2015 Ford F-150 Truck: The Future of Tough

Check out the 2015 F-150 truck, unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Switch - Choosing the Ford Fiesta SE Sedan

Find out why Nita and Benny switched from a Honda Civic to the Ford Fiesta SE sedan.

The Language of Tape: Ford Designers and Modelers Use Tape to Communicate Throughout the Development Process

• Americans rely on tape to complete their gift wrapping, but auto designers use it to perfect vehicle styling

• Ford designers and modelers communicate with each other by placing tape on clay vehicle models to mark where details need to be refined

• Tape is a critical tool in the design process that leads to development of any new vehicle. It provides precision and a life-size visual that cannot be replicated, despite advancements in digital technology

Tape is not just for wrapping presents. Ford designers rely on low-tech tape to hone the styling of any new vehicle.

The design process of a vehicle is a long and artistic journey that begins with designers sketching ideas on paper. From there, the team moves to scaled-down clay models and 3D CAD drawings, eventually milling full-size clay vehicles to analyze body styling options. Clay is the ideal material for vehicle models as it allows the modelers to carve away or add lines and accents. Ford designers refine the surface language to make a vehicle that is appealing to customers.

As clay prototypes of new vehicles are created, designers take tape to the malleable material to show modelers the lines they want perfected on the car. Designers and modelers use tape this way to communicate with each other throughout the design process of all Ford cars and trucks.

“Great design is about proportions,” said Kemal Curic, Ford exterior design manager. “From the beginning, we need to focus on creating the right structural lines – the skeleton of the car. Then our job is to tailor the vehicle body to enhance the figure. This is a process of editing every single line to find the perfect balance of concave and convex angles. We achieve this on the clay model, and tape is what we use to decide which lines to move.”

For vehicle designers, tape is its own language. Even with modern 3D digital imaging, automakers still rely on clay to sculpt and mold vehicles as the design develops. Tape brings a measure of precision to a process that results in a life-size 3D visual that cannot be duplicated on a computer screen, complementing the digital process.

“Tape gives us a defined line that is like a carpenter laying a level line on a building,” said Larry Pelowski, Ford master modeler, exterior design. “So when the designers put tape on the model, there is no question what their intent is.”

Tape offers both precision and artistry unmatched by other tools, said Pelowski. He explains it is a flexible material that can be retaped over and over again until the designers find the line they want to pursue. A tape line maintains the integrity of the width of the line; this is especially important when drawing a line with an arch that might otherwise be difficult to keep at a consistent size.

Artistry with tape is not a new phenomenon; auto designers once drew entire vehicles with the malleable adhesive.

“Tape was the medium of choice for creating life-size drawings,” said Garen Nicoghosian, Ford exterior design manager. “They’d stretch Mylar on large boards and do a full-size tape drawing, which captured the essence of the car. The idea of tape drawings has evolved over time; we’ve integrated digital media now, and have technology that allows us to view full-size models based on CAD data, on very large display screens. In the past, tape was used because it was the first opportunity to see a full-size vehicle, it was the best way to draw accurate lines on a 1:1 scale.

“Today, the artistry of tape continues, but we use it primarily on clay models,” he adds.

How much tape does Ford use every year? Plenty. If one were to stretch the black tape used on clay models by the Ford design team, there’d be about 155 miles of tape a year.

KBB.com: Ford Mustang, Explorer top performance car, full-size SUV to own over five years

Two Ford-brand vehicles have been named to the KBB.com 2014 5-Year Cost to Own Award list by Kelley Blue Book. Kelley Blue Book projects customers shopping for full-size SUVs and crossovers will get the lowest five-year ownership cost from the 2014 Ford Explorer, while sports car buyers will get the best deal with the 2014 Ford Mustang. The KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Awards are designed to help shoppers make more informed purchase decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details, and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected total over five years. Purchase price, fuel, insurance and repair costs, plus maintenance, financing and depreciation are factored in. Click here for more information on the awards.

All-New Ford F-150 Adds Tough New Snow Plow Prep Option Across All Cab Configurations

• The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will be the only light-duty pickup with a manufacturer’s snow plow prep option across all cab configurations
• F-150 owners with snow plow prep option can operate a plow installed via the aftermarket
• Maximum light-duty plow weight will be over 450 pounds

Winter warriors will have a tough new tool in their arsenal against Mother Nature with Ford’s new snow plow prep option, available on the all-new 2015 F-150. Ford will be the only manufacturer to offer a light-duty snow plow prep option across all cab configurations – Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew.

When snow plow mode is activated via the push of a button, the vehicle temporarily turns off nonessential features to provide dedicated power for the plow.

The option package requires the truck be equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive, and is available across XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels.

“The new 2015 F-150 is the toughest F-150 ever, and by using more high-strength steel in its frame and advanced materials in the body, we’ve made the new truck up to 700 pounds lighter,” said Eric Peterson, Ford F-150 marketing manager. “This leads to more capability and better handling, which is exactly what you’d want for plowing. Adding a snow plow prep kit to our lineup helps ensure our customers have even more tools at their disposal to get the job done.”

Upon taking delivery of a new F-150 with the snow plow prep option, owners will need to take their truck to a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to purchase and install the plow hardware. The maximum light-duty plow weight will be over 450 pounds. 
 
Pricing for the snow plow prep option, excluding the plow, will be announced later this year. The all-new 2015 F-150 will arrive in dealerships at the end of 2014.

All-New Ford Transit Connect Delivers Best-in-Class 30 MPG Highway

Ford Transit Connect van can add best-in-class fuel economy to its long list of features. The 2014 Transit Connect van has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 30 mpg, making it best-in-class. It also has best-in-class cargo space, towing and payload, with its segment-leading EcoBoost^® engine rated at 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

American Pop Culture Icons Converge As Stern Pinball Announces Three New Ford Mustang-Themed Games

• A new pinball game from Stern Pinball, featuring the all-new Ford Mustang and celebrating 50 years of the original pony car, debuts at the Chicago Auto Show

• Stern Pinball will also offer a premium game featuring Mustang Boss 302, Boss 351 and Boss 429, plus a limited-edition game honoring the 1965 original and all-new 2015 Mustang

• Champion pinball player Zach Sharpe will challenge journalists to beat his high score on the new machines during media preview days at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7

The all-new Ford Mustang headlines a trio of new pony car-themed pinball games to be revealed at the Chicago Auto Show. Crafted by Chicago’s own Stern Pinball, the Mustang-inspired games combine two prime examples of 20^th century American pop culture – the coin-operated pinball machine and the original pony car.

“For five decades, Mustang has represented some of the best of American culture, inspiring a feeling of freedom and independence for people around the world,” said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager. “We’re excited to have Stern Pinball join us here in its hometown of Chicago with its brand-new games featuring Mustang.”

Stern is introducing three new Mustang-themed games this spring featuring cabinet and backboard artwork that pay tribute to 50 years of Mustang. The pro-level machines, designed for arcades and other public spaces, feature Mustangs from the past five decades. The more feature-rich premium edition focuses on Mustang Boss 302, Boss 351 and Boss 429 of 1969 to 1971 and 2012 to 2013.

Stern Pinball is one of many companies producing officially licensed products to celebrate 50 years of Mustang. Other licensees include Mattel with a 50 Years of Mustang Hot Wheels collection, Caddyshack with a limited-edition Shelby GT500 Mustang golf car and the Mustang GT pedal go kart from Berg. A range of apparel and other products are available from shopfordmerchandise.com.

The all-new 2015 Mustang makes its first Chicago appearance at the auto show alongside six of Stern’s pro-level Mustang games. Top-ranked competitive pinball player Zach Sharpe will also be on hand to demonstrate the new game and set benchmark scores for show visitors and media to challenge.

A special limited-edition model signed by the game designer features the 1965 original and the all-new 2015 Mustang. Both premium and limited-edition games feature genuine chrome Mustang badges on the speaker grilles.

“The first car I ever bought was a 1970 Mustang Sportroof with a 302, and I’m currently restoring a 1969 Mach 1,” said George Gomez, executive vice president for game design, Stern Pinball. “In designing these new games, we wanted to celebrate the freedom and fun of driving Mustang.”

The games incorporate a mix of classic pinball play features and modern technology to let players “go racing” with some of the greatest Mustangs of all time, and even build up a dream collection as they progress.

Different interactive sections of the playfield and sequences of shots let players go drag racing, rallying, drifting and road racing in pursuit of a high score. For example, hitting specific targets with the ball enables gear shifting, and subsequent hits activate going up or down through the gears. The games feature video displays in the backboard and real Mustang sounds, giving players the visceral experience of driving Mustang.

Chicago is the spiritual home of the classic coin-operated pinball machine. The modern games were developed in the city in the 1920s and 1930s by companies such as Bally, Gottlieb and Williams as an evolution of 18^th century French parlor games. Over time, designers added a wide array of features to enhance gameplay, and incorporated pop culture themes from movies, television, music and comic books – the same mediums that often incorporate Mustang.
Pinball pioneer Harry Williams said, “The ball is wild!”

“The beauty of pinball is that there is no set outcome, and it can’t be programmed like a video game,” said Gary Stern, founder of Stern Pinball. “That makes pinball a perfect match for Mustang, taking drivers anywhere they want to go.”

The very first Mustang-themed pinball game was introduced in 1964, the same year as the car, by the now-defunct Chicago Coin Company. Unfortunately, all of the other great Chicago pinball companies succumbed to the challenge of the video game business. Stern has committed to creating great games that remain true to what made pinball fun in the first place, while incorporating modern design and mechanical systems to challenge players.

2015 Ford Mustang

The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang fastback and convertible is backed up by world-class performance from a range of available engines, including a new turbocharged EcoBoost^® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower. In addition to state-of-the-art connectivity systems, Mustang features available advanced driver-assist systems, track apps, launch control and more.

Features of the Ford Super Duty

The Ford F-Series has been the number one selling line of trucks for 37 years in a row. It fully supports any type of work ethic and offers all the right tools to ease loading, accessing, and managing the heaviest payloads in the class.

Features of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi

The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi are both efficient vehicles, with state of the art batteries, electric motors, and gas engines. Both are powered by a lithium ion battery and have best-in-class fuel economy.

Ford Invests $80 Million, Creates 350 Jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant to Meet Surging Demand for F-Series Super Duty Trucks

• Ford will invest $80 million and add 350 jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant to increase production by an estimated 15 percent to satisfy customer demand

• $80 million investment supports facility upgrades, retooling and significant automation improvements in the body and paint shops

• With the production increase in 2014, Kentucky Truck Plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty since the truck’s introduction in 1999

Ford Motor Company, the industry’s truck leader, will add 350 new jobs and invest $80 million in its Kentucky Truck Plant to meet growing demand for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.

The $80 million will pay for facility upgrades, retooling and increased capacity to meet market demand. The investment and new employment opportunities are estimated to result in a 15 percent increase in production capacity, or approximately 55,000 units.

“Customer demand for F-Series Super Duty trucks is growing substantially, and F-Series overall is America’s best-selling truck for 37 years running,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Building on more than 100 years of manufacturing in Kentucky, we are proud to expand our profitable growth in the region as a result of our leadership in trucks and SUVs.”

Kentucky Truck Plant

Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickups, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. With the production increase in 2014, the plant will build the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty. The truck was introduced in 1999.

“We are happy to be adding new jobs at Kentucky Truck Plant, because we know the impact these jobs will have on the local community,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “It’s especially rewarding to know these jobs come as a result of customer demand. It shows customers understand and appreciate the dedication our UAW Ford workers put into delivering top-quality products like Ford F-Series Super Duty.”

Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,000 people.

“This is a great day to be both ‘Ford Tough’ and a Kentuckian,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “For more than a century, Ford has created quality vehicles and quality jobs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I’m looking forward to seeing even more Kentucky-made Ford F-Series pickups on the roads, and more Kentuckians back to work as a result of this investment.”

Ford F-Series Super Duty

The 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup is an example of Ford’s dedication to continuously providing advanced powertrains and innovative technologies that answer customer demands. Ford trucks offer power, toughness and durability, making Ford the top-selling truck brand in every major commercial sector.

The 2015 Super Duty is Ford’s most capable heavy-duty pickup truck yet. It features significant updates that include the second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 turbo diesel with a new, larger turbocharger. In addition, multiple mechanical changes lead to increased torque, horsepower and towing capacity, while giving superior fuel economy and durability for customers. Most of the 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup will be on sale this spring. The F-450 pickup truck will be on sale by this summer.

Celebrating its 65^th anniversary last year, Ford F-Series topped 750,000 sales in 2013, with more than 70,000 trucks sold in December after eight straight months of sales above 60,000 vehicles. On average, a single F-Series pickup was sold every 41 seconds in 2013.

“F-Series continues to dominate the segment, widening the gap between Ford and key competitors,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “The continued domination of F-Series has made the Blue Oval not just the industry leader for trucks, but America’s favorite truck manufacturer.”