Go Further - Ford Fusion Commercial

Life comes at you from every direction. When you're on the road, the Ford Fusion with its available BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and available rear-view camera will help you keep tabs on it.

Ford Fusion Energi Adventure: Charging Station

The winner of the Ford Fusion Energi Adventure received a road trip of their choosing and a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi!

In this video, the winner, Justine, learns about locating charging stations for her Ford Fusion Energi using MyFord Mobile.

Ford Fusion Energi Adventure: Quiet Drive

In this video, Justine, is amazed at how quiet the vehicle is while driving.

20 Years Strong – Ford Warriors in Pink Drives the Conversation with New Survey on Breast Cancer Awareness

• National survey shows that despite awareness of breast cancer as a leading health concern, women are not talking enough about breast health

• Ford Warriors in Pink issues strong call to action to drive more conversations about breast health

• Now in its 20^th year, Ford continues in the fight against breast cancer, dedicating more than $125 million for the cause to date

Ford Motor Company and its Warriors in Pink campaign kicks off its 20^th year of support in the fight against breast cancer by issuing a strong call to action encouraging women to drive more conversations on breast health. Over the past 20 years, Warriors in Pink has observed how informed conversations can drive awareness and inspire women to be proactive about their breast health.

A relentless change agent in the fight against breast cancer, Warriors in Pink has embraced its role as a catalyst to inspire honest conversations among women. A recent national survey conducted by Ford Warriors in Pink shows that despite being a leading health concern for women, important breast health conversations are not happening enough – particularly between mothers and daughters.

“Through Warriors in Pink, Ford continues to be a unifying force in driving awareness for breast cancer,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “This year is especially meaningful to us as we mark our 20th anniversary and honor the strength and courage of all the survivors who have shared their stories with us throughout their journey.”

Driving the conversation

To examine the state of conversation around breast health, Ford Warriors in Pink commissioned the Drive the Conversation survey among U.S. adult women, with specific emphasis on mothers and daughters.

The survey reveals a disconnect between what women care about and what they actually talk about. Both mothers and daughters admit they are more likely to talk about breast health if the other initiates the conversation, and 45 percent of daughters wish they were comfortable enough to talk to their mother about breast health.

While mothers and daughters are committed to and comfortable with having important conversations, they are not having enough conversations about breast cancer. Only 41 percent of mothers report discussing breast cancer with their daughters, and 52 percent of daughters admit that it does not occur to them to talk to their mother about breast health.

One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer every year, yet about one third of women still don’t think about breast health until it is mentioned by their doctor.

“As a mother myself and the youngest of three siblings, I felt that this was a great opportunity to put more light on the important health conversations we should be having more of with our loved ones,” said Tracy Magee, Ford brand experiential marketing manager. “And creating a comfortable space to have these conversations is critical.”

According to the survey, the majority of women (68 percent) believe that a vehicle provides a private and safe setting for important health conversations, with 38 percent admitting they sometimes wait to have important conversations until they are in the car.

The power of 20

In honor of its 20 years in the fight, Ford continues its commitment to the Models of Courage program highlighting 20 individuals, each sharing their inspiring experiences with breast cancer.

“We are deeply honored to welcome these 20 courageous and inspiring women and men to the Models of Courage program and are proud to have them represent Warriors in Pink – each with their own heartfelt story to share. They are true embodiments of our warrior spirit,” says Magee.

The Models of Courage will share their stories, inspiring hope and helping others face their battles throughout the year at national and community events, and in Warriors in Pink communications.

Wear the warrior spirit

This month, Ford is also introducing the 2014 Warriors in Pink line of apparel and accessories dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Warriors in Pink apparel collection features bold symbols that signify hope and strength, and that embody the warrior spirit of taking charge, harnessing power and standing together. This year, the collection will feature new items including a hoodie T-shirt, a lightweight jacket and a men’s polo and necktie, as well as best-selling accessories such as the annual women’s scarf and an updated versatile tote.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from all warrior wear and gear sales is dedicated to the fight against breast cancer benefiting Warriors in Pink’s four charity partners: The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.

The 2014 Warriors in Pink collection will be available at www.fordcares.com.

Oklahoma, Dallas Order 300-Plus CNG-Capable Ford F-150 Pickups As Demand Grows for Alternative Fuel Option

• The state of Oklahoma and its agencies to buy 256 Ford F-150 trucks prepped to run on compressed natural gas; Dallas orders 65 for its fleet
• 2014 F-150 available with gaseous-fuel prep option on 3.7-liter V6 engine; can run on CNG or liquefied petroleum gas (also called propane autogas)
• By summer, Ford will offer eight vehicles that can run on clean-burning, affordable CNG; the company is on track to sell more than 15,000 such vehicles in 2014

The state of Oklahoma, its agencies and the city of Dallas have ordered a total of 321 Ford F-150 pickups that can run on compressed natural gas.

Since 2010, Ford CNG-prepped truck sales have increased more than 250 percent, said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sales manager. Cumulative sales are expected to exceed 50,000 trucks by the end of the year, and Ford expects demand for CNG-prepped vehicles to continue growing as more fleet customers recognize the economic and environmental benefits of this clean-burning fuel.

CNG-powered trucks lower costs and offer emissions benefits, and the alternative fuel is domestically produced, Coleman explained. Operating costs can be as low as one third that of conventional vehicles. Typically, the fuel savings cover the cost of conversion within three years.

“For fleet customers in Oklahoma, Texas and other states, a CNG F-150 really makes sense,” Coleman said. “The fuel is more affordable and widely available, and it reduces greenhouse gases and pollutants that cause smog.”

The 2014 F-150 is available with a gaseous-fuel prep option for the 3.7-liter V6 that can run on CNG or liquefied petroleum gas. CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs $315. The customer then chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $6,000 to $9,500, depending on tank capacity.

For fleet managers, CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices, lower vehicle operating costs and reduce pollutants. CNG sells for a national average $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in parts of the country. By comparison, the national average for unleaded regular gas is $3.67 per gallon.

Customers can also accelerate the payback period by taking advantage of a growing number of incentives issued by states such as Oklahoma.

CNG expansion

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is leading a coalition of 22 states seeking to use more CNG vehicles in their fleets. CNG is abundant in this country and reduces America’s dependence on foreign oil. CNG also lessens the environmental impact of greenhouse gas by 20 percent and reduces smog-producing pollutants up to 90 percent.

Fallin announced the CNG project at her inaugural Governor’s Energy Conference in 2011. Since then, she has worked with other Oklahoma officials and governors from other states, met with Ford and other automobile manufacturers, and received bids to add more CNG vehicles to the state’s fleets.

“I am excited about Oklahoma’s partnership with Ford Motor Company as we work to support energy efficiency, cost savings and the use of clean-burning American-made energy,” Fallin said. “Ultimately, converting our state fleets to CNG will save millions in taxpayer dollars.”

CNG prices in Oklahoma vary from $1.07 to $2.49 per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The average statewide price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.43. Fuel bills could be reduced as much as 67 percent with CNG vehicles, Coleman said.

Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas have expressed interest in Ford CNG-capable vehicles, Coleman said.

The specially equipped bi-fuel F-150 model purchased by Oklahoma features two storage tanks – the regular factory gasoline reservoir and a supplementary CNG tank. Combined, this gives the light-duty truck a range of up to 750 miles, depending on the size of the tanks. The most common configuration allows fleet operators to go 450 miles on CNG alone and another 300 miles on regular gas.

Most CNG options

By this summer, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, more than any other full-line manufacturer:

• 2015 Transit Connect van and wagon
• 2015 Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
• 2014 E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
• 2015 F-Series Super Duty pickup
• 2015 F-Series Super Duty chassis cab
• 2015 F-650 medium-duty truck
• 2015 F53 and F59 stripped chassis
• 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup

Power of Choice

CNG/LPG prepped vehicles are part of Ford’s commitment to offering a wide range of alternative fuel options to customers to help meet their mileage and driving needs, including EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, Flex Fuel and B20 biodiesel.

One-of-a-Kind 2015 Ford Mustang 50 Years Convertible Being Raffled to Support Multiple Sclerosis

• A single 2015 Ford Mustang 50 Years convertible will be produced for raffle, with proceeds supporting multiple sclerosis research

• The Mustang GT being raffled is the only 2015 convertible to be built with a performance pack and select content from the 50 Year Limited Edition fastback

• The winning ticket will be selected in Mustang Alley on Aug. 16, 2014 during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise

Ford continues its longstanding support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by offering a one-of-a-kind 2015 Mustang 50 Years convertible to be raffled off this summer. The winner of this exclusive convertible featuring select content from the 50 Year Limited Edition fastback will be announced in Mustang Alley in Ferndale, Mich., on Aug. 16, 2014 during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with and help The National MS Society again,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “As pleased as we are to be able to help financially with the Society’s No Opportunity Wasted research project, we also feel it’s important to help raise greater awareness of this terrific program. That we’re creating one – and only one – Mustang GT 50 Years convertible for the Society shows how much we respect and support their efforts.”

The car will be among the first regular production 2015 Mustang GT convertibles built this fall. Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 generating more than 420 horsepower and more than 390 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This will be the only 2015 Mustang convertible built with a special performance pack that includes 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero summer tires, Brembo six-piston painted front brake calipers and a limited-slip differential.

Like the recently announced 50 Year Limited Edition fastback, the convertible features a number of unique elements that distinguish it from other 2015 Mustangs:

• Wimbledon White exterior paint
• Chrome-accented grille with corralled pony emblem
• Chrome accents around the tri-bar taillamp lenses
• Axle spin-finish aluminum instrument panel trim
• Rear decklid badge with “GT 50 Years” identification
• Two-tone cashmere and black leather seats
• Contrasting cashmere stitching on instrument panel, steering wheel, shift boot, door inserts and seats
• Loop-carpet floor mats with cashmere stitching and suede binding
• 19-inch Y-spoke wheels inspired by the chrome steel wheels offered on original Mustang
• Owner’s guide in a leather portfolio with “50 Years” badge on the outside

This special Mustang also includes a badge on the instrument panel, engraved with the signature of Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford, and serial number 0001 of 0001.

A limited number of raffle tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through National MS Society, Michigan Chapter and Ford Motor Company, while supplies last. Tickets are $20 each. Ticket requests can be placed online anytime at www.ford4ms.com. Raffle tickets can also be reserved by phone at 800.243.5767 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

The winner does not need to be present when the lucky ticket is drawn at the Woodward Dream Cruise. The winner is responsible for title, taxes and registration.

Coco Jones Learns to Drive a Ford Fiesta

We gave Coco Jones a Ford Fiesta for her Sixteenth birthday! Watch from inside the Fiesta as she has fun behind the wheel for the first time.

Ford Sells 500,000th EcoBoost Engine for F-150 As Customer Preference Shifts to V6 Engines

• More than 56 million gallons of gasoline have been saved as Ford truck customers are choosing V6 EcoBoost^® engines – more than all the fuel savings of electric and plug-in electric vehicles ever sold
• Since 2010, Ford accounts for 91 percent of industry growth in V6 truck sales; all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will feature predominant V6 engine lineup
• Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine represents 45 percent of F-150 pickup truck sales in 2014, the best-selling engine in the lineup

Ford, America’s truck leader for 37 years, marks a major milestone with the sale of its 500,000^th 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost^®-equipped F-150.

Just more than three years after its introduction, popularity of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine continues to grow among F-150 customers as its cumulative fuel savings continue to increase.

In the past 38 months, F-150 EcoBoost owners collectively have saved an estimated 56.8 million gallons of gas on an annual basis. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that’s equal to:

• The annual greenhouse gas impact of 413,895 acres of U.S. forests
• A city in which 70,000 homes going without electricity for a year
• 6,685 tanker trucks’ worth of gasoline
• Installing 139 wind turbines

For the fourth month in a row, more than 57 percent of retail sales of Ford F-150 light-duty trucks are powered by V6 engines – reversing 47 years of V8 engine dominance in the industry. More than 45 percent of these sales are trucks equipped with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost.

Over the last three years, retail registrations of light-duty pickups powered by V6 engines grew more than 600 percent, with F-150 directly responsible for 91 percent of that growth, based on Ford analysis of Polk retail registration data.

“We expect those numbers to hold for the rest of the year,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “It really is amazing when you consider we are doing that with just two V6 engine choices – the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT engine. When we come out with the new 2015 F-150, we will offer three different V6 engines, so there is potential for further growth.”

The segment-exclusive technologies built into every EcoBoost engine, including turbocharging and direct fuel injection, are particularly relevant for truck customers. This combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection delivers a wealth of low-end torque and maintains it across a broad rpm range, which is key in towing applications.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable towing of up to 11,300 pounds – more than enough to tow a fully loaded, three-horse trailer or a large boat. Plus, this engine does it all on regular fuel and with outstanding fuel economy.

“Truck customers should think of the EcoBoost truck engine as a gas-powered engine with diesel-type capability and characteristics,” said Jim Mazuchowski, Ford V6 engines program manager. “The twin turbochargers and direct injection give it the broad, flat torque curve that makes towing with a diesel so effortless and hard acceleration so much fun.”

In the last three years, no competitor has eclipsed a 20 percent take rate for V6 engines in half-ton trucks. It’s been a predominantly V8 crowd, until the introduction of the Ford EcoBoost V6.

“Today’s customer doesn’t hold to the old notion that a truck must be powered by a V8 engine,” Scott said. “Just five years ago, you would have had a hard time making a case for V6 truck engines. Not today. Now, it’s all about fuel effectiveness. Customers are looking for the best combination of city and highway mileage, horsepower, torque, towing capacity, payload and value, asking the key question, ‘What is the most productive, efficient package for the work I need to do?’.”

That efficiency a V6 engine delivers is starting to have a significant impact on the environment. By moving half a million F-150 customers out of V8s and into V6 engines, Ford has saved more than 56 million gallons of fuel – more than all of the fuel saved from every electric and plug-in electric car ever sold.*

That gap will only widen as time goes on, Scott said.

Along with the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines, the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will offer a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop, built in Lima, Ohio.

Production of EcoBoost is supported, in part, by Ford's green partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Ford has 11 facilities in the U.S., including retooling of Cleveland Engine Plant where EcoBoost is made, participating in the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. This green loan program helped to develop advanced technologies and strengthen American manufacturing across the country.

*Note: This assumes people move out of a conventional, midsized hybrid into a more efficient vehicle that never or rarely runs on gas for 15,000 miles a year.

Ford Transit Connect Wagon: The Unminivan Breaks from Traditional Seven-Passenger People Mover

• A different kind of seven-seat people mover, the all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon combines style, efficiency and adaptability in an affordable package

• Transit Connect Wagon is the #unminivan, offering class-leading cargo and passenger space, and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg highway when equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBoost^®

• With the convenience of dual sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a maximum payload of 1,270 pounds, choice of a rear liftgate or side-hinged cargo doors, and starting around $25,000, Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level

Think of the all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon as the #unminivan.

Fuel efficient, flexible, uniquely styled and fun to drive, Transit Connect Wagon is an affordable people mover for families and active individuals who want to be ready for whatever life brings.

“Ford’s all-new Transit Connect Wagon is unlike anything else,” said Minyang Jiang, Transit Connect brand manager, Ford Motor Company. “It drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup. This new wagon is a great combination of affordability and functionality – a unique global vehicle we’re proud to offer our customers.”

Transit Connect Wagon is now on sale in North America at a starting price of around $25,000. It is available in two wheelbase lengths – a five-passenger with removable seating or a seven-passenger with fold-flat seating. It offers sliding side doors, a choice of a rear liftgate or side-hinged cargo doors, more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum payload of 1,270 pounds. Available trim levels include XL, XLT and the range-topping Titanium.

Customers can select from two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – the standard 2.5-liter with an EPA-estimated rating of 28 mpg on the highway, and a 1.6-liter EcoBoost^® with an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg highway.

Both engines are paired to a six-speed SelectShift^® automatic transmission designed for smooth driving around town and efficiency on the highway.

Award-winning Transit Connect: Fun to drive, Built Ford Tough

Transit Connect Wagon shares Ford’s global C-platform with the sporty Focus model, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots while being fun to drive on curvy roads. Torque vectoring control technology, which uses the brakes to provide stability through turns, is responsible for the fun handling characteristics the vehicle offers.

Transit Connect Wagon has been designed, engineered and tested to meet Ford’s rigorous Built Ford Tough durability standards. The testing equivalent of more than 3 million miles includes 250,000-plus miles in such demanding conditions as gravel roads, tracks that mimic rugged environments and pothole-damaged pavement.

The vehicle was introduced in Europe in 2002, and now, the 2014 Transit Connect van has been named International Van of the Year by a panel of European auto media. It debuted in North America in 2009, quickly becoming a fleet favorite for its size and capability as a hauler of people and cargo.
Now, with the arrival of the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, retail buyers have a fresh alternative to the traditional people mover.

The Transit Connect lineup posted its strongest annual sales in 2013, with just under 40,000 units sold, up 12.7 percent from 2012. Since its U.S. introduction, more than 150,000 Transit Connect models have been sold. 2014 so far has been the best year for sales of the wagon model.

California is the largest retail area for Transit Connect Wagon and van. The growth in this market is 300-plus percent more than the minivan segment, which grew by about 10 percent in the first quarter of 2014.

As unique as its buyer

Transit Connect Wagon and Transit Connect van offer spacious interiors and customization options that allow owners to personalize the vehicle to their lifestyle. Ten custom-built Transit Connect vehicles were showcased at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in November, demonstrating a range of potential uses – from a cross-country cruiser loaded with technology to a mobile video gaming station.

“Transit Connect Wagon fans are among the most passionate Ford customers, using their vehicle as a way to express their interests, hobbies and entrepreneurial spirits,” said Jiang. “From a support rig for a BMX bike team to a mobile workshop, customers have made great use of its spacious interior and flexible seating.

“Moreover, its starting price leaves some change in customers’ pockets that they can use for their passions, the things they really love in life,” Jiang added.

The short-wheelbase, five-passenger wagon model allows for the second row to flip, fold or be removed entirely. It features 77.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row with the second-row seats flipped forward, and 46.9 cubic feet of volume behind the second row.

The long-wheelbase, seven-passenger wagon model has second- and third-row seats that fold flat. It has 104.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row with the second and third row folded flat; with passengers in the second row, cargo volume reaches nearly 60 cubic feet.

The wagon model’s interior roominess is especially notable for its headroom, which bests many other seven-seat vehicles. Available headroom in the first row is 46.8 inches, with 45.1 inches in the second row. The long-wheelbase model has 41.3 inches of headroom in the third row. The excellent headroom Transit Connect Wagon offers led to Tall Clubs International recently naming it the official vehicle for the “vertically gifted.”

Drivers and passengers looking to store their stuff will find two overhead storage options in Transit Connect Wagon – an overhead storage shelf with retaining net and available aircraft-style overhead storage for rear passengers. Additionally, there’s room for small items on the floor under the first-row passenger seat. There is a second-row storage compartment in the long-wheelbase wagon model.

Advanced driver and safety technology

Transit Connect Wagon customers will benefit from the availability of popular driver-assist technologies and advanced safety features.

Available driver-assist features include a rear view camera, and forward and rear-sensing systems. The rear view camera shows what is behind the vehicle on a screen located in the center dash panel. The display’s color-coded guidelines and zoom feature help the driver align the vehicle, which is especially beneficial when towing.

At low speeds, ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper alert the driver to objects behind the vehicle, while front sensors warn of objects at the front. The closer an object is to the vehicle, the faster the beeps sound, escalating to a constant tone.

Industry-exclusive Ford MyKey^® technology is available, which can be programmed to limit top speed and audio volume, encourage seat belt use, and restrict incoming calls and texts to a paired cell phone.

The 2014 Transit Connect Wagon features side airbags for front-row occupants and side curtain airbags for all rows. The vehicle has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the government’s highest possible overall rating.

2,000 New Ford Kansas City Employees Celebrate Start of Production of Game-Changing 2015 Ford Transit Van

• With 2,000 new jobs and a $1.1 billion investment, Kansas City Assembly Plant begins Ford Transit van production; Ford now more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015

• Ford Transit is the newest member of the nation’s best-selling and broadest lineup of commercial vehicles, providing customers Built Ford Tough durability, best-in-class maximum interior cargo height, and better cargo volume and payload capacity than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler

• Transit offers three roof heights, two wheelbases and three body lengths, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle

Supported by 2,000 new employees and a $1.1 billion investment, the all-new Ford Transit van rolls off the line at Kansas City Assembly Plant today, as Ford aims to strengthen its leadership in the commercial vehicle segment.

On sale this summer, Ford’s next-generation full-size van family will provide tradespeople and businesses with increased capability and innovative new configurations in the growing commercial vehicle market.

It is another example of the company’s One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles leveraging global assets, including common platforms. The move results in bringing new jobs to the greater Kansas City area.

“Producing our Built Ford Tough Transit lineup in Kansas City is a big deal for the local community,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Our investment in Kansas City Assembly Plant for Transit production is about delivering world-class commercial vans for a new generation of commercial customers – while building on our decades of leadership in the market and supporting new jobs throughout the region and across America.”

The 2,000 new Ford employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant puts the company more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015. In 2014 alone, Ford will hire nearly 5,000 new hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. to support overall growth.

“Today represents much more than a next-generation vehicle rolling off an American assembly line for the first time, it represents another huge milestone for Missouri as we continue to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “With the all-new Transit, Ford’s historic investment in Missouri has brought another outstanding vehicle to consumers and thousands of good manufacturing jobs to our state. Today, the ‘Made in Missouri’ brand is back and stronger than ever.”

Ford Transit transformation

Transit is born from nearly a century of experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in America, Europe and other global markets.

In the U.S., Transit eventually will replace America’s best-selling van for 35 years, the E-Series van, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. E-Series vans and wagons still will be available and sold side-by-side with Transit into the 2014 calendar year, providing a seamless transition for Ford customers. Additionally, the E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis will continue to be built and sold through most of the rest of the decade.

Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965 and has been the best-selling commercial van in the UK for 49 years. Transit is currently sold in 118 markets on six continents.

The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 8 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area.

The new Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. The Transit van delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds.

In some configurations, Transit offers as much as 75 percent more cargo volume than the largest E-Series, helping customers save in fuel costs and time associated with having to make a second trip. Maximum payload increases more than 600 pounds across the Transit van lineup versus comparable E-Series vans.

Transit will be available in three body lengths, two wheelbases on van and wagon and three roof heights; in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle.

Moving from an all-gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series, Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and offers the Ford F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, along with a globally proven available 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® diesel option. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.

Transit has been tested to Built Ford Tough truck standards at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.

Kansas City Assembly Plant investment

In addition to Transit, Kansas City Assembly Plant produces Regular, Super and Crew Cab versions of Ford F-150. The plant employs 4,878 hourly workers on three crews. The third crew was added in the third quarter of 2013.

“The good news keeps rolling in for the dedicated, hard-working men and women of UAW Local 249,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “The addition of Transit to the Kansas City Assembly Plant line is a testament to the great work our members here and across the nation are doing every day, and helps solidify the future of Kansas City Assembly.”

Ford has invested $1.1 billion to retool and expand the facility for Transit production and support surging customer demand for F-150. Expansion projects include the addition of a 437,000-square-foot stamping facility and a 78,000-square-foot paint shop that will employ the three-wet and two-wet monocoat paint processes. Both processes are more environmentally friendly and take less time than conventional paint processes.

“These upgrades have helped make the Kansas City plant the global standard for Ford’s new manufacturing facilities across the world,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford vice president, North America manufacturing. “To support Ford’s global growth, in 2014 we will open three new manufacturing facilities – two of them in Asia Pacific and one in South America.”

The investment has also contributed to close to 550 new robots in the body shop, more than 700 new assembly tools in trim and chassis, and 18 new conveyor systems totaling 5,565 feet.

The new investment also will support Kansas City Assembly’s production of the all-new Ford F-150 in 2015, after the truck launches at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant in late 2014.

The 2015 Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks. The truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, enhancing dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, as much as 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency.

F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 66^th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 37 consecutive years, the best-selling vehicle in America for 32 consecutive years.

Community impact

The addition of Transit has had a significant impact in the Kansas City-area community. Kansas City Assembly Plant works with more than 100 suppliers nationally and eight suppliers locally that have grown their businesses because of the new Transit.

Stamping provider Cosma International, instrument panel assembler Piston Automotive and headliner manufacturer Grupo Antolin built brand-new facilities near Kansas City Assembly to support Transit. Additionally, seat supplier Magna International expanded its current Kansas City manufacturing facility in preparation for the start of Transit production. Furthermore, companies like Knapheide and Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, have established local facilities near the plant to upfit Transit vans.