Toughest, Smartest, Most Capable F-150 Ever Is Truck Trend Magazine’s 2015 Pickup Truck of the Year

• The 2015 Ford F-150 has been honored with the inaugural Truck Trend 2015 Pickup Truck of the Year award from the truck experts at the magazine
• F-150 outperformed all other contenders in various tests evaluating truck design, capability, performance and fuel efficiency
• The 2015 F-150 – featuring the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 lineup ever – includes the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-size gasoline-powered pickup on the market

The 2015 Ford F-150, which has established a new standard for full-size pickups with best-in-class gasoline fuel efficiency and capability, today was named Truck Trend’s 2015 Pickup Truck of the Year.

“The 2015 Ford F-150 is our toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever, and Truck Trend’s Pickup Truck of the Year award reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck buyers,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award.”

Each contender was evaluated against key criteria, including design, capability, performance and fuel efficiency.

“Ford has found a sweet spot in the half-ton pickup segment, delivering a compelling mix of efficiency and capability, while still delivering an enhanced driving experience that American consumers demand,” said Sean P. Holman, Truck Trend content director. “What we put these trucks through was nothing short of grueling, and it was the F-150 that consistently impressed our experts.”

With 753,851 sales in 2014, more than 220,000 over its nearest competitor, Ford F-Series has now extended its leadership to 38 straight years as America’s best-selling truck and 33 straight years as America’s best-selling vehicle.

Toughest, most efficient F-150 ever

The all-new F-150’s improved performance is enabled by weight savings achieved through the use of high-strength steel and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, as well as smart engineering. The weight savings not only improve fuel efficiency, but capability and performance, too. Combined with EcoBoost^® engine technology, F-150 now tows as much as 1,100 more pounds and hauls as much as 530 more pounds than the current model, with a 5 percent to 16 percent better power-to-weight ratio.

Up to 700 pounds lighter than current models, the new F-150 returns an EPA-estimated 5 percent to 29 percent better fuel economy, depending on engine and driveline configuration on the combined cycle.

New technologies mean smartest F-150 ever

Numerous groundbreaking features debut in the all-new F-150, including 11 available class-exclusive technologies. Highlights include:

• 360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails
• Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers
• BoxLink^™ combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers
• LED headlamps and taillamps provide excellent nighttime visibility and illumination
• Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help owners line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle
• Remote tailgate release allows for tailgate to be not only opened but also locked and unlocked with the key fob

Four engine choices ensure most capable F-150 ever

The all-new F-150 lineup includes four engine options for more power, and to meet most any customer need:

• 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop: New six-cylinder engine design produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost 4x2 has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds – ideal for meeting mid-range capability requirements – and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined
• 3.5-liter EcoBoost: Twin-turbo EcoBoost engine delivers V8-like 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable towing of up to class-leading 12,200 pounds – more than enough to handle a fully loaded, three-horse trailer or large boat. Delivers maximum payload rating of 3,180 pounds, and has EPA-estimated ratings up to 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined
• 5.0-liter V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing: Improved power and efficiency, delivering 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. Smart engineering enhancements such as a new long-runner intake manifold, revised intake cam duration and new pulse-separated exhaust manifolds help raise towing capability 1,100 pounds, to a maximum 11,100 pounds, and payload to a best-in-class 3,300 pounds, plus EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings up to 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined
• 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing: 3.5-liter V6 produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a maximum payload rating of 1,910 pounds and maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds – unsurpassed for standard V6 light-duty pickups  and EPA-estimated ratings up to 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined

Awards and accolades earned

The 2015 Ford F-150 has won the following awards and accolades:

• Detroit Free Press 2015 Truck of the Year
• Detroit News 2015 Vehicle of the Year
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Truck
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Overall
• Popular Science Automotive Grand Award Winner Best of What’s New
• Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas
• Texas Auto Writers Association Luxury Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Full-Size Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Best Technology Feature for high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy
• New England Motor Press Association Yankee Cup
• Automotive Fleet Magazine 2014 Fleet Truck of the Year
• Motor Press Guild 2014 Innovation Vehicle of the Year Over $30K
• AutoGuide 2015 Reader's Choice Truck of the Year
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada 2015 Best New Pickup Truck
• New Car Test Drive 2015 Truck of the Year
• Ruedas ESPN Best Full-Size Pickup Truck

“In addition to these awards, we’re most proud that customers are voicing their strong support too, with 2015 F-150s staying on dealer lots an average of just five days – the fastest-turning vehicle in the Ford product lineup,” said Hinrichs.

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2015 Ford Trend Report Explores Generation Z and How Youngest Consumers Are Shaping View of the Future

• Members of Generation Z – considered the first global generation – are key players in today’s technology-driven culture; these youngest consumers, the oldest of whom are in their teens, already are inspiring attitudes and behaviors among consumers of all ages to enact change for the good
  

• Growing excitement among consumers is expected to drive change in 2015 and beyond – consumers are motivated to buck conventions and set new standards, to reject the stigma of failure, and to embrace new forms of mobility that enable more freedom and creativity
  

• Looking Further with Ford 2015 is a compilation of consumer research, as well as insights gleaned from thought leaders around the world, intended to provide a comprehensive look at micro-trends expected to influence products and brands for 2015 and beyond
  

From the growing influence of young, socially conscious consumers, to a greater acceptance of modern-day rebels and a shifting perspective that de-stigmatizes failure, Ford Motor Company’s third annual trend report suggests 2015 will be marked by a broad desire to enact change for the good. Looking Further with Ford 2015 reveals data and insights about global consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape culture in 2015 and beyond.

A featured trend – Make Way for Gen Z – underpins the full Looking Further with Ford report. Generation Z, which follows the Millennials, is the first truly global generation, born into an on-demand, technology-driven culture. Expected to account for more than 20 percent of the world’s population, these digitally savvy, socially conscious consumers, most of whom are still teenagers, are working to help define the trends of both today and tomorrow.

“While demographics are invariably a factor in futuring work, what’s driving our report for 2015 is this emerging Generation Z consumer, who is already inspiring attitudes and behaviors in consumers of all ages,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford global consumer trend and futuring manager. “We saw similar traits with Millennials, but Gen Z consumers – being much more connected and aware of the options available to them – are the global go-getters who have a link to each of our 10 micro-trends for 2015.”

Despite looming issues such as climate change, privacy threats, epidemic disease and geopolitical strife – there is optimism in the air. Against this backdrop, Looking Further with Ford 2015 highlights the modern-day rebel working to buck convention and set new standards, as well as people who are more motivated than ever to take risks in their search for success, which is beginning to erode the stigma of failure. In this spirit of determination, new forms of collaborative consumption and mobility are emerging – giving us more freedom to pursue ideas and passions.

How consumer trend insights impact Ford products

In preparing trend reports, Ford experts monitor shifts in social, technological, economic, environmental and political arenas to understand what drives consumer attitudes and behaviors – and how this impacts the automotive category. The insights gathered guide Ford designers and engineers in developing future Ford products, as well as Ford marketers on what to anticipate in terms of the customer shopping and ownership experience of emerging generations.

Looking Further with Ford 2015 focuses on a broad range of micro-trends affecting businesses and consumers, and reflects years of qualitative and quantitative research, as well as collaboration with thought leaders around the world.

“A rich understanding of our customers’ ever-evolving needs, priorities and desires – both today and tomorrow – is key to our everyday business and global product development strategies,” said Connelly. “These trends and insights help us at Ford in our role as an innovator to create products that not only exceed expectations, but push the boundaries of imagination.”

As the Generation Z consumer evolves, Ford is looking at how these behaviors and trends will affect every part of the automotive business – from vehicle development to the experience customers will expect when the time comes to purchase or own a vehicle.

On trend for 2015

The 10 trends Ford expects to influence consumers and brands in 2015 and beyond include:

1. Make Way for Gen Z: With considerable pressure and high expectations, Gen Z’s mantra is simple: “Good things come to those who act.”
   
2. Rally for Renegades and Rebels: Society has always loved risk takers, but the marketplace has never been more receptive to those who push boundaries and break molds.
   
3. Flaunting Failure: The stigma of failure is quickly eroding; in an era of constant change, the only true failure is a failure to try, to improve, to evolve.
   
4. Carryless Movement: Today’s consumers don’t want to carry things and, increasingly, don’t need to. New technologies such as wearable gadgets and smartphone apps are transforming the mechanics of how consumers pay for goods and services, how and where marketers reach their customers, and who people trust with their most valuable information.
   
5. No Strings Attached: In a world where innovation moves so rapidly, no one wants to be left behind with a product that has become outdated or obsolete. The result is an emerging a la carte mentality that trumpets access over ownership.
   
6. Expanding Next of Kin: As traditional families and communities become less the norm, the concept of family is adapting, expanding and evolving in a most personal fashion.
   
7. Give and Take of Privacy: Privacy has become a delicate balancing act, and there is a trade-off between information consumers are willing to share and the benefits they receive in exchange.
   
8. Elusive Health: A decentralized effort to inform consumers about healthier lifestyle habits has led to confusion and a global population getting fatter and sicker. Consumers need a clear signal amid the noise to translate the information into action.
   
9. Escape Artist: In today’s 24/7 culture, the desire to get away mentally and physically remains compelling. People are increasingly seeking out immersive adventures, elevating escapism to a fine art.
   
10. Many Faces of Mobility: In an age of constant innovation, mobility is outpacing the definition of the word as the concepts of transportation and communication converge.
    

Ford SYNC 3 with Applink: AccuWeather

Ford vehicles equipped with Ford SYNC AppLink can now find out the latest forecast on the go via the AccuWeather app as well as weather alerts and the very latest conditions via AccuWeather’s MinuteCast.

Introducing the all-new, 2015 Ford F-150

Your hard work is about to take a giant leap forward. Because the all-new Ford F-150 is here.

This is whole new age of truck. This is legendary toughness and capability, plus exclusive innovations to help you work smarter and think bigger than you ever could before. This is the Future of Tough.

Happy New Year!

Out with the old, in with the new, may you be happy the whole year through!

Happy New Year!