4/29/16

Safe Fleet Brands at the 2016 NTEA Work Truck Show



At the 2016 NTEA Work Truck Show, Safe Fleet brands Prime Design, ROM, Bustin, Seon and Bus and Rail exhibited their products to the highest attendance in event history.

4/27/16

Safest F-150 Ever: Ford F-150 SuperCrew and SuperCab Only Full-Size Pickups to Earn 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick


  •     Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2016 Ford F-150 pickup its Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations – the only large pickup to earn this recognition
  •     Superb crash test performance of new Ford F-150 – including highest possible rating in small overlap front crash test – is enabled by high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering
  •     2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab
DOWNLOAD THE 2016 F-150 TOP SAFETY PICK FACT SHEET

DEARBORN, Mich., April 12, 2016 – The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only large pickup to earn an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations.

Class-leading crash test performance of the new Ford F-150 is enabled by the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering, which also help to save up to 700 pounds of weight to enable best-in-class ratings for towing, payload and EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy.

“From the moment our team set out to design and build the new F-150, we knew it had to be best-in-class,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick is another example of Ford’s commitment to building the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever.”

A cross-functional group of Ford truck veterans worked thousands of hours to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and safety. The team created 31 safety-related innovations – including new structures that manage crash forces, and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

These smart innovations include a patented extruded aluminum roof crossmember and additional frame crossmember to help improve crash resilience.

To manage crash forces in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap front crash test, Ford created a system of innovations that work together to help protect the driver. Nylon hinge pillar reinforcements save weight, and in conjunction with specially designed wheel blockers, work to control crash forces while also providing additional safety.

“The same innovative approach applied to every other attribute of the 2016 F-150 is exemplified in our commitment to safety,” said Nair. “We spent thousands of hours engineering, designing and developing multiple safety features that work together in the event of an accident.”

F-150 is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and a five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

4/23/16

2016 Work Truck Show Recap - Knapheide



The 2016 Work Truck Show was the platform for some huge announcements from The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, watch the video to see for yourself.

4/21/16

Knapheide Customer Story: J.F. Electric



Since 1848, we have been a family-owned company led by six generations of the Knapheide family. We are proud to say that some of our best customers are multi-generational as well, like J.F. Electric in Edwardsville, Ill. Check out their story!

4/19/16

Service bodies: Part 4, Fiberglass gaining more attention at Altec

 Fiberglass inserts and service bodies at Altec 
are turning more heads
 


“People are starting to take a strong look at fiberglass,” Andy Price, Altec’s market manager, tells Hard Working Trucks. “One of the real advantages of fiberglass is that a fiberglass body comes out of a mold, so you don’t have tracing points for water. It’s one piece.

“It generally can be a one piece body so you don’t have things bolted or welded together, but again all this depends on the design. I don’t want to give the impression that all fiberglass bodies have no penetration points. That isn’t the case at all. Depending on the design, it can have some advantages in fiberglass in those areas.”

HWT (Hard Working Trucks) Related: Iowa utility acquires more Altec hybrid service trucks

Altec, which entered the fiberglass body market about three years ago, recently introduced a new fiberglass insert with a seamless, aerodynamic design. The Capsule features aesthetic contours to complement the chassis, recessed side and rear doors, stainless steel latches, an all-aluminum interior and forklift pockets for easy installation and removal.

- Source:  http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/service-bodies-part-4-fiberglass-gaining-more-attention-at-altec/#sthash.coXqFxfE.dpuf

4/17/16

Ford Introduces Kansas City-Built F-150 MVP Edition


  •     Limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant
  •     Suggested by a Ford customer, 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition – first time Kansas City celebrated a professional baseball world championship
  •     Midwest Ford Dealers renewed its sponsorship for the 2016 season with Kansas City Royals
CLAYCOMO, Mo., March 29, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, salutes Kansas City’s world championship by announcing a limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Based on the F-150 XLT with chrome package and available in either Oxford White or Blue Flame, F-150 MVP edition includes special MVP badging, unique polished stainless rocker panels and a spray-in bedliner. 

The 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition started as an idea from Marc Lassalle, a Kansas City Royals fan, to celebrate his team’s second world championship. It follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition, created and sold in 1985 to celebrate Kansas City’s first time as world champions. 

“Like our manufacturing team members at Kansas City Assembly Plant, the Kansas City Royals are a great example of what terrific teamwork can accomplish,” said Gary Johnson, Ford vice president for North America manufacturing.

F-150 MVP edition customizations are added at Kansas City’s unique SubTropolis underground business complex, where Ford applies custom accessories to its vehicles in the energy-efficient cave system.

Ford worked with former Kansas City Royals star Bret Saberhagen, from the 1985 team roster, and Salvador PĂ©rez, from the 2015 Kansas City lineup, to promote the F-150 MVP edition.

Saberhagen will be on hand today to greet Kansas City Assembly Plant employees. Midwest Ford Dealers has also renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Kansas City Royals for 2016.

The F-150 MVP edition is on sale now at Kansas City area Ford dealers.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

4/15/16

DRW Ford Transit Cab-Chassis with Harbor Service Body and Rack - Plenty of Storage, Great Visibility and Easy Access!

Harbor Service Body is 10 foot Plus 4 inches 
Length Inside Cargo Area


This Ford Transit Cutaway has an 80 inch Cab to Axle dimension. It allows for a
longer body and provides for a lower bed-to-ground height.


The view of the Harbor Body from the rear shows the low access into the cargo area. This allows for easier loading and unloading of materials and equipment. The extra long ladder rack access is also lower than it would be on a standard chassis cab body.


Note the Great Visibility the wide rear window provides. The low profile of the Harbor Body allows a wide, virtually unobstructed rear view over the tailgate and side boxes.


The compartment depth on this Dual Rear Wheel body is 19 inches, the Single Rear Wheel version would be 15" deep. The DRW version floor width is 50", plenty of room to slide in that 4 foot wide plywood!


The body is standard height (about 40") and sits lower because of the chassis design.


This body has the  Master Lock System, a Non-Forklift Rack, Standard One-Hand Latch, Self-Opening Stainless Steel Lids with Two Gas Shocks. Lighter and stronger and rust free! (Aluminum Treadbrite overlay is available as an option). Matching Stainless Steel Gravel Guards are standard. (Closed top models are standard steel and offer Aluminum Treadbrite as an option). 

Find out more at: 
http://htbi.net/

4/13/16

The Reading Aluminum Classic II Service Body



Reading’s Classic II™ aluminum service body combines the superior fuel economy and corrosion resistance of aluminum with Reading’s legendary quality and durability. Built with premium recycled aluminum alloy and protected by Reading’s exclusive Triple Protection E-coat primer and powder coat finish, it resists corrosion better than any other service truck body on the market. It features all the standard and exclusive options that have made our flagship Classic II™ a leader in the truck body industry while offering environmental benefits that today’s consumers appreciate. Standard features include a pressed diamond plate floor and inner tailgate surface, heavy-duty compartment doors and a rugged undercoated understructure for superior durability and strength. The Classic II™ aluminum service truck body also features Reading’s exclusive adjustable hidden hinges, Dual-Pro® door seals, a slam-action tailgate and much more. Add our industry-leading 10-year limited warranty and it’s easy to see why there’s No Body Better than the Classic II™.
  •     Increased available payload
  •     Corrosion resistance
  •     Weather-tight storage
  •     Customized compartments
Find out more at:  http://www.readingbody.com/product/aluminum-classic-ii/


4/11/16

We Own Work: Inside the Manufacturing of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty



Five truck customers head inside the Kentucky Truck Plant for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to witness the unique manufacturing innovations involved in creating the smartest, toughest and most capable Super Duty ever.

In this episode, our teams of Insiders see the innovative joining techniques used to build the Super Duty’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. From self-piercing rivets to flow-drill screws and powerful structural adhesives, this is truly manufacturing at its best.

Discover the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty: https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...

4/09/16

Ford Wins Best Value Awards from Vincentric, Takes Home Honors for Truck Brand, F-150, F-350 Super Duty and Taurus

DEARBORN, Mich., April 5, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, is winning recognition for trucks that offer the best value. Ford Taurus was honored with a value award as well.

Ford is named Best Value Truck Brand in America for the second time by Vincentric, an automotive data analysis firm that specializes in lifecycle cost measurement. Ford first earned the truck brand award in 2013.
Ford F-150 wins the Best Value in America award among full-size half-ton pickups for the fifth time – reclaiming the title it held from 2011 through 2014.

The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – introduces segment-first Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The technology makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction – the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed.

Ford F-350 Super Duty is honored for the fifth time with the Best Value in America award for the full-size one-ton pickup segment. It had previously won in 2010, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
The all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – goes on sale this fall.

Ford F-Series Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup truck, continues its leadership with best-in-class 440 diesel horsepower and standard 860 lb.-ft. of torque.

Along with the Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel, Super Duty is available with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces best-in-class standard horsepower of 385 along with 405 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford Taurus honored for best value in large sedan segment

Ford Taurus wins the Best Value in America award among large sedans from Vincentric.

The 2016 Taurus is designed to respect your comfort and respond to your needs, with a standard 3.5-liter V6 and two available EcoBoost® engines, a Lane-Keeping System that alerts you when your vehicle starts to drift from its lane and available voice-activated SYNC® that helps keep you connected.

The Vincentric Best Value in America awards are model-specific honors that determine the best value in each segment. Value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the total cost of ownership of all vehicles for the 2016 model year, along with the current market price of those vehicles.

In the model-level analysis, results are compiled using nine different scenarios based on combinations of annual driving mileage (10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 miles) and driving experience (three or fewer years, four to six years and more than six years).



About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

4/07/16

Ford F-150, Edge, Transit Connect Honored with TrueCar Awards Recognizing Highest Retained Value




DEARBORN, Mich.– The 2014 Ford F-150, Edge and Transit Connect will retain the highest percentage of their value as they enter the market for resale in 2016, according to TrueCar, which has recognized the three vehicles with its inaugural Pre-Owned Value Awards, making Ford the leader in truck segments.

The new awards, powered by ALG, TrueCar’s analytics division, evaluate pre-owned model-year 2014 vehicles available for resale in 2016 that are expected to retain the highest percentage of their value during the next three years.

The 2014 F-150 won the full-size pickup category in the 2016 Pre-Owned Value Awards. The 2016 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – has helped make Ford F-Series the best-selling truck in America for 39 years running, and America’s top-selling vehicle for 34 consecutive years. Ford has the most F-Series trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles compared with any other competitor.1

The 2014 Edge won among midsize utility vehicles with second-row seating. With an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, available enhanced active park assist and an available front 180-degree camera, the 2016 Edge is a showcase of Ford innovation that helps drivers be unstoppable.

The 2014 Transit Connect won the midsize commercial vehicle category. Strong demand for the current Transit Connect – along with Transit and E-Series – made Ford the best-selling brand of commercial vans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2015, based on the company’s analysis of IHS Automotive total vehicle registration data and Ford custom segmentation for commercial vans.

TrueCar Pre-Owned Value Award winners are determined through careful analysis of used vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have vehicle entries in at least four different segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line.

1 Based on vehicle registration data and latest odometer readings available to Polk for 1992 and newer model year full-size pickups still on the road in the U.S. as of 4/1/15.


About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

4/05/16

The Smartest Super Duty Ever



With up to seven available cameras & LED lighting, the 2017 Ford Super Duty is the smartest Super Duty ever.

Towing is at the center of the Super Duty mission. Equipped with up to seven available cameras, the 2017 Super Duty can help make hitching up a standard or gooseneck trailer a snap. And the first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility while backing up.

Explore the 2017 Ford Super Duty: http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/...

4/03/16

ROUSH CleanTech Plant Tour


Come explore the ROUSH CleanTech Propane Plant to discover the safety and quality features built in to every propane system in your Blue Bird propane-powered school bus!

4/01/16

Make more money and Save Time with VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor


Looking for new ways to save time and make more money in tire service business? Find the secret industry leaders have known for years: the VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor systems helps you get to more jobs every day and reduces your average job time by 10 minutes. Time is money and the VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor system gets you more of both.