2015 Ford Transit Because your van IS your office.

The all-new, full-size Ford Transit with available EcoBoost® engine fits any business like a work glove. See how this full-sized, completely-customizable van can make a hard workday a lot easier.

Kelley Blue Book: Ford Fiesta named to KBB.com's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2015 List

The Ford Fiesta has been named to KBB.com’s list of its 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2015. Each year, KBB.com’s expert editors hand-picked a selection of new cars they recommend for students. Each of the KBB.com new-car recommendations is available around $20,000 or less, according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price. The 2016 Ford Fiesta remains an outstanding balance of high tech features, fun to drive personality, and excellent efficiency. This year, Fiesta receives the new SYNC® 3 enhanced voice recognition communications and entertainment system, along with new color options and black appearance package. Click here for more on the KBB.com award.

This is how the Ford Transit prepares for American roads

In order to prove itself ready for American roads, watch as the Ford Transit takes on seven million miles of potholes, rumble strips and severe water hazards.

2016 Ford F-650/F-750: Durability

Ford Durability Engineer, Fayyaz Saleem discusses the grueling tests that go into making the All-New Ford Medium Duty truck, Built Ford Tough.

2015 Ford Escape vs. 2015 Honda CR-V

Find out what the 2015 Ford Escape can offer that the Honda CR-V can't!

BraunAbility -- the World Leader in Mobility Vehicles -- Selects Ford Explorer to Create First-Ever Wheelchair-Accessible SUV

• BraunAbility introduces its first-ever wheelchair-accessible sport utility vehicle – the BraunAbility MXV^™
• BraunAbility-customized Ford Explorer – the best-selling SUV in the U.S. for the last 25 years – will be the company’s first mass-produced wheelchair-accessible SUV
• BraunAbility revolutionized what independence means to wheelchair users, and has established itself as a world leader in the mobility business

DEARBORN, Mich. July 23, 2015 – As our nation marks 25 years of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, BraunAbility and Ford Motor Company are introducing a vehicle with the potential to change the face of an industry and bring greater mobility to people in wheelchairs.   

The BraunAbility MXV^™ – a wheelchair-accessible vehicle based on Ford Explorer – gives wheelchair users the quality and dependability of a BraunAbility mobility vehicle and the adventurous, “unstoppable” spirit of the world’s best-selling sport utility vehicle. The BraunAbility MXV is the company’s first-ever volume production SUV offering.

Named for founder Ralph Braun, the Winamac, Indiana-based company has revolutionized what independence means to wheelchair users, establishing itself as a world leader in automotive mobility products, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and lifts for consumer, commercial and taxi markets. Braun, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 73, was honored as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama in 2012.

The MXV concept vehicle was introduced earlier this year in Daytona, Florida, when BraunAbility celebrated the moment by promising the first production MXV would be donated to wounded veteran Mike Delancey. Delancey, a United States Marine paralyzed by a sniper’s bullet while serving in Iraq in 2006, survived 42 days in intensive care, and is now working to open Wounded Warrior’s Abilities Ranch – a place where veterans can strengthen body and mind through exercise and recreation.

Production of the new MXV will begin in August in BraunAbility’s 170,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Winamac, with vehicles available in early fall. The BraunAbility MXV will be available for purchase at more than 200 authorized BraunAbility mobility dealers throughout the United States.

The BraunAbility MXV features patented sliding-door technology, removable driver and passenger seats, and a powered, lighted in-floor ramp. In addition, the interior space of the vehicle is maximized to create ample room for wheelchair navigation and comfort.

“For our first-ever wheelchair-accessible SUV, it was important we worked with the best,” said Nick Gutwein, BraunAbility president and CEO. “We wanted to create a vehicle that personifies freedom and independence, and the Ford Explorer provides the ultimate base to achieve that.”

BraunAbility scoured the popular SUV segment in search of the right vehicle before settling on Ford Explorer – the best-selling SUV in the U.S. for the last 25 years.

Innovative sliding-door technology and the lighted, in-floor ramp are highlights, but they are just two of the features that make this a uniquely accommodating ride. Wheelchair users will be able to drive the vehicle from a wheelchair, or ride as a passenger. Additional features include:

• 54-inch door height
• 28-inch ramp width
• Sliding shifter for increased space
• Space-saving front seat base design
• Integrated key fob that operates both door and ramp
• Available tow package
• Transfer seat capable

With Explorer’s middle-row seat removed, the BraunAbility MXV provides interior space to fit the most common power wheelchair models, and its 56-inch cabin height provides a spacious interior for a comfortable ride.

Featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the BraunAbility MXV delivers performance and capability Explorer drivers have embraced for years, including an EPA-estimated rating of 17 city mpg, 24 highway mpg and 20 combined mpg. Actual mileage will vary. The MXV also delivers an estimated 5,000-pound maximum tow capacity.
 
“The MXV is a revolutionary vehicle, and we’re thrilled with Explorer’s role in helping bring it to market,” said Craig Patterson, Ford utility vehicle marketing manager. “For 25 years, the Explorer name has symbolized freedom and adventure, and the BraunAbility MXV adds another chapter to that story.”

Ford Earns Three Segment-Level Awards in J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study

DEARBORN, Mich., July 22, 2015 – When it comes to delivering vehicles that owners really love, 3 of the Ford nameplates led in their respective segments as per the latest J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released earlier today. Ford had three segment award recipients – C-MAX, Expedition and the F-150.

The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever –achieved highest ranking for the Large LightDuty Pickup award, which received the accolade for the  second consecutive year. In addition, Ford Expedition ranked highest in the Large SUV segment and the C-MAX received the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle Award.

According to J.D. Power, the APEAL study, now in its 20th year, is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal, examining how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.  Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes, which combine into an overall APEAL Index score that is measured on a 1000-point scale.

With three segment awards and an overall brand score of 798, Ford improved by 9 points over last year in the annual study and now equals the industry average.

2015 Ford Escape vs. 2015 Jeep Cherokee

What does the 2015 Ford Escape give you that the Jeep Cherokee doesn't? Watch this video to find out!

Tips for staying cool with your Ford vehicle this summer

Last year was the hottest summer on record[1], and heat and humidity are again bearing down across the United States. Heat waves on both coasts are contributing to shattered weather records already this year, with 31 cities and towns across the country posting the hottest June temperature ever recorded. Raleigh, North Carolina, recorded highs of more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 straight days; Kingman, Arizona, tied the record number of 100-degree-plus days, with 15; and Barrow, Alaska, had the warmest June on record.[2]

While driving to and from the office, or with your family on the weekends, your vehicle’s air conditioning is a luxury many take for granted. Ford Motor Company is helping find ways to make your A/C run more efficiently, and offering tips to keep you cool no matter where your vehicle takes you this summer. 

Did you know?
 
Many newer Ford vehicles have a feature called a variable displacement compressor that helps the air conditioning run more efficiently and consistently. The system has the ability to control the amount of cooling and use only the amount required for the conditions which results in less load on the engine and a reduction in the overall impact on the environment, making Ford A/C units powerful, efficient and smart.

• Air conditioning systems are powerful. Most drivers expect their vehicle’s interior to reach a reasonably comfortable temperature within 15 minutes. On a sunny 95-degree day, that interior may be upward of 140 degrees. In order to cool a vehicle down to a comfortable level, most vehicle air conditioning systems have cooling capacity equal to a small home’s air conditioning.
• Today’s air conditioning systems are efficient. Most Ford vehicles use a limited reheat strategy to create the most comfortable environment. Previous systems cooled all of the processed air to just above freezing, then reheated the air to the desired temperature. The newer system cools the air down to just below the desired temperature, then reheats it slightly. This reduces the amount of energy required to operate the system and results in better fuel efficiency.
• The air conditioner in your new Ford vehicle is smart. When operating in auto mode, the system uses sensors to determine the optimal operational requirements of the system to best maintain the comfort level in your vehicle. An example of this is that the system has a sensor that can tell where the sun is shining strongest on your car, and adjusts output temperature accordingly. If the sun is shining on the front passenger-side window, cool air output is stronger on that side of the vehicle than on the driver’s side to offset the added heat and keep a consistent level of comfort.

Tips to remember on your daily commute:
 
“We know Ford owners want to stay cool on their summer travels, not only when they first get in their vehicle, but throughout their trip,” said Larry Karas, Ford climate control supervisor. “Here are a few simple tips and tricks for drivers to keep in mind to ensure their vehicle’s air conditioning is running efficiently and keeping all passengers comfortable.” 

• When you first enter a hot vehicle, lower the windows completely for a few minutes to push out hot air.
• Use the max A/C button to quickly cool down the vehicle.  
• If you get too cold, don’t switch the unit on and off; adjust the temperature or fan speed to help keep the temperature consistent.
• Too cold in the front, but still not cool enough in the back seat? Instead of shutting the A/C vents in the front, redirect them to the ceiling or sides of the vehicle to keep air flowing to the rear.
• If it isn’t too hot, when driving around town turn off the A/C and roll down your windows instead.
• Parking in the shade whenever possible or using a reflective windshield shade can dramatically reduce heat buildup in your parked vehicle. Cabin temperature at startup will be much lower, and temperature comfort will be achieved much sooner on your drive.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a moonroof or large panoramic roof, always close the roof shade to reduce heat buildup in your parked vehicle.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a remote start system, be sure to set the climate control system up for automatic operation so you can start the cool-down process before entering the vehicle.
• If you live in a predominately hot weather state, choosing a lighter exterior color and/or a lighter interior color will reduce heat buildup in your parked vehicle.

Don’t delay in thinking about the maintenance of your vehicle’s air conditioning unit. Before you hit the road:

• Follow your car’s periodic maintenance schedule for when the cabin air filter should be replaced. Never just remove the filter – always replace it.
• If your vehicle isn’t getting as cool as usual, or if the cooling is inconsistent, take it to your Ford dealer right away.
• After several years in service, it is entirely possible some refrigerant may escape from the A/C system in your car, resulting in the system not working as well as it once did. The only way to restore the system back to peak operating condition is to have the remaining refrigerant removed and a proper quantity of refrigerant added. It is best to have this work done at a certified dealership that uses only original replacement parts and supplies for your vehicle.

New Top-of-the-Line Ford F-150 Limited Is Most Advanced, Luxurious F-150 Ever

• New Ford F-150 Limited meets the growing needs of discerning truck customers interested in exclusivity, capability and craftsmanship – those looking to differentiate themselves from buyers of other high-series trucks
  

• Innovation comes standard with new F-150 Limited – including SYNC^® 3 with AppLink^™, and class-exclusive¹ features such as a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote tailgate release and multicontour massaging front seats
  

• Exclusive exterior and interior design elements include raised LIMITED lettering on the hood, unique custom satin-chrome grille and tailgate, 22-inch wheels, genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, Mojave leather seating surfaces, unique instrument cluster face and laser-engraved VIN plate with production number
  

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2015 – Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces its most advanced and luxurious truck ever – the Ford F-150 Limited.

The new Limited expands the F-150 model lineup – Ford’s toughest, smartest, safest and most capable F-150 ever – with more standard technology and driver convenience features than any other light-duty pickup. The Limited, a 2016 model, goes on sale this winter.

“The F-150 Limited sets a new bar for what discerning customers should expect in a high-end truck,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re adding segment-exclusive technology, and features that improve productivity, convenience and capability with distinctive style.”

There’s a Ford F-150 for every truck customer, beginning with work-ready versions that have a starting MSRP below the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT, as well as the popular mid-range F-150 XLT. But the new F-150 Limited meets the growing, untapped needs of luxury customers looking for exclusivity, convenience and fine craftsmanship that’s differentiated from other high-series trucks. F-150 Limited surpasses the well-appointed Lariat, the Western-themed King Ranch and contemporary Platinum edition models.

In 1999, the company introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2001, the first King Ranch F-150 arrived. The 2009 F-150 took truck luxury to new heights with the Platinum model, and the first-generation Limited was added with the 2013 model year.

Exterior refinements

The 2016 Ford F-150 Limited stands out with exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and raised dimensional LIMITED lettering on the hood, unique grille and satin-finished chrome badge on the tailgate. The chrome front bumper has body-color end caps while the rear bumper is body color; bright belt moldings visually tie the two together. The exterior is further accented by satin-chrome door handles and chrome exhaust tip.

Available colors include Shadow Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans and White Platinum Metallic tri-coat.

Top-tier equipment

The standard equipment list is a showcase of the best F-150 Limited has to offer to make getting work done easier and with greater comfort.

BLIS^® with cross-traffic alert, chrome front tow hooks (4x4 only), panoramic vista roof, power-deployable running boards, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote start and tailgate release, as well as an integrated trailer brake controller come standard. A technology package includes a lane-keeping system, 360-degree camera system and dynamic trailer hitch assist.

Interior equipment includes heated and cooled black and Mojave leather front seats that are unique in design and feature Limited badging, 10-way power adjustment and class-exclusive¹ multicontour massaging. Heated rear seats and SYNC^® 3 with AppLink^™ are also included.

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

F-150 Limited also includes a Sony^® 10-speaker sound system with HD Radio^™, subwoofer and single CD player paired with a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link to complete the package.

The interior is further differentiated from other F-150 models with a laser-engraved VIN plate on the center console lid including production number. Unique front and rear floor mats, unique instrument cluster face, genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, and aluminum interior accents and unique scuff plates with ice blue backlighting further distinguish the Limited model.

All-new, segment¹-first Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available that makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. The 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.

Advanced power and fuel efficiency

The 2016 F-150 Limited is powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6, which allows for towing of up to 10,100 pounds when properly equipped. This advanced powertrain produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque – the latter unsurpassed by any truck with a comparable engine in its class¹ – and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.²

The engine is paired with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul and sport modes that features SelectShift^® with progressive range select. Four-wheel-drive models are equipped with two-speed automatic four-wheel drive that automatically shifts between two-wheel and four-wheel drive depending on driving surface traction conditions.

The 2015 F-150 is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn the highest rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a five-star crash test rating for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.<sup>4

1</sup>Class is full-size pickups under 8,500 pounds GVWR. Premium performance engines.
²Two-wheel-drive, 2015 model tested.
³Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use SYNC/other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. Some features may be locked out while vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply.
⁴Government five-star safety rating is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Tests include driver and passenger front, side, side barrier and pole tests.

How Air Curtains on F-150 Help Reduce Aerodynamic Drag and Aid Fuel Efficiency

• New air curtain technology that guides airflow across the front wheels to reduce wind turbulence helps make the all-new F-150 the most aerodynamically efficient F-150 ever
• Horizontal slots underneath the headlamps channel air from the front of the truck through ducting to openings in the wheel wells – directing it across the outer surface of the wheel and tire
• Distinctive Built Ford Tough style of all-new F-150 pushes boundaries of bold design while increasing aerodynamic efficiency over the previous model

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2015 – The 2015 Ford F-150 is the most aerodynamically efficient F-150 ever, thanks in part to new aero curtains that reduce wind drag by guiding airflow across the front wheels.

Air curtain technology, which first debuted on the all-new Ford Mustang, allows air to flow through a vent underneath the headlamps and out around the wheel. Side-by-side animations show how airflow is smoother at the front wheel and down the side of the truck with the air curtain, versus without it.

By optimizing the aerodynamic design of F-150, Ford designers and engineers reduced drag to help F-150 deliver a best-in-class gasoline EPA-estimated rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® V6 engine.¹  

Using air to manage airflow

“With the new F-150, an extensive amount of time was spent running aerodynamic simulations and doing wind tunnel tests,” said Rob Lietz, Ford technical expert in applied computational fluid dynamics. “Major advances in our computational fluid dynamics capability let us quickly see how we could improve airflow while maintaining the tough truck looks expected from F-150.”

It’s not obvious to the eye, but rotating wheels are a major source of drag. Enclosing the wheels in skirts to smooth the flow isn’t necessarily practical or attractive – especially on a vehicle as hardworking as F-150. So Lietz and team adopted a different approach.

Horizontal slots underneath the headlamps channel air from the front of the truck through ducting to openings in the wheel wells – directing it across the outer surface of the wheel and tire. The wall of high-speed air works much like a skirt to reduce drag, while still leaving the alloy wheels fully exposed.

Other F-150 aerodynamic efficiency improvements include:

• Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow
• Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off – reducing turbulence behind the truck
• Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box
• Rear corners including taillamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly – reducing turbulence behind the truck
• Duct under headlamp channels air through to the wheelhousing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel

The result of the work of Ford engineers and designers is another incremental improvement in aerodynamics that helps F-150 earn its position as the most fuel-efficient gasoline pickup in the light-duty truck segment.
 
¹2015 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 4x2 model tested for EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary. Class is full-size pickups under 8500 pounds GVWR.

Ford Developing Advanced Headlights that Point Out People, Animals in the Dark, and Widen Beams at Tricky Junctions

• Ford is developing advanced lighting technology that enables drivers to more easily see potential hazards when driving at night
• Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System widens beam at junctions and roundabouts after interpreting traffic signs
• GPS-enabled system uses forward-facing camera to remember roadways and direct lighting to help drivers better see bends in the road – effectively lighting the way home on previously travelled routes
• Spot Lighting uses infra-red camera to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and animals, and highlight the potential hazards; system can detect up to eight potential hazards and highlight two highest priorities using specially designed headlights and on-screen display

AACHEN, Germany, July 17, 2015 – Driving at night, particularly on unlit roads, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Ford is developing new lighting technologies that will enable drivers to more easily identify potential hazards, including pedestrians, cyclists and animals.

Ford’s Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System can widen the beam at junctions and roundabouts to better illuminate hazards that are not in the direction of travel. New Spot Lighting technology helps draw the driver’s attention to pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals in the vehicle’s path or even just off the road.

“Many people who drive at night have had to quickly react to someone or something suddenly appearing in the road – as if from nowhere. Ford’s Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System and Spot Lighting help ensure the driver is quickly alerted to people or animals that could present a danger,” said Ken Washington, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering.

Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System builds upon Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System and Traffic Sign Recognition, which are already available in Ford vehicles, to provide drivers with improved visibility at roundabouts, stop, and give way or yield signs.

The system also uses GPS information to better illuminate bends and dips on a chosen route. Where GPS information is not available the technology uses a forward-facing video camera mounted in the rear-view mirror base to detect lane markings and predict the road’s curvature, using the information to illuminate the area more effectively.

In a further evolutionary step, in those instances, the camera stores the information in the navigation system. When next the driver uses the same road again, the headlights adapt to the course of the road automatically to better light the way.

Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System was developed at Ford’s European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany, and Ford expects the technology to be available for customers in the near term.

Spot Lighting – currently in the pre-development phase with Ford engineers in Aachen – uses an infra-red camera in the front grille to simultaneously locate and track up to eight people and bigger animals, including larger dogs, at a range of up to 120 metres.

The system can spotlight two hazards for the driver with a spot and a stripe on the road surface, illuminated by two special LED lamps next to the fog lights. The highlighted objects are displayed on the screen inside the car, marked in a red or yellow frame, according to the proximity of the object and the level of danger presented.

“Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting can help make it easier for the driver to travel at night in unfamiliar surroundings, and to more easily see unexpected hazards. At roundabouts, for example, our system helps the driver to clearly see the exits – and check if cyclists and pedestrians are crossing the road,” said Michael Koherr, research engineer, Lighting Systems, Ford of Europe. “Spot Lighting makes potential hazards in the road ahead more easily visible to the driver – whether that is a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a large animal.”

Road safety reports show that on unlit roads there is a significantly increased likelihood of accidents, and that such accidents could involve personal injuries, or fatalities.* Ford is a leading innovator in lighting technology. Systems currently available on Ford vehicles include:

• Dynamic LED Headlights which combines full-LED headlamps offering daylight-mimicking light clarity with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System. The system adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment. It can choose one of seven settings according to vehicle speed, ambient light conditions, steering angle, distance to the vehicle in front and windscreen wiper activation
• Glare-Free Highbeam technology for the adaptive LED headlamps. The system detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas
• Auto High Beam Control detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches to dipped beam, before switching back to high beam once it detects the vehicle has passed

* The Handbook of Road Safety Measures, Elvik

The Innovation of Aluminum. On the water and on the road.

The innovation of aluminum. From fishing reels to the 2015 F-150, it makes all your gear tougher and better.

Ford Reduces Production Line Injury Rate by 70 Percent for Its More Than 50,000 'Industrial Athletes'

• Since 2003, Ford has reduced its assembly line employee injury rate by 70 percent through the latest ergonomics research, assembly improvements and lift-assist technologies
• Ford ergonomists play a key role in reducing worker injuries by generating data to predict the physical impact of building vehicles; on average, more than 900 virtual assembly task assessments are made for each new-vehicle launch   
• Ford uses virtual manufacturing to certify the vehicle assembly process before the first vehicle rolls off the line; the most recent launches to benefit from the technology include the 2015 Ford Mustang, F-150, Edge and 2016 Explorer

DEARBORN, Mich., July 16, 2015 – Since 2003, Ford has reduced the injury rate by 70 percent for its more than 50,000 “industrial athletes” in the U.S., and many more around the world, through new ergonomics technology, lift-assist devices, workstation redesign and data-driven process changes.

“We refer to our assembly line employees as ‘industrial athletes’, due to the physical nature of the job,” said Allison Stephens, technical leader for assembly ergonomics at Ford. “We have made data-driven decisions through ergonomics testing that has led to safer vehicle production processes and resulted in greater protection for our employees.”

While automotive designers focus on a vehicle’s look and the customer experience, Ford virtual manufacturing experts focus on two key areas – design feasibility and the safety of employees on the production line.

Two to three years in advance of a new-vehicle launch, Ford ergonomists virtually simulate the build process using both human and virtual test subjects to assess the physical labor needed to build a vehicle. In an effort to reduce and help prevent employee fatigue, strain and injury, the data collected is used to guide engineering solutions prior to implementing tasks on the production floor.

Core virtual manufacturing technologies
 
On average, Ford ergonomists complete more than 900 virtual assembly task assessments per new-vehicle launch, centered on three core technologies – full-body motion capture, 3D printing and immersive virtual reality. Each provides critical data used to evaluate the overall safety of the assembly process for employees, while maintaining high vehicle quality for customers.

Virtual manufacturing experts at Ford use the following tools:

• Full-body motion capture provides data on how an employee uses his or her body to move and complete tasks. Through more than 52 motion-capture markers placed on an employee’s arms, back, legs and torso, ergonomists can record more than 5,000 data points to evaluate muscle strength and weakness, joint strain and body imbalance. Similar technology is used across professional sports to improve athletes’ techniques and help them avoid injury
• 3D printing is used by an ergonomist to validate hand clearance in the vehicle assembly process in those instances in which virtual simulation yields unclear results. Employees with various hand sizes use the 3D-printed model to test how tight the space will be in vehicle assembly – which helps to drive better production decisions
• Immersive virtual reality uses a 23-camera motion-capture system and head-mounted display to virtually immerse an employee in a future workstation. Then, the employee’s movements are evaluated to determine task feasibility and proficiency

“Motion tracking technology has been used for more than 30 years to quantifiably assess the technique of athletes and reveal where they may be susceptible to injury from overuse or from forces that will damage tissues,” said Gary Scheirman, vice president for applications engineering, Motion Analysis Corporation. “Using similar technology, Ford can develop state-of-the-art, safe working environments for its employees and produce better vehicles for its customers.” 

Virtual manufacturing program results
 
To date, Ford ergonomists have worked on more than 100 new-vehicle launches globally using virtual manufacturing tools – most recently the 2015 Ford Mustang, F-150, Edge and 2016 Explorer. Through significant investments in the program, not only has Ford achieved a reduction in employee injury rates, it has seen a 90 percent reduction in such ergonomic issues as overextended movements, difficult hand clearance and tasks involving hard-to-install parts.

“Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe and productive work environment at our Ford manufacturing facilities worldwide,” said Michael Torolski, Ford executive director, Vehicle Operations Manufacturing Engineering. “The ergonomics and virtual manufacturing processes support our injury reduction strategy and enable early validation of production-technology changes.”

All-New Ford GT | Foam Timelapse

Check out this timelapse of how the first foam model of the all-new Ford GT was created.

The Extra Inning | 2015 Ford Mustang | Mustang Moments

Thomas Girdwood was a pitcher in the major leagues until an injury took him out of the game. Could this be the second chance he needed?

A severe shoulder injury all but ended his baseball career as a professional pitcher. Thomas was dropped from his signed team when he began having elbow issues, commonly known as “Tommy John.” Two months before, everything was going as planned. His dreams were falling right into place. The injury was a heartbreaking experience. Now Thomas Girdwood gets into the seat of a 2015 Mustang, with a dream as his destination. The dream? One last shot to pitch in front of a major league scout. Will his tryout take him to the major leagues? Follow Thomas Girdwood’s powerful story here. #GoFurther

What does it feel like to drive a Mustang? In Mustang Moments, award-winning Alex Gibney captures people on the brink of a personal breakthrough as their dreams meet opportunities with a chance to pursue their passion — all while they’re behind the wheel of a new 2015 Ford Mustang. #FordMustang #GoFurther

Ford Releases Details on World's First Mass-Produced Carbon Fiber Wheels for Shelby GT350R Mustang

• Ford Shelby^® GT350R is the most track-capable Mustang ever and the first vehicle from a major automaker to offer carbon fiber wheels as standard equipment
• Ford Performance developed ultra high-performance wheels on the most track-ready street legal Mustang ever
• Ceramic plasma arc spray on the front wheels – the same process used on the original Space Shuttle main engine turbine blades – provides thermal protection from brake heat

With a little help from Space Shuttle technology, Ford helped reinvent the wheel.

For the all-new Shelby^® GT350R, the most track-ready road-going production Mustang ever, Ford dreamed of using the ultimate high-performance material for its unique wheels – carbon fiber.

But while the automotive aftermarket and a low-volume supercar manufacturer have offered carbon fiber wheels, Ford and Australian supplier Carbon Revolution took on the challenge of crafting the first mass-produced, track-capable carbon fiber wheels as standard equipment for Shelby GT350R. 

Designed, developed and tested with the highest of quality standards in mind, these first-of-a-kind wheels deliver unprecedented chassis performance, massive weight savings and improved driving dynamics.

In early testing with benchmark vehicles, prototype wheels showed significant potential – improving suspension response times, chassis dynamics, steering feel and ride quality. When the decision was made to pursue this technology for use in a production vehicle, the engineering team was challenged to develop a wheel that met Ford’s strict standards for durability, quality, craftsmanship and premium finish.

Why carbon fiber?
 
Among sports car enthusiasts, carbon fiber wheels are on the short list of dream components for high-performance vehicles. In the rarefied world of supercars only Koenigsegg has offered optional carbon fiber wheels.

Lowering overall curb weight in general is beneficial to a car’s dynamics, but a reduction in unsprung weight (those components not supported by the suspension) can have a significant impact on handling and performance. Less unsprung weight helps vehicles start, stop and turn faster by reducing wheel rotational inertia, dramatically improving response time to driver input. Lower unsprung weight also translates to suspension components not having to work so hard to keep the tires in contact with the road over undulating or broken surfaces.

Developing new benchmarks
 
Although Carbon Revolution has been the leading manufacturer of carbon fiber wheels, both Ford and the supplier recognized significant innovation was needed to meet Shelby GT350R program needs. This project would set the standard for mass-produced carbon fiber wheels.

Ford sets extremely high testing requirements for its wheels. Ford wheels must endure tests that include curb strikes, UV and chemical exposure, and extreme heat durability testing. The GT350R wheels would need to fulfill all of these demands in order to proceed to production.

A common misconception of carbon fiber is that while it’s strong, it’s also a brittle material. Some formulations may have this characteristic, but carbon fiber’s durability is a feature of the type of resin and design intent of the part. The wheels of Shelby GT350R are designed to be stiff, light and resilient.

One of the most severe tests for wheels in the Ford development process involves striking a curb at speed – a test that, without proper design, can cause serious wheel and tire damage. Because of the light weight, advanced construction methods and resins in the wheels, along with the highly-developed MagneRide dampers, the suspension was able to react so fast that the driver wasn’t sure the test had been carried out correctly and ran it twice to be sure. The suspension response was fast enough to greatly diminish the severity of the impact – that’s the power of minimizing unsprung weight.

During track testing the extreme performance capabilities of the braking system developed heat which required the maximum technology available from Carbon Revolution. When brake temperature measurements were taken, it was revealed Shelby GT350R’s ultra-powerful brakes were creating rotor temperatures in excess of 900 degrees Celsius. As a result, the wheel design was elevated from a road car specification to a thermal standard more suitable for motorsports.

For decades aerospace companies have treated turbine blade materials subject to extreme heat with ceramic coatings to help improve durability. The technology is also used in top-tier open-wheel racing environments. A thermal barrier coating system developed by Carbon Revolution uses this same technology.

Created specifically for motorsport and aerospace applications where extreme temperature conditions are encountered, Carbon Revolution’s thermal barrier coating system uses a multistage, multimaterial coating formulation that provides an excellent thermal barrier. Using a plasma arc gun to liquefy a ceramic material, the wheels are coated at critical points around the inner wheel “barrel” and on the back of the spokes. The result is an incredibly thin, nearly diamond-hard coating that reliably shields the resin from heat – reducing maximum wheel temperatures and allowing continuous track use by even the most aggressive drivers.

But that’s not the end of the story with regard to testing. Upon extreme exposure to harsh UV environments, corrosive salts and road chemicals, it became apparent that to achieve the durability required by Ford, a special coating would need to be developed to protect the resin from the environment.

Carbon fiber parts are notoriously challenging when it comes to delivering a flawlessly smooth painted surface – the kind of finish Ford demands for all of its vehicles. Several proprietary new processes were developed that resulted in a robust, high-gloss black finish that not only looks good, but ensures a long life for the wheels.

Produced to high standards – tested to ensure quality
 
Manufacturing carbon fiber wheels begins with the creation of the preformed internal carbon structure, composed of precisely manufactured carbon strands arrayed into woven fabrics. The elements are then placed into a mold using state of the art manufacturing techniques.

An RFID chip with a unique tracking number is embedded in this structure, and each wheel is individually entered into a quality assurance system. Once this structure is assembled, it’s infused with resin and cured at high temperatures.

This process results in a one-piece wheel that ensures maximum strength – eliminating the need to bond or glue the wheel’s spokes and barrel components together.

As the wheel cures, 61 individual checks and more than 246,000 data points are logged before it’s released from the machine. To guarantee quality parts, the cured wheels are analyzed using a 3D computerized tomography (CT) imaging process in which more than 18,000 X-ray images are taken. If the wheel passes inspection, it undergoes machining for the valve stem and mounting hardware holes before it gets painted, coated, assembled, dimensionally checked and shipped to Flat Rock Assembly Plant for installation on a new Shelby GT350R Mustang.

Superior performance
 
That the new Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang will be rocketship-fast should come as no surprise, but by cutting the weight of each wheel nearly in half compared to an equivalent aluminum wheel (18 pounds versus 33 pounds), handling and acceleration performance see serious benefits. The wheels also provide a reduction in rotational inertia of more than 40 percent, which positively impacts acceleration and braking performance. The wheels are so light, the springs and MagneRide dampers had to be recalibrated because the suspension can respond considerably faster to road inputs.

“The GT350R wheels and tires were developed to be the most track-capable parts we’ve ever produced,” said Adam Wirth, chassis supervisor, Ford Performance. “The carbon fiber wheels reduce vehicle weight by 60 pounds compared to aluminum, yet are stiffer for better steering response.

“We believe this is a game changer for the industry,” he added, “a great example of improved performance through innovation.”

Owners Clubs: A Passion for the Pony - Mustang Countdown

Getting behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang is like having a vacation every day. The joy of driving a Mustang has inspired tens of thousands of owners to gather themselves into clubs that span every continent on the globe but Antarctica.

Clubs get together on a regular basis for road rallies, shows and swap meets where owners can find parts for their classic pony cars. In August 2013, more than 1,000 Mustangs participated in the annual Mustang Memories show organized by the Mustang Owners Club of Southeast Michigan at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn.

Ford F-150 Earns Highest Truck Score Ever as Ford Trucks Sweep AutoPacific 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

DEARBORN, Mich., July 8, 2015 – The most satisfied owners of full-size pickups chose Ford trucks, according to the automotive researchers and consultants at AutoPacific. The all-new Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – and the Ford F-Series Super Duty have swept the firm’s 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

The 2015 Ford F-150 – with best-in-class towing, payload and EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy, along with the government’s top five-star crash test rating for every cab configuration – won the Vehicle Satisfaction Award for light-duty pickups with the second-highest owner score ever recorded by AutoPacific and the highest rating ever for a truck.

Ford F-Series Super Duty – with best-in-class diesel horsepower and standard torque – won the Vehicle Satisfaction Award for heavy-duty pickups, giving Ford a clean sweep in both truck classes measured by AutoPacific.

AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards objectively measure owner satisfaction with 50 separate attributes ranging from fuel economy and performance to interior comfort and styling.

“The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards look at the big picture, including owners’ experiences with overall quality and safety,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, “but it goes deeper than that. We also take into account the heart of the ownership experience to determine those vehicles that are extremely satisfying to their owners.”

AutoPacific’s press release is available here.

New F-150 Raptor Wraps Up Initial Desert Durability Testing

DEARBORN, Mich., July 7, 2015 – The 2017 F-150 Raptor – Ford’s toughest, smartest, most capable off-road truck ever – recently completed more than 1,000 miles of testing in the southwestern United States.

Over 1,028 miles of desert trail designed to parallel the Baja race course in Mexico, the 66-mile route featured a wide range of surfaces including fast sandy washes, deep-rutted silt beds, steep climbs in deep sand, and slow meticulous crawls through tight trenches. The truck topped speeds of 100 mph in places, slowing to 10 mph in others, for an average speed of approximately 50 mph. The 2017 Raptor is 25 percent faster than the current truck based on lap times.

At the end of each lap, the new Raptor completed a tabletop jump consisting of a steep ramp up to a two-foot plateau, then a step-off back to level ground. The vehicles tested were early build prototypes made from a mix of 2015 F-150 and 2017 F-150 Raptor components.

As is the case with all Built Ford Tough trucks, Ford engineers pushed the new Raptor harder in a few days than it will be pushed over the lifetime of a typical vehicle – far exceeding what an owner would do on the trail.

Testing of the next Raptor, first revealed earlier this year, continues into 2016. The 2017 F-150 Raptor goes on sale in fall 2016.

SYNC 3 | Hot Dog Challenge

How well can you use the new SYNC 3 voice commands with a mouthful of hot dog? We decided to find out!

Innovative Use of 3D Printing Helps Ford on the Job

Innovative Use of 3D Printing Helps Ford on the Job

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.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing You and Your Family a Very Happy and Safe 4th of July!

This Hedge Fund Manager is Getting Deals Done. Can Focus Help Him win the Pitch? | 2015 Ford Focus

Renowned Anthropologist, Genevieve St. Jermaine, Ph.D., goes deep undercover as a tough-as-nails hedge fund manager to see if the smart tech in the 2015 Ford Focus can keep his business running while he's on the road.

When you’re in the business of managing hedge funds, the go-go never stops. Big business is happening even when you’re in your car! Does the available SYNC with voice-activated technology in the new 2015 Ford Focus mean more for hedge fund managers? Watch Dr. Genevieve St. Jermaine’s latest experiment to find out.

New Camera Technology Helps Drivers See Around Corners; Next Super Duty to Offer Ford’s Most Advanced Cameras Yet

• New split-view camera debuts on new Ford Edge and Explorer in the United States and China, helping customers see obstacles coming around corners
• Next Ford Super Duty to feature the company’s most advanced camera technology yet – up to seven cameras and all-new digital architecture – helping customers see more angles around a truck and trailer than ever before
• Ford plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018 and front cameras available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 23, 2015 – Ford is introducing new vehicle camera technology that can help see around corners even when drivers cannot, aiding in reducing driver stress and potentially averting accidents.

The new available split-view camera feature helps drivers see traffic and obstacles that enter the vehicle’s path from the side by displaying a 180-degree view of the area in front of or behind a vehicle. It is the latest example of how Ford is using camera technology to help make driving easier.
Split view uses real-time video feeds from 1-megapixel wide-angle lens cameras in the grille and tailgate. A tri-panel display in the 8-inch screen helps customers understand quickly whether an obstacle is coming from either side or straight on. Split view is activated at the touch of a button and automatically shuts off when vehicle speed reaches 6.2 mph (10 kph).

Ford introduced split view on the 2015 Ford Edge and 2016 Explorer in the United States and China. Front split view is offered on Edge. Front and rear split view comes standard in the United States on the 2016 Explorer Limited on sale now and Explorer Platinum, on sale soon. Front split view is coming to the all-new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy in Europe, available to order now. Split view will be offered on nearly all Ford SUVs globally by 2020.

A tiny telescopic jet washer keeps the front camera clean on every vehicle with split view. Explorer also incorporates a washer for the rear camera.

More cameras rolling out across Ford lineup
 
Ford plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all of its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018 – and front cameras available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020 – meaning the company plans to put more than 2 million new cameras a year on the road.

Ford introduced rear-view cameras in the 2007 Expedition and now offers an available backup camera in every Ford car, SUV and light truck in North America. Backup cameras are standard in Focus, Fusion, Explorer, Escape, Edge and Mustang.

Next Super Duty to feature Ford’s most advanced camera tech yet
 
Ford announced today the next Ford Super Duty will offer the company’s most advanced camera technology, helping with lane-keeping assistance and enabling customers to see more angles around a truck and trailer than ever before.

The next Super Duty is featuring up to seven cameras and all-new digital architecture, making Ford an industry leader in advanced camera technology and helping customers better maneuver alone and in tight spots.

The 2016 F-150 has up to five cameras available, the most of any vehicle in the Ford lineup. Four cameras in F-150 are mounted in the outside mirrors, and rear and front of the vehicle to enable a 360-degree view and backup view functions.

A forward-looking camera mounted behind the rearview mirror is used to activate auto high beams and lane-keeping assist, which looks for lane deviations. The driver never sees the image from this camera, but the vehicle’s computer uses the visual signal to operate the rest of the system.

Camera technology also is a key enabler in Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on the 2016 F-150, which helps a customer steer the trailer with a control knob while the truck steers its wheels.
Dynamic Hitch Assist is another F-150 feature that uses cameras. It provides a center sight line in the display that helps the driver properly line up the truck to the trailer to hitch up.

Ford cameras are tested under extreme conditions – beyond what they will endure during a typical vehicle lifetime. Each camera component is subjected to more than 1,000 hours of testing to make sure it can withstand temperature changes, humidity, dust, salt and more. Ford engineers also immerse cameras to confirm the casing does not let water leak in.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. 

Ford Smart Mobility | MoDe:Flex eBike

Ford Senior Creative Designer Bruce Williams discusses the MoDe:Flex eBike.