2016 Dodge Ram 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 860 lb. - ft. of standard torque, diesel fuel economy and 3,340 lbs. of payload. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid owners reveal what it’s like to own one | Fusion | Ford

We asked a couple who own a Ford Fusion Hybrid to tell us everything they love about their car – from its technology to its environmentally conscious features and comfort.

Versatile Ford Transit Connect Wagon Helps Balance Work and Play … and Your Side Business

• Devin Stovall, winner of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon giveaway, will use his customized wagon to start his own side business repairing bicycles and wheelchairs; the vehicle will double as a daily commuter and family van
• Side business ventures are on the rise, with many using it as a way to supplement income, or to exercise skills and passions not being fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs
• Ford Transit Connect Wagon – with optional seven-passenger seating and as much as 104 cubic feet of storage space with seats folded – is versatile enough to support work and play

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2016 – New Ford Transit Connect Wagon owner Devin Stovall is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs putting their passion to work in a side venture.

Stovall – a husband and father of two from Lincoln Heights, California – recently won a customized 2016 Transit Connect Wagon as the randomly selected recipient of the Ford #Unminivan Giveaway.

“This summer, I’ll use our Transit Connect Wagon to service bicycles and wheelchairs on weekends and days off from my full-time job at a bicycle shop,” said Stovall. He plans to spend off-hours with his wagon fixing bicycles at popular mountain bike trails, BMX tracks and bicycle races, as well as repairing wheelchairs onsite at senior centers and assisted-living facilities.

Stovall’s Transit Connect Wagon has been customized with a roof rack, tow hitch, four-bike trailer, portable bicycle repair stand, roof-mounted Thule^® cargo box, air compressor, tire inflator and professional 65-piece toolkit. Ford also provided him with a portable DVD player and Apple^® iPad Air, so cyclists can watch cycling videos while their rides are repaired.

“During the week, I’ll use it to drive my oldest to preschool and my littlest to daycare,” he added. “Then, when I flip the seats down, it’s a great grocery-getter and beach-gear transporter. Being able to do this on my days off is really going to help give my family a better quality of life. I have to make a living, but I also want to help other people.”

Stovall isn’t the only one looking to make the most of his resources with a side business.

Side businesses are on the rise
Nick Loper, founder of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast, said the growing number of side ventures has been spurred by wage stagnation, decreased job security, and the rise of online platforms that reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and make it possible to work remotely.

“Part of it is reactive, in response to the job market and other factors, but the other part is proactive – people saying, ‘I want to work on the stuff I want to work on,’” said Loper.

Besides supplementing their income, many people are looking to exercise skills and passions not being used and fulfilled at their 9-to-5 jobs, he added.

Ford’s Sheryl Connelly, trends and futuring manager, said that in the aftermath of the great recession, people are reevaluating their situations. “They realize they have things that are underutilized that they can monetize, including vehicles and time,” she said. “Participating in the gig economy gives us a buffer, helping us work to live instead of live to work.”

The trend toward side work may continue as more and more millennials join the workforce. A 2015 survey of millennials by FlexJobs revealed that 33 percent of participants would ideally want to work part-time and freelance on the side.

Transit Connect Wagon supports work and play
Transit Connect Wagon will provide the versatility Stovall needs to bring his bike repair side venture to life and keep his family on the go.

“Transit Connect Wagon is great for dual use because there’s a lot of room for cargo and equipment with the seats folded,” said Stovall. “I also love how great it handles when cornering. I couldn’t think of a better vehicle in terms of interior space and gas mileage.”

In general, Transit Connect can get up to 29 mpg*, depending on the configuration. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious families and small business owners.

“The right vehicle is your partner for work or play,” said Julie Vangel, Ford assistant brand manager for Transit Connect. “It can power your side business while still being practical for your free time and family.”

Five-passenger, short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagons feature second-row seats that flip, fold and tumble – or can be removed entirely – to provide additional cargo room. The front passenger seat folds flat** when you need a writing surface or shelf for a laptop. The low load floor makes it easy to transport the tools and equipment small business owners need.

Plus, Transit Connect Wagon is the only vehicle in its class with available seven-passenger seating. It also has impressive maneuverability, along with ample storage and towing capacities. Storage space expands to more than 104 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase configuration with the second- and third-row seats folded. Maximum towing capability with the available Trailer Tow Package is an unsurpassed 2,000 pounds.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

*EPA-estimated rating of 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg. Available on short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagons with 1.6L EcoBoost^®.

**Not available with leather-trimmed seats.

Game On! Ford Escape Launches World's Largest Escape the Room Experience with First-Ever Driveable Game

• Ford teams up with visionary puzzle master Victor Blake to design the world’s first Escape the Room drive experience, integrating technology from the new Ford Escape in a creative plot that will have players discovering a whole new side of New York State, and themselves
  

• Selling out in less than 24 hours, more than 1,000 players signed up for immersive group gaming experience, to be held June 23-26 at the Skylight at Moynihan Station in Midtown Manhattan; 35,000-square-foot venue is more than half the size of a professional football field
  

• Ford – aiming to connect with millennial buyers – leverages the experience economy trend to transform a typical test drive into something culturally relevant for the younger consumer
  

RELATED: Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK Kick Off Summer; First-Ever Collaboration Encourages New Yorkers to Escape the City

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 – Ford Motor Company and the popular experiential game Escape the Room are teaming up to create the largest game experience yet – the first-ever driveable game that will challenge participants to use the latest technology and features of the 2017 Ford Escape to figure out clues and solve puzzles in a way that’s never been done before.

Designed in collaboration with New York State’s I LOVE NEW YORK campaign, creator and visionary puzzle master Victor Blake crafted a consumer experience like no other. Players will attempt to escape multiple rooms in one of New York’s most iconic buildings – Moynihan Station. Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience takes place June 23-26.

“Younger, urban consumers today want to live through experiences and engage with brands that represent their lifestyle,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford experiential marketing manager. “They are voracious consumers of life – they’re not spectators, they’re participants.

“Escape the Room NYC can be summed up as the experience economy trend putting a unique spin on the traditional test drive,” Kasanic adds.

The event is true to the gaming phenomenon Blake created, which has become one of the trendiest entertainment experiences with millennials, except for the fact it will occupy 35,000 square feet – making Escape NYC 50 times larger than the typical game experience, according to Blake.

“Ford asked if I’d be up for integrating the new Escape into an Escape the Room game, and the end result is unlike anything I’ve created before,” says Blake. “The SUV is packed with tons of advanced technology, and it was an entertaining exercise to integrate things like ultrasonic parking sensors into the puzzles and clues that are iconic to the game.”

At the landmark Moynihan Station, players will find themselves immersed in the hidden treasures of summertime in New York as they navigate the quintessential path of going from humble beginnings to making it big in the film industry. An expansive, five-room play space prompts participants to find clues that will guide their journey using various technological tools available in the new Ford Escape, and their own wits.

Some of the in-vehicle technologies integrated into the game:

• Digital music and streaming radio from iHeartRadio via SYNC^® AppLink^™
  
• Voice-to-text capabilities of SYNC 3 driver connect system
  
• Remote start and remote lock capabilities of SYNC Connect, via FordPass^™
  
• Premium audio system from Sony^® with Clear Phase^™ and Live Acoustics^™
  
• Enhanced active park assist
  
• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
  
• Rearview camera
  
• Seven-color ambient lighting
  
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
  

Players are sworn to secrecy to ensure the game is fresh for everyone and nobody has an advantage.Throughout the game, players will discover a whole new side of New York State, and themselves.

The game, open to the public for four days, saw just more than 1,000 consumers sign up in less than 24 hours. Although pre-registration is sold out, walk-in spots will be available each day.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to connect with consumers and teaming up with Escape the

Room allowed us to create a unique and unexpected experience to introduce our new Ford Escape and our technologies,” said Kasanic.

To further raise the profile of hidden gems and key destinations across New York State, Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK are releasing Summer Escape Travel Guides featuring weekend and extended getaways that can be best enjoyed in the 2017 Ford Escape. All participants will receive a custom Escape New York summer guide highlighting the state’s diverse vacation regions to help plan the perfect weekend getaway.

About Escape the Room

Starting with one game played in New York City in October of 2013, Escape the Room has grown into what is now known as the premiere live game and entertainment company in the United States. Developed by an all-star team of puzzle designers, theme park engineers and set designers, Escape the Room creates interactive, immersive games rooted in hyper-realistic scenarios with state of the art technology that sets the bar for experiential entertainment. With dozens of “rooms” in multiple cities across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scottsdale, St. Louis, and Washington, DC, Escape the Room brings gaming into the real world. For more information, visit www.escapetheroom.com.

About iHeartMedia

With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 85 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. It serves over 150 markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets and smartphones, and on gaming consoles.

iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the No. 1 all-in-one digital audio service with over a billion downloads; it reached its first 20 million registered users faster than any digital service in Internet history and reached 85 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service and even faster than Facebook. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, online, mobile, digital and social media, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (OTCBB: IHRT). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like hiking, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at www.iloveny.com/thebeat.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $72 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/. Sony is a registered trademark, and Clear Phase and Live Acoustics are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford F-150, Mustang, C-MAX Energi Honored with Top Quality Impact Awards; Ford Earns Corporate-Level Award

DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2016 – Ford F-150, Mustang and C-MAX Energi won accolades from customers for delivering a positive ownership experience and high vehicle quality, earning Top Quality Impact awards from Strategic Vision.

Ford F-150 – part of America’s best-selling lineup of F-Series trucks – won the full-size truck segment. The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever was recognized by customers for delivering power and pick-up, safety and quality workmanship.

“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” says Christopher Chaney, senior vice president, Strategic Vision.

Ford Mustang – which became the world’s best-selling sports coupe in its first year of global availability – won in the standard convertible segment based on high scores for image, interior design, and power and pick-up.

Ford C-MAX Energi took – a plug-in hybrid that can run in all-electric mode or on gas – received top honors in the small alternative powertrain car segment. C-MAX beat all other small hybrid and electrified vehicles in the survey by more than 150 points, including earning high marks for interior workmanship, comfort and thoughtful engineering.

Ford was recognized in the corporation category of the Total Quality Impact awards.

The awards are based on survey responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Read more here: http://www.strategicvision.com/#!“American-Quality-is-Already-Great-Again-Domestic-Vehicles-Win-Majority-of-Total-Quality-Awards”/xn2o1/57622f550cf2c6c5726628c7

Transit Mobility/Shuttle Van

Here's a great shuttle and mobility van in one great package from Nor-Cal Vans in Chico CA. We just sold this unit to a customer in Yuba City CA. See more photos and information here.

Or call Paul Brown at 530-682-7693 for more information.

We All Need Assists | Escape | Ford

We all need assists with Enhanced Active Park Assist, available in the new 2017 Ford Escape. Be unstoppable.

Unique Service Body and Dump Body Combination from TruckCraft

We have a rare unit in stock. This is a TruckCraft TC-300 Service Body and Dump Combination with a 3-yard capacity. It is mounted on an F-450 4x4 Crew Cab chassis so it is designed to carry a bit of weight. See more about this unit here.

Or call Paul Brown at 530-682-7693 while this unit lasts.

Ford Fusion Wins Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS; Earns Good Ratings in All Five Crashworthiness Tests

• 2017 Ford Fusion earns good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests, resulting in rare Top Safety Pick+ award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• New modified front-end structure cited for good performance in small overlap front test
• 2017 Fusion’s front crash prevention system, including new optional active braking system, earns a superior rating

DEARBORN, Mich., June 14, 2016 – A modified front-end structure and an optional new active braking system help the 2017 Ford Fusion qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Like previous Fusion models, the 2017 car earns good ratings again in the agency’s four other crashworthiness tests – moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

Not only that, the midsize car’s front crash prevention rating improved from basic to superior with the addition of active braking. In track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph, Fusion avoided collisions. The optional system also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

“The 2017 Ford Fusion is our most advanced car yet and we’re proud to see it recognized by NHTSA and the IIHS for its safety performance too,” said Bill Strickland, chief program engineer, Ford Motor Company. “Great new features include a pedestrian detection system and hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability, as well as existing optional lane-keeping assist and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.”

To qualify for an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests and have an available front crash prevention system that secures it an advanced or superior rating.

2016 GMC Sierra 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 440 diesel horsepower, 860 lb. - ft. of standard torque and diesel fuel economy. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

10-Speed Cluster Display for 2017 F-150 is the New Launch Countdown

DEARBORN, Mich., June 15, 2016 – You don’t need to be a rocket enthusiast to experience Ford’s all-new launch countdown – or count-up, as the case may be.

Ford, America’s truck leader, displays all 10 gears of its all-new 10-speed transmission for the 2017 F-150 right where the customer can easily see them, in the truck’s instrument panel.

The all-new Ford-built transmission – the first volume-production 10-speed automatic available to consumers – will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions, thanks to optimized wide-span gear spacing coupled with drag-reduction actions. Three overdrive gears and a wider span enable lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds while still maintaining best-in-class towing performance.

Smarter shift logic helps 2017 F-150 customers tow with improved confidence using tow/haul mode. All-new adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time – ensuring the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including in sport mode.

An integrated electric pump works with the standard Auto Start-Stop system for seamless restarts and improved driving efficiency.

Weight savings play a key role in improved shifting performance. The 10-speed gearbox – the first from Ford not to employ cast-iron components – uses advanced materials and alloys that result in lighter weight. Additionally, an integrated torque converter/turbine clutch helps shave more than two pounds, while also reducing the packaging footprint.

The all-new 10-speed is paired with Ford’s second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine. Ford engineers designed the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost to provide best-in-class torque for a V6 engine – one that beats all gasoline- and diesel-powered competitors at more than 450 lb.-ft. The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine torque. It is ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Ford is investing $1.4 billion at its Livonia Transmission Plant to create or retain 500 hourly jobs to build the all-new 10-speed transmission.

A Tuxedo with Work Boots: All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch, Platinum Offer Premium Vinyl Flooring Option

• Ford is adding durable, premium vinyl flooring as an option for all-new F-Series Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum edition for customers wanting a $75,000 luxury truck that can double as a work truck without fear of damaging the interior
• Standard carpeting can be replaced with easier-to-clean vinyl flooring across all Super Duty trim levels
• Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum feature model-specific designs in flooring, along with clips for carpeted or all-weather floor mats

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2016 – For customers who feel equally at home in cowboy boots or a sport coat, Ford is now offering Super Duty in top trim levels with the versatility to match.

“Super Duty customers want a truck that can rival luxury cars in comfort and technology without having to worry about it getting dirty,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager.

With durable, easy-to-clean vinyl flooring previously offered for XL and XLT trim levels, the all-new 2017 truck marks the first time the option is available across the entire lineup of the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever built. Ford knows work and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive, so durable, premium vinyl flooring for Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum edition customers offers the best of both worlds.

Scott points out that heavy-duty truck customers looking for luxury and versatility is an untapped market. “Super Duty customers use their trucks in all aspects of their lives – including for work and as a personal vehicle,” he says. “They want the luxury of a King Ranch or Platinum edition, while maintaining their ability to use the truck for work without fear of ruining the interior.”

The vinyl flooring available for Super Duty King Ranch and Platinum is more durable and thicker than base vinyl, adding to the premium feel of the top trims. Both versions of vinyl flooring offer improved ability to wash out the interior.

Both King Ranch and Platinum get model-specific vinyl flooring with unique designs and clips to hold carpeted or all-weather floor mats. Base vinyl flooring is standard on XL models, and optional on XLT and Lariat.

The 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty goes on sale this fall.

We Are All Wide Open | Escape | Ford

We all can be wide open with the new 2017 Ford Escape and available Panoramic Vista Roof®. Be unstoppable.

2016 Kia Optima vs 2016 Ford Fusion | Fusion | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 Kia Optima? Consider the 2016 Ford Fusion with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, Active Park Assist and more. Stand out. By Design.

Get the Crew To the Job and Get the Work Done Too!

Paul Brown of Geweke Ford in Yuba City CA shows off an F350 Dually chassis with the Crew Cab configuration and the benefits of this setup. This unit also has a 10' Scelzi Contractor Body mounted on it. This combination makes an excellent work truck for any crew.

See more at http://geweketrucks.com

2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 vs 2016 Ford Super Duty | Super Duty | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500? Consider the 2016 Ford Super Duty with 440 diesel horsepower, diesel fuel economy and 3,340 lbs. of payload. See how the Ford Super Duty is Built Tough.

How Ethiopia Habtemariam Rose to the Top in Her Ford Explorer | State of Music | Ford

Sit down with Motown Records President, Ethiopia Habtemariam, as she shares the passion and drive of Motown artists. The Ford Explorer gives Ethiopia the freedom she needs to stay on top of what’s next and live the “Motown Way.”

2015 Dodge Journey vs 2015 Ford Edge | Edge | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2015 Dodge Journey? Consider the 2015 Ford Edge first, with its EPA-estimated 30 highway miles per gallon, foot-activated lift gate and more. See how you can Be Unstoppable – in the Ford Edge.

EPA-estimated rating of 20 city/30 hwy/24 combined mpg, 2.0L EcoBoost,® FWD. Actual mileage will vary.

Ford Bolsters Front Row Storage in New Escape to Accommodate Electronic Devices, Power Ports and More

• With redesigned center console, new Ford Escape provides 25 percent increase in front row storage and 15 percent increase in overall storage compared with existing model
• New electronic parking brake allows for redesign that includes two new convenient storage areas, larger media bin with power ports, updated cupholders and new swing-bin glove box
• Main center console bin is nearly 50 percent larger; new design is more ergonomically efficient for a driver’s right arm  
• Already tied* for highest-ranked compact SUV for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates, the new Ford Escape looks to improve on that standing with interior and technology upgrades designed to enhance the driving experience

DEARBORN, Mich., June 6, 2016 – Storing your wallet, plugging in your cellphone and enjoying that cold, oversized beverage just got a whole lot easier with the new 2017 Ford Escape, thanks to the compact SUV’s redesigned interior.

Escape, the No. 2-selling Ford brand nameplate behind only F-Series, arrived in showrooms this month armed with the latest in advanced technologies – and more elbow room. The SUV has 25 percent more front row storage and 15 percent more overall storage compared with the existing Escape, thanks mostly to the redefinition of the space between the front seats.

“That whole center console area is what we call ‘Manhattan real estate’ because it’s valuable,” said Zulf Ali, Ford senior interior designer. “It isn’t a lot of space to work with, but as a designer, those constraints are exciting. It’s a challenge that forces you to be more creative – to ask yourself, ‘OK, how can we get clever with this?’”

The first hurdle was replacing the traditional handled parking brake with a smaller electronic parking brake button. With that, Ali was able to move the gear shifter rearward – opening up access to an area that now houses the media bin and power ports. Moving the gear shifter back also allowed designers to create a more comfortable position for a driver’s right arm.

In front of and behind the gear shifter, Ali created two storage bins to place wallet, keys, sunglasses and other everyday items often left sliding around on the passenger seat.

“We found ways to utilize as much of the space as we possibly could,” said Ali. “Adding the electronic parking brake really opened up a whole new world of possibilities.”

Slightly wider, the console features improved cupholders designed to accommodate a greater variety of bottle sizes, a larger main bin, and a front storage area that features easy access to a lighted USB port and 12-volt power outlet. The main center console bin, which also houses a USB port, is nearly 50 percent larger than in the current Escape. Using that USB port, drivers can keep their cellphone securely stored while remaining connected to the vehicle’s SYNC^® 3 driver connect system.

A passenger-side cargo net adds additional storage, and the glove box uses a new swing-bin design to make it easier to store and access items.

Already tied* for highest-ranked compact SUV for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates, the new Ford Escape looks to improve on that standing with these interior upgrades and new technology offerings – all designed to enhance the driving experience.

Latest technologies

Available SYNC Connect for the new Ford Escape gives FordPass^® members remote access to their vehicle from their mobile device. SYNC Connect enables drivers to use the 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.

Escape is also loaded with driver-assist technologies, including:

• Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support: Sensors detect when Escape is approaching a slow-moving vehicle, and adjust cruise control accordingly
• Enhanced active park assist: Provides steering assistance to park the vehicle in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot, and pull out from tight parallel parking spots; driver controls brake, accelerator and shifter. Technology includes side park distance control
• Lane-keeping system: The system includes lane-keeping alert, which alerts drivers when they drift unintentionally from their lane, and lane-keeping aid, which provides steering assistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back into its lane 
• Driver Alert System: Using data from the lane-keeping system, the Driver Alert System can detect signs of fatigued driving and provide a warning on the instrument cluster

Already available driver-assist features for the new Escape include:

• Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert: BLIS^® can alert drivers when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot in a neighboring lane. An indicator light provides a warning in the side mirror
• Hill-start assist: The feature holds the vehicle stationary on a hill long enough for the driver to transition from brake to gas pedal
• Auto high-beam control: System automatically switches from high to low beams, and vice versa, depending on ambient lighting
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate: Opens liftgate with the simple kick of a key fob-carrying customer’s foot beneath rear bumper – perfect for those whose hands are loaded with gear

 

*Ford Escape received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact SUVs in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 Initial Quality Study. Study based on responses from 84,367 new-vehicle owners, measuring 244 models, and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed from February to May 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

2016 Chevy Suburban vs 2016 Ford Expedition EL | Expedition | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2016 Chevy Suburban? Consider the 2016 Ford Expedition EL with its NHTSA 5-star safety rating, PowerFold® third row seat, extra cargo space and more. See how you can Be Unstoppable – in the Ford Expedition EL.

Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Ratings based on 2015 model year test results.

2016 Ford Super Duty owner reveals what it's like to own one | Super Duty | Ford

We asked a Ford Super Duty owner to tell us everything about his truck — from how it helps him do his job, to the technology, to the power under the hood. This is what he told us.

2015 Chrysler 300 vs 2015 Ford Taurus | Taurus | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2015 Chrysler 300? Consider the 2015 Ford Taurus first, with its available EcoBoost performance and best-in-class fuel economy. Sophistication. By Design.

EPA-estimated rating of 22 city/32 hwy/26 combined mpg, 2.0L EcoBoost,® FWD. Actual mileage will vary. Class is Full-Size Sedans, Non-Hybrid. Based on Ford segmentation.

2015 C-MAX Energi owner reveals what it's like to own one | C-MAX | Ford

We asked a 2015 C-MAX Energi owner to tell us everything about her car—from the technology to the space to the way it drives. This is what she told us.

2015 Edge owners reveal what it’s like to own one | Edge | Ford

We asked Ford Edge owners to tell us everything about their SUV – from the technology to the drive to the space for their family. This is what they told us.

How F-150 Raptor Sticks to Trails: All-New BFGoodrich Tires Are More Capable, Comfortable Than Ever

The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever gets a specially developed set of BFGoodrich tires that improve both on- and off-road performance while increasing comfort.

Ford Wins Best Small Engine 'Oscar' for 5th Year Running, 1 in 5 Ford Vehicles Sold in Europe with 1.0-litre EcoBoost

• Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is named 2016 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the fifth consecutive year – despite increased competition from major global automotive manufacturers in the sub 1.0-litre class
• Ford achieves ninth win for fuel-efficient and sporty engine, previously overall winner a record three times, and best newcomer; powers one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe
• Ground-breaking 1.0-litre EcoBoost is class winner for drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology. EcoBoost ingenuity now being employed in new EcoBlue diesel engines

STUTTGART, Germany, June 1, 2016 – Ford’s tiny yet powerful 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine has been voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. Judges praised the combination of drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology that continues to set the standard.

The frugal three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” by a panel of 65 automotive journalists, from 31 countries, to win its class each and every year since launch. This year it finished ahead of 32 competitor engines, 19 more than it competed against in 2012. Significantly, 2015 also saw an increase in competition from global automotive manufacturers of sub 1.0-litre, turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection.

In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row, and also was in 2012 named “Best New Engine.”

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The spirit of innovation continues to drive us as we look to use the same smart thinking for a new breed of efficient, clean and powerful down-sized diesel engines.”

Available with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, and even 180 PS in the Ford Fiesta R2 rally car, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine powers vehicles in 72 countries worldwide. In 140 PS form, the engine delivers a bigger power-to-litre ratio than a Bugatti Veyron. A road-legal Formula Ford fitted with a 205 PS version of the engine also lapped the famous Nürburgring circuit, in Germany, in 7 minutes 22 seconds; a performance that put it ahead of a host of supercars including the 600+ horsepower Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda.

Eleven models, including Fiesta, EcoSport, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Grand C‑MAX, Tourneo and Transit Connect, Tourneo and Transit Courier, and Mondeo are available in Europe with the multi‑award winning engine. One in five all-new Ford vehicles sold in Europe in 2015 were equipped with the 1.0-litre unit, including almost two in five Fiestas.  

The technology of Ford’s EcoBoost petrol engines is now being employed in the newest down‑sized diesel engine from Ford, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue launched in Ford Transit earlier this year. Utilising a low inertia turbocharger, high pressure direct fuel injection, integrated manifolds, belt-in-oil and other low friction elements it delivers a 13 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and 20 per cent more low-end torque. *

Globally, Ford’s range of powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines includes 1.5-litre, 1.6‑litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines, and 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines. The latter powers the all-new Ford GT supercar that will return to racing in Le Mans later this month.

“That it’s won the overall award three times and keeps getting the jurors’ votes now highlights just how special Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost is,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the 18th International Engine of the Year awards that were held in Stuttgart, Germany, and editor-in-chief of Engine Technology International magazine. “It’s a fantastic testament to how down-sizing and greater fuel efficiency needn’t mean sacrifice in other areas like power, refinement and drivability, and can even help enhance these elements.”  

* The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO₂ emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and electric range. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.