For the Love. #InAMustang | 2015 Ford Mustang Videos

The 2015 Ford Mustang changes everything. Watch the reawakening of this couple's passion for work, life, and each other. #InAMustang.

Adin and Olivia. #InAMustang | 2015 Ford Mustang Videos

Watch as this man trades his one true love, a ’65 Mustang, for another true love. #InAMustang

2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Earns Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid named a Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• C-MAX Hybrid earned a rating of “good” in moderate overlap front, side, head restraint and seating tests

• C-MAX Hybrid safety features include standard multiple airbags, AdvanceTrac^® with Roll Stability Control^™ and antilock brakes

The 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the second consecutive year.

The organization performed multiple crash tests on C-MAX Hybrid, resulting in a “good” rating in side crash, roof strength, restraint and seating evaluations.

“Ford takes the safety of our customers very seriously,” said Steve Kenner, global director, Ford Automotive Safety Office. “We are proud C-MAX Hybrid has achieved a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”

Standard C-MAX Hybrid safety equipment includes MyKey^®, AdvanceTrac^® with Roll Stability Control^™, driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, safety canopy system, SOS Post Crash Alert System^™ and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Available driver-assist features include a rearview camera, active park assist, forward sensing system, reverse sensing system and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2014 C-MAX has best-in-class passenger volume with 99.7 cubic feet. It also has class-exclusive features such as SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide, integrated blind spot mirrors, Active Grille Shutters, dual-zone automatic temperature control and Easy Fuel^® capless fuel filler. Available class-exclusive features include leather-trimmed seats and a hands-free liftgate.

Ford, Suppliers Help Develop Industry-First Technologies for Mustang, F-150; Working Together Key to Ford's Aggressive 2014 Product Launches

• Ford announces details on innovative techniques used to develop its all-new 2015 Mustang and F-150 – two of 23 products coming to market globally in 2014 that are the result of the company’s strong supplier relationships

• Ford’s Aligned Business Framework with its Matched Pairs and Executive Business Technology Review initiatives help guide the company’s process to attract the industry’s best technologies

• Ford strives to be suppliers’ customer of choice through the industry’s highest product refresh rates, commitment to product excellence and innovation, and clear brand positioning

Ford Motor Company today announced details on new development techniques used to create its all-new Mustang and F-150, originating with the automaker’s suppliers. As Ford embarks on its most aggressive product launch year to date, with 23 launches globally – 16 in North America – the company is looking to its suppliers to help differentiate its products in the global marketplace, while continuing to meet customer expectations for safety, quality, sustainability and technology.

“As part of our One Ford plan, our suppliers are critical to creating profitable growth for all,” said Hau Thai-Tang, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing. “With the industry’s highest product refresh rates, commitment to product excellence and innovation, and clear brand positioning, Ford is a preferred customer with the supply base.”

At the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar, Thai-Tang outlined several industry-first, Ford-supplier technologies that are being introduced on new 2015 products including:

• Quarter windows for 2015 Mustang 50 Years Limited Edition: Rather than a traditional plastic or metal louver that sits on top of the glass, Ford worked with Magna International to create quarter windows consisting of an industry-first louvered glass. The result is a modern homage to a classic design cue that is unique to the Mustang 50 Years Limited Edition
• Hydroformed A-pillar and roof rails, 2015 Mustang: To deliver top performance with the most efficient headroom package and weight, Ford worked with Schuler and Midway to engineer the heaviest-gauge steel hydroformed A-pillar and roof rails. Through the collaboration, torsional stiffness increases 28 percent for the new car while the body-in-white is lighter than the previous model
• Stronger, lighter high-strength steel frame, 2015 F-150: As part of Ford’s collaboration with Metalsa, the company used tailor-rolled blanks with variable material thickness, patented structures that reduce material usage without decreasing performance, increased high-strength steel from 22 percent to 77 percent and improved joining to take more than 60 pounds out of the frame while improving rigidity and enabling higher towing and hauling ratings
  
  Segment-first LED headlamps, 2015 F-150: Ford collaborated with OSRAM and Flex-n-Gate to design an innovative full-solid-state headlamp design that saves energy, is designed for longevity, and casts a much brighter and clearer light down the road than halogen or incandescent lamps. A jewel-like optical cube channels light energy from a single LED chip to provide optimal lighting and visibility

“Considering the impact suppliers have on our business, with 70 percent of the value of the vehicle being purchased from our supplier partners, our suppliers are critical to our ability to offer attractive solutions to our customers,” said Thai-Tang. “Ford’s Aligned Business Framework, which we introduced close to ten years ago, fosters an environment of transparency and will continue to guide our close relationships with our suppliers.”

Strong ties with suppliers

Ford has relationships with more than 1,100 production suppliers operating at more than 4,600 manufacturing sites that produce 130,000 parts for inclusion in vehicles the company sells. Because of the integral role its suppliers play in the company’s overall growth and sustainability, Ford works to foster a business environment that is both creative and transparent, leading to new innovations and acceleration in the development of new vehicles.

A core component of Ford’s strong supplier relationship is its Matched Pairs system, an internal alignment initiative between its product development and purchasing departments. Through the system, not only are the technical and commercial strategies aligned, but members from each department are paired so that decisions are made in tandem from the beginning. This approach increases collaboration from product design through procurement, and simplifies communication by reducing the points of contact for each commodity. The alignment of the two departments means they share a common cost objective, and improves interaction with suppliers by allowing them to engage directly at the right level.

The Matched Pairs system is part of Ford’s Aligned Business Framework. It enables supplier innovations to reach customers quicker by providing more robust tracking of new technologies, from idea to implementation. The framework encourages more communication between suppliers and senior Ford leaders, offers greater opportunities to increase scale, and engages suppliers earlier in the product design process. Ford has more than 100 Aligned Business Framework suppliers.

Another framework initiative helping to spur supplier innovation is the Executive Business Technology Review. This allows Ford’s senior leadership team from product development and purchasing to experience suppliers’ latest technologies through a show-and-tell, and for Ford to potentially be the first automaker to introduce these technologies to drivers around the world. Key technologies introduced through the review include Ford’s hands-free liftgate, active park assist and lane-keeping system, which debuted on various 2012 and 2013 Ford vehicles. Ford will continue to leverage its Aligned Business Framework to provide a systematic structure for suppliers to introduce new technologies to Ford customers.

 “Many technologies on the road today were developed as a result of our supplier relationships,” said Thai-Tang. “We will continue to strive to be our suppliers’ customer of choice through our continued new product introductions and emphasis on technology excellence.”

Consumer Confidence Drives Booming Sales of Motorhomes Built on Ford Chassis and Vans

• Sales of Class A motorhomes, which can retail for more than $150,000, are up 12 percent year-to-date through May, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., reflecting a growing economy and increasing consumer confidence; sales of smaller Class C motorhomes are up 14 percent for the same period
  

• Ford motorhome chassis sales are outperforming the market, with the automaker’s Class A stripped chassis sales up 17 percent and Class C chassis sales up 16 percent year-to-date through May, according to the market analysis firm. Ford increased production of its stripped chassis by 33 percent in 2014 to meet growing demand
  

• Ford has broadened its motorhome and recreational vehicle chassis lineup with the introduction of the 2015 Transit van and cutaway, giving customers more options in Class B and Class C segments

Ford Motor Company, America’s best-selling motorhome chassis manufacturer, has boosted production of its Class A motorhome chassis and introduced new options in response to growing consumer confidence and demand for recreational vehicles.

Total motorhome sales are up 13 percent year-to-date through May, according to data from Statistical Surveys Inc., a market analysis company specializing in the RV, marine and manufactured housing industries. Sales of Class A motorhomes – the largest and most luxurious on the road – are up 12 percent through May.

Sales of smaller van cutaway-based Class C motorhomes are up 14 percent for the same period.

“Motorhome sales are cyclical, and correlate with improving economic performance,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Like boats, homes and luxury cars, motorhomes – especially Class A – are big-ticket items, so when we see a continued upward trend in sales, it means people have far greater confidence to make a large, discretionary purchase.”

Ford leads both the Class A and Class C motorhome chassis markets, with a 63 percent share of the Class A market and 72 percent share in Class C chassis year-to-date through May, according to data from Statistical Surveys Inc.

Ford motorhome chassis sales are outpacing the market. Total Ford motorhome chassis sales are up 16.5 percent year-to-date through May, compared to the 13 percent growth in total motorhome sales. Ford Class A motorhome stripped chassis sales are up 17 percent versus the total Class A market’s 12 percent, while Ford’s Class C van cutaway chassis sales, at 16 percent growth, are outpacing total
Class C chassis sales gains by 2 percentage points.

Ford increased production of its F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis used for Class A motorhomes and commercial vehicle applications, such as parcel delivery, by 33 percent through the first half of 2014 to meet growing demand.

“We believe we will see further growth as the industry continues to recover,” said Merkle. “Demographic drivers of this overall growth in the RV market include retiring baby boomers with more time for travel and leisure.”

Class A motorhomes are recreational vehicles built on a stripped truck chassis where the driver’s area is part of the living area. Ford supplies frame rails, suspension, powertrain and steering components to Detroit Chassis for assembly into motorhome chassis for customers like Winnebago and Thor Motor Coach. Prices for Class A motorhomes can exceed $150,000.

Class C motorhomes are built on a cutaway chassis consisting of frame, suspension, powertrain and cab. The living area is accessible behind the driver’s compartment. Class C motorhomes retail from $43,000 to $200,000, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Ford’s E-Series cutaway is the top chassis choice in this market. The all-new 2015 Ford Transit cutaway offers customers more options for lighter-weight chassis in Class C motorhomes.

The introduction of Transit also gives customers additional choices for their Class B motorhome.
Commonly called “camper vans,” Class B motorhomes are built using OEM vans or panel trucks.

They drive like a van, and retail for between $60,000 and $130,000, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Transit’s choice of three roof heights, two wheelbases and three powertrains gives customers the ability to customize their camper van cost-effectively, as choosing the high-roof Transit model eliminates the need to raise the roof or drop the floor of a traditional van.

“Transit versatility makes it a great fit for the motorhome market,” said Minyang Jiang, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “While our E-Series cutaway will continue to address the heavier needs of the Class C motorhome market, Transit cutaway provides a lighter-weight option. And for camper vans, you can’t beat the high-roof Transit’s best-in-class interior height – passengers more than 6 feet 4 inches tall can stand upright inside.”

Ford to Present $30,000 to Winner of Community Leader of the Year Award During Neighborhood Awards This Weekend

• 2014 marks Ford’s eighth consecutive year as title sponsor of the 2014 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey, comedian and best-selling author
• Ford will present the winner of the Community Leader of the Year Award with a check for $30,000 to be used as a donation to his or her nonprofit organization of choice   
  
•  Ford’s efforts to support breast cancer awareness continue this awards weekend with the kickoff of the first-ever “Pink Friday”; Ford will also feature an interactive booth display and ride-and-drives in some of its newest products like the 2014 Fusion and 2015 Expedition

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 5, 2014 – Beginning Friday, Ford will continue in its efforts to go further in the community as part of the brand’s involvement in the 2014 Ford Neighborhood Awards, which takes place for the first time in Atlanta. This year marks Ford’s eighth consecutive year of participation in the annual awards show hosted by Steve Harvey, a comedian and best-selling author.

For the second year in a row, Ford will present the winner of the Community Leader of the Year Award with a check for $30,000 to be used as a donation to his or her nonprofit organization of choice to further community efforts locally.

“The Ford Neighborhood Awards continues to represent a mainstay within the African American community,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford multicultural marketing. “Each year this show gets bigger, and Ford is excited to be able to present the Community Leader of the Year Award recipient with a check for $30,000 to ultimately give back to the local community.

“Our goal as a brand is to not only go further when it comes to our products, but also as it relates to our communities,” Thompson added. “With this award and donation, we are able to play a role in directly impacting the local community of this year’s winner – extending our involvement beyond the actual awards show.”

Ford’s participation in the 2014 Neighborhood Awards also includes an opportunity for attendees to drive some of the brand’s newest products, like the 2014 Fusion and 2015 Expedition during consumer ride-and-drives on Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9. Attendees can learn more about the brand as part of Ford’s interactive booth display during the Neighborhood Awards Weekend Expo. Ford is official sponsor of the Ford VIP After Party hosted by Nephew Tommy on Saturday.

‘Pink Friday’ – Ford booth goes pink for breast cancer awareness

On Aug. 8, for the first time, Ford is activating “Pink Friday” in an effort to raise awareness around breast cancer and the importance of early detection. For each of the first 250 test drives the company is offering, Ford Warriors in Pink will donate $20 to the Susan G. Komen local affiliate office to help advance the fight against breast cancer.

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. Now in its 20^th year, Ford continues in the fight by issuing a strong call to action encouraging women to drive more conversations on breast health. The Drive the Conversation 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.

The 12^th Annual Ford Neighborhood Awards

The 12th annual Ford Neighborhood Awards honors local businesses, religious and community leaders, and churches and high schools for their contributions and excellence within their own neighborhoods. Award categories include best church, beauty salon, community leader, barber shop, fried chicken place, high school teacher, high school, nail salon, car wash and detail shop, BBQ place and church choir. The awards show is best described as the Oscars with an urban flair, featuring a diverse and ultra-talented group of celebrities who present 12 nontraditional awards to stars of the community.

“For eight years, Ford has remained committed to this event and what it represents,” said Thompson. “We look forward to recognizing everyone who is being honored this weekend, in addition to sharing some of our newest products and technologies with attendees.”

Be sure to join the social conversation throughout the weekend by using hashtag #fordup.

Ford Super Duty Towing with Jarrett Edwards

TV host Jarrett Edwards discusses towing with the Ford Super Duty. Find out what the Super Duty can do for you!

DSO on-the-Go with Ford

Ford Motor Company and Detroit Symphony Orchestra are building on their long history together by launching a new performance series, “DSO on-the-Go with Ford,” which features 10 free performances by DSO musicians at neighborhood locations around Detroit.

Jarrett Edwards and Towing in Manual with the Ford F-150

TV host Jarrett Edwards discusses the advantages of towing in manual with the Ford F-150. Find out what the F-150 can do for you!

Ford Brings Together Natural Hair Industry Experts for Panel at Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention

• Ford is the presenting sponsor of the 67th annual Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention, which kicks off this weekend in Atlanta

• Ford is bringing together some of the country’s top natural hair industry experts for a panel discussion hosted by LaTavia Roberson of R&B Divas Atlanta and a Grammy Award winner

• Ford will give away the keys to a 2015 Mustang to a Bronner Brothers attendee, while participants can experience and learn about Ford’s newest products in a fun and meaningful atmosphere. Test drives, including the new 2015 Expedition, will be offered – along with an interactive booth display and surprise celebrity appearances

This weekend the city of Atlanta will be abuzz with thousands of hair industry professionals as part of the 67th annual Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention. Ford, an 11-year collaborator on the trade show, will be there to shine the spotlight on the business and activity centered around the natural hair care industry as part of its involvement in this year’s show.

The panel, “The Business of Natural Hair: Changing Landscape or Trend?” will be hosted by LaTavia Roberson of R&B Divas Atlanta and a Grammy Award winner. Panelists include Jane Carter, CEO of Jane Carter Solutions; Tamika Day and Jamal Edmonds, natural hair stylists and 2013 Ford Top Ten Winners; and Lexi, founder of natural hair blog www.lexiwiththecurls.com.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide the forum around a conversation that is so relevant within the beauty industry as a whole,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. “This panel discussion will not only generate dialogue, but it will hopefully provide industry professionals with additional information that will help their respective businesses continue to thrive and adapt to the ever-changing beauty landscape.”

Bronner Brothers, which is billed as the largest cosmetology trade event of its kind, will take place at Georgia World Congress Center, Aug. 2-5, 2014. Ford’s natural hair panel will take place Sunday, Aug. 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. In addition to showcasing new industry tools, trends and technology, the convention features educational classes, competitions and entertainment events targeting licensed barber and beauty professionals.

As part of its collaboration, Ford will provide an opportunity for attendees to drive some of its latest products, like the new 2015 Expedition. In addition, one Bronner Brothers attendee will walk away with keys to the all-new 2015 Mustang.

“Ford’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is integrated across every aspect of the company,” said Thompson. “Through efforts with trusted brands like Bronner Brothers, we maintain the ability to drive deeper brand connections with multicultural consumers. This year marks the continuation of an exciting collaboration that celebrates black culture and its influence on creative beauty trends around the globe.”

Throughout the show, interactive activities will take place at the Ford display, including giveaways and surprise celebrity appearances.

“We are introducing new ideas that put Ford front and center, while also re-energizing Bronner Brothers’ commitment to our core audience – most of whom are professional stylists and barbers seeking education and networking,” said Gerald Render, vice president, marketing, Upscale Magazine. “With Ford at the helm as presenting sponsor again, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver an experience that celebrates African American beauty and culture like no other.”

Be sure to join the social conversation throughout the weekend by using hashtag #fordup and #BBHappyHair.