#40YearsTough: A Classic F-150 | 40 Years Tough | Ford

Meet designer Kim Lewis and her vintage F-150 Ranger, Pearl. As a designer, she lives her life by telling stories through her work and bought Pearl because Ford has a story she relates to. Lewis is just one of the many customers that helped make Ford America’s best-selling truck brand for 40 years.

Bamboo: Ford’s Future Solution Towards Eco-Conscious Vehicles | Sustainable Innovations | Ford

Bamboo is one of the world’s strongest natural resources. According to Janet Yin, Materials Engineering Supervisor at Ford’s Nanjing Research & Engineering Centre, and her team of engineers, it could be the future solution to producing high quality, eco-conscious vehicles.

Ford F-150, F-250 Super Duty, Transit, Transit Connect, Taurus Win Vincentric Best Fleet Value In America Awards

Seven Ford Motor Company cars, trucks and vans have won the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards for 2017. The awards recognize vehicles that provide fleet customers with lowest total cost of ownership.

Ford’s 2017 winners are proven performers that have taken home awards in prior years:

• Ford Taurus SE: Seven-time large sedan winner
• Ford F-150 XL: Five-time full-size half-ton pickup winner
• Ford F-250 Super Duty XL: Two-time full-size three-quarter-ton pickup winner
• Ford Transit Connect XLT: Five-time small commercial passenger van winner
• Ford Transit 150 XL low-roof van: Three-time full-size half-ton passenger van winner
• Two Lincoln models, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Lincoln MKX Premiere, also earned awards.

Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards are based on fleet lifecycle costs in eight key areas – depreciation, fuel, insurance, financing, repairs, fees and taxes, opportunity costs and maintenance. Winning vehicles have the lowest lifecycle costs across 28 ownership and mileage scenarios – ranging from 24 months of ownership/10,000 miles annually to 60 months/40,000 miles annually.

Learn more, including the specific trim levels of the award-winning vehicles, at www.vincentric.com.

Ford F-150 Earns Top Green Vehicle Award For Pickups in 2017 AAA Green Car Guide

• 2017 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew has earned a Top Green Vehicle award in the pickup category from AAA Green Car Guide for its best-in-class gas fuel economy, roomy interior and handling
• With a lighter yet stronger military-grade aluminum-alloy body paired with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 with Auto Start-Stop, the 2017 F-150 has a best-in-class EPA gas fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined
• As the best-selling trucks in America for more than 40 years, F-Series vehicles remain the toughest, smartest, most capable Ford trucks ever; with more fuel efficiency innovations, F-Series has also earned best truck value from Kelley Blue Book

The 2017 Ford F-150 has earned a Top Green Vehicle award in the pickup category for its best-in-class gas fuel economy from AAA Green Car Guide.

The 2017 F-150 4x2 with 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 returns 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, which is best-in-class gas fuel economy. (EPA shows the 2017 F-150 as the most efficient standard-size pickup, with a 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined rating.)

“Many drivers need the flexibility of a larger vehicle, but still want to make a green choice,” said Megan McKernan, manager, Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “AAA awarded the Ford F-150 XLT the 2017 pickup category winner in the AAA Green Car Guide for its best-in-class fuel economy, great visibility, spacious interior and exceptional handling.”

While gas prices are 40 percent lower than five years ago, consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles remains high. A survey from AAA shows fuel efficiency remains a major purchase consideration for all U.S. drivers, with 70 percent rating it an important factor.

With the toughest, smartest, most capable Ford trucks, Ford continues to innovate with a variety of powertrain and fuel-saving options. These include the first 10-speed automatic transmission on a production truck, and standard Auto Start-Stop technology for improved fuel economy.

Winning Top Green Vehicle from AAA Green Car Guide comes on the heels of F-Series also earning best truck value from Kelley Blue Book and F-150 4x2 was named the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Greener Choice award - the only full-size truck in the council’s Greener Choices list. These, among other recognitions highlight Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle in America for 35 consecutive years. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.

Ford SUMURR Project: Combating Infant Mortality in India | Go Further | Ford

Ford Senior Technical Leader for Innovation Venkatesh Prasad developed a platform to speed up access to health-care services for expecting mothers in hard-to-reach rural areas in India.

Working with the SUMURR project, Prasad aims to give expecting mothers the resources they need to deliver healthy babies - bringing them much needed medical supplies and practitioners.

ONE CHIP AT A TIME: HOW ONE ENGINEER'S INNOVATION HAS FORD NOW RECYCLING 20 MILLION POUNDS OF ALUMINUM A MONTH

• Chip Conrad, a Ford stamping engineer, led the design of an expansive closed-loop recycling system that enables the company to reduce waste, save energy and improve sustainability
• Americans are pretty good at recycling things found in their homes – lead-acid batteries, cardboard boxes, soup cans, newspapers – items that in a typical week, might add up to 10 pounds in their municipal recycling bins, per the EPA; Conrad’s load is a bit heavier, as his system recovers 5 million pounds of high-strength military-grade aluminum scrap a week
• Now in use at Dearborn Stamping, Kentucky Truck and Buffalo Stamping facilities, Ford’s recycling system recovers enough military-grade aluminum alloy to build either 51 commercial jetliners or more than 37,000 F-Series truck bodies a month
• Using large vacuum systems and miles of tubes, scrap material gets shredded into smaller chips that are sucked into the system and routed via a series of computer-controlled gates; the scrap is dispersed in multi-ton piles in the back of a semi-truck

DEARBORN, Mich., April 21, 2017 – Americans are quite good at recycling things found around their homes. In a typical week, according to the EPA, items like lead-acid batteries, cardboard boxes, soup cans and newspapers might constitute a 10-pound load in their municipal recycling bins. But Chip Conrad, a Ford stamping engineer, takes on a bit of a heavier load – recycling 5 million pounds a week of high-strength military-grade aluminum scrap.

Conrad led the design of an expansive closed-loop recycling system that enables the company to reduce waste, save energy and improve sustainability. Now in use at three Ford factories, two of which build F-Series, America’s best-selling pickup for 40 consecutive years, the system is producing savings that are nothing short of monumental. Ford is now saving enough recycled high-strength military-grade aluminum alloy to build either 51 commercial jetliners or more than 37,000 new F-Series truck bodies a month.

Using high-strength military-grade aluminum-alloy bodies for new F-Series trucks enables Ford to provide best-in-class capabilities for its customers, explains Conrad, while also leading to improved sustainability. “Not only does this make sound business sense,” he points out, “it’s helping Ford reduce its environmental impact.”

The main environmental advantage of recycling scrap aluminum is that it takes one-tenth the energy required to reprocess scrap aluminum than it does to make new aluminum, according to the Aluminum Association. The organization estimates that because of how cost effective it is to recycle aluminum, 75 percent of all aluminum produced is still in use today.

Think of it like a water slide

At the heart of this closed-loop recycling system is a large, automated vacuum system and more than two miles of tubes crisscrossing the plants. Developed at Dearborn Stamping Plant, where F-150 – the first high-volume truck to use a high-strength military-grade aluminum-alloy body – is built, the system is now in use at Kentucky Truck, home to Super Duty, and Buffalo Stamping, which manufactures alloy panels for commercial F-Series trucks.

As doors and fenders are stamped into shape, scrap material is shredded into chips, roughly the size of a dollar bill, which get sucked into the system and routed via a series of computer-controlled gates until the journey ends seconds later in a multi-ton pile in the back of a semi. Think of it as a long water slide ride for aluminum scrap, with a splash landing at the end.

“The system automatically knows which of the four different grades of alloy is being stamped at a given time, then it routes the material into one of four trucks standing by to send it back for reprocessing,” says Conrad.

As Ford expands the use of aluminum in its product lineup, closed-loop recycling systems will be essential to the long-term viability of lightweight materials and meeting overall sustainability targets.

F-Series impact

Modern, clean and efficient, Kentucky Truck Plant builds the much-lauded F-Series Super Duty F-250 to F-550 vehicles. These trucks share cab components with Dearborn-built F-150 pickups – allowing Ford to maximize manufacturing efficiency and recyclability.

The use of recyclable high-strength military-grade aluminum means 2017 F-150 boasts best-in-class fuel economy among gasoline-powered trucks. For the all-new Super Duty, it means best-in-class capability – 2017 F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks use a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum alloy for the body. Ford reinvested much of the resulting weight savings into expanding Super Duty’s capability to include more towing and hauling capacity, along with a greater combined gross vehicle weight rating.

“Our ability to recycle leads to improved fuel economy and capability for our truck customers,” says Conrad. “And it helps us build more affordable, high-performing, efficient trucks.”

2017 Ford Escape SE with Technology Package: Ford Owner’s Perspective on Luxury | Escape | Ford

Ford owner Marla Chiapetta takes us through the 2017 Ford Escape SE and shows us what she loves most about her Ford. With available Android Auto compatibility*, SYNC Connect with FordPass™**, and ample cargo space, it’s easy to see why the 2017 Ford Escape SE with Technology package can be the vehicle for you, too.

*Android Auto is available on 2017 models with SYNC 3; owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade. Requires phone with compatible version of Android Auto and active data service. SYNC 3 does not control Android Auto while in use. Google and other third parties are responsible for their respective functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Android Auto, Google, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.

2018 Ford Mustang Shelby® GT350: Bringing Art to Life | Mustang | Ford

Ehab Kaoud, Ford Chief Designer and Artist, tells us what he loves most about the Ford Mustang, and how art comes to life again with the 2018 Shelby® GT350 and GT350R.*

*Pre-production model shown. Available Fall 2017.

Ford’s New Shopping Mall Office: Fairlane Town Center | Sustainable Innovations | Ford

As the Ford Motor Company corporate campus undergoes an extensive, decade-long makeover, 1,800 employees are occupying an unusual space—an office inside a shopping mall.

Ford Extends Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustang Availability to 2018 Model Year

• 2017 Shelby® GT350 and GT350R Mustang – the most track-ready, street legal Mustang ever produced – to continue as 2018 model year offerings
• 2018 models available in three new exterior color choices – Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Lead Foot Gray
• Iconic pony car to continue featuring powerful 5.2-liter V8 engine that produces 526 horsepower

DEARBORN, Mich., April 17, 2017 – In honor of National Mustang Day, Ford announces that the most track-capable, street legal Mustang ever built is back for another lap.

Ford Motor Company announces Shelby® GT350 and Shelby GT350R Mustang will continue for 2018, available in showrooms this fall. The new models will be unchanged from the 2017 versions, with the exception of three new exterior color choices, Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Lead Foot Gray.

Standard equipment carrying over to the 2018 Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustang includes the incredible 5.2-liter V8 FPC engine which produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as engine oil, transmission and differential coolers to keep the car properly cooled while on the track. In addition, a no-compromise braking system with vented 15.5-inch two-piece front rotors and six-piston Brembo® calipers along with the MagneRide™ damping system round out the standard equipment to produce the most balanced Mustang ever.

An available Electronics Package for both models includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system. An available Convenience Package for GT350 models replaces Recaro® manual seats with six-way power, heated and cooled sport seats with Miko® suede inserts for both driver and passenger.

2017 Ford Escape SE: Ford Owner’s Perspective on Space and Convenience | Escape | Ford

Ford owners Violeta Mantilla and Anabel Izquierdo walk us through the 2017 Ford Escape SE and show us what they love most about their Ford. The vehicle’s ample cargo space, rear view camera and integrated blind spot mirror are reasons why this Ford Escape is best for you.

Life Rolls On: Inspiring Infinite Possibilities Beyond Paralysis | Go Further | Ford

For Ford Owner Jesse Billauer, surfing has always been the part of living that makes him feel truly alive. Surfing has brought many amazing things to Jesse’s life, including his mission to inspire people to follow their dreams, enjoy their passion and go further with the Life Rolls On Foundation.

From the surfer who gives special children a reason to smile, to the Ford dealer who leaves his job to fight a fire, there are people around us who go further every day. Ford salutes all owners, dealers and employees who embody the meaning of Go Further.

Kelley Blue Book Honors Ford F-Series Trucks with its 2017 Brand Image Award for Fourth Consecutive Year

DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2017 – Kelley Blue Book has bestowed its 2017 Brand Image award on Ford F-Series trucks for the fourth consecutive year, eight out of nine times overall Ford has taken the honor.

Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award winners are based on annual new-car buyer perception data and published on KBB.com. The awards recognize outstanding achievements by automakers in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of new-vehicle buyers.

According to Kelley Blue Book, Ford is taking home best overall truck brand for the fourth straight year for giving truck buyers what they want in its F-150, including best-in-class towing and payload capacity, a cab filled with functionality, technology, and luxury amenities, and more.

“Superior product lineups and compelling marketing communications from automakers continue to influence consumer opinion, driving interest in particular brands, and, most importantly, positively affecting vehicle consideration,” said Rick Wainschel, vice president, customer analytics and insights, Kelley Blue Book.

Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, said the recognition demonstrates Ford’s commitment to delivering on the wants and needs of its truck customers, and to staying ahead of the competition by offering more capable, stronger, smarter F-Series trucks.

“What’s made the Ford truck team so successful for so many years is its ability to anticipate the needs of our customers – who they are, and what they need to move forward – which helps us design, engineer and build America’s best-selling trucks,” said Eckert.

The award is the latest in a series of accolades for Ford F-Series trucks, including the all-new 2017 Super Duty, which took home Texas Truck of the Year and Motor Trend Truck of the Year. The all-new F-150 Raptor was named Pickup Truck of the Year by FOUR WHEELER and Best Pickup of 2017 by Cars.com, and honored with Autotrader’s Must Test Drive Award. F-150 earned the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award for the third consecutive year and the Autobytel Buyer’s Choice award.

The recognition highlights Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle in America for 35 consecutive years. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.

All-New 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Named Pickup Truck of the Year in the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards

DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2017 – The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor was named “Pickup Truck of the Year” in the 2017 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence awards.

Having evaluated all the competitors over the course of the year Popular Mechanics editors chose the all-new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor as the “vehicle that transcends the competition” across all classes of trucks.

“We have only nine categories covering the entire car market, so by design, winning isn’t easy,” said Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics automotive editor. “The Raptor is to a standard F-150 what Bruce Banner is to the Incredible Hulk. You can do 60 mph across terrain that would have most trucks smashing their oil pans at 30.”

The purpose-built, off-road F-150 Raptor builds on the success of its predecessor with performance gains and new technology. The all-new Raptor stands alone among high-performance off-road trucks, featuring a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission and six-mode Terrain Management System™. Its high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body saves 500 pounds over the previous model.

The 2017 F-150 Raptor’s competition-proven chassis also sets the performance bar with its second-generation BF Goodrich KO2 tires designed exclusively for the truck’s extended off-road capabilities. In addition, upgraded FOX Shocks (jointly engineered by Ford Performance and FOX) are 44 percent larger with 3-inch diameter shock canisters (2.5-inch previously) and nine-stage bypass damping delivering improved suspension control. The new shock design enables an increase in suspension travel to 13-inches at the front and 13.9-inches at the rear (a 0.8-inch front and 1.9-inch rear increase in wheel travel compared to its predecessor).

Popular Mechanics Pickup Truck of the Year award is the latest in a series of accolades for the all-new F-150 Raptor, which was also named FOUR WHEELER’s Pickup Truck of the Year, Best Pickup of 2017 by Cars.com, the Autotrader Must Test Drive winner and The Fast Lane Truck Gold Hitch off-road award winner.

The recognition highlights Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle in America for 35 consecutive years. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.

Ford Police Responder Hybrid: The Evolution of Police Vehicles | Hybrid and Electric Vehicles | Ford

From the patrol cars of the prohibition era, to the contemporary pursuit vehicles on the road today, Ford has continuously been a trailblazer in the evolution of police interceptors. Now, as part of a $4.5 billion commitment to electrification, the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is prepared to be the police cruiser of the modern era.

2017 Ford Fusion Energi: Ford Owner’s Perspective on Vehicle Experience | Fusion | Ford

Ford owner Dave Higby takes us through his 2017 Ford Fusion Energi and shows us what he loves most about his Ford. With sophisticated design, it’s easy to see why the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi can be the car for you too.

How to Drive in Dense Fog | Extreme Weather Driving Tips | Ford

This video will help you know the steps to take if you encounter dense fog on the road.

Ford owners want to go everywhere in their vehicles, no matter what type of weather they might run into. This video series provides helpful tips for navigating any type of extreme weather situation on the road.

Drive with confidence—no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Compare 2017 Honda CR-V vs 2017 Ford Escape | Head to Head | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2017 Honda CR-V? Consider the 2017 Ford Escape with available enhanced active park assist, up to 3,500 lbs. of towing power when properly equipped, and a Consumers Digest Best Buy Award. Become a part of America’s best-selling brand with the Ford Escape.

2017 Ford Escape Titanium: Ford Owner’s Perspective on Interior Features | Escape | Ford

Ford owner Crystal Harris takes us through the 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and shows us what she loves most about her Ford. With the ease of available SYNC® 3, push-button start, and SYNC Connect with FordPass™ capabilities*, it’s easy to see why the 2017 Ford Escape Titanium can be the car for you, too. 

*Compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

Compare 2017 Chevy Equinox vs 2017 Ford Escape | Head to Head | Ford

Thinking about buying a 2017 Chevy Equinox? Consider the 2017 Ford Escape with available enhanced active park assist, up to 3,500lbs. of towing power and a Consumers Digest Best Buy Award. Become a part of America’s best-selling brand* with the Ford Escape.

*2016 CY sales.

The New 2018 Mustang: Pulsing Start Button | Mustang | Ford

What does the average resting heart rate of an adult Mustang horse have in common with the new 2018 Ford Mustang*? They share the same heartbeat.

*Pre-production model shown. Available Fall 2017.