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Odds | All-new 2015 Ford Edge

The All-New 2015 Ford Edge takes on the city and makes one driver feel unstoppable.

Make Way for Gen Z | 2015 Looking Further with Ford Trends

Worldwide, there are roughly 2 billion youth who make up Generation Z. Raised in an on-demand, impatient culture, Gen Z’s mantra is ‘good things come to those who act,’ and they aren’t going to let age, education, employment or lack or resources stop them from making their mark on the world. 

Watch as Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly, explores this up-and-coming generation and how they are helping to define the trends of both today and tomorrow.

FORD USING COMPUTER PRINTED PARTS TO ACCELERATE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT -- BOTH ON THE TRACK AND OFF

• Ford uses several 3D-printing laboratories to rapidly create prototype parts for street cars – ranging from buttons and knobs to intakes and engine covers
• 3D-printing facilities allowed for the creation and testing of a wide range of intake manifolds on the Ford and Roush-Yates developed EcoBoost^® 3.5-liter racing engine
• Ford won the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona using a 3D-printed intake manifold with carbon-fiber plenums

When Ford’s EcoBoost-powered race car hits the track at the Belle Isle Grand Prix this weekend it will be using engine parts made by a computer printer.

Using an innovative new technology called 3D printing, parts such as the intake manifold on the Ford EcoBoost race engine used in the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Daytona Prototype car are now created on a printer.

“3D computer printers have totally changed the development process for our Daytona Prototype race cars,” said Victor Martinez, 3.5-liter EcoBoost race engine engineer. “3D printing has advanced at such lightning speed in recent years that in a matter of hours, we can create real, usable parts for race cars. That’s exactly what we did for the 24 Hours of Daytona earlier this year.”

From road to track, 3D printing accelerates Ford product developmentFord first started to 3D-print decades ago, purchasing the third 3D printer ever made, in 1988. The company first used 3D-printed parts for prototype buttons, switches and knobs. As the technology has improved, the quality of 3D-printed parts has become remarkably precise, and the parts themselves have become increasingly usable.

So smooth and precise has the finishing process become that 3D-printed parts are now used in real-world settings – on prototype vehicles built for durability testing, and on the Ford race car that won the 53rd running of the grueling 24 Hours of Daytona in January. 

Ford’s rapid prototype lab: Where product development never stopsIn the competitive world of endurance racing, the push for increased reliability and horsepower never stops and, in Ford’s rapid prototype lab, it doesn’t have to.

“We have the ability to design an entirely new part and, one week later, have that part in hand,” said Martinez. “This lets the engineers who develop our cars – both for road and track – spend more time testing, tuning and refining.”

Computer-aided design mockups are sent to Ford’s rapid prototype lab where they are analyzed and input into one of many 3D printers. Roughly one week later, a finished product is ready to be cleaned, painted and used.

“Toward the end of the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season, we began to design a number of revisions for our intake manifold,” explained Martinez. “In order to rapidly prototype and prove them out, we 3D-printed several intakes and tested them on our dyno and verified performance on the track. The iterations we created based on the 2014 intake manifold accelerated the development on our 2015 manifold – which is both lighter and brings improved airflow.”

Take it to the trackLeading up to the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona, Ford Performance engineers opted for a 3D-printed intake manifold for the Chip Ganassi Racing Daytona Prototype car. Employing the most advanced intake yet printed, in combination with carbon fiber intake plenums developed by Multimatic^®, a strong, reliable and lightweight intake manifold was created for the No. 02 Target Ford EcoBoost-Riley.

“The prototype manifold exceeded our expectations in testing, so in the essence of time we decided to use it for the race,” said Martinez. “We modified our intake with carbon fiber components, painted it, and then it was ready to go to the track.”

Bringing home the hardwareChip Ganassi Racing, led by drivers Scott Dixon, Kyle Larson, Jamie McMurray and Tony Kanaan, won the Daytona classic – holding off stiff competition in the last hour of the race.

“It was a great day for Ford and a great day for Ganassi,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We had a great car and great drivers. And, of course, we had really great power, reliability and fuel economy out of the EcoBoost engine. This is a great testament to the entire team. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Now, Ford aims to repeat this performance at the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race at the Belle Isle Grand Prix on May 30. 

2015 FORD EDGE EARNS TOP GOVERNMENT SAFETY AWARD

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards the all-new 2015 Ford Edge a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in its New Car Assessment Program

• 2015 Edge offers available driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, inflatable rear safety belts and a standard rear camera

• A showcase of Ford innovation, the new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles

The 2015 Ford Edge achieved a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its New Car Assessment Program – the highest possible rating from the U.S. government.

Loaded with more technology, the 2015 Ford Edge was reengineered from the ground up. It offers three engine options – two of which are new – for enhanced performance, as well as a host of safety and driver-assist technologies that help with the driving task.

“The new Edge delivers on the quality and handling customers have come to expect from a Ford vehicle, while infusing more innovation and advanced technology to create a vehicle that we think will maintain its leadership position in its segment,” said JD Shanahan, chief program engineer for Edge.

A leader in Ford innovationWith state-of-the-art technologies, the all-new Edge was designed to inspire confidence on the road. From available features like the new 180-degree front camera with washer and standard rear camera, to Curve Control and side parking sensors, Ford Edge offers an improved driving experience and enhanced comfort level for vehicle occupants.

Standard and available technologies for the all-new Edge include:

• Standard active glove box knee airbag: An advanced design uses the glove box front to enhance knee protection for the front passenger in certain crashes
• Available adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. The system can also pre-charge the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly
• Available inflatable rear safety belts: Advanced restraint system combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies to reduce head, neck and chest injuries in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant’s torso than a traditional safety belt

Now available at Ford dealers across the country, the 2015 Ford Edge offers a stylish and innovative solution for customers looking to keep their families safer on the road.

Ford Opens Portfolio of Patented Technologies to Competitors to Accelerate Industry-Wide Electrified Vehicle Development

• Ford is opening its portfolio of electrified vehicle technology patents to competitive automakers to accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles
• In 2014, Ford filed for 400-plus electrified vehicle patents – more than 20 percent of the total patents the company applied for last year
• Ford is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford’s first laboratories

DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is offering competitors access to its electrified vehicle technology patents – a move to help accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles.

In 2014, Ford filed more than 400 patents dedicated to electrified vehicle technologies. This is more than 20 percent of the patents the company filed – totaling more than 2,000 applications.

“Innovation is our goal,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs. “The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers.”

Ford Motor Company is a leader in this area – offering six hybrid or fully electrified vehicles including Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. In total, Ford has more than 650 electrified vehicle patents and approximately 1,000 pending patent applications on electrified vehicle technologies.

Ford’s innovations have resulted in acclaimed electrified vehicles on the road today, but the company believes sharing its patented technologies will promote faster development of future inventions as all automakers look toward greater opportunities.

“As an industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other,” said Layden. “By sharing ideas, companies can solve bigger challenges and help improve the industry.”

To access Ford’s patents and published patent applications, interested parties can contact the company’s technology commercialization and licensing office, or work through AutoHarvest – an automaker collaborative innovation and licensing marketplace. AutoHarvest allows members to showcase capabilities and technologies, then privately connect with fellow inventors to explore technology and business development opportunities of mutual interest. The patents would be available for a fee.

“Ford helped launch AutoHarvest as a founding member to enable efficient and transparent technology licensing across the automotive industry and beyond,” said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO, Ford Global Technologies, which manages intellectual property for Ford.

As part of Ford’s increased focus on new and innovative technologies, the automaker is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford’s first labs in Dearborn.

Available Ford electrified vehicle patents

Here are some of Ford’s electrified vehicle patents available for competitors to purchase:

• Method and Apparatus for Battery Charge Balancing, patent No. US5764027: The patent covers passive cell balancing: discharging a cell through a resistor to lower the state of charge to match other cells. This innovation extends battery run time and overall life. This is the first invention to enable battery balancing at any time, instead of only while charging, and it enables the use of lithium-ion batteries in electrified vehicles. It was invented long before lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles became commonplace – truly ahead of its time.
• Temperature Dependent Regenerative Brake System for Electric Vehicle, patent No. US6275763: The technology works to maximize the amount of energy recaptured in a hybrid vehicle through regenerative braking. By improving the interplay between normal friction brakes and regenerative braking during stopping at certain air temperatures, a driver is able to recapture more energy than previously possible, helping the motorist drive farther on a charge. 
• Driving Behavior Feedback Interface, patent No. US8880290: The patent provides a system and method for monitoring driver inputs such as braking and accelerating, and vehicle parameters including energy consumption to assess driving behavior. The feedback can be used to coach future driving behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits and improve fuel economy. This technology also has enabled drivers of non-electrified vehicles, such as a Ford Focus, to develop better driving habits.

Ford Warriors in Pink Launches Initiative to Help Bring More Good Days to Those Living with Breast Cancer -- Partners with Meal Train and Lyft

• Ford Warriors in Pink^® introduces The Good Day Project and issues strong call to action to help bring more good days to those living with breast cancer
• Ford partners with Meal Train and Lyft to provide an easy way to offer support – scheduling meal deliveries, childcare, rides to treatment facilities and more to breast cancer patients across the country
• Now 21 years strong, Ford Warriors in Pink continues to help in the fight against breast cancer, so far dedicating more than $128 million to the cause

Ford Motor Company, through its Warriors in Pink^® campaign, today launches The Good Day Project – a powerful call to action to bring more good days to those living with breast cancer.

For more than two decades, Ford Warriors in Pink has been committed to the fight and continues to inspire women to be proactive about their breast health. The Good Day Project takes the program a step further – encouraging people to step up and help those who are battling the disease.

“Most breast cancer patients characterize their days by ‘good days’ and ‘bad days,’” said Tracy Magee, Ford Warriors in Pink brand manager. “While many people want to help, most are unsure of the best way to show their support. We want to change this.

“Warriors in Pink is about driving awareness, and about motivating people to help in the battle against breast cancer,” added Magee. “With The Good Day Project, we hope to empower people to take real action and help provide more good days to those living with the disease.”

At the heart of the project are partnerships with Meal Train and Lyft to provide support services and resources that benefit those dealing with breast cancer and help make their day-to-day life easier.

The nationwide partnership with Meal Train – an online platform for organizing family and friends to bring meals to loved ones fighting breast cancer – allows users to gain free access to the premium service Meal Train Plus. The service not only helps organize meal deliveries, but other household needs such as errand services and childcare.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Ford Warriors in Pink to simplify the giving process,” said Michael Laramee, cofounder, Meal Train. “Our goal is to give users practical solutions that help provide the services they need on the days that are most helpful. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more people to join the fight and grant small acts of kindness that lessen the burden for those living with the disease.”

Alongside the support services made available through Meal Train, Warriors in Pink will work with Lyft to offer rides to and from appointments for select patients undergoing treatment. The ride-sharing service will be made available starting in June, and will roll out across 17 cities through select treatment centers. 

“Reliable transportation to and from treatment is a common challenge for patients,” said Kira Wampler, chief marketing officer, Lyft. “We are honored to be partnering with Ford Warriors in Pink to bring a dependable option to the many women seeking treatment this year.

“Together with Ford and Meal Train, we’ll help bring awareness to the small things people can do to support women fighting this disease,” added Wampler. “In the coming days, we’ll share details on how to donate a free Lyft ride to a patient in need – simply by showing your support.” 

In addition to the partnerships with Meal Train and Lyft, Ford Warriors in Pink has created new ideas, tips and tools as part of The Good Day Project to help people carry out simple acts that bring about more good days.

Additional details and resources can be found at www.fordcares.com. These include:

• A free postcard mailing service launching in June; visitors can customize a message that Warriors in Pink will send to their loved ones
• A list of books of encouragement selected by those who have had experience with breast cancer
• Spotify playlist with songs of encouragement and empowerment
• Advice from Warriors in Pink Models of Courage members on how to get through the hard days of treatment, along with inspiring ways to celebrate the good days  
• Health and financial information from the four charity partners of Ford Warriors in Pink – The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition
• An opportunity to win various “good day” experiences – from flowers to relaxing spa treatments and even a grand prize of an all-new Ford Mustang

Supporting The Good Day Project is singer and songwriter Andy Grammer, whose mother died from breast cancer six years ago. Grammer recently joined Warriors in Pink in a visit to The Margie Petersen Breast Center in Los Angeles, surprising more than 50 cancer patients with a touching performance.

“We learned of my mother’s breast cancer very late, and because of that I feel it’s important to be a part of the awareness movement,” said Grammer. “I want people to know that it does not have to be all bad. You are reminded that it only takes a moment to show someone how much you love them, and these small moments can help influence their outlook.”

For more than 20 years, Ford Motor Company has worked to advance the conversation around breast cancer – inspiring the next generation of warriors in the fight, while continuing to fuel the spirit of those living with the disease. To date, Ford has contributed more than $128 million to the cause.

Models of Courage warriors spread good days
 
Ford also continues its commitment to the Models of Courage program, working with 20 real-life warriors – women and men who have coped with breast cancer in inspiring ways – to help spread the word that good days matter in a loved one’s fight against the disease.

The Models of Courage will share their stories throughout the year at national and community events, as well as in Warriors in Pink communications – instilling hope and helping others face their battles. People are encouraged to join the conversation and share personal stories and insights on social media using the hashtag #MoreGoodDays. 

Wear the warrior spirit
 
This month, Ford is introducing the 2015 Warriors in Pink collection of apparel and accessories. The collection will feature new items – a cardigan, a classic men’s long-sleeve tee, socks and a yoga headband, along with best-selling favorites such as the annual women’s scarf, warrior T-shirt and tote bag.

The Warriors in Pink collection provides an opportunity to raise funds for breast cancer research and aid in developing resources that are vital to providing more good days to those dealing with breast cancer. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from warrior wear and gear sales benefit The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.

For more on Ford Warriors in Pink and to view the full 2015 accessories and apparel collection, please visit www.fordcares.com.

Introducing Pro Trailer Backup Assist | 2016 F-150

Be a #TrailerHero with the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the 2016 F-150!

When we talked to F-150 customers who seldom tow, we heard a common concern – they don’t like backing a trailer because it’s hard to do. We heard the problem and created an innovative solution: Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist for the 2016 Ford F-150 makes it easy for novice and experienced drivers to back a trailer down a boat launch or into a parking spot. It works by letting the customer steer the trailer instinctively while the truck takes care of the rest.

Watch and learn how Pro Trailer Backup Assist is the latest example of Ford changing the way the world moves-- delivering smart solutions that save time and improve the productivity of our customers, so they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake.

Ford F-150 Named Top-Selling Vehicle Across All Branches of the Military by USAA

DEARBORN, Mich., May 19, 2015 – Ford F-150 is the top-selling vehicle for members of the United States military – across all branches – according to an analysis of former and active-duty military personnel using United Services Automobile Association’s car buying service. This is the latest in a series of achievements for the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever.  

The men and women who defend our country operating jets, tanks and destroyers share more than a sense of duty – they also drive Ford F-150. This trend follows overall nationwide sales of Ford F-Series pickup as America’s top-selling truck for 38 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 33 consecutive years. 
 
Read more details at https://communities.usaa.com/t5/USAA-News/Can-the-Vehicle-You-Drive-Suggest-What-Military-Branch-You-Serve/ba-p/61182.  

How Big Sean Goes Further | Ford Mustang

Take a trip with recording star Big Sean, as he talks about his hometown of Detroit, his music inspiration and the Ford Mustang.