4/30/15

T-Grip latch for truck tool-boxes by Highway Products, Inc.


Introducing the new Highway Products super-duty T-Grip handle.

 Available exclusively on Highway Products toolboxes, the stainless steel T-Grip handle is ergonomically shaped and easily accommodates gloves. Featuring 2-way keying and a dead-bolt style lock, the handle assembly is internally welded, so there are no exposed mounting bolts or screws. Highway Products is the only toolbox manufacturer that guarantees its products for life.

To learn more, call 1-800-TOOL-BOX (1-800-866-5269) or visit us online at www.highwayproducts.com

4/28/15

2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Earns 5-Star Top Government Crash Ratings Thanks to 31 New Safety-Related Innovations

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with its five-star Overall Vehicle Score in New Car Assessment Program, the highest possible rating, making it the safest F-150 ever
  • All-new F-150 safety features include an advanced restraint system with dual-stage airbags, Curve Control to help drivers stay on their intended path, and available inflatable rear safety belts in SuperCrew models – a segment-first innovation
  • 2015 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever – includes the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market, plus best-in-class towing and payload ratings
The all-new Ford F-150 SuperCrew has earned the government’s highest possible crash safety rating –  adding to the F-150’s strengths as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever.

Thanks to 31 new safety-related innovations developed by the Ford truck team, the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“The five-star safety rating is a terrific example of One Ford collaboration and innovation,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Our truck team worked together for years to deliver this accomplishment, using an unprecedented combination of advanced materials throughout the all-new F-150. The 2015 model is engineered to be the safest F-150 ever, which matters to customers who depend on this truck to not only get the job done, but also get them safely home.”
F-150’s improved performance is enabled by up to a 700-pound weight savings through the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering.

A cross-functional group comprised of Ford truck product development veterans and researchers worked to precisely optimize vehicle weight savings and manufacturing design to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and crashworthiness. The team created and patented new structures, materials and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

Supercomputers for safety
The F-150 team started engineering the truck with supercomputers before the first units were ever even crash-tested in a lab.
Engineers developed digital safety models with nearly 1.4 million separate elements to examine how even the smallest parts of the truck would perform in a crash situation.

Safety starts with the frame
Safety starts with the truck’s signature, fully boxed frame – the backbone of the all-new F-150.
Engineers added an extra crossmember and increased the use of high-strength steel to improve stiffness, durability and safety – while also helping reduce the frame’s weight by up to 60 pounds.
“The team had to invent new ways to manage crash energy, because advanced materials like high-strength steel behave differently,” said Matt Niesluchowski, Ford truck safety manager. “We found that changing certain shapes led to a weight reduction, while also improving crash performance.”

Safety engineers developed a patented 12-corner front crush horn to dissipate more energy in a front impact. The uniquely shaped structure helps manage crash forces so the frame buckles predictably to keep those forces away from occupants in the cabin. This is just one of the 31 new safety-related innovations the team developed to make the truck safer in the event of a crash.

Safety improvements to the aluminum-alloy body
Ford’s advanced research and safety teams worked together to engineer F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body structure to manage what happens to the body in the event of a crash.

The truck’s cab features hydroformed roof rails that constitute a cage-like structure around the doors, extruded roof bows to provide lateral strength across the top of the cab, and extruded rocker rails near the bottom to reinforce lower body strength.

How various parts of the truck were joined also yielded safety improvements. In many cases, welding was not the most effective way to join parts, so the team developed and patented methods to connect parts using high-strength adhesives. This resulted in structural strength equal to or greater than traditional welds.

Additional safety features
New to F-150 is an advanced restraint system that includes an adaptive steering column that adjusts energy management depending on occupant size and safety belt usage. The system includes dual-stage airbags and side-curtain airbags.
The all-new F-150 offers the following safety features:
  • Safety belt pretensioners added to the belt anchor side that further tighten the lap belt around front seat occupants, keeping them in a more secure spot early in the event of a crash
  • Curve Control, a technology that will slow the vehicle when it senses the truck is going too fast for a particular curve
  • Available inflatable rear safety belts for SuperCrew – a segment-first feature
Driver-assist features
The 2015 F-150 introduces all-new driver-assist and semi-autonomous technologies, including several class-exclusive features such as adaptive cruise control and active park assist.

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use radar in the front of the truck to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead. Using this information, F-150 can automatically slow to keep a consistent following distance set by the driver. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. It also pre-charges the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly.

Active park assist uses two ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers parallel park. The sensors measure the gap between two vehicles to determine if there is enough room for the truck. After confirming the F-150 can fit, active park assist automatically steers the truck into the space, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals.

Lane-keeping system is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting out of the intended driving lane. The system detects the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror. A warning vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver that the vehicle is drifting out of the lines. Semi-autonomous lane-keeping aid then can provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed.

Toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever
F-150’s advanced materials and weight savings lead to customer benefits regardless of model configuration or engine choice. The innovative new truck can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds than the 2014 model, and it has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-sized gasoline pickup on the market.

When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine, the all-new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.


About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

4/26/15

New Transit Leads Ford Motor Company to More Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards Than Any Other Carmaker

DEARBORN, Mich., April 13, 2015 – Ford Motor Company won 11 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards for 2015 – more than any other manufacturer – led by the new 2015 Transit. Ford Transit is America’s best-selling commercial van, leading Ford this year to its best first-quarter commercial sales performance since 1995. Transit was determined to be the best value for fleets in five out of Vincentric’s six full-size van categories:
  • Full-Size ½-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 150 Medium Roof
  • Full-Size ½-Ton Passenger Van – Ford Transit 150 XL Wagon Low Roof
  • Full-Size ¾-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 250 Medium Roof
  • Full-Size 1-Ton Cargo Van – Ford Transit 350 Medium Roof
  • Full-Size 1-Ton Passenger Van – Ford Transit 350 XL Low Roof
The Ford Transit Connect XLT short-wheelbase midsize van was named Best Fleet Value in Vincentric’s Mini Passenger Commercial Van category. This recognition builds on Transit Connect’s earlier distinction as ALG’s Best Resale Value among midsize commercial vans. Three other Ford models also were honored with Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards:
  • Large Sedan – Ford Taurus SE 2.0-liter EcoBoost (sixth consecutive win for Taurus)
  • Large Crossover – Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-liter EcoBoost (third consecutive win for Explorer)
  • Large SUV – Ford Expedition XL 2WD (second consecutive win for Expedition)
Two Lincoln models round out the 11 Vincentric awards earned by Ford Motor Company. Read more details at http://www.vincentric.com/Home/Best-Value-Awards/2015-Best-Value-in-America/2015-Best-Fleet-Value-in-America-Winners-List/2015-Best-Fleet-Value-in-America-Press-Release. Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards are based on fleet lifecycle costs in eight key areas: depreciation, fuel, insurance, financing, repairs, fees and taxes, opportunity costs and maintenance. Winning vehicles have the lowest lifecycle costs across 20 different ownership and mileage scenarios – ranging from 24 months of ownership/10,000 miles annually to 60 months of ownership/30,000 miles annually.



About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

4/24/15

All-New Ford F-150 Earns Top Spot Among Pickups in 2015 AAA Green Car Guide


The all-new Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – leads its segment as the greenest truck in the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide.

AAA selected the 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCab Lariat with EcoBoost® gasoline engine as its top choice. When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop, the all-new F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

F-150 is part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling full-size truck for 38 straight years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 33 straight years.

Read more details at http://newsroom.aaa.com/2015/04/top-green-vehicle-2015-tesla-according-fifth-annual-aaa-green-car-guide/?sf37738971=1. AAA Green Car Guide winners were tested and scored by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center in 13 categories, including braking, fuel economy, emissions, handling and ride comfort.
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

4/22/15

CargoGlide helps Fastenal workers


This video demonstrates how CargoGlide helps Fastenal Industrial Supply workers and prevents damaged tailgates on Fastenal trucks.

4/20/15

10 Reasons Why You Should Become A Van Driver




Every 7th vehicle sold in the UK is a Transit". With this stat in mind, we decided to dedicate this #Top10s to Ford's van. Salute!

Subscribe to Car Throttle: http://bit.ly/Zl0sWj

4/18/15

2015 Ford F-150: From Seats to Bumpers, No Part Overlooked to Reduce Weight



DEARBORN, Mich., April 6, 2015 – Ford engineers responsible for the all-new F-150 were tasked with taking weight out of the truck while improving its capability to accomplish all of the work owners expect of the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever. While many already know that the increased use of high-strength steel throughout the frame and the first-in-class military-grade, aluminum-alloy body led to approximately 450 pounds of weight savings, there’s more to the story, as engineers took approximately 250 pounds of additional weight from seats, bumpers and lots of other places. Every pound shaved from a variety of components returns capability back to the customer, so that the all-new F-150 can achieve its best-in-class payload of 3,300 pounds* and best-in-class towing of 12,200 pounds**. F-150 also offers a best-in-class EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy rating†.

Class is full-size pickups under 8,500 pounds GVWR
*When properly equipped with 5.0-liter V8, 4x2
**When properly equipped with 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6, 4x2
†EPA-estimated rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 4x2. Actual mileage will vary
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

4/16/15

DECKED Truck Bed Organizer and Storage System - ABTL Auto Extras



The DECKED truck bed organizing system was really born out of the fact that many pickup owners live their lives out of the back of their trucks. The initial goal was to build something made in America, spatially efficient, ergonomic, and weather proof. The DECKED system is comprised of a set of waterproof drawers that can each hold up to 200 lbs. and run on rollers. You still keep some of the utility by having room on top of the DECKED system to load items.

4/14/15

Sortimo saves you time


Globelyst brings order to your vehicle. With lots of extras and new functions the in-vehicle equipment helps reduce time spent searching and contributes towards efficient work - in every branch. Sortimo provides the highest quality with Globelyst due to the special material combination of high strength steel, light aluminium and sturdy plastic.

Discover more about all the functions of Globelyst and find out which extras are personally more important http://www.sortimo.us/ 


4/12/15

Meet the Female Engineers Driving Ford



In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, several of our leading female engineers share what they would say to inspire young women and girls to enter the STEM field.

“It’s OK to be feminine, and to be who you are. You don’t have to act like a man to be in a male-dominated field and relate to men.”


Subscribe to the Ford Today YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/fordtoday

4/08/15

Westin Headache Rack Protect Rear Windows of 2009-2015 Ford F-150s

Commercial-Grade F-150 Headache Rack


Westin Automotive Products has expanded the coverage of their Commercial Grade HD Headache Rack to extend through the 2015 model year for the Ford F150.

Westin’s Commercial Grade HD Headache Rack protects the truck’s rear window and its angled louvers provide shade to the interior.

It features a 2″ round upper body tube for easy adjusting of cargo, and includes 4 welded light tabs for the mounting a Westin LED Light Bar or a combination of Auxiliary and Work Utility LED Lights.

A crossover tool box up to 70” wide can be easily mounted over the rack’s bed rail mounting brackets. A separate mount kit is available to accommodate boxes larger than 70” wide.

The mounting brackets feature a laser-cut Westin logo and have a 4-bolt support for a secure fit. Mounting kit and hardware are included.

The HD Headache Rack can be used in conjunction with Westin’s HD Ladder Rack. Available in black or white powder coat finish, backed by a 3 year warranty.

More About: 2015 Ford F-150, F-150 headache rack, heavy duty, Westin

4/06/15

The Work Truck Show 2015


A record-setting 11,005 industry professionals from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 23 countries turned out for The Work Truck Show® 2015, North America’s largest work truck event. This breaks the Show’sprevious attendance record of 10,408 set in 2012. The Work Truck Show2015 was held March 4–6, with educational sessions and the concurrentGreen Truck Summit kicking off March 3, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. It is produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry.

Learn more at worktruckshow.com

4/02/15

Ford Named Best Overall Truck Brand in 2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards



DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2015 – Ford claims Best Overall Truck Brand in the 2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards – the latest accolade for the brand that introduced the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient F-150 ever. This is the second consecutive year and the sixth time in seven years Ford has captured the award. Along with the all-new 2015 F-150, truck shoppers’ favorable perceptions of Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 helped Ford clinch the award. Read more details at http://mediaroom.kbb.com/2015-04-01-Kelley-Blue-Book-Announces-2015-Brand-Image-Award-Winners.

The 2015 Ford F-150, its groundbreaking technology and the engineering team behind it have won the following awards and accolades:

    2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year
    2015 Motor Trend Truck Trend Pickup Truck of the Year
    Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Utility Vehicle of the Year
    Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Pickup 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
    2015 MotorWeek Best Pickup Truck
    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
    Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
    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
    New Car Test Drive 2015 Truck of the Year
    Ruedas ESPN Best Full-Size Pickup Truck
    2015 Detroit News Reader’s Choice NAIAS Awards Most Innovative
    Automotive Science Group
    - 2015 Best All-Around Performance Award Winner
    - Best Full-Size Truck of 2015
    - Smallest Carbon Footprint
    Urban Wheel Award for Urban Truck of the Year
    Green Car Technology Award
    Edmunds.com 2015 Most Popular Awards – Large Truck category
    Detroit Free Press Automotive Leadership Award – Engineering and Technology category
    Greater Atlanta Automobile Media Association Best Pickup/SUV

2015 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards are based on the Brand Watch™ study from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence. Award calculated among non-luxury shoppers. For more information, visit www.kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.