative-fueled workhorses to their fleets.
Pioneer Natural Resources is a large independent oil and gas exploration and production company located in Irving, Texas.
The company has added 225 bi-fuel, Westport WiNG natural gas powered Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks to its fleet, and has begun transitioning a number of its fleet vehicles from gasoline and diesel power to those able to run on more cost-effective CNG.
“Pioneer strives to lead by example with our commitment to natural gas vehicles and engines in our own operations,” said Jay Still, executive vice president of Domestic Operations at Pioneer. “Transitioning to natural gas for our fleet fuel is good economics, good for the environment, and good for American jobs.”
The fleet team at Pioneer has been driving the WiNG-powered Ford F-250 models since they became available.
Westport LD recently opened the Westport Kentucky Integration Center (WKIC) in Louisville where the natural gas WiNG power systems are installed on Ford F-250 and F-350 bi-fuel pickup trucks. With the ability to run on either natural gas or gasoline, the Ford trucks offer drivers more than 650 miles of range with two full tanks, and can take advantage of a low cost, domestic fuel, according to the automaker.
The vehicles are designed to meet both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards, and are available on the 4x2 or 4x4 configurations; 6.75 or 8 foot cargo box lengths; and Regular Cab, Super Cab, or Crew Cab variants.
Current qualified vehicle modifiers (QVMs) for CNG upfits on the F-Series Super Duty (F-250 and F-350 Chassis Cab) are Altech-Eco, BAF, IMPCO, Landi Renzo, Venchurs, and Westport.
The complete Ford F-Series lineup is now available with a CNG/LPG bi-fuel capability.
The 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7L V-6 engine, able to run on CNG or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also known as propane autogas.
The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7L V-6 engine will be built with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons, and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.
When the 3.7L V-6 F-150 is equipped with a CNG/LPG engine package, it is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on one tank of natural gas, depending on the tank size selected. The Ford F-150 averages 23 mpg on the highway.
From: http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/
12/19/13
Certification Testing in Los Angeles Highlights Ford Dominance in Police Sedan, Utility; All-Wheel Drive
- Ford EcoBoost®-powered Police Interceptor sedan bests high-performance V8 sedans from two competitors in 0-100 mph testing and average lap times
- New Ford EcoBoost Police Interceptor utility vehicle accelerates faster than all base V6 sedan competitors
- Wins for both sedan and utility vehicle confirms advantages of company’s intelligent all-wheel drive on Ford Police Interceptor sales
While wins three years running is a point of pride for Police Interceptor sedan, the results of the utility vehicle tests are noteworthy, both for the industry and Ford, because Police Interceptor utility represents an increased percentage – now 60 percent – of Ford police vehicle sales.
“Not only do we remain faster, but agencies like the Los Angeles Sheriff Department see the benefits of all-wheel drive and EcoBoost,” said Arie Groeneveld, Ford chief engineer. “In pursuit driving conditions, being able to put down 365 horsepower is best accomplished using our intelligent all-wheel-drive system – which optimizes handling and traction in all driving conditions, including dry-pavement surfaces – as demonstrated in LASD testing.”
Two trends emerge
The performance achievement of Police Interceptor sedan and utility confirms two major shifts in police vehicle trends Ford is leading since its introduction last year of the all-new Police Interceptor family – the overwhelming preference by police agencies for Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and a growing preference for the spacious utility vehicle.
Since launch, Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle, which replaced the venerable Crown
Victoria, have seen significant sales increases – sedan sales are up 34 percent in calendar year 2013, while utility sales are up 142 percent.
Today, Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle is only available with all-wheel drive, while 88 percent of Police Interceptor sedan volume is all-wheel drive (base 3.5-liter Ti-VCT sedan can be ordered with front-wheel drive, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost-equipped version is standard all-wheel drive). Groeneveld said the LASD tests demonstrate police agencies don’t need to sacrifice performance for the added space and versatility a utility vehicle provides.
Beyond obvious traction advantages proven through all-wheel drive, evaluations like the LASD and Michigan State Police tests earlier this year demonstrate that Ford’s intelligent all-wheel drive enhances handling, especially in pursuit situations.
The Ford EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor sedan bested both competitors’ high-performance V8 sedans in 0-100 mph testing.
Preliminary results of LASD testing show the fastest of the fast – the 2014 Ford Police Interceptor EcoBoost sedan with standard all-wheel drive – posted a 0-100 mph time of 14.2 seconds, compared to 15.2 seconds for the 5.7-liter Hemi-equipped Dodge Charger with optional all-wheel drive, and 14.4 seconds for the Chevrolet Caprice with 6.0-liter V8.
The LASD tests were conducted with the utility vehicles carrying 400 pounds of cargo to simulate real-world conditions. The all-wheel-drive-equipped 3.5-liter EcoBoost utility turned in a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds and 0-100 mph time of 18.3 seconds. The Chevrolet Tahoe with 5.3-liter V8 returned an 8.5-second 0-60 mph time and a 0-100 mph time of 26.4 seconds. Even the base Ford Police Interceptor utility, equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 and all-wheel drive, beat the competition by posting a 7.9-second 0-60 mph time and 23.6 seconds in the 0-100 mph contest.
Not only did the Police Interceptor sedan and utility prove fastest in a straight line, both also posted fastest average lap times in their segments. The EcoBoost sedan (at 81.25 seconds) is 0.7 second faster per average lap than Chevrolet Caprice 6.0-liter V8 with rear-wheel drive (at 81.97 seconds), and 0.9 second faster per average lap than the all-wheel-drive-equipped Dodge Charger with Hemi V8 (82.19 seconds). Ford Police Interceptor utility with EcoBoost (85.58 seconds) is 6.1 seconds faster per average lap than Chevrolet Tahoe (at 91.71 seconds).
Ford Police Interceptor vehicles are gaining attention with agencies nationwide as a means of balancing law enforcement’s need for speed in pursuit-rated vehicles with the need to save money. Switching from traditional V8-equipped police vehicles to powerful but more efficient Ford EcoBoost V6 vehicles achieves this goal.
With Ford’s announcement in September of a new non-pursuit-rated, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost-equipped Special Service Police Sedan that achieves 30 mpg highway, the company now offers law enforcement agencies the power of choice when they want to optimize efficiency and power.
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 180,000 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.
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