Hold on to Your Cup! These Customer Findings Drove the Refreshed Cupholder Design for the New Ford Fusion

• Cupholders – a seemingly small convenience with a big impact – have been moved forward, rotated and redesigned for the new 2017 Ford Fusion
• Ford research, including a new Nielsen survey, took the automaker around the globe in search of what customers want and need from their cupholders
• Insights about beverage containers, customers and cupholder design show people use cupholders not only for bottles and cups of varying shapes and sizes, but also mobile devices and loose change; insights helped Ford refine cupholders in the new Fusion

DEARBORN, Mich., Apr 29, 2016 – At Ford, every detail matters, and customer experiences matter most.

That’s why, in designing the new 2017 Ford Fusion, the automaker set out in search of what makes cupholders – a seemingly small convenience – so important to customers. In the end, customer feedback drove substantial changes to the refreshed Fusion console design, including a new take on the common cupholder that customers will surely appreciate.

The replacement of the traditional shifter with a rotary gear shift dial freed space for two newly designed cupholders – both with available ambient lighting. The new cupholders are now one in front of the other, with the front cupholder 6 inches forward from their location on the 2016 Fusion. It’s a small move with big effects, allowing Ford to extend the armrest by nearly 3 inches and to expand the armrest bin by an extra half-gallon, comparable to your average 2-liter soda bottle or four 16.9-ounce water bottles. For even more storage, a pocket added to the front console is a perfect spot for a wallet and various other items.

“Being dissatisfied with your cupholders may be a minor annoyance, but it’s a daily one, which over time detracts from the overall car experience,” said Jolanta Coffey, Ford instrument panel and console manager. “On the other hand, when you like your cupholders, they can make your vehicle feel like home. For Fusion, we set out to develop a beautiful interior, paying attention to the details that make people fall in love and stay in love with their car.”




Research reveals the following cupholder facts:

1.    Bottles win big

In the U.S., people say drinks in bottles reign supreme. According to a new Nielsen survey, 79 percent of Americans say they use cupholders for bottles. A majority of people – 52 percent – say they typically use cupholders to carry cups of coffee and tea. Ford research also found North American customers use large soft-drink cups more than other parts of the world, and they’re much likelier to drink on the go. In Asia, people tend to bring wide tea bottles into the vehicle.

2.    Putting satisfaction within reach – literally

People value cupholders that are within effortless reach. That’s easier said than done – given the range of possible arm lengths and seat positions. For the new Fusion, Ford studied driver ergonomics to balance the needs of as many drivers as possible. By moving the cupholders, designers ensured Fusion cupholders are an easy reach for at least 95 percent of the population.

3.    Holding more than cups*

Among non-beverage items placed in cupholders, phones by far are the most common. Roughly half say they use their cupholder to store their mobile device, followed by 28 percent who use it for loose change. Food is placed in cupholders by 19 percent of respondents, while 14 percent use it for gum or mints, and 12 percent for wallets. Millennials and teens are much more likely than their elders to use cupholders for non-beverage items. Gender plays a role as well. Men are more likely to use cupholders to store their wallet and change, while women tend to use cupholders consistently.

4.    Get a grip

A great cupholder is roomy enough for an extra-large container, yet capable of holding a skinny one without it tipping over. Ford again did its homework, for the first time using its tactical robot arm RUTH to verify the Fusion cupholders, as well as the spring-loaded resistance grips within them, meet customer preferences for resistance and feel. RUTH measured things like how much effort it takes to insert a bottle and how much tension the grips exert as a cup is being pushed down.

5.    The three cups

Cupholders must be deep enough to hold taller containers, but shallow enough that you can easily pluck out a small cup. Ford found most cups fall between three basic scenarios: your average half-liter recyclable water bottle, the 20-ounce plastic bottle typically used for juices and sports drinks, and the 30-ounce soft-drink cup found at many fast-food restaurants. If a cupholder can help hold all three, it can likely hold most any cup.

In total, the 2017 Ford Fusion has up to six cupholders in the console, front door pockets and rear center armrest. Regardless of region and what drivers may store in their vehicle’s cupholders, they are in constant use – and therefore an important aspect of interior design at Ford.

2016 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Build Time Lapse | FORD PERFORMANCE

Watch the 2016 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet built piece-by-piece.

Ford Invests $1.6 Billion in U.S. Plants, Creates 650 Hourly Jobs in Michigan and Ohio

• Ford is investing a total of $1.6 billion in its Livonia Transmission and Ohio Assembly plants
• The investment is part of the company’s commitment to invest $9 billion and create or retain 8,500 hourly jobs in its U.S. facilities during the next four years
• In the past five years, Ford has invested $12 billion in its U.S. plants and created nearly 28,000 total U.S. jobs

DEARBORN, Mich., April 26, 2016 – Ford Motor Company is investing $1.6 billion to upgrade two of its manufacturing facilities in Michigan and Ohio, and creating or retaining 650 hourly jobs in the United States.

The $1.4 billion investment in Livonia Transmission Plant and $200 million investment in Ohio Assembly Plant are part of the $9 billion commitment the company made in the 2015 UAW-Ford collective bargaining agreement to continue investing in its U.S. plants.

Ford has invested $12 billion in its U.S. plants and created a total of nearly 28,000 U.S. jobs in the past five years.

“We are proud that Ford employs more hourly workers and builds more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “We are committed to manufacturing in the United States, as we have been for more than 100 years.”

Ford’s latest investment creates or retains 500 hourly jobs in Michigan at Livonia Transmission Plant to build a new 10-speed transmission to be first introduced in the all-new F-150 Raptor and certain F-150 models. The investment and 150 hourly jobs at Ohio Assembly Plant, located in Avon Lake, will be used to build Super Duty chassis cab. Both F-Series trucks are part of Ford’s toughest, smartest, most capable truck lineup ever.

Ford has committed to 2,800 U.S. jobs in the past five months. The company has committed to a total of 8,500 hourly jobs in the U.S. during the next four years in communities across Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York and Ohio.

“I am thrilled that through our collective bargaining with Ford we were able to secure a substantial investment for the communities of Southeast Michigan and Northeast Ohio,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “The men and women of both Livonia Transmission and Ohio Assembly have shown a great commitment to manufacturing quality products, and we look forward to their continued success.”

Livonia Transmission Plant
 
Livonia Transmission Plant employs more than 1,550 people. It builds a six-speed transmission that is used in a number of products including Mustang, F-150, Transit and Expedition. Production begins in June for the new 10-speed transmission.

Ohio Assembly Plant
 
Ohio Assembly Plant employs more than 1,650 people. It began building F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab configurations earlier this year. The plant also produces Ford F-650 and F-750, which was insourced from Mexico last year, as well as Ford E-Series cutaway vans and stripped chassis.

"The Big Boy" of Commercial Trucks: The F-550 HD Payload Pkg

Paul Brown of Geweke Ford in Yuba City CA shows us what he calls, "the Big Boy" in commercial trucks. This is the Super Duty F-550 HD chassis with the payload upgrade to 19,500 lbs. GVWR, and GCWR tow maximum of 33,000 lbs. If you have heavy equipment and tow as well, this truck has the stuff. The body mounted on this chassis is a Scelzi 12' Combo Body. The Combo Body has a work platform on the rear that is the perfect height to work from in the field. A lot of contractors prefer the combo body for that very reason.

You can see more on the specs of this body on the Scelzi website as http://www.seinc.com/truck-bodies/com..., and more about Geweke Ford at http://www.geweketrucks.com

2016 FORD TRENDS - Waste Not, Want Not

Looking beyond the auto industry to comprehend what’s happening in social, technological, economic, environmental and political arenas, Looking Further with Ford is a compilation of global research offering a blueprint for understanding how trends are expected to influence products and brands for 2016 and beyond.

#Ford #Mustang Is Best-Selling Sports Coupe Globally; Customer Demand for Iconic Pony Car Continues to Rise

• Ford Mustang was the top-selling sports coupe worldwide in 2015, according to IHS Automotive registration data
• Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang Coupes and around 30,000 Mustang Convertibles in 2015; Mustang was the only sports coupe globally to sell more than 100,000 units last year
• Once a North American phenomenon, Mustang is now on sale in 140 markets, including Australia, where it was sold out through 2017 before receiving an extra allotment of cars

DEARBORN, Mich., April 20, 2016 – In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic pony car remains insatiable.

According to company analysis of the most recent registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang Coupes globally in 2015 – topping all other sports coupe competitors.

That record was achieved despite limited availability for most of the year in such key markets like China and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Ford sold around 30,000 Mustang Convertibles, for total nameplate sales of 141,868 vehicles – making Mustang far and away the best-selling two-door sports car in the world.

“U.S. consumers have enjoyed interesting foreign sports cars for decades, so it was time for the Americans to return the favor with the worldwide launch of the new Mustang,” says Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Global markets have responded in a huge way. Ford Mustang was the only sports coupe in the world with more than 100,000 units registered last year.”

Global data for 2015 suggests Mustang has room to grow overseas this year as many markets begin to take delivery of their full allotment. So far, Merkle notes, global customers are most interested in V8-equipped Mustangs.

“While much of the growth in Mustang demand in the United States has come from coastal markets – especially Southern California – and millennials opting for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine, buyers in other countries prefer the V8,” he says. “That unmistakable V8 warble is a hot commodity outside the U.S.”

Mustang in Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
To date, more than 16,600 customers in Europe have ordered a Ford Mustang, which went on sale there last summer. Shipments from Flat Rock Assembly Plant, exclusive production home to Mustang, began in the latter half of 2015. Of the 13,000 sold last year, 4,700 are now in customer hands.

Several significant markets, including United Kingdom, began selling Mustang in the fourth quarter. Total sales there top 3,500 cars, with the first 1,000 pony cars delivered to customers in March.

In Germany, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in March, according to data published by German Federal Motor Transport Authority, KBA. Despite relatively high gas prices, the 5.0-liter V8 is the No. 1 engine choice in Germany. The country also has the highest international take-rate for the convertible model, with one in three sales.

Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe last month in France, according to data from the Association Auxilliaire de l’Automobile. Ford sold 339 Mustangs in France in first-quarter 2016.
Incremental sales in South Africa, Cyprus and Malta are helping boost Mustang volume.

EcoBoost, V8 pony cars are big in Asia
 
In fourth-quarter 2015, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in China as exports made their way to dealerships in volume, according to IHS registration data. Buyers in China favor EcoBoost versions.

In its first three months on sale in Australia, Mustang ranks as the best-selling sports coupe. Demand is so strong, the pony car was initially sold out through 2017, but an additional 2,000 Mustangs are slated to ship Down Under by the end of this year.

More than 90 percent of buyers in Australia and New Zealand are opting for the V8 version.

Mustang maintains leadership in North America
 
In March, Mustang sales of 12,563 cars in the United States outperformed sales of 12,248 for the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger combined, according to published figures. Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in the U.S. for all of 2015 and through the first quarter of 2016, according to industry-reported numbers.

In Canada, Mustang sales leadership is nothing new; it has outsold Camaro every year since 1985, according to data from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. Ford has the best-selling sports coupe in Canada.

And in Mexico, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe last year, according to IHS registration data. Mustang sales were up 176 percent in Mexico in 2015 versus 2014.

Ford Recycles Enough Aluminum to Build 30,000 F-150 Bodies Every Month

DEARBORN, Mich., April 22, 2016 -- The toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever is also the greenest F-150 – thanks to advanced materials like high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy and EcoBoost^® engine technology.

Ford recycles as much as 20 million pounds of aluminum stamping scrap per month using the closed-loop system at Dearborn Truck Plant, which builds F-150. That is the equivalent of more than 30,000 F-150 bodies in the largest configuration – a SuperCrew body including doors, plus hood, tailgate and 6.5-foot cargo box.

Opting for aluminum over steel in new automobile construction is the best way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, according to Oak Ridge National Lab.

Recycled aluminum avoids 95 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with primary aluminum production. It uses significantly less energy and water – another reason Ford F-150 leads the full-size truck pack in terms of lifetime carbon footprint, according to Automotive Science Group.        


Weight savings from aluminum alloy helps F-150 reduce its lifetime emissions compared to the previous steel-body version. Between 30 percent and 40 percent of a typical aluminum coil is turned into scrap in the stamping process. This is recycled into new metal for the truck using the closed-loop system.

When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop technology, F-150 4x2 has best-in-class EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (actual mileage will vary).

F-150 SuperCrew and SuperCab with available collision warning are the only trucks in their class to earn a Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. F-150 also is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star overall vehicle score and five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.[1]

Check out Instagram.com/Ford on Friday – Earth Day – to see the closed-loop recycling process in action.

[1] Government five-star safety ratings are part of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Tests include driver and passenger front, side and side barrier and pole tests.

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle Reporting for Duty

• 2016 Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle package – available for both SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations – tailors the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever to meet the unique needs of government and fleet customers
• Package adds high-output alternator to meet power needs, plus easy-clean rear vinyl bench seating and flooring; a removed center console allows for custom equipment placement
• Along with the Special Service Vehicle package for both F-150 as well as Expedition, Ford offers a Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle and a Special Service Police Sedan to help fulfill the unique needs of law enforcement agencies nationwide

DEARBORN, Mich., April 19, 2016 – Government and fleet customers – including law enforcement and roadside assistance providers – require the toughest, smartest, most capable vehicles for their work, so Ford offers a Special Service Vehicle package for the 2016 F-150 to meet their rigorous needs.

F-150 Special Service Vehicle gives fleets a selection of configurations so customers can pick what best suits their needs. Available in XL trim for either F-150 SuperCrew or SuperCab configuration, customers can opt for the package in a 4x4 or 4x2 drivetrain, along with the 5.0-liter V8 or high-torque 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine to ensure there is never a lack of power.

Law enforcement and fleet work can get messy, so trucks equipped with the package replace carpeting with easy-to-clean vinyl flooring. The rear seat is swapped out for a vinyl bench for quick cleanup.

A high-output 240-amp alternator replaces the stock unit to accommodate for extended idle times. Standard 40/20/40 seats are replaced with 40/blank/40 seats, with the center section deleted to create more space for customization.

“Many officers need the extra space F-150 Special Service Vehicle offers,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police marketing manager. “They can load the cargo box with equipment and still fit five people inside. Its utility is unmatched.”

Law enforcement makes up a large portion of Special Service Vehicle purchases, so Ford added F-150 to satisfy a complete range of police needs.

“We offer a whole family of police vehicles,” said Arie Groeneveld, Ford chief program engineer for police vehicles. “Our lineup aims to fulfill the unique needs of law enforcement officers, and our F-150 Special Service Vehicle is an extension of that offering. This vehicle definitely lives up to its Built Ford Tough reputation.”

The following Ford vehicles are available for law enforcement use:

• F-150 Special Service Vehicle
• Expedition Special Service Vehicle
• Special Service Police Sedan
• Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle
• Police Interceptor Sedan
• Police Interceptor Utility

2016 Pink October

GUYS! It's practically almost OCTOBER! Ok, not quite yet, but you must admit that the year is flying by at lighting speed! So, in my best samaritan way possible I am giving you this public service announcement that October will be here before we know it! And, when the last week of September rolls around and everyone else is rushing to register for Pink October's Race for Awareness, you will be thanking me that I wrote this post to REGISTER NOW!

REGISTER HERE!

Race registration is OPEN and the cheapest it will get! At only $25 to register individually and $120 for a team of 8, why delay? At 19 years and going strong, this is one of the best days in our community (in my humble opinion). Community members of all shapes, sizes, ages and barks (dogs are OK!) come together to do a quick 5K and raise funds for women in our community who are battling female forms of cancer. YES - 100% of the funds stay local to help Yuba-Sutter WOMEN with breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine and other female forms of cancer.

Only 1 Pickup Earns Top Safety Rating - IIHS News

Ford F-­150 is the only pickup to earn top safety rating for small overlap protection

RUCKERSVILLE, Va. — Three out of seven large pickup trucks evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in a new round of crash tests earn an acceptable or higher rating for occupant protection in a small overlap front crash.

IIHS evaluated two body styles of each 2016 model-­year pickup — crew cab and extended cab. Crew cabs have four full doors and two full rows of seating. Extended cabs have two full front doors, two smaller rear doors and compact second-­row seats.

See Scott For Commercial Service

 

Scott Babler has been with Larry Geweke's Service Department for over 11 years and is excellent at taking care of our customers. Scott is also our Commercial Truck/Fleet Service Writer and he knows what it means to get those folks who use their trucks everyday for work, to get them back in operation as soon as possible with the least amount of downtime.

So, where is Scott? He's in the back of the building on the eastern side of the service department where the heavy duty truck stalls are located. His office is right there.

Give Scott a call at his direct line: 530-821-4735 and let him know how he can help you get your vehicle in top working order.

Scott wanted to let all our customers know that Larry Geweke can work on all makes and models of trucks, including those with CAT, Cummins, International, and other engine makes.* So, if your fleet has a mix of trucks, bring them all here! Save time and money.

* Give Scott a call and he will give you all the details.

FordPass with SYNC Connect Debuts on New Ford Escape Arriving at Dealers in May

• New Ford Escape brings to market available FordPass^® with SYNC^® Connect – allowing drivers to lock, unlock and locate their vehicle, and to schedule remote starts and check fuel level via a smartphone app
• 2017 Escape is first Ford vehicle to offer SYNC 3 with support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their favorite devices
• SYNC Connect is enabled through FordPass platform, which is part of Ford Smart Mobility initiative to take the company to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2016 – For 16 years, Ford Escape has been a leader in the popular small SUV segment by bringing the latest in advanced technologies to customers.

The 2017 Escape will continue that leadership when it arrives in showrooms in May, featuring available SYNC^® Connect technology that gives FordPass^® members remote access to their vehicle from their mobile device.

SYNC Connect enables drivers to use the new FordPass platform to lock, unlock and locate their Escape, as well as schedule remote starts and check fuel level. SYNC Connect is included in the Technology Package on Escape SE and is a standard offering on Escape Titanium.

“SYNC Connect provides the convenience customers want,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “It was designed with the customer as the focus – everything the technology does is intended to improve the vehicle-owning experience.”

Owners enable SYNC Connect through a two-step verification process to protect personal information, confirming setup on both the app and vehicle touch screen. The service is provided for five years at no cost to customers.

SYNC Connect makes its global debut on the 2017 Ford Escape, followed by the new Ford Fusion later this year. The platform will then migrate to the rest of the Ford lineup.

New Escape adds even more driver-assist technologies
 
The new Escape features available driver-assist technologies that enhance safety and convenience. These include:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Sensors detect when Escape is approaching a slow-moving vehicle and automatically apply the brakes – slowing the vehicle as needed
• Enhanced active park assist: Provides steering assistance to park the vehicle in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot, and to pull out from tight parallel parking spots with the driver controlling brake, accelerator and shifter. The technology includes side park distance control
• Lane-keeping system: The system includes lane-keeping alert to alert drivers when they drift unintentionally from their lane, and lane-keeping aid to provide steering assistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back into its lane 
• Driver Alert System: Using data from the lane-keeping system, Driver Alert can detect signs of fatigued driving and provide a warning on the instrument cluster, as well as a steering wheel vibration

Three series, new Sport Appearance Package
 
Customers can continue to select from S, SE and Titanium models, as well as a new Sport Appearance Package available for Escape SE and Escape Titanium.

Across the lineup, the new Escape has been redesigned from the inside out. The new interior dramatically enhances ergonomics and storage, emphasizing comfort and convenience for driver and front passenger, while the redesigned exterior leans toward the nameplate’s capable SUV heritage.

Replacing the bulky, hand-actuated parking brake with a modern, push-button electronic system enabled Ford designers to rework the center console area. The gear shifter has been moved rearward for improved access to climate controls on the center stack, while an added storage bin offers easy access to a lighted USB port and a covered power outlet to charge and store electronic devices.

“Our interior redesign was driven by what our customers were telling us,” said Milton Wong, Ford Escape chief engineer. “We considered every detail, listened to our customers, and made a significantly better Escape.”

The center console introduces improved cupholders designed to accommodate cups of all sizes. Two new bins, in front of and behind the cupholders, add storage, and the center armrest has been extended for added comfort for driver and passenger.

An all-new steering wheel features easy-to-work buttons to control audio, adaptive cruise control and SYNC 3 voice command systems. A new “swing-bin” glove box offers easier access to stored items.
Escape Titanium features a Charcoal Black interior with subtle Deep Space black trim. Leather seats, featuring Salerno leather trim, show a unique horizontal pattern. Titanium customers can also opt for Medium Stone seats to contrast with the black interior.

The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal upper grille set a wider stance – evoking a more prominent feel for the front of the new Escape. The grille is flanked by updated headlamps with low-beam projector lenses. Signature LED daytime running lamps are available for Escape SE and are included on Escape Titanium. The lamps can double as parking lamps at night. Bi-functional HID projector headlamps and speed-dependent cornering halogen lamps are available for Titanium as well.

The new Sport Appearance Package offers customers such unique features as:

• 19-inch Ebony Black painted wheels
• Ebony Black high-gloss painted upper grille
• Piano Black high-gloss fog lamp bezels
• Ebony Black high-gloss painted side vents
• Absolute Black painted mirror caps
• Darkened headlamp and taillamp trim

Standard Auto Start-Stop with two new EcoBoost engines
 
The availability of Auto Start-Stop on the 2017 Escape marks the technology’s first high-volume appearance, a standard offering with either of two EcoBoost^® engines new to Escape – a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll. It’s already available on F-150 equipped with 2.7-liter EcoBoost, Focus with 1.0-liter EcoBoost, Fusion with 1.5-liter EcoBoost and Edge with 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost.

The new 1.5-liter EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop is standard on Escape SE and Escape Titanium. The technology shuts off the engine during common stops, so the vehicle burns no gas and emits zero tailpipe emissions. The engine restarts automatically – in less than half a second – when the driver releases the brake pedal.

A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line, with new paddle-shift technology available for Escape SE and Escape Titanium.

Both the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost engines are available with Ford’s intelligent four-wheel-drive system that monitors traction and road conditions every 16 milliseconds. The system can transfer up to 100 percent of torque from front to rear wheels, constantly adjusting to road conditions to relieve driver stress and increase confidence by keeping the vehicle on its intended path.

When equipped with the 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost and Class II Tow Package, Escape can tow an impressive 3,500 pounds. Trailer sway control works to help keep both the vehicle and the trailer under control if sway is detected.

Horsepower and torque figures for the new EcoBoost engines are impressive. The 1.5-liter produces 179 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque; the 2.0-liter delivers 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, which tops all four-cylinder competitors in the compact utility segment.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost is EPA-rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive-equipped Escape; and at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with four-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive; and at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined with four-wheel drive.

“With the most powerful four-cylinder engine in its segment and available Auto Start-Stop, Escape now delivers the perfect balance of performance, efficiency and capability,” said Wong.

Ford Donates Customized Transit Van to Support The Salvation Army's Disaster Relief Efforts

DETROIT, April 15, 2016 – Ford Motor Company is helping The Salvation Army better respond to emergencies in Southeast Michigan with a customized Ford Transit van.

The Transit will serve as a disaster response unit as part of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division Emergency Disaster Services’ canteen fleet. A similar Transit will be donated by Ford in Kansas City.

The disaster services volunteer team responds to calls for help from local authorities, and provides food, beverages, blankets, clothing, temporary shelter, communications support, emergency lighting, clean-up kits and comfort to victims and families of major disasters. The team also aids police, firefighters and other first responders at the emergency scene.

“Assisting with disaster relief is an important part of our mission to serve the communities where we live and work,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford. “The flexibility of the Ford Transit van makes it a great fit for The Salvation Army’s emergency response fleet.”

Ford has a long history of supporting disaster relief, as well as The Salvation Army.

The sleek design of the Ford Transit canteen will enable volunteer responders to more easily maneuver the tight spaces that emergency scenes – such as house fires or weather-related situations – can sometimes present.

The 2016 Ford Transit 350 cargo van has a high roof that enables someone 6 feet, 9 inches tall to stand upright inside. Custom elements include emergency LED strobe lighting in the grille and roof, plus sirens and external speakers. A generator and ham radio antenna will help keep The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team connected during a disaster.

The extended-wheelbase van offers more than 487 cubic feet of cargo space to house a custom-installed two-burner stovetop, microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, freezer, sink and electric hot water heater. Further food service upfits include two water tanks, a water pump and countertops. Food will be served through a custom window with a fold-out stainless steel shelf protected by a 10-foot awning.

Fully stocked, the Transit will be able to serve approximately 250 disaster victims and first responder personnel.

LED ceiling lights controlled by four switches will help improve interior visibility at disaster sites. The upfits were completed by Livonia, Michigan-based Technosports Creative.

The dual-rear-wheel van is powered by an available 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost^® engine.

We Own Work: Reinvestment of Weight Savings for the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty

Follow our group of real-world truck customers as they go behind the scenes to meet with Ford Super Duty experts and engineers to learn how weight savings from the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body were reinvested into other areas of the truck for improved performance and capability.

Upgrades include a fully boxed steel frame, stronger axles, beefed-up suspension, bigger brakes and a higher capacity trailer hitch. These are just some of the reasons the all-new 2017 Super Duty is the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.

Safest F-150 Ever: Ford F-150 SuperCrew and SuperCab Only Full-Size Pickups to Earn 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2016 Ford F-150 pickup its Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations – the only large pickup to earn this recognition
• Superb crash test performance of new Ford F-150 – including highest possible rating in small overlap front crash test – is enabled by high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering
• 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab

DEARBORN, Mich., April 12, 2016 – The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only large pickup to earn an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations.

Class-leading crash test performance of the new Ford F-150 is enabled by the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering, which also help to save up to 700 pounds of weight to enable best-in-class ratings for towing, payload and EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy.

“From the moment our team set out to design and build the new F-150, we knew it had to be best-in-class,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick is another example of Ford’s commitment to building the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever.”

A cross-functional group of Ford truck veterans worked thousands of hours to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and safety. The team created 31 safety-related innovations – including new structures that manage crash forces, and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

These smart innovations include a patented extruded aluminum roof crossmember and additional frame crossmember to help improve crash resilience.

To manage crash forces in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap front crash test, Ford created a system of innovations that work together to help protect the driver. Nylon hinge pillar reinforcements save weight, and in conjunction with specially designed wheel blockers, work to control crash forces while also providing additional safety.

“The same innovative approach applied to every other attribute of the 2016 F-150 is exemplified in our commitment to safety,” said Nair. “We spent thousands of hours engineering, designing and developing multiple safety features that work together in the event of an accident.”

F-150 is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and a five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.

Altered State: Driving the Ford GT | Ford

The all-new Ford GT is a one-of-a-kind supercar that only a few people will ever get the chance to drive. So we asked the question, how could we get more people to experience the thrill of driving the new Ford GT? Enter Marc Savard, a Las Vegas comedy hypnotist. Savard can, through the power of hypnosis, convince people to do, say or believe just about anything.

Ford: Investing in America for over a Century

Since 2011, Ford Motor Company has created more than 15,000 hourly manufacturing jobs in the United States. Each day, more than 55,000 UAW-Ford workers keep Ford’s 19 plants in the U.S. running.

Ford to Launch New Factory 'No Profile' Front Interior Visor Light Bar on Police Interceptor Utility

• Ford now offers a super-low-profile visor light bar that mounts inside the Police Interceptor Utility to enable a stealth appearance
• New interior visor light bar is fully integrated at the top of the windshield, allowing for maximum driver visibility
• Covert feature eliminates the need for a visible roof-mounted light bar

DEARBORN, Mich., April 7, 2016 – Lawbreakers will now have a more difficult time recognizing the profile of the best-selling police vehicle in their rearview mirrors.

Ford announced today it will offer a new, factory-installed front interior visor light bar that provides a stealth appearance for police agency patrol vehicles.

“Today, agencies typically use aftermarket interior visor light bars that are somewhat bulky and can obstruct the field of vision – especially for taller officers,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police marketing manager for North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “This extremely low-profile unit is fully integrated where the headliner and top of the windshield meet, for tremendously improved driver visibility versus aftermarket alternatives.”

Another advantage of the new interior visor light is that the dark shade band at the top of the windshield is replaced by clear glass when the light is ordered, providing superior color visibility and brightness. 

The light comes with a limited warranty and maintains the spacious interior feel that many agencies love about the newest generation of Ford Police Interceptor. When activated, it flashes bright – alternating red and blue bars through the top of the windshield. It can also be programmed for red/red or blue/blue operation.

The visor light features bright-white “take down” and “scene” capabilities for excellent forward visibility, and can be set up to meet California Title 13 regulations. It can be programmed from full intensity down to 20 percent, and provide auto-dimming capability as well.

The interior visor light is available to order now on the 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility.

Big F450 Combo Dump Service Body

Over 40 Commercial Trucks in Stock ready for immediate delivery 

Call Paul Brown at 530-682-7693 for Availability

Drive One 4 UR School This Saturday at Geweke Ford!

On this Saturday, April 9th we are excited to be partnering with not only ONE school, but TWO! From 10am - 3pm you can choose to support Sutter High School or Marysville High School who will both be raising funds to support their Class of 2016 Grad Night Programs!

For every test drive taken, Ford will donate $20 to your school of choice. A painless and no-pressure (other than students urging you to buy a hot dog or baked good after) 5 minute test drive and quick survey is all it takes! Geweke Ford will give up to $6,000 total between the 2 schools. This is a MAJORLY GREAT opportunity for both of these small, local schools to raise some great cash for those senior students!

Ford 911 Assist: Peace of Mind. By Design | Ford

Ford 911 Assist: Peace of Mind. By Design | Ford

Ford Dealers Give Nearly $100 Million to Causes in 2015 for Second Year in a Row

• Last year, 91 percent of Ford and Lincoln dealers contributed financially and 81 percent volunteered time to local causes – according to annual Ford Survey on Dealer Giving
  

• Ford and Lincoln dealers donated nearly $100 million and volunteered more than 700,000 hours in 2015
  

• Six dealers from around the world are being honored for exceptional community service
  

LAS VEGAS, April 4, 2016 – For the second year in a row, Ford and Lincoln dealers gave nearly $100 million to local causes and nonprofits in communities across the United States in 2015 – according to Ford Motor Company’s annual Survey on Dealer Giving.

The survey was administered by Ford to coincide with the 16th annual Salute to Dealers awards at the 2016 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas.

Ford and Lincoln dealers participating in the survey donated approximately $96 million. This generosity reflects Ford Motor Company’s global brand promise to go further in delivering great products, a strong business and a better world.

Ford’s Salute to Dealers awards recognize dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the communities in which they live and work. Six dealers were selected from among more than 10,000 Ford Motor Company dealers worldwide. They are being recognized for exhibiting unparalleled giving, dedication and leadership to their communities.

In the survey, 91 percent of dealers said they give money to local causes, 81 percent volunteer time to local causes, 87 percent are looking to make a difference in their communities and 66 percent support local causes as a dealership tradition.

Ford and Lincoln dealer employees volunteer a total of 728,201 hours annually, the survey shows. This donation of time and support is a boon for local charities, with many reporting budget and staff shortages.

“I am continually amazed by the selfless efforts of our honorees and nominees, who provide countless hours and resources to improve lives in their communities and beyond,” said Edsel B. Ford II, who chairs the Salute to Dealers awards program and is a member of the Ford board of directors. “Time and time again, they find a way to reach out with their generosity and kindness to support those in need. In the end, the impact on their communities is truly inspiring, and in every case – in every city and every country – these dealers are setting the highest standards for caring.”

Dealers give to causes that address a broad range of community needs – from children’s charities to the environment, from education and healthcare to parks, municipal services and disaster relief.

Children’s causes top the list, with 91 percent of dealers donating, followed by education and scholarships, with 71 percent of dealers contributing to each. Religious-driven charities attract 58 percent of Ford and Lincoln dealer contributions, veterans’ causes account for 54 percent and hunger relief makes up 45 percent.

The Salute to Dealers awards were launched in 2001 to demonstrate Ford’s commitment to its thousands of dealer owners who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference.

This year, Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a total global field of 80 nominees from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, Africa and the Middle East regions.

As part of the award, Ford Motor Company Fund is donating $10,000 to a charity of each dealer’s choice.

A painted portrait of each honoree features a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford’s 2016 awards recognize the following dealers for their unparalleled generosity and commitment to their communities:

Rhett Ricart, Ricart Ford; Columbus, Ohio, United States
 
Rhett Ricart, dealership president and CEO, and son of founder Paul Ricart, has followed in his father’s footsteps by committing to a legacy of giving within the Columbus community. Founded in 1953, family-owned and operated Ricart Ford supports more than 500 employees and many Columbus charities.

The family’s love of music inspired them to support the annual Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival, where 100 percent of proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Ricart Ford is also a major contributor to Ronald McDonald House in downtown Columbus.

By valuing its customers and employees, Ricart Ford has been the No. 1 retail Ford dealership in the United States for more than 15 years.

Bill Currie Jr., Jennifer Currie-Bellomo; Bill Currie Ford; Tampa, Florida, United States
 
Fifty-six years after his father bought a Ford dealership in Hazlehurst, Georgia, Bill Currie Jr. and his sister, Jennifer Currie-Bellomo, carry on their father’s legacy in Tampa – selling cars and changing lives.

With a soft spot for children’s charities, Bill Currie Ford has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. The dealership has a special relationship with the Children’s Cancer Center – a support service for families of children with cancer. Bill Currie Ford was influential in helping young Josh Fisher’s family, in particular, as they dealt with his leukemia.

The Currie family is a longtime proponent of Tampa’s military community. Employees wear red shirts every Friday in support of the Remember Everyone Deployed Program. They regularly visit bases and present awards to members of the military.

Renato Costa, Forauto Veículos; Criciúma, Brazil
 
Rubens Costa started in the car business nearly 50 years ago, serving the city of Criciúma in southern Brazil. His son Renato joined the business in 1983, and together they have made Forauto a success in the region. But with the ups and downs of the Brazilian economy, the road to establishing a thriving dealership has not always been easy.

Costa family members have used their good fortune to make a difference in the community with a special emphasis on assisting the elderly and children. Through an involvement spanning 35 years, the Costas have helped the Barrio Da Juventude or Youth Quarter provide support and care to 1,500 children and their families.

The Costas also support the local St. Vincent de Paul assisted living facility, where Rubens Costa once volunteered many years ago.

Phanee Piticharoenkit, Ford Pattani; Thailand
 
Located in southern Thailand, just north of the Malaysian border, Ford Pattani has assisted its community through economic challenges linked to a violent and politically complex insurgent uprising. The dealership supports its community through contributions to local educational and health-related causes.

Phanee’s father Chookiat Piticharoenkit is the founder of the dealership. A charitable foundation was established in his name in 1995. Chookiat Piticharoenkit Foundation provides 300 scholarships for local students, and has provided funding for construction of new facilities including a large library, prayer room and modern classrooms.

The foundation has awarded more than $2 million to advance educational opportunities, assist the Thai Red Cross, and improve available healthcare in the region through upgrades to Pattani Hospital, which serves 6,000 people. Because of the foundation’s support, a special patient unit was built and the hospital’s operating rooms were modernized.

Mike Stollery, Barrie Ford; Barrie, Ontario, Canada
 
As a young salesperson, Mike Stollery saw early on that the best dealers were highly active in their communities. As a result, he resolved to make charitable giving and community involvement a core Barrie Ford value.

Barrie Ford supports a variety of local initiatives, including Barrie Food Bank, where dealership employees collect and donate 10,000 pounds of food for the We Scare Hunger and Christmas food drives.

In addition, the dealership supports Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College nearby – providing mentorships, scholarships, fundraising and leadership. Stollery also provides college scholarships to family members of the Canadian armed forces and support to the local Gilda’s Club.

O.C. Welch, O.C. Welch Ford; Hardeeville, South Carolina, United States
 
O.C. Welch’s Ford Lincoln dealership is located in Hardeeville, South Carolina, but his roots lie just across the state border in Savannah, Georgia, where he has always felt the urge to give back.

Welch’s giving includes donating more than $500,000 to Benedictine Military School of Savannah – a military faith-based institution where he learned important lessons about life as a young man. He also spent $3 million to help renovate Bacon Park Municipal Golf Course, where he got his first job. By adding new holes, fairways, tees and an irrigation system, Welch prevented the course from shutting down.

In addition, Welch is a founding member of the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, which provides financial assistance to the surviving spouses and children of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

We Own Work: Inside the Manufacturing of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty

Five truck customers head inside the Kentucky Truck Plant for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to witness the unique manufacturing innovations involved in creating the smartest, toughest and most capable Super Duty ever.

In this episode, our teams of Insiders see the innovative joining techniques used to build the Super Duty’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. From self-piercing rivets to flow-drill screws and powerful structural adhesives, this is truly manufacturing at its best.

Ford Mustang RTR Engine Test

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is preparing for the 2016 Formula DRIFT season by testing his Ford Mustang RTR demo car with a 845 HP Ford Performance/Roush Yates ALUMINUM V8.

Video courtesy of Vaughn Gittin Jr.