Introducing A New Kind of Tough: the F-150 PowerWheels

Tough play requires a tough truck. Inspired by the highly-anticipated all new Ford F-150 -- your child can be a "Built Ford Tough" driver in the brand new Ford F-150 truck from PowerWheels® Not a full-size vehicle, available exclusively at Wal-Mart in Fall 2014.

How Ford, Railroad Industry Created Innovative Way to Ship the New Transit Van to North American Customers

• Innovative new railcar for vehicle shipping accommodates the variety of Ford Transit roof heights

• Optimized mix of rail and truck transport provides the most efficient delivery time and lowest shipping cost, and supports Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability by using resources responsibly and minimizing environmental impact

• All-new Ford Transit offers a best-in-class range of vehicle configurations and will be available at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer

Ford Motor Company is taking a new approach to shipping its all-new full-size Transit cargo vans and wagons to Ford dealerships across North America.

The high-roof Transit measures 110.1 inches tall and offers best-in-class interior cargo height when properly equipped, enabling customers as tall as 6 feet 4 inches looking to stand upright in their vehicles, but it also challenged Ford engineers to develop an innovative vehicle shipping solution.

Ford ships vehicles from its assembly plants to dealerships using a mix of railcars and trucks. The new medium- and high-roof Transit vehicles are too tall to fit in the common two-story railcars used by auto manufacturers, so Ford engineers worked with railroads and railcar manufacturers to design an innovative railcar that accommodates all the roof-height variations of the new Transit.

“Use of these modified railcars helps us to efficiently ship these large vehicles from our assembly plant, deliver them to our dealers and get them into the hands of our customers faster and more cost effectively,” said Chris Lemmink, Ford vehicle logistics manager.

The innovation allows Ford to ship Transit vehicles through the right mix of rail and truck transport to help reduce delivery time and cost. The company evaluated using trucks only, but determined that it could deliver Transit vehicles more efficiently and for less cost by designing modified railcars and incorporating them into the shipping network.

The optimized balance of rail and truck transport also supports Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability by using resources responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.

Ford plans to transport Transit vehicles by truck to its dealers within a 500-mile radius of the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, where Transit is produced. Shipments traveling longer than 500 miles will be transported by rail.

Ford worked with leading rail companies to modify Transit railcars by elevating its inner deck, enabling as many as seven medium- and high-roof Transit vehicles to be loaded on the lower deck and as many as seven smaller vehicles, like the Ford Fusion, on the shorter top deck, depending on the vehicle’s length. The overall height of the railcar remains the same as traditional railcars, so as not to interfere with overpasses and tunnels.

Ford expects approximately 50 percent of Transit orders will be medium- and high-roof configurations.

Ford began working on the railcar project in 2010, coinciding with development of the all-new 2015 Transit.

All-new Ford Transit

In the United States, Transit eventually will replace America’s best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, which was first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. E-Series vans and wagons still will be available and sold side by side with Transit into this calendar year, providing a seamless transition for Ford customers. Additionally, E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis will continue to be built and sold through most of the rest of the decade.

Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965, and has been the best-selling commercial van in the United Kingdom for 49 years. The vehicle is sold in 118 markets on six continents.

The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 4 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area.

Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. Transit delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

In some configurations, Transit offers as much as 75 percent more cargo volume than the largest E-Series, helping customers save fuel costs and time associated with having to make a second trip. Maximum payload increases more than 600 pounds across the lineup versus comparable E-Series vans.

Transit will be available in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; in three body lengths and two wheelbases for van and wagon, along with three roof heights; with a standard 3.7-liter V6, available 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® and available 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® diesel engine; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van.

Ford, Fisher-Price Introduce New Power Wheels F-150

Ford and Fisher-Price took the F-150 in a whole new dimension today, unveiling the Fisher-Price Power Wheels F-150. The ride-on toy, which retails starting at $349.99 beginning in September, was inspired by the 2015 F-150. Ford engineers shared designs nine months before the new truck debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the third generation of ride on toys inspired by F-150 models and is expected to be the best-selling merchandise Ford sells. In 2013, Ford generated $2 billion in retail sales with 400 licensing agreements, covering everything from model cars, apparel, pinball machines, pool tables, Mustang cologne and power tools.

Ford Takes Precautions to Protect Customers; Revises Safety Recall for Certain 2014 Ford F-150 Trucks for Electronic Power Assist Steering Gear Issue

Ford is revising the total volumes of a safety recall for approximately 5,675 2014 Ford F-150 trucks for a potential issue with the electronic power assist steering gears. The affected EPAS steering gears may have a motor position sensor magnet that was incorrectly installed by the supplier.

On June 17, 2014 the Supplier notified Ford, after a further review of their data, that they have identified additional suspect steering gears

As of June 24, 2014, of the 5, 675 vehicles, approximately 260 have been delivered to customers globally, and the remainder are at dealership or in transit to dealers. Ford is advising affected owners not to drive their vehicles and to contact their dealers immediately for the needed repair.

Dealers have been instructed to stop delivering any affected vehicles or conducting demonstration drives in these vehicles, and to replace the steering gear on potentially affected units.
No accidents or injuries have been attributed to this condition.

Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers.

Ford Tops Ranking of Best Global Green Brands

• Ford Motor Company earns No. 1 spot on annual list of  Interbrand’s 50 Best Global Green Brands
• Ford scored high marks for transparency about its business operations and disclosure of performance information, particularly in the area of manufacturing
• No. 1 ranking comes after Ford  came in  second on the list  last year and 15^th in 2012

Ford Motor Company was recognized today for its commitment to sustainability, ranking No. 1 on Interbrand’s 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands. The automaker beat out last year’s winner – Toyota – along with corporate heavy-weights Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.

Ford claimed the top spot for its forward-thinking approach to environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, greater transparency about its business operations, and for disclosure of information, particularly in the area of manufacturing. Ford’s focus on water, highlighted in the company’s recently released 15^th annual Sustainability Report, as well as its waste-reduction and green building efforts, contributed to the company’s rise to the top.

“We are honored to be named No. 1 in the 2014 Best Global Green Brands,” said Robert Brown, vice president, Sustainability, Environment & Safety Engineering. “At Ford we are working to develop the highest-quality products in the market for our customers while manufacturing them in the most environmentally responsible manner and replicating this globally. This award tells us that our stakeholders agree.”

When identifying the top 50 Best Global Green Brands each year, Interbrand starts with the 100 brands that make up its annual Best Global Brands report. Brands that appear on this annual ranking have a global presence and a demonstrated record of delivering value to their stakeholders. Interbrand then conducts extensive consumer research to capture public perception of the brands’ sustainable or green practices and compares that to environmental or sustainability performance data collected and analyzed by Deloitte Consulting LLP.

"Over the past few years, Ford has proven to be a sustainability leader," noted Jez Frampton, Interbrand's Global Chief Executive Officer. "Sustainability is fully integrated into Ford's overall business strategy. As such, the company is able to swiftly identify and address its impact on the environment and society across every facet of its operations. Continuing to invest in alternative energy sources and fuel-saving technologies – and educating consumers on its benefits, will be key to enhancing its business and brand value over time."

To view the full list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands for 2014, click here.

All-New 2015 Edge Showcases Ford’s Best Technology, More Driver-Assist Features, Improved Performance, Craftsmanship

• 2015 Edge will go on sale in North America early next year as a showcase of Ford innovation – from a new design that excites to technology that comforts, the all-new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles
• Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive steering system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, glove box-mounted airbag system, inflatable rear safety belts and hands-free liftgate
• 2015 Edge will be first Ford vehicle with standard EcoBoost^® engine; new Sport model will be powered by most advanced EcoBoost yet – a 2.7-liter V6; premium-level Titanium series joins lineup 

The all-new Ford Edge demonstrates what happens when a proven leader gets even better. The original crossover utility vehicle from Ford is loaded with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship and greatly improved vehicle dynamics. The 2015 Ford Edge is a better vehicle by every measure.

When launched in late 2006, Edge helped to define the crossover sport utility vehicle segment in North America, the biggest such market in the world. With a car-based design, Edge delivered better on-road comfort, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics than any truck-based SUV. It was proof a utility vehicle could meet the demanding needs of an everyday commuter.

The 2015 Edge revealed today in North America and Europe is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market. Based on Ford’s successful, global midsize vehicle platform, Edge has been reimagined with a stronger, more athletic shape. It has been retooled to meet higher expectations for quality, and reengineered to add more features and technologies for a more rewarding driving experience. The all-new Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets across the globe.

“The original Edge was our first entry into the world of crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship.”

With the new Edge, Ford is also building on its utility vehicle leadership around the world. Last year, the company sold a record 1.2 million utility vehicles in markets across the globe – up 38 percent from 2012.

In North America, Ford was the top-selling utility vehicle brand for a third consecutive year in 2013. Ford utility vehicle sales have been strong elsewhere as well, increasing nearly 20 percent in Europe last year. In China, Ford’s share of the utility vehicle segment is growing exponentially, increasing to 4.5 percent in 2013 from less than 1 percent in 2012.

“For three years in a row, Ford has been the best-selling utility vehicle brand in North America and has been experiencing exponential growth in global markets,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The all-new Edge is the next chapter in this story. And it’s a story driven by the emotional appeal of the vehicle – not its feature content.”

This emotional appeal is enhanced by a wealth of advanced technologies and new amenities. The all-new Edge will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2015, with sales following in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific markets.

Dynamic all-new body and suspension

The 2015 Edge, now based on the same global platform as the award-winning Ford Fusion that debuted in North America in 2012, will deliver the confident, smooth driving experience customers expect from Ford.

“The all-new Edge has been remade in almost every single detail, always keeping in mind the customer, who expects something premium, powerful and special,” said Judy Curran, vehicle line director for Ford. “With a structure more rigid than ever and a suspension tuned to the highest global standards, the 2015 Edge is a high-tech utility that delivers a special driving experience customers will feel from their first moments behind the wheel.”

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling.

The front-wheel-drive Edge retains a MacPherson-type front suspension, but features an entirely new, sophisticated integral-link independent rear with coil springs and a 23-millimeter antiroll bar. The advanced new system has been tuned to deliver a more dynamic, engaging ride customers will feel immediately.

Thanks in part to the use of more high-strength steels, the solid body structure of the all-new Edge provides a far better platform for the new suspension to work. Compared to the 2014 Edge, the new model shows a 26 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to bending forces and a 16 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to twisting forces.

This means less noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, giving Edge customers a quieter, more substantial ride. As a result, Edge is well suited for an everyday commute, but ready to attack when the road opens up.

All-new adaptive steering technology

The all-new Edge will be the first Ford product to feature the company’s adaptive steering technology, which will make the vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive.

A standard feature on Edge Sport and available on the new Titanium series, adaptive steering changes the ratio between a driver’s actions at the steering wheel – the number of turns – and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional steering systems, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Ford adaptive steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing steering response in all situations.

At lower speeds, such as pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn, as it dials more steering into the road wheel. Each low-speed maneuver requires less turning of the steering wheel.

At highway speeds, the system further optimizes steering response, enabling Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Adaptive steering technology can help make any drive more enjoyable.

The Ford system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to the vehicle’s traditional steering system. The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver’s steering inputs. The result is a better, more engaging driving experience at all speeds.

Two new engines, for a total of three power options

In North America, the all-new Edge will feature three engine options, two of which are new powerplants – a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine will also be offered. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Edge represents the first Ford vehicle to feature standard EcoBoost power.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost, offering an estimated 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, is significantly improved over the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Beyond efficiency advantages, this new engine will also provide more capability. Edge equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost can be specified with newly available all-wheel drive and a towing package capable of hauling a 3,500-pound trailer.

Among a host of changes to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a twin-scroll design enabling optimized camshaft timing for improved engine performance and reduced turbo lag. A new, lighter engine block casting along with new aluminum balance shaft assembly shaves six pounds from the engine’s gravitational weight. Other changes include lighter pistons; a newly designed, integrated exhaust manifold; and a new, high-pressure direct-injection fuel system for finer fuel atomization. These upgrades pave the way for an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1, up from 9.3:1, for improved overall fuel efficiency.

Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system will also be available with the twin-scroll EcoBoost engine on the new Edge. In heavy traffic, this technology can seamlessly shut down the engine to decrease fuel consumption, reducing tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off.

On the other side of the engine spectrum is Edge Sport, with an exclusive, all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world’s most advanced engines. Drawing its design from the best of the efficient Ford EcoBoost lineup, along with the unmatched durability of Ford Super Duty Power Stroke^® diesel, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost provides a remarkable combination of advanced materials expertly applied.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost uses the same compacted graphite iron in its cylinder block as is used in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke. This advanced cylinder block allows for a remarkably stiff and compact design that returns exceptionally refined noise, vibration and harshness control. The compacted graphite iron core is mated with a die-cast aluminum engine-block ladder frame and composite oil pan, saving weight by applying advanced materials where they are needed most.

The strength of the compacted graphite iron cylinder block allows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to produce impressive power and torque for its size. Compact and efficient, the all-new engine can produce the power and torque of a mid-range V8.

Expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever.

The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10 percent thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

Paddle-activated SelectShift puts driver in control

All three engines are mated to Ford’s SelectShift^® six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift activation. Drivers will have the ability to manually select gears via race-inspired paddles on the steering wheel. The paddle-shift system is standard on all models.

The SelectShift transmission features two modes of operation – drive and sport. Sport mode offers a more aggressive shift pattern, allowing the engine to rev higher during acceleration, and hold lower gears longer to support spirited, fast-paced sessions.

Unlike many paddle-shift systems, the Edge six-speed automatic is always “live in drive,” so the driver won’t have to select sport mode to enable operation.

The available all-wheel-drive system for the new Edge is full-time, on-demand and seamless – there are no knobs or switches to activate. An electronically controlled clutch, which can engage faster than a human can blink, transfers power between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100 percent of the power front or back.

New level of technology for better driving

The 2015 Edge will be a technology leader for Ford, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include adaptive steering, enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

“The new Edge is a rolling showcase of Ford’s commitment to developing and offering the latest, most advanced technology in the business,” said Curran. “We know our customers have embraced technology – from smartphones to wearable devices that track their health. Technology is part of their lives. We want to make it part of their driving experience as well.”

Key technology features include:

• Active Grille Shutters: Available on select models to help counter air resistance
• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary
• Adaptive steering technology: Most advanced steering system ever from Ford makes Edge easier to maneuver and more fun to drive by optimizing steering response in all conditions
• Air curtain: Creates a curtain of air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work, improving aerodynamics at high speed
• Auto Start-Stop technology: Turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, then restarts the engine in milliseconds when the brake is released; specially tuned for Edge

• Blind Spot Information System: BLIS^® uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
• Cameras: New 180-degree front camera with washer featured for first time on a Ford vehicle; standard rear camera
• Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space

• Enhanced active park assist: Builds on Ford parallel parking technology and includes a system to guide the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also steer the vehicle into and out of a parallel parking space
• Forward and reverse sensing systems: The systems provide audible alerts designed to help drivers avoid obstacles when parking
• Hands-free liftgate: Allows customer to move leg below center of the rear bumper to unlock and raise liftgate
• Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel: Amenities make occupants more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable
• Lane-keeping system: Alerts driver to steer the vehicle back into its lane if the vehicle is allowed to drift

• Side parking sensors: uses sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or low-speed maneuvers
• SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®: Becoming available for more trim levels; standard on Edge Sport and Titanium series

Safety technologies available on the new Edge include:

• Active glove box knee airbag: Advanced new design uses glove box front to cushion the knees of the front seat passenger in a crash. A pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder is sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. On impact, a small inflator fills the bladder, extending the glove box outer door panel toward the passenger’s legs
• AdvanceTrac^® with Roll Stability Control^™: Uses sensors to measure the roll rate of the vehicle and predict its roll angle. Based on this information and measurements from other vehicle dynamics sensors, the system can adjust engine torque and brake pressure at all four wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle
• Curve Control: Uses the same sensors as Roll Stability Control to detect and measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle to help drivers follow their intended path by slowing the vehicle more efficiently while maneuvering a curve
• Inflatable rear safety belts: An advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies. It is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant’s torso than a traditional safety belt. Inflatable belts are available for second-row outboard seating positions

Higher standards for quality and craftsmanship

The 2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels. These include SE, SEL, Sport and – for the first time – a top-of-the-line Titanium series to meet market demand for more premium offerings.

“We really focused on meeting the highest craftsmanship standards in developing the all-new Edge,” said Kim Cape, marketing manager, Ford Large Cars and Utilities. “The idea was to create not just a high-quality exterior and interior, but to give the customer a holistic, premium experience.

“The Titanium trim level has been a real success story for Ford – particularly in products such as Fusion, Escape and Flex. Our customers are telling us, ‘We are interested in technology and a premium look and feel.’ Titanium delivers that.”

Overall, the 2015 Edge represents a significant move forward in both material and visual quality. Throughout the vehicle, seams are tighter and more consistent, and the design has been executed in a way that reduces visual cutlines. The team worked out the smallest of details, such as rethinking how the front doors meet the instrument panel, simplifying merging points and reducing potential alignment issues.

The dashboard and center console have also been carefully designed and shaped to look like one thin, streamlined piece. A central 8-inch LCD touch screen supporting SYNC with MyFord Touch is now available on even more models.

Storage areas have been improved throughout the cabin, with a covered media bin on top of the center stack; an open, pass-through-type storage area beneath the climate controls; an open storage area on the instrument panel, below and to the left of the steering wheel; and large pockets on each door.

Thanks in part to smart design work and next-generation seats that are thinner and more supportive, the interior of the new Edge is larger and more spacious. Adding further to the feeling of openness, Edge will continue to offer one of the largest sunroofs in the business – Ford’s Panoramic Vista Roof, measuring 47.7 inches front to back.

Legroom in the first and second row of the new Edge has increased by 1.9 inches and 1.0 inch, respectively. Headroom increases by 1.0 inch throughout. Cargo capacity increases, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats – 7.0 cubic feet more than the previous model. With the second row folded, space has increased by 4.5 cubic feet, to 73.4 cubic feet.

The new Edge is slightly longer and taller than its predecessor, and the wheelbase increases by 1.0 inch, to 112.2 inches.

Quieter than ever

The all-new Edge is not only more luxurious and comfortable, but also quieter.

In wind tunnel tests, Edge proved to be more than 1 sone quieter than its predecessor (a sone is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is perceived). This enhanced quietness is due to better sealing of the body, sound insulation improvements, and powertrains that are better isolated from the cabin and operate in a quieter manner. Acoustic windshield glass is standard on every model. Select Titanium models are even quieter, incorporating acoustic glass on driver and passenger side doors.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, for example, has reduced vibration levels when idling compared to the previous version, and is 2 decibels quieter. In moments of heavy acceleration, the revamped engine emits a quieter, more refined sound. This is due to multiple changes including an acoustic wrap to the intake manifold, upgraded heat shield that provides additional sound management and modified oil pump.

Edge Sport will be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology from Ford to manage and enhance the sound of its powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. Using three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin, the system is able to generate opposing sound waves directed through the audio system, enhancing overall cabin ambience.

Even the tires have been selected to deliver a better on-road experience. The 20-inch tires available on Sport and Titanium trim levels are a full 2 decibels quieter – reducing unpleasant road noises often associated with larger wheels.

Built to be the best

The all-new Edge will be built at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, where a $700 million (U.S.) renovation has delivered significant improvements to the facility.

In preparation for 2015 Edge production, the plant has been fitted with more than 250 new, more advanced robots to improve the build quality and repeatability performance of the equipment. Many of these robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision – with duties that require thousandths of an inch accuracy to ensure repeatable, high-quality assembly.

“Some unique technologies have come into the plant, all of it designed to bring a higher level of quality at a rate that is capable of being repeated,” said William Cowell, Oakville Assembly plant manager. “The higher level of complexity in the build process means employees are interfacing with more advanced systems and technology that can significantly improve quality in ways that our customers will be able to see and feel.”

2014 Transit Connect Wagon #unminivan Cargo Space Time Lapse Video

Check out how much cargo space is available in the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon, the #unminivan. Fuel efficient, uniquely styled and extremely fun to drive, the Transit Connect Wagon is an affordable people mover for families and active individuals who want to be ready for whatever life brings.

Industry-First Active Glovebox Knee Airbag

Ford has developed a new type of airbag technology that enables more compact packaging and reduced weight. The first application of this all-new inflatable restraint will be for the front passenger knee airbag on the 2015 Ford Mustang.

Ford Cuts Water Use Two Years Ahead of Schedule; 2013-2014 Sustainability Report Highlights Future Initiatives

• Ford releases its 15^th annual Sustainability Report highlighting the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and the successes it has achieved thus far

• Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally signs the CEO Water Mandate launched by the U.N. Secretary General, expanding the company’s commitment to water conservation and the environment

• This year, Ford will begin an initiative to reduce water use by its suppliers worldwide

Ford Motor Company is furthering its commitment to aggressively step up water conservation programs at its global facilities and among the company’s suppliers, according to its 15^th annual Sustainability Report, released today.

Leaders at Ford believe it is a basic human right to have clean, affordable drinking water and access to sanitation, and last year Ford reduced per vehicle water use by 30 percent globally from a 2009 baseline, reaching its goal two years ahead of schedule. Plans are under way to further cut water use by another 2 percent this year and to set new long-term goals.

“As Ford continues with its largest global expansion in more than 50 years, the company also recognizes that working in regions struggling with water scarcity will soon make water a costly commodity,” said John Fleming, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs for Ford Motor Company. “From a business perspective, understanding future constraints and immediately reducing Ford’s water consumption makes sense.”

In April, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally endorsed the CEO Water Mandate to more clearly define the company’s mission. The private-public initiative launched by the U.N. Secretary General in 2007 requires participating companies to report their water management progress annually.

Later this year, Ford will begin asking high water-use suppliers and those working in water-stressed regions to voluntarily report water consumption. Ford will then work with the suppliers to achieve reductions. The hope is that successful initiatives will be mirrored by other suppliers globally, helping Ford to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

Across the globe, examples of Ford’s success with water conservation are numerous. Consider Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant in Cuautitlán, Mexico.

Built in 1964, the plant is located in a water-scarce region. Over the decades, the city has become host to many international corporations, including beverage companies that use large volumes of water. By 1990, the Cuautitlán government recognized that water demand was outstripping supply and began limiting water use and imposing stricter permitting.

Changes implemented by Ford at the facility include:

• Installing dedicated piping for potable water to ensure it is used only for human consumption
• Recycling all other water used at the plant
• Replacing asphalt with ecological concrete, which allows rain to reenter the ground

The result: An almost 58 percent reduction in water use per vehicle produced at Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant between 2000 and 2013.

“This is a success story we are very proud of,” said Luis Lara, manager of Mexican operations for Ford’s Environmental Quality Office. “When you are in a water-stressed region, you appreciate that having water is a precious thing. Any cubic meter of water we save at the Cuautitlán plant is a cubic meter of water available for people in the neighboring communities.”

Ford began strategically working to improve the company’s water impact globally in 2000 by setting year-over-year reduction targets as part of its Global Water Management Initiative. The success of the initiative is measurable.

Not only has the company reached its water-use-per-vehicle goal two years ahead of schedule, it cut global water use by 61 percent, or by more than 10 billion gallons, between 2000 and 2013. That savings is the equivalent of 1 billion five-minute-long showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The total amount of water used around the globe at Ford facilities went from 64 million cubic meters per year to 25 million cubic meters.

Other highlights of Ford’s Sustainability Report include:

• The sale of nearly 2.5 times more electrified vehicles in 2013 compared to 2012
• Ford’s actions to increase supply chain transparency and ensure the minerals in our products are sourced responsibly An 18 percent reduction of CO₂ emissions in the European fleet between 2007 and 2013
• Ford’s priority to accelerate new product development. The 2014 global product launch features 23 new or significantly refreshed vehicles, the most of any year in a century

2015 Ford Super Duty Leaves the Competition Behind

We put our 2015 Ford Super Duty against the best the competition has to offer. If you're looking for a truck that can tow, this is what's currently in the market. We took all three trucks on a grueling series of drives, each vehicle towing 20,000 lbs. From high in the Colorado Rockies to the unforgiving desert at Davis Dam, the Ford Super Duty outperformed the competition - again!

Ford Introduces Innovative Airbag Design on New 2015 Mustang

• Ford is introducing an all-new inflatable airbag restraint design that provides the front seat passenger in a Ford Mustang with knee airbag protection while significantly reducing system size and weight, enabling a roomier interior for more comfort

• Ford introduces the first passenger knee airbag system packaged inside the glove box door with 15 patents granted and more pending

• All-new Mustang has twice as many airbags, twice as many peripheral crash sensors and additional pretensioning safety belt technology compared to the outgoing model

A new airbag design debuting on the 2015 Ford Mustang raises the bar for passenger safety by providing inflatable restraint protection in a smaller, lighter package that also enables a roomier interior for more comfort.

The new airbag will be introduced later this year as part of a standard comprehensive safety system that includes a more robust package of sensors, safety belt anchor pretensioners, improved exterior lighting and double the total number of airbags on the all-new Mustang.

In the initial application of this technology, an inflatable plastic bladder is integrated into the glove box door and provides front passenger knee protection similar to a conventional knee airbag mounted under the instrument panel. Other applications for this unique and patented technology – which allows airbags to be placed in new locations inside the vehicle and provides more freedom to vehicle designers – are being considered.

“We provide a high level of safety, quality and design for our customers and their passengers,” said Sean West, Ford restraints manager. “With this innovative airbag design, we have developed technology that provides protection for vehicle occupants while also reducing weight and enabling greater design flexibility.”

To make the new knee airbag possible, Ford engineers developed and tested innovative materials and construction techniques. Unlike a traditional fabric airbag, the new system consists of a pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. After an applicable vehicle impact is detected by the crash sensor system and classified, an inflator fills the bladder, extending the entire glove box outer door panel toward the front passenger’s legs. Once deployed, the outer door helps to provide cushioning in a manner similar to a traditional knee airbag.

Since the glove box-integrated airbag extends straight out from the instrument panel, it doesn’t have to travel as far as a conventional airbag, which deploys toward the floor before curving upward. Since the glovebox door distributes the impact load over a larger area than a traditional airbag, it is able to operate at a lower inflation pressure.

The resulting design is 65 percent lighter with an inflator that is approximately 75 percent smaller than a conventional knee airbag inflator, while providing comparable protection to the passenger. The improved packaging of the system is more discreet, with no visible seams or airbag cover. This has given designers more flexibility to move the dashboard closer to the windshield, enhancing the feeling of roominess in the cabin.

In developing the new Mustang passenger knee airbag, Ford has been granted 15 U.S. patents already, with more patents filed.

The active glove box knee airbag is among a number of technology features on the all-new Mustang, including:

• Eight airbags, twice as many as the current model. Along with the glove box knee airbag for front passenger, the new Mustang fastback and convertible have driver and passenger front and seat-mounted side airbags, as well as a driver knee airbag. The fastback adds two side curtain airbags, while the convertible gets a seat-mounted head airbag on each side
• Additional crash sensors are located on the front, sides and center of the car to control the deployment of airbags and safety belt pretensioners. The new Mustang now has two front sensors – two per side – and a roll rate sensor in the restraint control module, all of which contribute to a more adaptive safety system to protect occupants in different types of crashes
• Also new to Mustang are safety belt pretensioners added to the belt anchor side that further tighten the belt around front seat occupants, keeping them in a more secure spot early in the event of a crash
• Tri-bar signature lighting and high-intensity-discharge headlamps for improved visibility of the road ahead during nighttime driving
• Industry-exclusive Ford MyKey^® allows parents to limit top speed and audio system volume, and to set limits to prevent the disabling of driver-assist features

“The new Mustang has increased ability to adapt safety systems to a variety of potential situations,” said Jeff Rupp, Mustang safety systems manager. “For example, we've added new anchor-side safety belt pretensioning capability and a steering column that can adapt stiffness properties.”

2015 Ford Mustang

The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang fastback and convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines, including a new turbocharged EcoBoost^® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower.

In addition to state-of-the-art connectivity systems, Mustang makes advanced driver-assist systems available – including track apps, launch control and more.

Ford Mustang Design DNA - Tri-Bar Taillamps

Almost from the moment that Ford Mustang went on sale on April 17, 1964 it established its place in the automotive and cultural pantheon. With 22,000 sales and orders on the first day of availability and more than 9 million over the past 50 ears Mustang has developed a worldwide following based on its visual presence, performance and accessibility.

Great sports cars are living, breathing machines that reflect both their drivers and their creators. Like a living organism, they must change and adapt or go extinct. As one of the few cars that has been in continuous production for 50 years, Mustang has adapted while retaining its essence.

Kemal Curic, exterior design manager, discusses one of the most distinctive visual characteristics of Mustang, the tri-bar taillamps. 

Ford Mustang Design DNA - Twin-brow Instrument Panel

Almost from the moment that Ford Mustang went on sale on April 17, 1964 it established its place in the automotive and cultural pantheon. With 22,000 sales and orders on the first day of availability and more than 9 million over the past 50 ears Mustang has developed a worldwide following based on its visual presence, performance and accessibility.

Great sports cars are living, breathing machines that reflect both their drivers and their creators. Like a living organism, they must change and adapt or go extinct. As one of the few cars that has been in continuous production for 50 years, Mustang has adapted while retaining its essence.

Bill Mangan, interior design manager discusses the twin-brow instrument panel design that has been a staple element of many Mustang over its 50 year history.

Dad's Most Important Drive

Ford wishes all fathers a Happy Father's Day...Because his most important drive is the one home.

Ford Explorer Updated for 2015 with New Colors, Features and a Sporty New Look Ideal for Summer

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• Ford Explorer sales break the 20,000-vehicle mark last month for the first time since July 2005; 20,346 vehicles sold makes May the best month ever for the current-generation utility

• 2015 Ford Explorer XLT is available later this month with a new appearance package that adds a sportier look and more comfort and technology features at an outstanding value

• New package includes grille and mirror caps painted Magnetic Metallic, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, and leather-trimmed and heated front seats with genuine Miko^® suede inserts

Ford Explorer brings new options to utility vehicle customers for 2015, including a sport-inspired appearance package that raises the bar on comfort and technology without breaking the bank, as well as new colors and features.

“Customers asked for more and this is our answer,” said Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager. “We know consumers love the look of Explorer Sport; with this package, you get that for Explorer XLT. It looks bold and rugged, and offers impressive technology at a surprising value.”

Available later this month, the new option brings even greater variety, as customer demand for utility vehicles increases. Explorer sales topped 20,000 in May for the first time since July 2005, with 20,346 vehicles sold. This is a 21 percent increase compared to May 2013.

Based on Ford analysis of Polk new vehicle retail registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford is gaining share in the millennial demographic, defined as buyers ages 18-34. According to the analysis, as vehicle registrations within this demographic have increased 33 percent since 2009, Ford’s share has increased 72 percent, more than double the industry pace. That means retail share for the Ford brand in this age group grew from 9.4 percent in 2009 to 12 percent today.

Since 2009, Explorer has contributed 21 percent to Ford’s overall growth in retail registrations within this coveted demographic.

“Explorer contributes more to Ford’s millennial sales and share growth than any other passenger car or utility vehicle in the lineup,” said Erich Merkle, U.S. sales analyst for Ford. “This is more proof Explorer attracts all types of customers with great looks and third-row versatility.”

The new appearance package for Explorer XLT includes striking exterior details, with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels featuring painted pockets, black body-side cladding and roof rack rails. Other features include a Magnetic Metallic painted grille, mirror caps and liftgate appliqué, “EXPLORER” hood badge and body-color door handles.

Interior details include leather-trimmed, heated front seats featuring Miko^® suede inserts and contrast stitching, floor mats with special badging and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The package also features technology upgrades such as SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, two 4.2-inch color LCD screens in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch color LCD touch screen in the Meteorite Black center stack, two USB ports and an SD card reader.

Additional updates for 2015 include new 18-inch aluminum wheels now standard on the base model; Class III trailer tow package now standard on Explorer Sport; and three new colors – Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic and Magnetic Metallic.

Pricing information available at ford.com.

Ford Motor Company Lowers Fuel Economy Ratings for Six Vehicles

Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, discusses the internal Ford testing that led the company to identify an error with fuel economy rating for certain vehicles. Ford worked with the EPA to retest the vehicles and determine the correct ratings.

Ford Adaptive Steering Technology

Ford's Adaptive Steering -- a new generation of steering technology -- will be available within 12 months. New technology improves steering feel at all speeds, making any vehicle easier to maneuver and more enjoyable to drive. System is entirely housed entirely within the steering wheel.

You Say Tomato; We Say Tom-Auto: Ford and Heinz Collaborate on Sustainable Materials for Vehicles

• Ford and H.J. Heinz Company explore the use of tomato fiber to develop a more sustainable bio-plastic material for vehicles

• Ford researchers are testing the material’s durability for potential use in vehicle wiring brackets and storage bins

• Success in developing a new more sustainable composite could reduce the use of petrochemicals in manufacturing and reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment

It might seem that tomatoes and cars have nothing in common. But researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company see the possibility of an innovative union.

Researchers at Ford and Heinz are investigating the use of tomato fibers in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a Ford customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.

“We are exploring whether this food processing byproduct makes sense for an automotive application,” said Ellen Lee, plastics research technical specialist for Ford. “Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact.”

Nearly two years ago, Ford began collaborating with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble to accelerate development of a 100 percent plant-based plastic to be used to make everything from fabric to packaging and with a lower environmental impact than petroleum-based packaging materials currently in use.

At Heinz, researchers were looking for innovative ways to recycle and repurpose peels, stems and seeds from the more than two million tons of tomatoes the company uses annually to produce its best-selling product: Heinz Ketchup. Leaders at Heinz turned to Ford.

“We are delighted that the technology has been validated,” said Vidhu Nagpal, associate director, packaging R&D for Heinz. “Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could produce for both Heinz and Ford, and the advancement of sustainable 100% plant-based plastics.”

Ford’s commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is part of the company’s global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint while accelerating development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology worldwide. In recent years, Ford has increased its use of recycled nonmetal and bio-based materials. With cellulose fiber-reinforced console components and rice hull-filled electrical cowl brackets introduced in the last year, Ford’s bio-based portfolio now includes eight materials in production. Other examples are coconut-based composite materials, recycled cotton material for carpeting and seat fabrics, and soy foam seat cushions and head restraints.

Ford Unveils Ultra-Lightweight Concept Car

Lightweight Concept vehicle represents Ford's ongoing research for future light-weighting and advanced materials applications, building on the all-new Ford F-150, which sheds up to 700 pounds through use of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. Light-weighting is key component of Ford's Blueprint for Sustainability for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Ford Mustang Design DNA - Fastback

Almost from the moment that Ford Mustang went on sale on April 17, 1964, it established its place in the automotive and cultural pantheon. With 22,000 sales and orders on the first day of availability and more than 9 million over the past 50 years Mustang has developed a worldwide following based on its visual presence, performance and accessibility.

Great sports cars are living, breathing machines that reflect both their drivers and their creators. Like a living organism, they must change and adapt or go extinct. As one of the few cars that has been in continuous production for 50 years, Mustang has adapted while retaining its essence.

Joel Piaskowski, design director, strategic design discusses the fastback roof profile of Mustang.

Real World Testing: 2015 F-150

Two and a half years before production Ford secretly tested six prototype F-150s with high-strength aluminum cargo boxes. The goal was to prove the durability of aluminum alloy through real-world extreme experiences that ensured the new F-150 could stand up to the tough work of our customers.

Ford, Samsung Research Next-Generation Battery Technology

Ford Motor Company and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group, announce research on different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

Ford Mustang Design DNA - The Hockey Stick

Almost from the moment that Ford Mustang went on sale on April 17, 1964, it established its place in the automotive and cultural pantheon. With 22,000 sales and orders on the first day of availability and more than 9 million over the past 50 years Mustang has developed a worldwide following based on its visual presence, performance and accessibility.

Great sports cars are living, breathing machines that reflect both their drivers and their creators. Like a living organism, they must change and adapt or go extinct. As one of the few cars that has been in continuous production for 50 years, Mustang has adapted while retaining its essence.

Moray Callum, vice president, design, discusses the classic side scoop or "hockey stick" that has been a presence on many Mustangs of the past 50 years.

All-New Ford Transit: Better Gas Mileage Than E-Series; Best-in-Class Gas Engine Torque, Cargo Capacity

• All-new 2015 Ford Transit low- and medium-roof regular-wheelbase wagons with available 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® have a 46 percent better EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating* than Ford E-Series with premium gas engine

• Proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost offers gas engine torque rating of 400 lb.-ft. – best in class among full-size vans – ideal for those whose work requires extra cargo-hauling capability

• Transit van offers best-in-class gas engine maximum cargo capacity of 487.3 cubic feet when properly equipped

The all-new 2015 Ford Transit, America’s newest Built Ford Tough van, delivers as much as 46 percent better gas mileage than Ford E-Series and offers Ford van customers more choices and capability than ever.

Transit goes on sale for the first time at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer, eventually replacing America’s best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline.
Transit has a proven legacy with more than 7 million units sold worldwide since being introduced in Europe in 1965. Ford has been the best-selling commercial vehicle brand in the United Kingdom for nearly 50 years and Transit is the recipient of two International Van of the Year awards.

“We are excited to serve our fleet and commercial customers in North America with the all-new Transit,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford vice president, Engineering. “Transit is Built Ford Tough and represents One Ford at its best, building on lessons learned from our decades of leadership in the commercial vehicle markets in the United States and Europe.”

Three engine choices offer performance and efficiency

Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, and customers also can choose from an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® or 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® diesel.

When equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, all-new 2015 Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagons get a 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating.* That reflects an improvement of as much as 46 percent compared with the 10 mpg city/13 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating for the Ford E-Series 6.8-liter V10 premium gas engine. The improved gas mileage translates to fuel savings as high as $1,700 annually, based on EPA data.

Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagons with the standard 3.7-liter V6 get a 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating* – up to 19 percent better than the 13 mpg city/16 mpg EPA-estimated rating for the E-Series 4.6-liter V8 standard gas engine. Fuel savings for customers could be as much as $650 a year, according to EPA estimates.

	City	Highway	Combined
All-new 2015 Transit Wagon 3.5L	14 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg
All-new 2015 Transit Wagon 3.7L	14 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg
EPA-estimated ratings for low- and medium-roof regular-wheelbase models. Actual mileage will vary. 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel available on Transit is not EPA-rated.

The proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost available for Ford Transit offers a gas engine torque rating of 400 lb.-ft. – best in class among full-size vans – making Transit an excellent choice for those whose work requires extra cargo-hauling capability. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine’s low-end torque and 310 horsepower result from its suite of technologies including direct injection and twin turbocharging.

The available 3.2-liter Power Stroke five-cylinder diesel engine provides 90 percent of its peak torque from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. Quick-start glow plugs offer fast startups at temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. A variable geometry turbocharger helps deliver quick power.

	Horsepower (hp) at RPM	Torque (lbs.-ft.) at RPM
3.7L V6 with Ti-VCT	275 @ 6,000	260 @ 4,000
3.5L V6 EcoBoost	310 @ 5,500	400 @ 2,500
3.2L Power Stroke Five-Cylinder	185 @ 3,000	350 @ 1,500–2,500

Transit van delivers as much as 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. Maximum payload increases at least 600 pounds across all sizes of Transit vans versus comparable E-Series vans. Transit delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

Towing and hauling are made easy by the standard six-speed SelectShift^® automatic transmission. It features selectable tow/haul mode to compensate for grade and load, while also reducing gear hunting when towing or hauling heavy cargo.

A compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas prep package is available on Transit when equipped with the 3.7-liter V6 engine.

Built Ford Tough

Built Ford Tough is part of the Transit DNA, and the all-new unibody structure makes extensive use of boron steel for weight savings, improved torsional stiffness and long-term durability. Transit was tested for more than 7 million customer-equivalent miles at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.7-liter V6 engines have been proven in more than 700,000 Ford F-150 trucks since 2011.

The globally proven 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel engine underwent more than 4,000 hours of rigorous dynamometer testing specifically for Transit. Testing included running at maximum engine power for 750 hours (the equivalent of 14 nonstop round trips from New York to Los Angeles) simulating 10 years’ service across 150,000 miles, and in environments with temperatures of 40 degrees below zero and altitudes of more than 14,500 feet.

To simulate the heavy use fleet and commercial customers put their vans through, Ford testers opened and slammed Transit doors 250,000 times – nearly three times more than for a car.

Capability to get the job done

The all-new Transit van offers a best-in-class gas engine maximum cargo capacity of 487.3 cubic feet when properly equipped – 75 percent more than the largest E-Series van. The extended-length wagon model offers best-in-class cargo storage (100.5 cubic feet) behind the last row of seats in a 15-passenger version – ideal for shuttle service.

Transit high-roof van models offer best-in-class cargo height to make loading easier, and high-roof wagon models deliver best-in-class passenger compartment height, enabling passengers as tall as 6 feet 4 inches to stand upright.

Transit also has a best-in-class rear door opening height and the available 270-degree swing-out rear cargo doors offer quick and easy access.

Offering the most choices

Transit is available in a best-in-class range of vehicle configurations and offers more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van.

Customers can choose from van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; three body lengths and two wheelbases for van and wagon, along with three roof heights; and XL and XLT trim levels.
A center aisle for most configurations combines with easy access through wide-opening side doors and ample legroom to allow fast and hassle-free pickups and drop-offs.

Transit van is ideal for custom storage and shelving systems such as cargo dividers, multi-racks, bulkheads and sliding platforms. Upfitting is made easy with 11 available upfit ship-throughs, eight of which are located within 20 miles of Kansas City Assembly Plant where Transit is built. Transit vehicles can be custom-configured at www.TransitUpfits.com.

Smart features

Transit customers can add even more smart technology, including available Crew Chief telematics to help track service and mileage costs and MyKey® to help encourage safer driving. An available lane-keeping alert system detects lane markings with a forward-facing camera and vibrates the steering wheel to help alert drivers to steer back toward the center of the lane.

An internal ladder-rack system, available as an upfit, helps keep ladders protected from poor weather and away from prying eyes.

* EPA-estimated rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for all-new 2015 Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagon. Actual mileage will vary.

Best May Retail Sales in 10 Years Nets Records for Fusion, Escape, Lincoln MKZ; Best Explorer Sales Since July 2005

• Ford Fusion and Ford Escape establish best-ever monthly sales records
• Ford Explorer, America’s best-selling midsize utility, has its best sales month since 2005
• Lincoln MKZ sets a new sales record for May; all-new Lincoln MKC now on sale
• Total May U.S. sales up 3 percent with 254,084 vehicles sold; retail sales up 6 percent with 174,889 vehicles sold

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 254,084 vehicles in May, up 3 percent from a year ago. Retail sales set several model records with 174,889 vehicles sold – an increase of 6 percent.

“Fusion and Escape had their best months ever, which helped us to our strongest May result since May 2004,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Explorer continued to gain ground in the midsize utility segment with its best monthly sales performance in nearly 10 years, while Lincoln MKZ saw its best May ever.”

Ford Fusion set an all-time monthly record in May with sales of 33,881 vehicles. The West region of the U.S. continues to push Fusion sales higher, with a 42 percent increase – making it Fusion’s best-ever retail month for the region.

With 31,896 vehicle sales, Ford Escape also posts an all-time record, topping the 30,000-vehicle mark for the first time ever. Ford Explorer sales in May topped the 20,000-vehicle mark for the first time since July 2005 with sales of 20,346 vehicles, a 21 percent increase from last year. Escape and Explorer sales of 52,242 vehicles helped increase total utility vehicle sales by 9 percent – the best May performance since July 2005.

Lincoln sales are up 21 percent for May, with 8,845 vehicles sold. MKZ had its best May sales performance ever, breaking last year’s record with 3,714 cars sold. The all-new Lincoln MKC is now on sale – with 677 MKC vehicles sold during the final weekend of May.

See How the 2015 F-150 Not Only Changes What Trucks are Made of, but How They're Made.

The assembly line that mass-produces the 2015 F-150 is as innovative as the truck itself. Two decades in the planning, it features incredibly precise computer-modeled stamping, rivets and flow-through screws instead of welds, and integrated scrap recycling. Watch how these new processes pay off in a truck that's built like no other.

2015 F-150 Wins Ford’s First- Ever Yankee Cup for Trucks

• With help from Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineering faculty, the New England Motor Press Association awarded the 2015 Ford F-150, with more than 100 patents, the Yankee Cup
• The Yankee Cup is a technology award recognizing an automotive feature, system or vehicle that significantly makes driving safer, more cost efficient or more enjoyable
• From its truck bed to LED lights, new F-150 recognized by judges as tougher, smarter and more capable

The new 2015 F-150 claimed Ford Motor Company’s first-ever Yankee Cup for trucks, a technology award bestowed by the New England Motor Press Association, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at an annual awards dinner Thursday.

Selected with input from MIT engineering faculty, the New England Motor Press Association’s annual Yankee Cup goes to an automotive feature, system or vehicle that significantly makes driving safer, more cost efficient or more enjoyable.

“It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of the team behind the all-new Ford F-150,” said Pete Reyes, F-150 chief engineer. “With the 2015 F-150, Ford is teaching the world how to build a next-generation truck, and the more than 100 patents the F-150 team has filed for technologies prove these Ford engineers and designers are innovative leaders in the automotive industry.”

“When reviewing all the entries for the Yankee Cup, we couldn’t help but notice the F-150 is loaded with innovation,” said Craig Fitzgerald, New England Motor Press Association president. “We all know this vehicle is Built Ford Tough, but now it is both tough and smart – helping to redefine the light-duty pickup for the next generation.”

Ford has filed more than 100 patents on the all-new Ford F-150, making it the most patented truck in company history.

Innovative features include:

• LED side-mirror spotlights allow customers to illuminate the side of the vehicle for tasks ranging from setting up a campsite to changing a tire
• Remote tailgate release automatically lowers the tailgate with the push of a button on the key fob – a pickup truck first
• Ford’s pioneering tailgate step has been completely reengineered so that it fully integrates into the tailgate, making it virtually invisible when not in use. The tailgate drops down into position in one easy motion. The grab handle is now housed inside the tailgate, keeping the inner surface of the tailgate uniformly flat
• BoxLink^™ cargo management system includes lockable die-cast aluminum tie-down cleats. It provides a unique interface to the box for improved flexibility and organization, as well as additional tie-down locations. Segment-first cargo ramps are available that stow on the sides of the box and can be mounted quickly on the tailgate to enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles or mowers

Segment firsts include a 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab and segment-first LED headlights.

Additionally, the new Ford F-150 uses the latest high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys to form the body and cargo box on top of a high-strength steel frame.

The aluminum is heat-treated in an oven using a method developed by Ford engineers that nearly doubles the strength of the metal. A similar approach is used in aerospace applications, but Ford is the first to use and petition to patent this methodology for the auto industry.