How Ford Engineers Made the All-New F-150 the Toughest-Looking, Most Aerodynamically Efficient F-150 Ever

• Distinctive Built Ford Tough style of the all-new F-150 pushes boundaries of bold design while increasing aerodynamic efficiency over the previous model

• F-150 evolves hallmark design cues from first F-Series trucks

• Restyled badge echoes design elements throughout

Designers of the 2015 Ford F-150 had a challenging goal to meet when they set out to reimagine the world’s best-selling pickup: Create an aerodynamic, efficient design that did not compromise the tough, bold looks that define Ford trucks.

The team succeeded.

The new F-150’s structured look features squared-off edges, shapes and surfaces that convey confidence, capability and work readiness. Yet these elements also work together to allow F-150 to slip through the air more efficiently.

“The truck’s sharp, boxy shape gives it a tough appearance, but actually the key to the design is aerodynamic efficiency – getting the most out of the shape,” said Brad Richards, Ford F-150 exterior design manager. “We made F-150 look tough and capable, while also reducing wind resistance.”

Aerodynamic testing ensures a happy medium

Richards and team accomplished the feat of balancing strength and efficiency by incorporating sharp edges into the overall design. The strategically designed edges convey toughness, but also enable airflow to hug the surfaces at the front portion of the truck. Rear corners are designed to allow the air to cleanly detach from the vehicle to reduce turbulence and swirling air that can cause drag and reduce efficiency. The improved aerodynamics help increase efficiency by reducing the work performed by the engine to overcome aerodynamic drag.

The grille is vertical, yet its outer portions are angled back and lead to the headlamps and bumper corners that are also swept back to smoothly direct airflow down the sides, reducing drag. The beveled leading edge of the hood helps promote smooth airflow to the windshield and roof.

As the design of the all-new F-150 evolved with clay models, wind tunnel testing enabled designers to see where they could gain greater aerodynamic efficiencies:

• Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow
• Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off, reducing turbulence behind the truck
• Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box
• Rear corners including taillamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly, reducing turbulence behind the truck
• The duct under the headlamp channels air through to the wheel housing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.

“Testing in the wind tunnel helped us fine-tune a happy medium between styling, aerodynamics, engineering and cost,” said Richards. “We learned where we could push shape and design to reduce drag, and where to stop when we weren’t gaining anything.”

Toughness is in the details

“The shapes, lines, angles and motifs are much stronger on the all-new F-150, and the chiseled edges convey toughness,” said Richards. “The hallmark beltline along the outside mirrors is the strongest piece of Built Ford Tough DNA. That’s inspired by heavy equipment such as cranes and bulldozers. It looks good, but it also improves driver visibility.”

The dropped beltline styling element can be seen in the outline of the headlamps and taillamps, while bevels, angles and notches are incorporated into the hood, windshield and tailgate, as well as throughout the interior, including the sew patterns on the seats.

F-150 also retains heritage design cues, such as the familiar headlamp shape that evokes the grille surround of the 1948 Ford F-1 and wraparound steel front bumper.

New badge signifies efficiency, leadership

Design details of the truck carry over to the new badge design, in which the characters are shaped with bevels to mimic those found in the body design.

The signature “F” has been opened up to signify a lighter, more efficient truck, yet it’s also larger to emphasize F-Series truck leadership.

The new badge design, using a font called Bold Leadership, will eventually find its way onto all F-Series trucks – right on through to the medium-duty Ford F-750.

“F-Series is all about bold and tough,” said Marco Querciagrossa, who leads badge design for Ford vehicles. “We created a badge that confidently conveys that.”

Unleashed by Mustang: Ford Reveals Limited-Edition Fashion Collaboration with Global Designers

• Five top fashion designers from around the world collaborate with Ford on the Mustang Unleashed collection – a limited-edition line of graphic shirts inspired by Mustang

• Mustang Unleashed visionary designers include Anna Sui; Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay-Hahn of Rogan; Paula Cademartori; Tomaso Anfossi and Francesco Ferrari of CO|TE; and Pamela Love

• The limited-edition 15-shirt collection will be available exclusively through Gilt.com

Fashion innovators Anna Sui, Rogan, Paula Cademartori, CO|TE and Pamela Love join Ford Motor Company to celebrate the iconic Ford Mustang with the debut of Mustang Unleashed, a limited-edition line of one-of-a-kind shirts.

These five designers from around the world each created three unique Mustang-inspired shirts, resulting in a collection of 15 designs. The line is produced by Loomstate, a leader in organic and sustainable apparel. It will be available starting in September exclusively at Gilt.com, an innovative online shopping destination.

“Mustang embraces passion, power, adventure and freedom, and by collaborating with top designers known for their expressive personalities and designs, we are blending the parallels between the worlds of fashion and automotive like never before,” said Kim Cape, Ford group marketing manager. “The Mustang Unleashed collection celebrates the passion and freedom of Mustang, and its inspiration to pop culture over the last 50 years.”

Five visionary designers ‘unleashed’

As trendsetters, the Mustang Unleashed designers embody the Mustang spirit. They are emotive, expressive and “unleashed” in their own right – living and working with a sense of freedom and individual style. This is the inspiration for their unique designs:

• Anna Sui: Detroit native Sui and Mustang have quite a bit in common. Sui’s designs illustrate a rock ’n’ roll fantasy – reflecting the freedom, authenticity and inspiration embodied in Mustang
• Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay-Hahn of Rogan: With a respect for soulful minimalism and traditional quality, Rogan’s designs were inspired by the raw American heritage expressed in the modern, high-tech Mustang. The designer incorporated this into the graphics of the shirt, using the simplicity of natural, hand-drawn lines
• Paula Cademartori: Cademartori’s passion for femininity and fine details are distinct in her designs and collection of bags. For her, “unleashed” represents power, freedom and creating new experiences. Cademartori’s Mustang-inspired designs highlight geometric shapes, the fantasy of color and glamour
• Tomaso Anfossi and Francesco Ferrari of CO|TE: With a philosophy of freely interpreting established design themes from a contemporary point of view, CO|TE – like Mustang – moves forward and pushes boundaries. The inspiration comes from thinking without preconceptions, while paying attention to quality and tradition. CO|TE designs showcase Mustang’s attention to detail and geometric elements
• Pamela Love: Love, with a passion for unique jewelry pieces, and Mustang come together as artifacts of a narrative. The inspiration comes from Mustang’s enduring role in American pop culture, and the idea of moving forward while leaving the past behind. Love’s designs highlight the horse as a symbol of power, strength and freedom

“Having grown up in Detroit,” said Sui, “I wanted to incorporate my memories of Mustang and celebrate the spirit of pop culture and Americana in my designs. As a designer, I am constantly inspired by everything around me and often include a nod to my roots – referring to nostalgic, romantic and rock influences – just like Ford Mustang.”

Working together toward sustainability and innovation

Each Mustang Unleashed collection shirt is proudly made by Loomstate in the United States. Using 100 percent organic cotton, Loomstate is committed to supporting best practices globally – growing communities by developing fashionable and quality products that create a more equitable and sustainable future. Ford Motor Company – with its own rich American legacy that now includes Mustang joining an exclusive club of vehicles in continuous production for 50 years – is proud to work with Loomstate on this project.

For the Mustang Unleashed collection, the women’s casual-fit T-shirt will feature a unique U/V-shaped neckline, slightly fitted sleeves and Loomstate signature skewed sides. The men’s collection will be available in Loomstate classic crew-neck style.

Innovation is a key theme of the collaboration between Ford Mustang and Gilt, a retailer that pushes the boundaries of online shopping by providing instant insider access to top designer labels. As a brand that believes every day is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired, Gilt serves as a unique collaborator to celebrate Mustang’s inspiration to pop culture and the visionary lineup of Mustang Unleashed designers.

“We are excited to work with Ford to exclusively launch the Mustang Unleashed collection on Gilt.com,” said Steven Schneider, president, Gilt City and Gilt Business Development. “We’re always looking for ways to give our members access to unique products and experiences they can’t find anywhere else. This is a perfect opportunity to bring together fashion and automotive design in a way we know our members will love.”

The 15-shirt limited-edition collection will be sold exclusively at www.gilt.com/unleashed, with pre-orders beginning Aug. 26. Each Mustang Unleashed limited-edition shirt will retail for $39.

10 Driver Friendly Features the Ford F-150 Team Thought of So Customers Wouldn't Have To

• Ford engineers designed 10 features that make interacting with the all-new F-150 easier

• These 10 features include a tailgate step large enough to fit a full-size work boot, raised tactile keypad buttons for keyless entry, and finger indents on the back of the steering wheel

• Customer research conducted by Ford human factor engineers led the team to cluster the control buttons together for ease of use; customer feedback also drove the decision to keep the instrument cluster free of entertainment information

There are 10 features of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup that were designed to satisfy customers without them ever even noticing.

“If I do my job, the customer simply intuits that things are right – both inside and outside of his truck – without even having to think about it,” said Cary Diehl, Ford human factors engineer, who worked on the design and development of the all-new F-150.

The 10 things F-150 engineers thought of

1. Hard buttons on keypad: Designers wanted smooth capacitive touch keypad buttons on the outside of the driver-side door, but pickup truck drivers prefer tactile feedback, allowing easier usability for when they’re wearing gloves. For customers who wear bifocals, hard buttons also enable input by feel, instead of having to tilt their head back to read numerals.

2. Beltline armrest on front doors: The beltline on the front doors is wide enough to accommodate most arms with the window up. The feature could be considered an armrest, and is at the same height as the center armrest.

3. Sculpted, finger relief inside door handle for easy hold: When grabbing the inside handle, the hand is already holding the door – a helpful feature to avoid losing control of the door on a windy day.

4. Buttons clustered for ease of use: Customer surveys showed a strong preference for controls clustered together. All lighting controls – headlamps, side spotlights, bed light – are grouped together on the left-hand side of the instrument panel, while all radio controls are to the right and below with the climate controls. Towing and other controls are to the right of the steering wheel as well.

5. Steering wheel feel: Finger indents remain on the back side of the steering wheel, a feature that on some competitor trucks is now smooth. These indents allow a lighter feel on the wheel for ease of maneuverability, especially when backing up a trailer or off-roading.

6. MyView productivity screen customization: Because each customer uses the truck differently, the importance of specific features can vary. The truck is the “multi-tool” of vehicles. Some truck owners haul produce to farmers markets, while others tow horse trailers or go off-roading, making it tricky sometimes for engineers to determine the most essential information to include in the instrument cluster. Ford’s solution is MyView, which allows truck customers to sort and organize their top seven favorite gauges in the cluster on the 2015 F-150’s 8-inch screen. One button click can shift between individual tire pressure, trailer information, off-road mode or trip fuel – whichever their favorites are.

7. Entertainment information exclusively in center stack: Ford made a data-driven decision to not include any radio or entertainment features in the instrument panel cluster behind the steering wheel. “Our customers were adamant that trucks are different from cars, and vehicle information is essential,” Diehl explained. “Their truck is their tool, and they need to know what it’s doing. Other stuff can be in the center of the dashboard, or what we call the center stack.” The only entertainment information that appears in the instrument cluster of the F-150 are incoming calls and turn-by-turn directions.

8. Four-spoke steering wheel: F-150’s traditional, four-spoke design allows for a comfortable grip on the lower portion of the steering wheel. Other pickup truck manufacturers have closed off the bottom portion of the steering wheel.

9. Grooves in tailgate handle: For ease of grip and use, grooves in the tailgate handle allow a customer to open and close the tailgate with one hand.

10. Large box step: Ford made sure there was enough surface area on the box step of F-150 for a customer to place a full-size work boot – both to stand on the step and to push it back under the bed when not in use.

Always Built Ford Tough

From nose to tailgate, the 2015 F-150 is an entirely new vehicle, right down to its signature feature – an all-new, fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel than ever to make the truck stronger yet lighter. For the first time, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys are used throughout the F-150 body. These alloys, already used in aerospace, commercial transportation and other industries, make the new truck’s body lighter, stronger and more resistant to dents. Overall, F-150 is up to 700 pounds lighter, helping it tow and haul more, accelerate and stop faster, and operate more efficiently.

How a Turbocharger Exhaust Pipe Shaped Like a Cobra Head Helps Ford Power Stroke Diesel Make Best-In-Class Power

• Distinctive “cobra head” downpipe helps the 6.7-liter Power Stroke in the 2015 Ford Super Duty achieve best-in-class 440 horsepower and 860 lb.-ft. of torque
• Cobra head shape reduces exhaust gas restrictions to improve engine performanceFord engineers used advanced fluid dynamics computer modeling to create optimal shape and enable maximum output

While some might hold their breath seeing the fearsome shape of a king cobra, Ford engineers discovered that designing the turbo exhaust outlet, or downpipe, of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel like a cobra head helps the engine breathe easier.  

Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel now boasts 440 horsepower, up from 400 horsepower, and 860 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 800 lb.-ft, across all Super Duty models from F-250 to F-450.

Ford is the only heavy-duty pickup truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination, ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations – from concept to execution. This approach also enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle’s performance across the entire lineup.

A key Ford innovation on the original 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel was its so-called reverse-flow layout. The advanced design places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V. This segment-exclusive design naturally improves a variety of attributes:

• Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness – key to providing torque quickly to truck customers when they need it most
  
• Positioning the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps the engine efficiently use the hot temperatures, improving performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness

The hot-V design of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke – with its turbocharger bolted directly onto the compacted graphite iron engine block within the V of the V8 – provides exceptional packaging, structural advantages, and improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Getting the hot exhaust gases from the turbocharger out of the engine V with minimal obstruction to exhaust flow, which aids in generating power, is the job of the cobra head.

Here’s how it works.

Any sharp turn or kink in an exhaust system can disrupt the flow and increase the pumping work an engine must do, reducing efficiency. The Cobra head acts like a widened, banked turn, allowing exhaust gases to flow smoothly through the 90-degree turn from the engine to the aftertreatment system and reduce backpressure. By reducing pumping losses, the design improves efficiency and allows greater torque production.

By applying hundreds of hours of advanced fluid dynamics computer modeling simulations to the design, Ford engineers were able to optimize the shape of the pipe bend.

“Fluid dynamics allowed us to precisely tune the curvature and width of the pipe to optimize exhaust gas flow,” said Robert Wade, engine air path technical leader. “It turns out that a downpipe shaped like a cobra head is the ideal design for air flow and breathability, which we validated through thousands of miles of durability testing.”

Ford Now Leads Sales Consideration with Millennials

• Renewed interest in utility vehicles helping Ford sales consideration among younger buyers
• Beginning in 2012, Ford surpassed other manufacturers to become the No. 1 brand first considered by millennial buyers
• Millennial sales consideration for Ford  moves from fourth place in 2008 to first place today

Growing interest in utility vehicles among America’s 80 million-strong millennial generation – those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s – is bolstering purchase consideration for the Ford brand.

Maritz Research, a St. Louis-based marketing research firm, collects data from consumers as part of its annual New Vehicle Customer Study, asking would-be buyers and actual buyers about their new vehicle preferences and buying behaviors. The data in this study came from research conducted between 2008 and 2013.

Marketers understand purchase consideration to be a leading indicator for future purchases in what’s known in the industry as the “sales funnel.” In simplest terms, consumers move from awareness of a brand to consideration to eventual purchase. Strong consideration tends to correlate highly with future purchase decisions.

Small and midsize cars remain the top two segments both considered and purchased by younger buyers, but compact and full-size SUV segments – such as Ford Escape and Ford Explorer – show the largest jumps in consideration, with increases of 1.1 percentage points and 1.7 percentage points, respectively.

While these percentage point increases appear small, in terms of potential sales volume, they represent hundreds of thousands of vehicles. For instance, in a vehicle market of 16.5 million units sold, a 1.1 percentage point increase equates to roughly 181,000 vehicles and a 1.7 percentage point gain equates to approximately 280,000 vehicles.

In the same period in which millennials began to show greater interest in SUVs, Ford overhauled its high-volume utility vehicle lineup, most notably Explorer in 2011 and Escape in 2012.

“The trend of millennials starting families comes at the same time Ford is updating or replacing nearly its entire product lineup,” said Amy Marentic, Ford global car and crossover marketing manager. “These fastest-growing segments – like small utilities – coincide with Ford’s product strengths.”

Explorer sales were up 32 percent last month with 16,797 vehicles sold, for the best July sales since 2005. And Escape had its best July ever, with 26,558 vehicles sold – a 19 percent gain.

Millennial brand preferences changing 

In 2008, Ford ranked fourth with millennials in terms of brand consideration. By 2013, it had jumped to first. Not only did Ford become the brand first considered most often, it also showed the biggest jump in “first consideration” ranking, rising 5.5 percentage points.

Increasing purchase consideration and sales to millennials are important for Ford. The top millennial markets by population – California, New York, Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania – are those regions in which Ford’s overall market share has the most capacity to grow, especially in the “super segment” of subcompacts, compacts, midsize sedans and small utility vehicles.

“Millennials are an important group of buyers in the industry today,” said Chris Travell, vice president, strategic consulting for Maritz Research, “and not just in terms of sheer size. They are also helping to refine the vehicle shopping and ownership experience.
 
“These younger buyers are much more connected than previous car buyers,” he added. “The manufacturer that develops a strategy that resonates with millennial buyers will increase the likelihood of consideration the next time that customer is in the market. In turn, this will increase the likelihood of selling a car to that customer. It appears Ford’s millennial strategy is working.”

Science goes mobile: Ford Fund donates Transit Connect Wagon to help Michigan Science Center

Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO, Michigan Science Center, unveiled an all-new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon that will serve as the center’s traveling MiSci van. Donated by Ford Motor Company, the van will support the center’s traveling science program by allowing the museum to conduct hands-on research at schools, community centers and libraries in more than 25 communities across the state. Michigan Science Center aims to provide engaging, interactive exhibits that ignite passion for science, technology, engineering and math in Michigan’s youth. This summer’s program, the “Fizz, Bang, Traveling Science” tour, will give children the chance to build rockets and learn about chemical reactions. Ford supported the initial opening of Michigan Science Center in 2012, with a $400,000 commitment over three years.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon Gains in Popularity, Contributes to Nameplate's Best-Ever Sales

• U.S. sales of new Ford Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon up 27 percent for the three-month period ending July 31, compared to the same period last year

• June was best month ever for Transit Connect, with 4,573 sales of the van and wagon model combined – a 29 percent year-over-year increase

• So far this year, Transit Connect Wagon, also known as the #unminivan, represents 34 percent of total Transit Connect sales

Over the past three months U.S. sales of the new Ford Transit Connect have been running at a best-ever pace. Year-over-year combined sales of Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon are up 27 percent for the three-month period ending July 31.

June was the single highest sales month since the 2009 launch of the vehicle in the United States, with 4,573 vehicles sold – a 29 percent year-over-year increase. Last month marked the best-ever July for Transit Connect, with 4,090 vehicles sold – a 42 percent increase over 2013.

The percentage of new wagon models being sold is nearly three times higher than last year, as retail demand for Transit Connect Wagon, an affordable and fuel-efficient people mover, continues to build.

With the launch of the 2014 Transit Connect, the vehicle is now available in both van and wagon versions, with the wagon allowing for seating up to seven. So far this year, Transit Connect Wagon represents 34 percent of total Transit Connect sales. Compare that to the first-generation Transit Connect Wagon, which topped out at just 13 percent of total nameplate sales in 2013.

The top five retail markets for Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon this year are New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Boston and Chicago.

The first-generation wagon, a five-passenger vehicle, was first sold in the United States as a 2010 model.

In 2012, Ford revealed the second-generation Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon at the North American International Auto Show as 2014 models. For the first time in North America, long-wheelbase versions across the Transit Connect family were offered.

“Consumer demand is being driven by people who want a modern vehicle that brings utility along with value and efficiency,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Transit Connect and Transit Connect Wagon offer capability and flexibility in a stylish package that resonates with the customer.”

Retail favorite

The new Transit Connect Wagon, the #unminivan, has exceeded retail sales expectations. With that momentum, Ford dealers are increasing orders to fill their lots.

Early indicators show Hispanic buyers have responded especially well to the long-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagon. This appeal appears to be based on the fact it seats seven, is fuel efficient and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $24,525. Along with dual sliding side doors, Transit Connect Wagon features fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a maximum payload of 1,270 pounds, and choice of a rear liftgate or 180-degree symmetrical cargo doors.

Customers can also choose between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a standard 2.5-liter or the available 1.6-liter EcoBoost^®. The 2.5-liter has an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost has an EPA-estimated rating of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. With either engine, actual mileage will vary. Both engines are paired to a six-speed SelectShift^® automatic transmission.

“We positioned Transit Connect Wagon – the #unminivan – as a unique, efficient and affordable alternative to the more expensive people movers, and we’re seeing positive results,” said Minyang Jiang, brand manager for Transit Connect Wagon. “Customers understand Transit Connect Wagon is something different and that it has everything they’re looking for, including two wheelbase options, great styling and fewer trips to the gas station.”

Ford, DTE Energy to Build Michigan's Largest Solar Array

• Ford and DTE Energy work together to build Michigan’s largest solar array, second largest solar carport in the Midwest

• The project, funded by DTE Energy, will provide 360 covered parking spaces and facilitate for 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn

• Carport expected to generate 1.13 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough energy to power 158 average-sized homes for a year

Ford Motor Company is teaming with DTE Energy to build Michigan’s largest solar array at Ford World Headquarters.

The project, funded by DTE Energy, will provide employees with 360 covered parking spaces and 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles such as the company’s Ford Fusion Energi and C-MAX Hybrid Energi. A kiosk will also be on site offering general information to visitors about solar power and specific details about the Ford carport.

“Ford has a long history of innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. “Our fundamental purpose as a company is to make people’s lives better. We do that by creating outstanding products, by investing in communities where our employees live and work, and by using technology to tackle global sustainability challenges. Those beliefs are embodied in this project.”

The solar canopy will have capacity to generate 1.038 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 158 average-sized homes. It will be the second-largest solar carport in the Midwest, after a 1.1-megawatt facility at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, and it will reduce the amount of electricity Ford pulls from the grid to run its offices.

The solar array will offset an estimated 794 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with DTE Energy to bring a more efficient, renewable energy source to our offices,” said Donna Inch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Land Development Corporation. “This is an innovative project that will benefit both DTE Energy and Ford, and is yet another example of our work toward building a more sustainable future.”

Under a recently finalized agreement, DTE Energy will construct, operate and maintain the carport for 20 years. Construction is slated to begin in September and be completed in early 2015.

The solar installation is part of an initiative DTE Energy launched in 2009 called SolarCurrents. The program works to fulfill DTE Energy’s commitment to generate 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2015.

“The SolarCurrents canopy project is another example of how DTE Energy and Ford are working to build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future,” said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy vice president, marketing and renewables. “At the same time, this project will help us come closer to meeting Michigan’s renewable energy goals and diversify our energy portfolio.”

This is the second collaboration between Ford and DTE Energy in recent years.

In 2010, the companies teamed up to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Energy generated by the system helps power vehicle production at the plant, where Ford Focus, Focus Electric, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are built.

Ford World Headquarters is home to other environmental innovations. In 2012, a “living roof” was installed when a 2,500-square-foot portion of the rooftop needed repair.

Multiple varieties of sedum were planted to reduce storm water runoff from the building. The project built on the success Ford saw a decade ago when it developed its first green roof at Dearborn Truck Plant, home of F-150 pickup production. Consider the numbers:

• 10.4 acres of drought-resistant vegetation (the equivalent of eight football fields) was planted on top of the truck plant
• The vegetation helps create a natural storm water management system that costs two-thirds less to operate than a conventional treatment system
• The roof, covered with 11 plant species that act as insulation, lowers the amount of heat entering the building by 70 percent, reducing cooling costs by 5 percent

All-New 2015 Ford Transit Goes to Work on Great American Country Network’s ‘Farm Kings’

• 2015 Ford Transit joins the cast for season four of “Farm Kings,” a lifestyle series that premieres Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. EDT on the Great American Country channel
• Transit capability and flexibility make it a versatile tool that helps the King family get their farming chores and deliveries done
• Transit will serve as a rolling workshop for property maintenance and to haul produce and equipment to market

The all-new Ford Transit will help the King family complete farm chores on season four of the Great American Country Network’s lifestyle series “Farm Kings,” which premieres Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. EDT.

The Kings will put Transit to work as a rolling workshop stocked with tools and supplies to maintain the farm’s daily operations. A custom shelving unit has been installed in the van to organize and secure gear. They’ll also use Transit to haul produce, signage, tables and chairs to their stand at the local farmer’s market.

The King family owns and runs Freedom Farms, a 200-acre operation outside of Butler, Pennsylvania, that pasture-raises chickens, cows and pigs without the use of antibiotics or artificial hormones. The farm also grows fruits and vegetables. “Farm Kings” shows how tough farming can be, especially when the stresses of a large family come into play.

“The partnership with Ford and Great American Country’s ‘Farm Kings’ created the perfect environment to showcase all of the new Transit’s capabilities, and our new lifestyle series delivers highly engaged consumers,” said Bob Calandruccio, vice president of sales for Great American Country. “We look forward to building more partnerships with top advertisers like Ford.”

The van featured on the show is a medium-roof, long-wheelbase (148 inches) Transit 250 in Ingot Silver, with 357.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 72 inches of maximum interior height. It is powered by a Ford-built 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder turbo-diesel that delivers 185 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty work. Like the larger Power Stroke found in F-Series Super Duty trucks, the 3.2-liter has proven Ford diesel ruggedness and dependability.

With rear doors that open 270 degrees and a floor height of 29 inches, Transit is well suited for loading and unloading and other farm chores. When properly equipped, Transit 250 with the 3.2-liter Power Stroke can carry up to 3,390 pounds of cargo and tow up to 7,400 pounds.

“Farming is a tough life, and the Kings work hard at making their family business successful,” said Minyang Jiang, Ford brand manager for Transit. “The new Ford Transit is another tool to help them deliver on their promise of serving and feeding their community and educating the public about the importance of farming. This tool happens to be Built Ford Tough.”

A 2014 Ford F-150 has been added to the King family vehicle lineup this season as well, for agricultural work more suited to pickup truck duty.

Secrets of the All-New Ford F-150 Seamless Sliding Rear Window

• Ford to launch new seamless sliding rear window design, available on the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 yet

• New technology hides window seams, setting a new trend for power sliders by improving looks and functionality while reducing components and manufacturing complexity

• Seamless sliding rear window was developed through a Ford and Magna International association

When people see the all-new Ford F-150 for the first time, they tend to do two things: First, they tap their knuckles against the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, and then they marvel at the pickup truck’s available segment-first seamless sliding rear window.
The seamless design conceals the vertical seams that mark the edges of conventional pickup truck sliding rear windows, creating a smooth opening when viewed from outside.

Developed by global automotive supplier Magna International, in association with Ford, the first-to-market design sets a new trend for power sliders by reducing component needs and improving overall functionality and manufacturing efficiency.

“Delivering the latest in innovation and technology to our customer is a top priority for Ford,” said Noah Mass, Ford body mechanisms manager. “The seamless sliding rear window is another great example of the intricate detail that goes into producing the next-generation F-150, setting it apart from any pickup on the market today.”

Standard sliding rear windows typically contain three pieces of glass – left and right panes that don’t move plus the sliding portion in the middle, all held together by a support structure that requires numerous components. The seamless sliding rear window uses only two pieces of glass – the exterior surround and the sliding portion, reducing build componentry and complexity. The window’s opening is the same size as the outgoing design.

In addition to its streamlined looks, the window’s two-piece design enables continuous uninterrupted defrost capability for the larger surrounding glass.

The new design also contributes to vehicle weight savings, as the seamless power slider uses a lighter window control module. Overall, up to 700 pounds have been saved through the use of smarter design and advanced materials, helping the all-new F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency.

“We designed the seamless sliding rear window to deliver not only a new look and improved functionality, but also to start a trend in the truck sliding window market,” said Troy Tooker, design engineering manager for Magna International. “With pickup sliders being one of our core products, we wanted to show our leadership and raise the bar on the new F-150.”

All-new Ford F-150 – the future of trucks

The 2015 Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks. Its signature fully boxed ladder frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making the truck both stronger and lighter.

High-strength, military-grade aluminum is used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, improving dent and ding resistance and also saving weight.

When it arrives in showrooms later this year, the all-new F-150 will have undergone the equivalent of more than 10 million miles of torture testing to ensure it meets or exceeds Built Ford Tough standards.

In addition to an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine offering, a complete lineup of powertrains lets customers tailor the toughest, smartest, most capable pickup truck ever to their needs. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine returns, an all-new normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 debuts and there is an improved 5.0-liter V8.

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

The all-new F-150 will be manufactured at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.