Introducing A New Kind of Tough: the F-150 PowerWheels

Tough play requires a tough truck. Inspired by the highly-anticipated all new Ford F-150 -- your child can be a "Built Ford Tough" driver in the brand new Ford F-150 truck from PowerWheels® Not a full-size vehicle, available exclusively at Wal-Mart in Fall 2014.

How Ford, Railroad Industry Created Innovative Way to Ship the New Transit Van to North American Customers

• Innovative new railcar for vehicle shipping accommodates the variety of Ford Transit roof heights

• Optimized mix of rail and truck transport provides the most efficient delivery time and lowest shipping cost, and supports Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability by using resources responsibly and minimizing environmental impact

• All-new Ford Transit offers a best-in-class range of vehicle configurations and will be available at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer

Ford Motor Company is taking a new approach to shipping its all-new full-size Transit cargo vans and wagons to Ford dealerships across North America.

The high-roof Transit measures 110.1 inches tall and offers best-in-class interior cargo height when properly equipped, enabling customers as tall as 6 feet 4 inches looking to stand upright in their vehicles, but it also challenged Ford engineers to develop an innovative vehicle shipping solution.

Ford ships vehicles from its assembly plants to dealerships using a mix of railcars and trucks. The new medium- and high-roof Transit vehicles are too tall to fit in the common two-story railcars used by auto manufacturers, so Ford engineers worked with railroads and railcar manufacturers to design an innovative railcar that accommodates all the roof-height variations of the new Transit.

“Use of these modified railcars helps us to efficiently ship these large vehicles from our assembly plant, deliver them to our dealers and get them into the hands of our customers faster and more cost effectively,” said Chris Lemmink, Ford vehicle logistics manager.

The innovation allows Ford to ship Transit vehicles through the right mix of rail and truck transport to help reduce delivery time and cost. The company evaluated using trucks only, but determined that it could deliver Transit vehicles more efficiently and for less cost by designing modified railcars and incorporating them into the shipping network.

The optimized balance of rail and truck transport also supports Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability by using resources responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.

Ford plans to transport Transit vehicles by truck to its dealers within a 500-mile radius of the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, where Transit is produced. Shipments traveling longer than 500 miles will be transported by rail.

Ford worked with leading rail companies to modify Transit railcars by elevating its inner deck, enabling as many as seven medium- and high-roof Transit vehicles to be loaded on the lower deck and as many as seven smaller vehicles, like the Ford Fusion, on the shorter top deck, depending on the vehicle’s length. The overall height of the railcar remains the same as traditional railcars, so as not to interfere with overpasses and tunnels.

Ford expects approximately 50 percent of Transit orders will be medium- and high-roof configurations.

Ford began working on the railcar project in 2010, coinciding with development of the all-new 2015 Transit.

All-new Ford Transit

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

Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965, and has been the best-selling commercial van in the United Kingdom for 49 years. The vehicle is sold in 118 markets on six continents.

The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 4 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area.

Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. Transit delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

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

Transit will be available in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; in three body lengths and two wheelbases for van and wagon, along with three roof heights; with a standard 3.7-liter V6, available 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® and available 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® diesel engine; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van.

Ford, Fisher-Price Introduce New Power Wheels F-150

Ford and Fisher-Price took the F-150 in a whole new dimension today, unveiling the Fisher-Price Power Wheels F-150. The ride-on toy, which retails starting at $349.99 beginning in September, was inspired by the 2015 F-150. Ford engineers shared designs nine months before the new truck debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the third generation of ride on toys inspired by F-150 models and is expected to be the best-selling merchandise Ford sells. In 2013, Ford generated $2 billion in retail sales with 400 licensing agreements, covering everything from model cars, apparel, pinball machines, pool tables, Mustang cologne and power tools.

Ford Takes Precautions to Protect Customers; Revises Safety Recall for Certain 2014 Ford F-150 Trucks for Electronic Power Assist Steering Gear Issue

Ford is revising the total volumes of a safety recall for approximately 5,675 2014 Ford F-150 trucks for a potential issue with the electronic power assist steering gears. The affected EPAS steering gears may have a motor position sensor magnet that was incorrectly installed by the supplier.

On June 17, 2014 the Supplier notified Ford, after a further review of their data, that they have identified additional suspect steering gears

As of June 24, 2014, of the 5, 675 vehicles, approximately 260 have been delivered to customers globally, and the remainder are at dealership or in transit to dealers. Ford is advising affected owners not to drive their vehicles and to contact their dealers immediately for the needed repair.

Dealers have been instructed to stop delivering any affected vehicles or conducting demonstration drives in these vehicles, and to replace the steering gear on potentially affected units.
No accidents or injuries have been attributed to this condition.

Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers.

Ford Tops Ranking of Best Global Green Brands

• Ford Motor Company earns No. 1 spot on annual list of  Interbrand’s 50 Best Global Green Brands
• Ford scored high marks for transparency about its business operations and disclosure of performance information, particularly in the area of manufacturing
• No. 1 ranking comes after Ford  came in  second on the list  last year and 15^th in 2012

Ford Motor Company was recognized today for its commitment to sustainability, ranking No. 1 on Interbrand’s 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands. The automaker beat out last year’s winner – Toyota – along with corporate heavy-weights Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.

Ford claimed the top spot for its forward-thinking approach to environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, greater transparency about its business operations, and for disclosure of information, particularly in the area of manufacturing. Ford’s focus on water, highlighted in the company’s recently released 15^th annual Sustainability Report, as well as its waste-reduction and green building efforts, contributed to the company’s rise to the top.

“We are honored to be named No. 1 in the 2014 Best Global Green Brands,” said Robert Brown, vice president, Sustainability, Environment & Safety Engineering. “At Ford we are working to develop the highest-quality products in the market for our customers while manufacturing them in the most environmentally responsible manner and replicating this globally. This award tells us that our stakeholders agree.”

When identifying the top 50 Best Global Green Brands each year, Interbrand starts with the 100 brands that make up its annual Best Global Brands report. Brands that appear on this annual ranking have a global presence and a demonstrated record of delivering value to their stakeholders. Interbrand then conducts extensive consumer research to capture public perception of the brands’ sustainable or green practices and compares that to environmental or sustainability performance data collected and analyzed by Deloitte Consulting LLP.

"Over the past few years, Ford has proven to be a sustainability leader," noted Jez Frampton, Interbrand's Global Chief Executive Officer. "Sustainability is fully integrated into Ford's overall business strategy. As such, the company is able to swiftly identify and address its impact on the environment and society across every facet of its operations. Continuing to invest in alternative energy sources and fuel-saving technologies – and educating consumers on its benefits, will be key to enhancing its business and brand value over time."

To view the full list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands for 2014, click here.

All-New 2015 Edge Showcases Ford’s Best Technology, More Driver-Assist Features, Improved Performance, Craftsmanship

• 2015 Edge will go on sale in North America early next year as a showcase of Ford innovation – from a new design that excites to technology that comforts, the all-new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles
• Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive steering system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, glove box-mounted airbag system, inflatable rear safety belts and hands-free liftgate
• 2015 Edge will be first Ford vehicle with standard EcoBoost^® engine; new Sport model will be powered by most advanced EcoBoost yet – a 2.7-liter V6; premium-level Titanium series joins lineup 

The all-new Ford Edge demonstrates what happens when a proven leader gets even better. The original crossover utility vehicle from Ford is loaded with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship and greatly improved vehicle dynamics. The 2015 Ford Edge is a better vehicle by every measure.

When launched in late 2006, Edge helped to define the crossover sport utility vehicle segment in North America, the biggest such market in the world. With a car-based design, Edge delivered better on-road comfort, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics than any truck-based SUV. It was proof a utility vehicle could meet the demanding needs of an everyday commuter.

The 2015 Edge revealed today in North America and Europe is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market. Based on Ford’s successful, global midsize vehicle platform, Edge has been reimagined with a stronger, more athletic shape. It has been retooled to meet higher expectations for quality, and reengineered to add more features and technologies for a more rewarding driving experience. The all-new Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets across the globe.

“The original Edge was our first entry into the world of crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship.”

With the new Edge, Ford is also building on its utility vehicle leadership around the world. Last year, the company sold a record 1.2 million utility vehicles in markets across the globe – up 38 percent from 2012.

In North America, Ford was the top-selling utility vehicle brand for a third consecutive year in 2013. Ford utility vehicle sales have been strong elsewhere as well, increasing nearly 20 percent in Europe last year. In China, Ford’s share of the utility vehicle segment is growing exponentially, increasing to 4.5 percent in 2013 from less than 1 percent in 2012.

“For three years in a row, Ford has been the best-selling utility vehicle brand in North America and has been experiencing exponential growth in global markets,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The all-new Edge is the next chapter in this story. And it’s a story driven by the emotional appeal of the vehicle – not its feature content.”

This emotional appeal is enhanced by a wealth of advanced technologies and new amenities. The all-new Edge will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2015, with sales following in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific markets.

Dynamic all-new body and suspension

The 2015 Edge, now based on the same global platform as the award-winning Ford Fusion that debuted in North America in 2012, will deliver the confident, smooth driving experience customers expect from Ford.

“The all-new Edge has been remade in almost every single detail, always keeping in mind the customer, who expects something premium, powerful and special,” said Judy Curran, vehicle line director for Ford. “With a structure more rigid than ever and a suspension tuned to the highest global standards, the 2015 Edge is a high-tech utility that delivers a special driving experience customers will feel from their first moments behind the wheel.”

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling.

The front-wheel-drive Edge retains a MacPherson-type front suspension, but features an entirely new, sophisticated integral-link independent rear with coil springs and a 23-millimeter antiroll bar. The advanced new system has been tuned to deliver a more dynamic, engaging ride customers will feel immediately.

Thanks in part to the use of more high-strength steels, the solid body structure of the all-new Edge provides a far better platform for the new suspension to work. Compared to the 2014 Edge, the new model shows a 26 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to bending forces and a 16 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to twisting forces.

This means less noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, giving Edge customers a quieter, more substantial ride. As a result, Edge is well suited for an everyday commute, but ready to attack when the road opens up.

All-new adaptive steering technology

The all-new Edge will be the first Ford product to feature the company’s adaptive steering technology, which will make the vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive.

A standard feature on Edge Sport and available on the new Titanium series, adaptive steering changes the ratio between a driver’s actions at the steering wheel – the number of turns – and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional steering systems, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Ford adaptive steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing steering response in all situations.

At lower speeds, such as pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn, as it dials more steering into the road wheel. Each low-speed maneuver requires less turning of the steering wheel.

At highway speeds, the system further optimizes steering response, enabling Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Adaptive steering technology can help make any drive more enjoyable.

The Ford system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to the vehicle’s traditional steering system. The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver’s steering inputs. The result is a better, more engaging driving experience at all speeds.

Two new engines, for a total of three power options

In North America, the all-new Edge will feature three engine options, two of which are new powerplants – a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine will also be offered. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Edge represents the first Ford vehicle to feature standard EcoBoost power.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost, offering an estimated 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, is significantly improved over the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Beyond efficiency advantages, this new engine will also provide more capability. Edge equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost can be specified with newly available all-wheel drive and a towing package capable of hauling a 3,500-pound trailer.

Among a host of changes to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a twin-scroll design enabling optimized camshaft timing for improved engine performance and reduced turbo lag. A new, lighter engine block casting along with new aluminum balance shaft assembly shaves six pounds from the engine’s gravitational weight. Other changes include lighter pistons; a newly designed, integrated exhaust manifold; and a new, high-pressure direct-injection fuel system for finer fuel atomization. These upgrades pave the way for an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1, up from 9.3:1, for improved overall fuel efficiency.

Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system will also be available with the twin-scroll EcoBoost engine on the new Edge. In heavy traffic, this technology can seamlessly shut down the engine to decrease fuel consumption, reducing tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off.

On the other side of the engine spectrum is Edge Sport, with an exclusive, all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world’s most advanced engines. Drawing its design from the best of the efficient Ford EcoBoost lineup, along with the unmatched durability of Ford Super Duty Power Stroke^® diesel, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost provides a remarkable combination of advanced materials expertly applied.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost uses the same compacted graphite iron in its cylinder block as is used in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke. This advanced cylinder block allows for a remarkably stiff and compact design that returns exceptionally refined noise, vibration and harshness control. The compacted graphite iron core is mated with a die-cast aluminum engine-block ladder frame and composite oil pan, saving weight by applying advanced materials where they are needed most.

The strength of the compacted graphite iron cylinder block allows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to produce impressive power and torque for its size. Compact and efficient, the all-new engine can produce the power and torque of a mid-range V8.

Expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever.

The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10 percent thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

Paddle-activated SelectShift puts driver in control

All three engines are mated to Ford’s SelectShift^® six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift activation. Drivers will have the ability to manually select gears via race-inspired paddles on the steering wheel. The paddle-shift system is standard on all models.

The SelectShift transmission features two modes of operation – drive and sport. Sport mode offers a more aggressive shift pattern, allowing the engine to rev higher during acceleration, and hold lower gears longer to support spirited, fast-paced sessions.

Unlike many paddle-shift systems, the Edge six-speed automatic is always “live in drive,” so the driver won’t have to select sport mode to enable operation.

The available all-wheel-drive system for the new Edge is full-time, on-demand and seamless – there are no knobs or switches to activate. An electronically controlled clutch, which can engage faster than a human can blink, transfers power between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100 percent of the power front or back.

New level of technology for better driving

The 2015 Edge will be a technology leader for Ford, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include adaptive steering, enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

“The new Edge is a rolling showcase of Ford’s commitment to developing and offering the latest, most advanced technology in the business,” said Curran. “We know our customers have embraced technology – from smartphones to wearable devices that track their health. Technology is part of their lives. We want to make it part of their driving experience as well.”

Key technology features include:

• Active Grille Shutters: Available on select models to help counter air resistance
• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary
• Adaptive steering technology: Most advanced steering system ever from Ford makes Edge easier to maneuver and more fun to drive by optimizing steering response in all conditions
• Air curtain: Creates a curtain of air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work, improving aerodynamics at high speed
• Auto Start-Stop technology: Turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, then restarts the engine in milliseconds when the brake is released; specially tuned for Edge

• Blind Spot Information System: BLIS^® uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
• Cameras: New 180-degree front camera with washer featured for first time on a Ford vehicle; standard rear camera
• Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space

• Enhanced active park assist: Builds on Ford parallel parking technology and includes a system to guide the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also steer the vehicle into and out of a parallel parking space
• Forward and reverse sensing systems: The systems provide audible alerts designed to help drivers avoid obstacles when parking
• Hands-free liftgate: Allows customer to move leg below center of the rear bumper to unlock and raise liftgate
• Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel: Amenities make occupants more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable
• Lane-keeping system: Alerts driver to steer the vehicle back into its lane if the vehicle is allowed to drift

• Side parking sensors: uses sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or low-speed maneuvers
• SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®: Becoming available for more trim levels; standard on Edge Sport and Titanium series

Safety technologies available on the new Edge include:

• Active glove box knee airbag: Advanced new design uses glove box front to cushion the knees of the front seat passenger in a crash. A pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder is sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. On impact, a small inflator fills the bladder, extending the glove box outer door panel toward the passenger’s legs
• AdvanceTrac^® with Roll Stability Control^™: Uses sensors to measure the roll rate of the vehicle and predict its roll angle. Based on this information and measurements from other vehicle dynamics sensors, the system can adjust engine torque and brake pressure at all four wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle
• Curve Control: Uses the same sensors as Roll Stability Control to detect and measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle to help drivers follow their intended path by slowing the vehicle more efficiently while maneuvering a curve
• Inflatable rear safety belts: An advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies. It is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant’s torso than a traditional safety belt. Inflatable belts are available for second-row outboard seating positions

Higher standards for quality and craftsmanship

The 2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels. These include SE, SEL, Sport and – for the first time – a top-of-the-line Titanium series to meet market demand for more premium offerings.

“We really focused on meeting the highest craftsmanship standards in developing the all-new Edge,” said Kim Cape, marketing manager, Ford Large Cars and Utilities. “The idea was to create not just a high-quality exterior and interior, but to give the customer a holistic, premium experience.

“The Titanium trim level has been a real success story for Ford – particularly in products such as Fusion, Escape and Flex. Our customers are telling us, ‘We are interested in technology and a premium look and feel.’ Titanium delivers that.”

Overall, the 2015 Edge represents a significant move forward in both material and visual quality. Throughout the vehicle, seams are tighter and more consistent, and the design has been executed in a way that reduces visual cutlines. The team worked out the smallest of details, such as rethinking how the front doors meet the instrument panel, simplifying merging points and reducing potential alignment issues.

The dashboard and center console have also been carefully designed and shaped to look like one thin, streamlined piece. A central 8-inch LCD touch screen supporting SYNC with MyFord Touch is now available on even more models.

Storage areas have been improved throughout the cabin, with a covered media bin on top of the center stack; an open, pass-through-type storage area beneath the climate controls; an open storage area on the instrument panel, below and to the left of the steering wheel; and large pockets on each door.

Thanks in part to smart design work and next-generation seats that are thinner and more supportive, the interior of the new Edge is larger and more spacious. Adding further to the feeling of openness, Edge will continue to offer one of the largest sunroofs in the business – Ford’s Panoramic Vista Roof, measuring 47.7 inches front to back.

Legroom in the first and second row of the new Edge has increased by 1.9 inches and 1.0 inch, respectively. Headroom increases by 1.0 inch throughout. Cargo capacity increases, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats – 7.0 cubic feet more than the previous model. With the second row folded, space has increased by 4.5 cubic feet, to 73.4 cubic feet.

The new Edge is slightly longer and taller than its predecessor, and the wheelbase increases by 1.0 inch, to 112.2 inches.

Quieter than ever

The all-new Edge is not only more luxurious and comfortable, but also quieter.

In wind tunnel tests, Edge proved to be more than 1 sone quieter than its predecessor (a sone is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is perceived). This enhanced quietness is due to better sealing of the body, sound insulation improvements, and powertrains that are better isolated from the cabin and operate in a quieter manner. Acoustic windshield glass is standard on every model. Select Titanium models are even quieter, incorporating acoustic glass on driver and passenger side doors.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, for example, has reduced vibration levels when idling compared to the previous version, and is 2 decibels quieter. In moments of heavy acceleration, the revamped engine emits a quieter, more refined sound. This is due to multiple changes including an acoustic wrap to the intake manifold, upgraded heat shield that provides additional sound management and modified oil pump.

Edge Sport will be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology from Ford to manage and enhance the sound of its powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. Using three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin, the system is able to generate opposing sound waves directed through the audio system, enhancing overall cabin ambience.

Even the tires have been selected to deliver a better on-road experience. The 20-inch tires available on Sport and Titanium trim levels are a full 2 decibels quieter – reducing unpleasant road noises often associated with larger wheels.

Built to be the best

The all-new Edge will be built at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, where a $700 million (U.S.) renovation has delivered significant improvements to the facility.

In preparation for 2015 Edge production, the plant has been fitted with more than 250 new, more advanced robots to improve the build quality and repeatability performance of the equipment. Many of these robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision – with duties that require thousandths of an inch accuracy to ensure repeatable, high-quality assembly.

“Some unique technologies have come into the plant, all of it designed to bring a higher level of quality at a rate that is capable of being repeated,” said William Cowell, Oakville Assembly plant manager. “The higher level of complexity in the build process means employees are interfacing with more advanced systems and technology that can significantly improve quality in ways that our customers will be able to see and feel.”

2014 Transit Connect Wagon #unminivan Cargo Space Time Lapse Video

Check out how much cargo space is available in the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon, the #unminivan. Fuel efficient, uniquely styled and extremely fun to drive, the Transit Connect Wagon is an affordable people mover for families and active individuals who want to be ready for whatever life brings.

Industry-First Active Glovebox Knee Airbag

Ford has developed a new type of airbag technology that enables more compact packaging and reduced weight. The first application of this all-new inflatable restraint will be for the front passenger knee airbag on the 2015 Ford Mustang.

Ford Cuts Water Use Two Years Ahead of Schedule; 2013-2014 Sustainability Report Highlights Future Initiatives

• Ford releases its 15^th annual Sustainability Report highlighting the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and the successes it has achieved thus far

• Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally signs the CEO Water Mandate launched by the U.N. Secretary General, expanding the company’s commitment to water conservation and the environment

• This year, Ford will begin an initiative to reduce water use by its suppliers worldwide

Ford Motor Company is furthering its commitment to aggressively step up water conservation programs at its global facilities and among the company’s suppliers, according to its 15^th annual Sustainability Report, released today.

Leaders at Ford believe it is a basic human right to have clean, affordable drinking water and access to sanitation, and last year Ford reduced per vehicle water use by 30 percent globally from a 2009 baseline, reaching its goal two years ahead of schedule. Plans are under way to further cut water use by another 2 percent this year and to set new long-term goals.

“As Ford continues with its largest global expansion in more than 50 years, the company also recognizes that working in regions struggling with water scarcity will soon make water a costly commodity,” said John Fleming, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs for Ford Motor Company. “From a business perspective, understanding future constraints and immediately reducing Ford’s water consumption makes sense.”

In April, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally endorsed the CEO Water Mandate to more clearly define the company’s mission. The private-public initiative launched by the U.N. Secretary General in 2007 requires participating companies to report their water management progress annually.

Later this year, Ford will begin asking high water-use suppliers and those working in water-stressed regions to voluntarily report water consumption. Ford will then work with the suppliers to achieve reductions. The hope is that successful initiatives will be mirrored by other suppliers globally, helping Ford to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

Across the globe, examples of Ford’s success with water conservation are numerous. Consider Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant in Cuautitlán, Mexico.

Built in 1964, the plant is located in a water-scarce region. Over the decades, the city has become host to many international corporations, including beverage companies that use large volumes of water. By 1990, the Cuautitlán government recognized that water demand was outstripping supply and began limiting water use and imposing stricter permitting.

Changes implemented by Ford at the facility include:

• Installing dedicated piping for potable water to ensure it is used only for human consumption
• Recycling all other water used at the plant
• Replacing asphalt with ecological concrete, which allows rain to reenter the ground

The result: An almost 58 percent reduction in water use per vehicle produced at Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant between 2000 and 2013.

“This is a success story we are very proud of,” said Luis Lara, manager of Mexican operations for Ford’s Environmental Quality Office. “When you are in a water-stressed region, you appreciate that having water is a precious thing. Any cubic meter of water we save at the Cuautitlán plant is a cubic meter of water available for people in the neighboring communities.”

Ford began strategically working to improve the company’s water impact globally in 2000 by setting year-over-year reduction targets as part of its Global Water Management Initiative. The success of the initiative is measurable.

Not only has the company reached its water-use-per-vehicle goal two years ahead of schedule, it cut global water use by 61 percent, or by more than 10 billion gallons, between 2000 and 2013. That savings is the equivalent of 1 billion five-minute-long showers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The total amount of water used around the globe at Ford facilities went from 64 million cubic meters per year to 25 million cubic meters.

Other highlights of Ford’s Sustainability Report include:

• The sale of nearly 2.5 times more electrified vehicles in 2013 compared to 2012
• Ford’s actions to increase supply chain transparency and ensure the minerals in our products are sourced responsibly An 18 percent reduction of CO₂ emissions in the European fleet between 2007 and 2013
• Ford’s priority to accelerate new product development. The 2014 global product launch features 23 new or significantly refreshed vehicles, the most of any year in a century

2015 Ford Super Duty Leaves the Competition Behind

We put our 2015 Ford Super Duty against the best the competition has to offer. If you're looking for a truck that can tow, this is what's currently in the market. We took all three trucks on a grueling series of drives, each vehicle towing 20,000 lbs. From high in the Colorado Rockies to the unforgiving desert at Davis Dam, the Ford Super Duty outperformed the competition - again!