The car colors inspire her to dance. But must she dance alone? | 2015 Ford Focus

Renowned Anthropologist, Genevieve St. Jermaine, Ph.D., puts on her Tutu and prances her way through a veritable forest of Ford Focus splendor.

Ballerinas take their inspiration from all sorts of influences, including car colors and hexagonal grilles apparently. Does the technology in the 2015 Ford Focus mean more for prima ballerinas? Watch Dr. Genevieve St. Jermaine’s latest experiment to find out.

Ford, Hewlett-Packard Using Coffee Stops, Big Data to Better Manage Fleets and Personalize Employee Drives

• Ford and HP Fleet Insights experiment analyzes information from daily driving to lead to more efficiently managed fleets, car sharing and personalized driving experiences
• Experiment gathered information from national HP fleet vehicles and HP employee volunteer drivers around the U.S., learning HP drivers share similar coffee, airport parking and refueling habits, which could be leveraged to reduce operating costs while improving convenience and services
• The Fleet Insights experiment is one part of the Ford Smart Mobility plan aimed at better understanding consumers’ mobility needs around the globe

Ford Motor Company engineers have completed a real-world driving experiment with HP, one of the world’s largest technology companies, discovering which commuting commonalities could provide future breakthroughs for better managing fleets, personalized services and recommendations for individual drivers.

Using HP’s Big Data Discovery Experience Services and the HP Haven big data platform, the engineering team gathered data and analyzed it to determine possibilities for lowering operating costs and optimizing underutilized vehicles for fleets as well as personal driving.

Among the observations of the experiment: Regardless of location, most HP drivers grabbed coffee at the same national coffeehouse and refueled with the same brand of gasoline, while traveling employees often left vehicles unused at the airport for days.

While it’s no surprise road-tripping employees stop for coffee, data analysis about commutes and driving routines could lead to greater economies of scale for company fleets and new solutions for optimizing underutilized vehicles.

“The Fleet Insights experiment is one of the first steps to better understand and learn about how driving behavior is changing,” said Marcy Klevorn, Ford vice president and chief information officer. “Fleets could see operating costs lowered through national buying contracts and improved utilization and maintenance, while individual drivers could receive coupons or create cooperative pools to share unused vehicles.”

The Ford Fleet Insights experiment included HP fleet vehicles that were equipped with wireless sensors plugged into each vehicle. Ford data scientists and IT leaders used the HP Vertica analytics engine, part of the HP Haven platform, to explore patterns and multiple dimensions of fleet driver activity. Also, each driver could access their data using a custom smartphone app to recall trip details, if needed.

“HP and Ford share a common vision around bringing together data, mobility, and analytics to explore new ways to deliver better customer experiences, new revenue streams, and lower fuel and maintenance costs in the automotive industry,” said Martin Risau, senior vice president, Analytics & Data Management Practice, HP Enterprise Services. “The results of this experiment can help unleash improvements for business operations for fleet management and personal driving experiences.”
Observations during the experiment included:

• Regardless of location, most drivers visited the same national coffee house and refueled with the same brand of gasoline
• Traveling employees often left their vehicles unused at the airport for days. These vehicles could be utilized more effectively by nearby drivers
• 70 percent of trips took place during weekdays and typical trip distances were 13 miles or less

Trips fell into four groups:

• City block driving (34 percent): Involved frequent direction changes, driving near the speed limit, idling at stoplights with short distances.
• Freeway driving (21 percent): Involved few driving direction changes with large deviations from the speed-limit depending on traffic, and long trip durations and driving distances with less stop and go than City Block Commute.
•  Non rush-hour Driving (29 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with less stops and idling
•  Rush-hour driving (16 percent): Short trip duration and short-distance with frequent stops and idling during peak drive hours

The Fleet Insight experiment data collection phase was completed in June after gathering information from nearly 100 vehicles. Data analysis continues through the end of 2015.

Younger Americans Fear Other Drivers More Than Death, Public Speaking and Spiders, New Study Finds

• Millennials and Generation Z consumers are more afraid of other motorists driving dangerously than death, public speaking and spiders – a new survey says
• Top driving fears include backing out onto busy streets, maneuvering into tight parking spaces and monitoring blind spots
• Ford announces it is moving to migrate the company’s driver-assist technologies across its product lineup over the next five years

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 23, 2015 – Public speaking just lost the top spot as the most feared task for younger Americans. Distracted, dangerous drivers are now the first concern for Millennial and Generation Z consumers, new research finds.

For decades, public speaking was America’s most anxiety-inducing activity. Now, dangerous drivers are more frightening than speaking in public, death, spiders and snakes – according to independent research company Penn Schoen Berland.

Top fears for Millennials and members of Generation Z:

• Other motorists driving dangerously (88 percent)
• Public speaking (75 percent)
• Death (74 percent)
• Spiders (69 percent)
• Snakes (69 percent)

“Younger generations are growing up with different fears than their parents or grandparents,” said Kevin Shkolnik, vice president, Penn Schoen Berland. “Younger drivers are worried about distracted drivers, but they think technology isn’t just the problem, it’s also the solution, as we are seeing growing demand for driver-assistance technologies.”

The most worrisome driving situations among survey respondents include:

• Snowy or icy roads (79 percent)
• Maneuvering into a tight parking spot (75 percent)
• Backing out onto a busy street (74 percent)
• Monitoring blind spots (70 percent)
• Not knowing where I’m going (69 percent)

Penn Schoen Berland conducted the poll on behalf of Ford Motor Company, surveying 1,000 Generation Z (ages 16-22) and Generation Y (ages 23-34) respondents in the United States. The online survey was conducted between April 29 and May 4, 2015; the margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent.

The new research validates Ford’s decision to offer technologies that will help drivers with common driving concerns. Today, Ford announced it is moving to migrate driver-assist technologies across its product lineup over the next five years.

“Research like this is important to Ford and other automotive brands because it informs us about the situations that cause consumers the most stress,” said Crystal Worthem, Ford brand marketing manager. “As driver distraction and safety conversations have broadened, we are seeing what technology will help customers tackle their greatest fears.”

The research shows 65 percent of respondents are more likely to purchase a vehicle if it has technology to help with parallel parking. Of those polled, 62 percent want technology to detect objects in blind spots.

While Ford already offers active park assist and blind spot monitoring, the company continues to develop innovative driver-assist technologies for future vehicles.

“Ford is listening to customers to better understand what they want from their vehicles,” said Worthem. “Part of understanding what consumers want is to know what concerns them, and we will continue to use data like this to inform how we research and develop our products and technologies.”
Currently, Ford offers some of the most in-demand vehicle technologies on most of its products in North America:

Technology	Number of Ford vehicles offering feature*
Rearview camera	19*
Blind spot monitoring	10
Semi-automatic parallel park	9
Adaptive cruise control	7
Lane-keeping system	5

* Standard on 12 vehicles

Ford engineers continue to work on technology for the future, including pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection and remote parking.

J.D. Power recently released findings from its inaugural U.S. Tech Choice Study, which focuses on technologies consumers want to buy regardless of price. Overwhelmingly, most of these are technologies related to safety – specifically, collision protection, according to the study. Blind spot detection and collision prevention systems rank among the most valued features.

2016 F-150 Continues to Innovate With Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Alternative Fuel Capability and SYNC 3

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob
• New Special Edition Appearance Packages available on XLT and Lariat with unique wheels, graphics and finishes
• Compressed Natural Gas/Propane gaseous fuel prep package available for 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150s, helping reduce operating costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions

The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability.

All-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. The segment-first technology allows customers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Leveraging advanced camera technology, Ford engineers developed the system and tested it for almost a decade. Along the way, Ford earned five patents for the technology, with 10 more pending.

The Special Edition Packages for XLT and Lariat further personalize F-150 to customer tastes, adding all-new unique 20-inch premium anodized dark-painted aluminum wheels with red sport lettering, black running boards, smoked headlamps, unique bodyside graphics and badging, special edition seats with Alcantara® inserts, red contrast stitching and red bolsters, and unique red stitching on the steering wheel, transmission gear selector boot and instrument panel. This package also features a dark anodized grille with black mesh on XLT while the Lariat dark anodized grille receives red accents.

F-150 also features SYNC 3 – Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, high-speed performance and capacitive touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.

Responding to customer requests, the 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane.

New features and color choices

Other changes for the 2016 F-150 include:

• SYNC 3 replaces Sync with MyFord Touch
• XLT and Lariat models add available Special Edition Appearance Package (requires Sport Appearance Package)

• Shadow Black replaces Tuxedo Black
• Lithium Gray replaces Guard Metallic
• 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted silver pockets available on XL

Power Density and Torque In A Small But Mighty EcoBoost Engine

You hear about horsepower, but what most people really want is torque – a twisting force that drives your car forward at a whim. Check out how EcoBoost engines give it to you.

What would you say if we told you that you could own one of the most power-dense engines on the planet? The power you’re looking for is within your grasp, if you’re willing to give a small but mighty engine a go.

Happy Father's Day!

From Geweke Commercial Truck & Fleet Sales

She Can Vogue. But Can She Park? | 2015 Ford Focus

Renowned Anthropologist, Genevieve St. Jermaine, Ph.D., hits the catwalk to investigate the 2015 Ford Focus and its driving tech.

High-fashion models are great at walking, but aren’t known for their parallel-parking prowess. Does the 2015 Ford Focus’s technology mean more for models? Watch Dr. Genevieve St. Jermaine’s latest experiment to find out.

Ford SYNC 3 Easy Navigation: You Drive, SYNC Finds the Way

See William and Ken, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) Engineer with Ford, use SYNC 3 navigation to find Ford World Headquarters and their favorite coffee shop. In real time, see how SYNC 3’s tablet-like map interface and One Box Search easily help find what’s out there. SYNC 3 available soon on the 2016 Escape, Fiesta, F-150 and Transit.

U.S. Military Personnel Take Ford Mustang, F-150 for a Ride at Hockenheimring Racetrack

• Ford and the Overseas Military Sales Corporation host first-ever Ford Driving Freedom ride-and-drive event for U.S. military personnel stationed on bases across Europe
• U.S. military personnel got the unique opportunity to drive the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang on Hockenheimring racetrack in Germany
• Ford has worked with Overseas Military Sales Corporation since 1995 to offer Ford and Lincoln vehicles for sale throughout the Americas, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as on select Navy ships

Members of the U.S. military got the unique opportunity to take a test drive of the Ford F-150 and Mustang today at Germany’s famed Hockenheimring racetrack.

“The Ford Driving Freedom ride-and-drive event is designed to introduce the new 2015 Ford Mustang and F-150 to military personnel who are stationed on U.S. bases across Europe,” says Doug Walczak, fleet sales manager, Ford Motor Company. “It’s the first time such an event has been held overseas.”

Walczak says the exercise reinforces Ford’s commitment to U.S. military personnel around the world. “We’re excited to provide this unique opportunity to men and women serving in the military,” he says. “They make many sacrifices on our behalf, and we wanted to give them a chance to leave base and experience something fun while serving their country.”

The Hockenheimring track is home to the German Grand Prix. The venue was selected both because of its history and its central location. Military personnel from U.S. bases across Europe were invited to participate, along with 125 winners of a contest sponsored by Overseas Military Sales Corporation. The group is the only on-base, factory-authorized Ford Motor Company distributor to military personnel. Walczak says the contest, which drew 300 entries, is an example of the community events the group holds to boost the morale of troops and showcase Ford products.

“Ford has worked with the Overseas Military Sales Corporation since 1995 to offer Ford and Lincoln vehicles for sale in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as on select Navy ships,” said Walczak. “Service personnel can order vehicles for use where they are stationed, or place an order overseas and pick it up at a dealership when they return home.”

The ride-and-drive program is a pilot, and could serve as a template for integration in Ford’s future product launches.

The trucks being used for the ride-and-drive, along with others on display, are among the first F-150 vehicles on the ground in Europe.

Ford is top of mind for members of the U.S. military. Overseas Military Sales Corporation was the leading retailer of Ford Mustang in the world in 2014, while Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle for members of the military – according to a survey by USAA, a financial services company serving military personnel and their families.

Ford Paves the Way for the Future; 2014-15 Sustainability Report Highlights Environmental Goals, Mobility Initiatives

• Ford releases its 16th annual Sustainability Report highlighting its achievement of several environmental goals, including Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant attaining zero waste-to-landfill status – giving Ford the distinction of becoming landfill-free in all of its Mexico manufacturing facilities
  

• Use of industry-exclusive REPREVE fiber in the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will divert more than 5 million plastic bottles from landfills
  

• Guided by its Ford Smart Mobility plan, the company’s global mobility experiments are testing new ideas to address future mega trends and transportation challenges
  
  

Ford is making strides, once again, toward changing the way the world moves – highlighting key mobility mega trends and the company’s environmental achievements in the release of its 16th annual Sustainability Report.

The report highlights Ford’s achievement in reducing global waste-to-landfill by announcing Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant attained zero waste-to-landfill status early this year, giving the company the distinction of now being landfill-free in all of its Mexico manufacturing facilities. As a result, Ford Mexico’s manufacturing plants are diverting 1.5 million pounds of landfill waste this year and each year going forward, based on 2014 rates for waste generation.

The success of the Hermosillo facility, as well as Ford’s Cuautitlan and Chihuahua plants in Mexico, will help the company achieve its target of reducing global waste-to-landfill by 40 percent per vehicle produced from 2011 to 2016; Ford reduced global per vehicle waste-to-landfill by 40 percent from 2007 to 2011.

“Ford is proud that all of its manufacturing facilities in Mexico are sending zero waste to landfills,” said Andy Hobbs, director, Ford Environmental Quality Office. “We are decreasing our global environmental footprint while maintaining world-class manufacturing systems.”

Work began nearly five years ago to make Ford Mexico’s manufacturing plants landfill-free. Nearly 45 tons of cafeteria waste now are composted and reused by farmers to improve agricultural growth and community green areas surrounding the plants. Solvents are recycled and scrap aluminum is collected for reuse – creating closed-loop systems.

Hermosillo joins 27 other Ford facilities worldwide in achieving zero waste-to-landfill status. Thirteen of those facilities are in North America; seven are in Europe, five in Asia Pacific and three in South America.

“We are proud of our employees and plant leaders for working to make Ford landfill-free in Mexico,” said Luis Lara, manager, Ford Mexico Office of Environmental Quality. “We have gone beyond mandated regulations to become a true example of environmental excellence.”

Reducing the company’s environmental impact

Ford’s Sustainability Report also highlights the company’s work to meet its aggressive goal to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30 percent per vehicle produced by 2025 globally. From 2013 to 2014, CO₂ emissions per vehicle produced decreased by more than 2.4 percent, and the company remains on track to meet its longer-term goal.

Ford also significantly has reduced its global water use over the last several years. In 2014, the automaker announced it reduced per vehicle water use by 30 percent globally from a 2009 baseline – reaching its goal two years ahead of schedule.

From 2011 to 2016, Ford’s average energy consumption is on track to decrease per vehicle produced globally by 25 percent. Plus, since 2000, Ford has invested more than $300 million on energy efficiency upgrades to its global facilities.

Furthering the company’s commitment to sustainable materials, Ford’s industry-exclusive use of REPREVE fiber will help divert more than 5 million plastic bottles from landfills by incorporating the fully sustainable material made of recycled plastic into the all-new 2015 F-150 pickup. F-150 is the fifth vehicle worldwide to be outfitted with REPREVE. Ford began using REPREVE in 2012, and remains the only automaker to do so.

Ford’s focus on mega trends

Mindful of the present but with an eye on what’s to come, Ford is working to visualize the future of the company – guided by these mega trends:

• Urbanization, congestion: There are 28 megacities today – metropolitan areas with more than 10 million people. That’s expected to grow to 41 megacities worldwide by 2030. Today’s infrastructure can’t accommodate the number of vehicles projected to be on the road
  
• Growing middle class: According to The Brookings Institution, the global middle class will double in size – from 2 billion to 4 billion – by 2030. Many will aspire to own vehicles – bringing a new set of challenges
  
• Health concerns, air quality: According to the World Health Organization, severe challenges relating to health and air quality will exist in developing nations – despite strides being made to improve the situation
  
• Changing consumer attitudes, priorities of Millennials: Those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s will influence how companies make product decisions
  
• Limited natural resources: Companies will be challenged to find innovative ways to address the impacts of energy use, water use and increasing demand for raw materials
  

In response to these challenges, the automaker announced this year Ford Smart Mobility. The plan – including a series of global experiments – is designed to take Ford to the next level in the areas of connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and big data.

“Our vision at Ford is to change the way the world moves – again,” said Ken Washington, Ford vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. “It’s what Henry Ford did a century ago to create a better world, and we’re carrying on his legacy today.”

Those Power Chords Scream Great MPG | 2015 Ford Focus

Glam Rockers are on the road constantly, so naturally they’re looking for good gas mileage. Does the 2015 Ford Focus rock out more for rock ‘n’ rollers? Watch Dr. Genevieve St. Jermaine’s experiment to find out.

Plenty of Room for Ancient Artifacts | 2015 Ford Focus

Renowned Anthropologist, Genevieve St. Jermaine, Ph.D., braves poison darts while loading a 2015 Ford Focus ST full of artifacts.

Archaeologists tend to acquire a lot of stuff. Does the roomy cargo space of the 2015 Ford Focus ST have enough for cool archaeologists? Watch Dr. Genevieve St. Jermaine’s experiment to find out.

Ford F-150 Halo Sandcat Lands at E3 to Promote Halo 5: Guardians for Xbox One

Ford, Xbox, 343 Industries and Galpin Auto Sports are celebrating the release of Halo 5: Guardians for Xbox One with a special version of the 2015 Ford F-150 that is so awesome, it could have been designed by the Master Chief himself.

The Ford F-150 Halo Sandcat is a one-of-a-kind vehicle inspired by Halo’s United Nations Space Command vehicle design. It will be on display at E3 2015.

Based on the all-new Ford F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, F-150 Halo Sandcat is special enough to have been officially designated the M552 codename by the United Nations Space Command – closely matching F-150’s official Ford codename, P552.

The F-150 Halo Sandcat started as a 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 with 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine and FX4 off-road package. To turn the truck into the Sandcat, Galpin Auto Sports added an arsenal of modifications to give it a United Nations Space Command militaristic style that Halo fans will instantly recognize. The F-150 Halo Sandcat starts with Addictive Desert Designs’ Baja XTR off-road conversion kit, which includes custom FOX Racing shocks, Deaver leaf springs, a Currie full floater rear axle, ADD fenders, side steps, a chase rack and 17-inch wheels with off-road tires to go along with a full custom Halo body wrap. Inside, there’s an Xbox One custom gaming system with displays mounted in the rear head restraints.

Ford F-150 Halo Sandcat will be on display in the South Hall entrance of the Los Angeles Convention Center. It will also be shown at several public events leading up to the launch of Halo 5: Guardians, Oct. 27.

2013 Shelby GT500: The Stats

All the mind-blowing stats that you'll ever need on the 2013 Shelby GT500, from the folks at SVT.

Revolutionizing EcoBoost Engine Technology

Can you imagine an engine turbine that can spin faster than a jet liner’s at your beck and call? No need to imagine it. We’ve made it a reality.

With 248,000 RPM, a 1.0L EcoBoost engine compressor turbine can exceed turbine engine revolutions on jet liners without the bulk or the weight. We don’t call EcoBoosts small but mighty just because!

Ford SYNC 3 Voice Recognition Demo: You Drive, SYNC Listens

See William and Yvonne, a Voice-Recognition Engineer with Ford, talk to SYNC 3 as they search for some very unique party supplies. In real time, see how SYNC 3 gets the job done without Yvonne ever taking her hands off the wheel. SYNC 3 available soon on the 2016 Escape, Fiesta, F-150 and Transit.

Chicago Assembly Plant welcomes new 2016 Ford Explorer

Ford employees at Chicago Assembly Plant officially welcomed the new 2016 Ford Explorer today, with Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas, and Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president and director, National Ford Department, also on hand. Since launch in 1990, more than 7 million Explorers have been sold, making it the best-selling SUV in America over the last 25 years.

Now, building on decades of performance and innovation, the 2016 Explorer represents a significant update to the iconic SUV. It sports a new look, new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine, a new Platinum series and the industry’s most cutting-edge technology. 2016 Explorer base, XLT, Limited and Sport models went on sale in May, with retail sales for the month increasing 24 percent versus the same period last year – the nameplate’s best May retail sales since 2004. The new Platinum series launches later this summer.

Explorer is one of Ford’s top U.S. exports. Approximately 54,000 Explorers were exported from Chicago Assembly Plant in 2014; the vehicle is now available in more than 100 markets outside Canada and Mexico.

U.S. Military Personnel Take Ford Mustang, F-150 for a Ride at Hockenheimring Racetrack

• Ford and the Overseas Military Sales Corporation host first-ever Ford Driving Freedom ride-and-drive event for U.S. military personnel stationed on bases across Europe
• U.S. military personnel got the unique opportunity to drive the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang on Hockenheimring racetrack in Germany
• Ford has worked with Overseas Military Sales Corporation since 1995 to offer Ford and Lincoln vehicles for sale throughout the Americas, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as on select Navy ships

Members of the U.S. military got the unique opportunity to take a test drive of the Ford F-150 and Mustang today at Germany’s famed Hockenheimring racetrack.

“The Ford Driving Freedom ride-and-drive event is designed to introduce the new 2015 Ford Mustang and F-150 to military personnel who are stationed on U.S. bases across Europe,” says Doug Walczak, fleet sales manager, Ford Motor Company. “It’s the first time such an event has been held overseas.”

Walczak says the exercise reinforces Ford’s commitment to U.S. military personnel around the world. “We’re excited to provide this unique opportunity to men and women serving in the military,” he says. “They make many sacrifices on our behalf, and we wanted to give them a chance to leave base and experience something fun while serving their country.”

The Hockenheimring track is home to the German Grand Prix. The venue was selected both because of its history and its central location. Military personnel from U.S. bases across Europe were invited to participate, along with 125 winners of a contest sponsored by Overseas Military Sales Corporation. The group is the only on-base, factory-authorized Ford Motor Company distributor to military personnel. Walczak says the contest, which drew 300 entries, is an example of the community events the group holds to boost the morale of troops and showcase Ford products.

“Ford has worked with the Overseas Military Sales Corporation since 1995 to offer Ford and Lincoln vehicles for sale in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as on select Navy ships,” said Walczak. “Service personnel can order vehicles for use where they are stationed, or place an order overseas and pick it up at a dealership when they return home.”

The ride-and-drive program is a pilot, and could serve as a template for integration in Ford’s future product launches.

The trucks being used for the ride-and-drive, along with others on display, are among the first F-150 vehicles on the ground in Europe.

Ford is top of mind for members of the U.S. military. Overseas Military Sales Corporation was the leading retailer of Ford Mustang in the world in 2014, while Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle for members of the military – according to a survey by USAA, a financial services company serving military personnel and their families.

No Strings Attached | 2015 Ford Trends

Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly dives into the “No Strings Attached” trend and helps clarify how brands like Ford are adapting to the consumer shift.

While many people think collaborative consumption and the share economy are driven by altruism, they are also driven by personal benefits like freedom from responsibility and maintenance. And in a world where innovation is moving so rapidly, no one wants to be stuck with what’s quickly outdated. To satisfy financially-constrained and commitment-phobic cultures, more and more platforms are emerging to let us try out experiences and goods without putting much, if anything, down.

PACED BY RACHEL PLATTEN HIT 'FIGHT SONG,' NEW FORD EDGE AD CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO CONNECT WITH UNSTOPPABLE PEOPLE

• Ford launches television spots promoting the 2015 Ford Edge today on national networks and cable stations; print ads come next, with digital executions to follow later this summer
• “Be Unstoppable” ad campaign created to connect with people who are constantly on the go, to showcase how the all-new Ford Edge is designed to empower these “unstoppables” – every day, everywhere
• 2015 Edge went on sale in the United States in March, then April sales set an all-time record for the month; demand remains strong

Ford today announced the launch of its first advertising campaign promoting the 2015 Ford Edge. The campaign centers on the empowering sense driving the all-new Edge creates for its customers – that feeling of being “unstoppable.” Ford believes this emotion to be a key driver of vehicle consideration in the utility segment.

“Edge buyers want to conquer life, not just geography,” said Travis Calhoun, Ford marketing communications manager for trucks and utility vehicles. “They want to be unstoppable, and they want the right SUV that helps them feel empowered – every day, everywhere.”

Calhoun notes the ads are designed to create an emotional connection with the target customer – people who are successful, business-minded, sports-oriented, eager to try new technology and committed to staying in the know. Historically, Edge does well with women buyers, and that audience was top of mind in development of the new campaign. 

The television work, carried by the popular track “Fight Song” by Columbia Records artist Rachel Platten, features a Bronze Fire Edge Titanium being driven through city streets. A woman’s voiceover asserts – “2,434,311 people and only one me. I’ll take those odds.” The spots debut the new tagline, “Be Unstoppable.” 

“The all-new Edge defines utility in an urban environment for Ford,” Calhoun explained. “It provides us with an opportunity to showcase the Edge customer having the confidence to handle whatever the day brings – whether that’s an experience in the city or a weekend adventure.”

The campaign launches today with a national television component. It will be followed by print ads, then an aggressive digital execution later this summer. The TV spots will run on national networks and popular cable channels – Discovery, ESPN, Food Network, HISTORY, MSNBC, TBS and TNT.

Target publications for the print ads include Bloomberg Businessweek, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Elle Décor, Food & Wine, Golf Digest, GQ, Real Simple, Shape and Women’s Health. 

Sales off to a great startLast month, Edge sales in the United States were up 78 percent compared to year-ago levels, helping the Ford brand set a new record for April utility vehicle sales. May 2015 performance is expected to be strong as well – with year-over-year gains – as the new Edge enjoys brisk sales and strong interest from buyers.

With the all-new Edge, Ford is also building on its global utility vehicle leadership, having delivered four consecutive years of record sales. In 2014, the company sold an all-time-high 1.4 million utility vehicles in markets worldwide – up 11 percent from 2013. Through the early months of 2015, Ford’s global utility vehicle sales remain strong.

In North America, Ford reigns as the top-selling SUV brand – a title it has held for four straight years. The company expects the all-new Edge will maintain its position as a segment leader. The 2015 Ford Edge is loaded with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship and greatly improved vehicle dynamics. It also sports an exciting new design.  

Serving those who serve | Good Works: Episode 7

Welcome to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where a community has come together to give back to families who have given all for their country.

In this week’s episode, we hop in our F-150 and meet up with Ken and Pamela Barnard, the founders of Patriot Hunts, which provides outdoor adventures and experiences to the families of injured and fallen soldiers. By sharing their love of the outdoors with others, Ken and Pamela have helped heal and unite families who share a common bond.

Ford Supplier Diversity

Learn more about Ford's Supplier Diversity Development Program.

Odds | All-new 2015 Ford Edge

The All-New 2015 Ford Edge takes on the city and makes one driver feel unstoppable.

Make Way for Gen Z | 2015 Looking Further with Ford Trends

Worldwide, there are roughly 2 billion youth who make up Generation Z. Raised in an on-demand, impatient culture, Gen Z’s mantra is ‘good things come to those who act,’ and they aren’t going to let age, education, employment or lack or resources stop them from making their mark on the world. 

Watch as Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly, explores this up-and-coming generation and how they are helping to define the trends of both today and tomorrow.

FORD USING COMPUTER PRINTED PARTS TO ACCELERATE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT -- BOTH ON THE TRACK AND OFF

• Ford uses several 3D-printing laboratories to rapidly create prototype parts for street cars – ranging from buttons and knobs to intakes and engine covers
• 3D-printing facilities allowed for the creation and testing of a wide range of intake manifolds on the Ford and Roush-Yates developed EcoBoost^® 3.5-liter racing engine
• Ford won the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona using a 3D-printed intake manifold with carbon-fiber plenums

When Ford’s EcoBoost-powered race car hits the track at the Belle Isle Grand Prix this weekend it will be using engine parts made by a computer printer.

Using an innovative new technology called 3D printing, parts such as the intake manifold on the Ford EcoBoost race engine used in the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Daytona Prototype car are now created on a printer.

“3D computer printers have totally changed the development process for our Daytona Prototype race cars,” said Victor Martinez, 3.5-liter EcoBoost race engine engineer. “3D printing has advanced at such lightning speed in recent years that in a matter of hours, we can create real, usable parts for race cars. That’s exactly what we did for the 24 Hours of Daytona earlier this year.”

From road to track, 3D printing accelerates Ford product developmentFord first started to 3D-print decades ago, purchasing the third 3D printer ever made, in 1988. The company first used 3D-printed parts for prototype buttons, switches and knobs. As the technology has improved, the quality of 3D-printed parts has become remarkably precise, and the parts themselves have become increasingly usable.

So smooth and precise has the finishing process become that 3D-printed parts are now used in real-world settings – on prototype vehicles built for durability testing, and on the Ford race car that won the 53rd running of the grueling 24 Hours of Daytona in January. 

Ford’s rapid prototype lab: Where product development never stopsIn the competitive world of endurance racing, the push for increased reliability and horsepower never stops and, in Ford’s rapid prototype lab, it doesn’t have to.

“We have the ability to design an entirely new part and, one week later, have that part in hand,” said Martinez. “This lets the engineers who develop our cars – both for road and track – spend more time testing, tuning and refining.”

Computer-aided design mockups are sent to Ford’s rapid prototype lab where they are analyzed and input into one of many 3D printers. Roughly one week later, a finished product is ready to be cleaned, painted and used.

“Toward the end of the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season, we began to design a number of revisions for our intake manifold,” explained Martinez. “In order to rapidly prototype and prove them out, we 3D-printed several intakes and tested them on our dyno and verified performance on the track. The iterations we created based on the 2014 intake manifold accelerated the development on our 2015 manifold – which is both lighter and brings improved airflow.”

Take it to the trackLeading up to the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona, Ford Performance engineers opted for a 3D-printed intake manifold for the Chip Ganassi Racing Daytona Prototype car. Employing the most advanced intake yet printed, in combination with carbon fiber intake plenums developed by Multimatic^®, a strong, reliable and lightweight intake manifold was created for the No. 02 Target Ford EcoBoost-Riley.

“The prototype manifold exceeded our expectations in testing, so in the essence of time we decided to use it for the race,” said Martinez. “We modified our intake with carbon fiber components, painted it, and then it was ready to go to the track.”

Bringing home the hardwareChip Ganassi Racing, led by drivers Scott Dixon, Kyle Larson, Jamie McMurray and Tony Kanaan, won the Daytona classic – holding off stiff competition in the last hour of the race.

“It was a great day for Ford and a great day for Ganassi,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We had a great car and great drivers. And, of course, we had really great power, reliability and fuel economy out of the EcoBoost engine. This is a great testament to the entire team. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Now, Ford aims to repeat this performance at the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race at the Belle Isle Grand Prix on May 30. 

2015 FORD EDGE EARNS TOP GOVERNMENT SAFETY AWARD

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards the all-new 2015 Ford Edge a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in its New Car Assessment Program

• 2015 Edge offers available driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, inflatable rear safety belts and a standard rear camera

• A showcase of Ford innovation, the new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles

The 2015 Ford Edge achieved a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its New Car Assessment Program – the highest possible rating from the U.S. government.

Loaded with more technology, the 2015 Ford Edge was reengineered from the ground up. It offers three engine options – two of which are new – for enhanced performance, as well as a host of safety and driver-assist technologies that help with the driving task.

“The new Edge delivers on the quality and handling customers have come to expect from a Ford vehicle, while infusing more innovation and advanced technology to create a vehicle that we think will maintain its leadership position in its segment,” said JD Shanahan, chief program engineer for Edge.

A leader in Ford innovationWith state-of-the-art technologies, the all-new Edge was designed to inspire confidence on the road. From available features like the new 180-degree front camera with washer and standard rear camera, to Curve Control and side parking sensors, Ford Edge offers an improved driving experience and enhanced comfort level for vehicle occupants.

Standard and available technologies for the all-new Edge include:

• Standard active glove box knee airbag: An advanced design uses the glove box front to enhance knee protection for the front passenger in certain crashes
• Available adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. The system can also pre-charge the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly
• Available inflatable rear safety belts: Advanced restraint system combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies to reduce head, neck and chest injuries in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant’s torso than a traditional safety belt

Now available at Ford dealers across the country, the 2015 Ford Edge offers a stylish and innovative solution for customers looking to keep their families safer on the road.