F-SERIES SUPER DUTY ADDS NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND CABELA’S EDITION PICKUPS
Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road.

* Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, adds new Harley-Davidson™ and Cabela's edition pickups and more standard capability for 2009 including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.

* Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business – from their Ford Truck, even on the job site.

* New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 25, 2008 – The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of trucks, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and offers even more choice with two new packages – a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup.

All four Super Duty trim levels, XL, XLT, FX4, and Lariat, come with new standard features. The XL, the no frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock, and manual trailer tow mirrors. The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features.

For 2009 the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs, and SIRIUS satellite radio. The most luxurious of the Super Duty line-up is the Lariat. The Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards, and SYNC, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technolgies

Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by making new technologies that make getting staying connected and getting the job done easier.

* SYNC is Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

* Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.

* Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include:

o An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

o Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.

o Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

o Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4

Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to customer data, seventy-six percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish and a key way for Ford to connect with those outdoor enthusiasts is as the official truck of Cabela's for the last X years with products prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming. The Cabela's FX4 package features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging finish off the exterior.

The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available Aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450

Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The custom perforated black leather wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed

Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty.
"Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset – the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military – that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006, and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness.

The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one smooth, even coat at a very low film thickness unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners.

The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. The uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance.

The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.
All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

[Ford]

FORD FURTHER CUTS TRUCK PRODUCTION AS DEMAND SLOWS; MORE CARS, CROSSOVERS, FUEL-SAVING POWERTRAINS ADDED

Next-generation European Ford Focus and Fiesta small cars reach North America in 2010

* North American large truck and SUV production further reduced for remainder of 2008; new Ford F-150 pickup introduction timing adjusted due to market conditions and current-model sell-down

* Production reductions will be achieved through additional downtime, shift reductions and line-speed actions at Ford's large truck and SUV assembly plants

* Production will increase for the Ford Focus sedan and Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles

* Next-generation, European Ford Focus and Fiesta small cars to begin production in North America in 2010, as Ford confirms it is revising its product plan to add more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains, including many from Ford's acclaimed European lineup

* More details and an updated outlook will be provided during Ford's second-quarter financial report in July; it is clear, however, that 2008 Automotive results will be worse than 2007, cash outflows will be greater than previous guidance and, unless the economy improves, it will be difficult for Ford to break even companywide on a pre-tax basis in 2009, excluding special items

* Ford Motor Credit Company will incur a pre-tax loss this year - excluding any potential payment related to Ford's profit maintenance agreement - primarily due to further weakness in large truck and SUV auction values; Ford Credit no longer plans a distribution payment to Ford in 2008

DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today said it is making further reductions to its North American truck production plan while adding more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains, as the company responds to the continued deterioration in the U.S.business environment and the accelerated shift away from large trucks and SUVs.

"As gasoline prices average more than $4 a gallon and consumers worry about the weak U.S. economy, we see June industry-wide auto sales slowing further and demand for large trucks and SUVs at one of the lowest levels in decades," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford has taken decisive action to respond to this accelerating shift in customer demand away from large trucks and SUVs to smaller cars and crossovers, and we will continue to act swiftly moving forward."

Ford now expects U.S. industry volume in 2008 - including medium and heavy vehicles - to be between 14.7 million and 15.2 million units, compared with the previous assumption of 15 million to 15.4 million units. Accordingly, in the third quarter, Ford now plans to produce 475,000 vehicles, a reduction of 50,000 units from previously announced plans and a decline of 25 percent compared with the 2007 third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Ford plans to produce 550,000 to 590,000 units, a reduction of 40,000 units from previously announced plans and a decline of 8 to 14 percent compared with the 2007 fourth quarter.

In parallel, Ford is adjusting the public introduction timing of the new 2009 Ford F-150 by approximately two months due to the industry-wide slowdown in the U.S. truck market and the need to sell down dealer inventory of the current model. The new F-150 now will go on sale in late fall.

"The new 2009 F-150 raises the bar yet again on capability, quality and durability, and we know core truck customers are eagerly awaiting its arrival," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas. "Our plan all along has been to introduce the new F-150 after our dealers had a chance to sell down inventory of the existing model, and - with the current slowdown in the marketplace - we decided it was prudent to adjust the start of public sale for the new truck by about two months."

With these actions, Ford said it now is clear that 2008 pre-tax Automotive results will be worse than 2007, cash outflows to fund operating losses and restructuring will be greater than previous guidance and, unless the economy improves, it will be difficult for Ford to break even companywide on a pre-tax basis in 2009, excluding special items. Ford North America still expects to reduce annual operating costs by about $5 billion by the end of 2008 - at constant volume, mix and exchange, and excluding special items - compared with 2005.

Ford Motor Credit Company now will incur a pre-tax loss this year - excluding any potential payment related to Ford's profit maintenance agreement - primarily due to further weakness in large truck and SUV auction values. Ford Credit no longer is planning a distribution payment to Ford in 2008.

Ford said it will provide more details on changes to its overall plan when it announces second-quarter financial results in July. In the meantime, Ford is taking the following production actions:

* Production of the 2009 F-150 now will begin in August at Kansas City Assembly Plant and in September at Dearborn Truck. One shift will be eliminated at both Kansas City (from two to one) and Dearborn (from three to two). Dearborn Truck will be idled most of the third quarter.

* Michigan Truck Plant will be idled for nine consecutive weeks beginning the week of June 23, in line with demand for the company's full-size SUVs.

* One shift of production will be eliminated at Louisville Assembly Plant for mid-size SUVs in the third quarter.

* The line speed will be reduced at Kentucky Truck Plant for large pickups in the third quarter.

* The line speed will be reduced at Chicago Assembly in the third quarter for full-size sedans.

* Production will wind down at Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico by the end of 2008. The plant, which now produces large pickups, will be retooled for production of the new Fiesta small car for North America beginning in early 2010.

Ford also is taking the following actions to increase capacity in the third quarter:

* Oakville Assembly will add a third shift for production of the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and all-new 2009 Ford Flex crossovers.

* Kansas City Assembly Plant's line that produces the Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid small utility vehicles will add a third shift.

* Wayne Assembly Plant's body and paint shops will add a third shift, and the line-speed will be increased for final assembly production of the popular Ford Focus small car.

Production at Ford's stamping, engine and transmission plants is being adjusted in line with the changes in assembly capacity.

"We view the move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles as permanent, and we are responding to customer demand," Mulally said. "In the near term, we are adjusting production to the actual demand - increasing small cars and crossovers and reducing large trucks and SUVs. For the long term, we are moving fast to introduce more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains - including more hybrids - and we will adjust our manufacturing facilities to match our updated product lineup."

Ford said it is uniquely positioned to build on its strength today as a crossover vehicle leader, while leveraging its small car expertise in Europe and bringing more of those vehicles to North America.

In addition to hatchback and sedan versions of the European-engineered Ford Fiesta small car that goes on sale in North America in early 2010, Ford is announcing today that four- and five-door versions of the next-generation European Ford Focus small car will be produced in North America beginning in late 2010.

The new Focus will be common with Europe, South America and Asia Pacific and represent the next generation of today's successful European Focus. Excellent fuel economy will be achieved through new highly efficient direct-injection engine technology and a new advanced six-speed transmission.

The new Focus and Fiesta - as well as other small cars and crossovers from Europe - will be part of an unprecedented period of new Ford product introductions that has only just begun in North America. The new Ford Flex crossover and Lincoln MKS sedan went on sale this month, and the new F-150 goes on sale in late fall. New versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size cars debut late this year, as do all-new hybrid versions of the Fusion and Milan.

By the end of this year, 70 percent of all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products by volume in North America will be new or significantly upgraded compared with the 2006 models. By the end of 2010, 100 percent of the product lineup will be new, including in 2009 the next-generation Mustang, new fuel-saving EcoBoost engines and new European Transit Connect.

"We remain absolutely committed to accelerating the development of the new products that customers want and value," Mulally said. "We sell some of the best smaller cars and utility vehicles in the world in our profitable European and South American operations, and our plan is to introduce these same vehicles in North America as quickly as possible. This is an integral part of our plan to leverage our global assets and achieve our goal of profitable growth."

[Source: FORD]

...2005-2006 versions of the pick-me-up equipped with the 5.4-liter engine. 600,000 of the trucks are in the United States and around 50,000 are in Canada. The rest? Who knows? Zimbabwe, maybe? Although Ford says there have been 11 minor accidents, no injuries have been tied to the issue. Except maybe Toby Keith's ego. Well, maybe that's more a problem with this post than the actual recall.

Yes, we know that looks like a current F-350 Super Duty, but clearly we've been told it's not. Why else would we spend money on buying these photos? Is it because we're gullible and will believe anything Brenda Priddy tells us to believe. Perhaps. Or perhaps it's because we believe what she's telling us — that picture is actually the 2011 Ford Super Duty engine under all that 2008 Super Dutifulness. The engine, supposedly called the "Scorpion," is a 6.7-liter V8 diesel designed to replace the current 6.4-liter V8 Power Stroke built by Navistar. Although we're under the impression Ford sunk a lot of cash into the development of the Power Stroke first seen in the 2008 model, it's kind of a necessity to navigate away from Navistar considering the legally-challenged ties that bind the two companies to the F-ing hip. And hey, we're also told to expect the next-generation Super Duty to get a six-speed auto tranny so they can compete with the new hotness from both Dodge and the General. Want to know more? Read the rest from Spymaster Priddy below. Want to see the mule a bit more closely? Check out what little you can see here.

First Raptor, now Scorpion! Ford knows how to pick the coolest names for its future truck programs.

But while it's tough to camouflage the purpose-built nature of Ford's upcoming F-150 'Raptor' desert runner, don't let the subtle looks of the F-350 Super Duty mule in this picture fool you. Reliable sources tell us that what's under the hood of this pickup is much more important to Ford. It's the all new, Ford designed 'Scorpion' 6.7-liter V8 diesel engine that will replace the current Navistar supplied 6.4-liter V8 Power Stroke by 2011.

How important? Diesels make up almost 80% of Super Duty sales. And the move is expected to permanently end Ford's longtime use of Navistar built diesel engines in its heavy duty pickups, due to an ongoing legal battle between the two companies over warranty and cost issues related to the old 6.0-liter V8 Power Stroke (model years 2003 to 2007). Ford has used Navistar diesels in its F-Series trucks since 1982.

Hard to believe but from the looks of this mule, the Super Duty may grow a bit bigger than the current truck to accommodate the larger displacement Scorpion diesel. Its raised hood is taller across almost its entire width and it has an overbite, hanging slightly over the current model's big chrome grille. Our sources tell us the Scorpion-powered Super Duty will also receive a new 6-speed automatic transmission, to directly compete with General Motors' and Chrysler's 6-speed heavy duty trucks.

PhotoCredit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported, though a few accidents have occurred. Models included in the recall are F-Series Super Duty Trucks, E-Series Vans and Excursions from 1997 to 2003 equipped with the engine. Expect a lawsuit in... 1, 2, 3... [CNN Money]

Ford has little competition in the Super Duty realm. Lined up against competing trucks from Dodge and Chevrolet, the Ford's internals are undeniably beefier. With substantially larger water pumps, radiators, engine mounts and bolts, there's no doubt the Ford is tougher. While the metal bits make up the Super Duty's bones and guts, Ford also blasts its largest full-size rig with hardcore development testing on Silver Creek, a quarter-mile straight shot on Ford's proving grounds, meant to simulate a lifetime of hitting giant pot holes, rocks and bumps most drivers hit only once every few thousand miles.

The directions for driving across Silver Creek are simple: hold the wheel with a firm, but relaxed grip and keep the speed at a steady 20 mph. The execution is much more difficult. From the first bump, your right foot is thrown into a struggle to find the gas pedal, while not accidentally smashing it to the floor. The steering wheel is prone to doing whatever the hell it wants, so when we reach the end of the course (rather than allowing the bumps to throw the truck off the road) it's tempting to call it a miracle. Reliving the violence of the drive in your head has shock absorbers busting through their mounts and suspension bits snapping in half, yet the Super Duty doesn't even show signs of a rattle after passing down Silver Creek. In fact the course is so intense Ford test drivers are limited in how often they can drive it due to medical concerns. During development, a single truck must survive the drive across Silver Creek more than 600 times before sign-off.

Off-road, the Super Duty performs well. After several hours of rain that have turned the course into peanut butter, the single-axle F-350 has no problem muscling through mud pits and crater-ridden trails. Its length is certainly a burden, making it far less nimble than any real off-roading machine. Still, it did well approaching steep hills and through short dips, never bottoming out.

We also took an F-450 Super Duty equipped with dualies over a hilly road course pulling a trailer 4,000 pounds shy of its 24,000-pound towing capacity. With Tow/Haul mode engaged, the Ford hangs onto revs longer and downshifts earlier when you put on the brakes to help slow things down. With the 6.4-liter diesel making 650 pound-feet of torque at peak, you're getting serious twist no matter where the tach needle points. Despite the Ford's five-speed Torqshift automatic downshifting at such aggressive points while towing 10 tons, we swear we could hear "Smooth Operator" playing somewhere.

It's a blessing we're not on public roads, since nearly all the journalists in attendance have casually dismissed the lane lines while towing that 40-foot trailer. With the longest Super Duty models stretching nearly 22 feet, you have to start thinking about navigating rather than driving. Turns should be planned well in advance and you'll want to run a few geometry calculations through your head before attempting to park between cars. Ford has made some efforts to make navigating the Super Duty a bit less of a burden. The screen for the optional back-up camera appears in the rearview mirror when you shift into reverse. While the screen is much smaller than the traditional screen in the nav system, Ford's camera includes a dotted line pointing where your truck is headed. Additionally, colored brackets along the edge of the screen help you to gauge how far you are from a wall, your trailer hitch, or Fido. Available power-scoping mirrors slide away from the truck for towing and can be folded in against the truck when pulling into a garage using a simple knob.

On F-350 dualies, buyers can now check a box for the "Fat Boy" option (actually, the sheet will read more like "widetrack monobeam front suspension and extended axle"). The longer front axle cuts the turning radius down from a hulking 56 feet to a slightly-less-hulking and class-leading 50 feet. Step into a Fat Boy-equipped F-350 and crank the wheel as far as it'll go. From the cabin, cones marking the outside of the turning circle disappear from sight in line with the center of the truck, convincing you you're about to send them to a second, flatter life. It's a surprise to get out of the truck and see all of the cones still standing. The Fat Boy option also makes the wheel wells taller and deeper, while adding more dimension to the front fender flares, giving an even tougher look to Ford's ultra-tough truck.

The toughness of the Super Duty is apparent in almost every challenge you can throw at it, from off-roading to towing to car-eating potholes. If you need to haul something or just want a vehicle that you can relentlessly abuse, the Super Duty has your number: $45,000 fully loaded.

Mike Rowe continues his Dirty Job of shilling for Ford trucks in the newest ad from FoMoCo, which we think may be called "This Is Bill." Whatevs, it's actually a fairly entertaining ad talking up the NHTSA crash test ratings of the new F-150 and the truck's five-star crash rating. Not that they're picking on the recent not-so-great crash test ratings of one automaker's new hauler in particular, right? I mean, they're probably just sayin'... Anyway, full press release from FoMoCo after the jump. – Ray Wert

FORD, MIKE ROWE TEAM UP TO SHOW F-150 LEADERSHIP

* Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs," stars in two new Ford F-150 ads showcasing the truck's continuing leadership in safety, strength and capability.
* New ads also feature two Ford engineers who put the Ford F-150 to the test every day.
* This under-the-skin look at F-150's strengths reflects Ford's "Truth About Trucks" efforts and "Built Ford Tough" product promise.
* The ads continue Ford's "Challenge" campaign, which showcases how Ford vehicles top the competition.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 1, 2007 - To illustrate the 2007 Ford F-150's continued leadership in safety, strength and capability, Ford picks apart its half-ton competition in two new ads starring Mike Rowe, creator and star of Discovery Channel's hit show, "Dirty Jobs." In this second round of Ford F-150 ads since January 2007, Rowe is joined by two hard-working Ford truck engineers as they highlight the F-150's superior features.

"The Ford F-150 is built consistently with better parts that give it more strength and capability to help customers get more work done," says Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. "That's how you build 30 years of truck leadership."

In the first ad, Rowe and Paul Angove, a Ford truck suspension engineer, review leaf spring bolts used by Ford and four key truck competitors. Angove highlights how the Ford F-150's bolts are the biggest and strongest. Since these bolts take on some of the heaviest suspension loads, they are key in making the 2007 Ford F-150 the strongest, most capable truck in its class.

In the second ad, Rowe and Bill McDonald, a supervisor in Ford's crash barrier facility, watch an F-150 in a dramatic crash test. McDonald, a 29-year Ford veteran, shares with Rowe that the 2007 F-150 received the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) highest safety rating (five stars) for driver and front passenger, a rating some top truck competitors have not earned.

The safety ad begins airing on national television on May 1, followed shortly afterwards by the leaf-spring bolt spot. The ads will be accompanied by similar print and online ads.

'Truth About Trucks'

The ads were inspired by a "Truth About Trucks" campaign Ford launched in 2003 to enumerate the F-150's lengthy list of under-the-skin advantages versus competitors. The campaign in broadcast, print and point-of-purchase advertisements has communicated to customers that F-Series trucks are stronger and more capable than competitors with the straightforward "Built Ford Tough" product promise. This consistent message enjoys decades of brand equity, nearly matching Ford's truck leadership for an unprecedented 30 consecutive years.

The new ads starring Mike Rowe, as well as other print and online communications, will reinforce these under-the-skin advantages that continue to make the 2007 Ford F-150 the leader. Ford dealers also are capitalizing on the F-150's leadership story by distributing it to sales consultants through videos that detail the truck's numerous advantages.

"Ford Challenge" Drives Sales Results

Similarly, in January Ford kicked off its "Ford Challenge" effort, an advertising platform designed to clearly demonstrate how Ford products beat the competition in head-to-head comparisons. The campaign started with the "Fusion Challenge," and then quickly extended to the F-150 and Expedition EL.

"We have the strongest Ford lineup ever," says Engle. "The 'Ford Challenge' confidently communicates this great story with products such as the Ford F-150 that show how the best-selling products beat their competitors in areas that matter most."

According to internal Ford data, the campaign has generated significant customer response in terms of product favorability, purchase consideration and, ultimately, sales.

* The "Fusion Challenge" helped the Ford Fusion post a 22 percent in increase through April 2007. The ads were based on two consumer events held with subscribers of Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines, where the Fusion V-6 all-wheel drive ranked ahead of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry V-6.
* Ford Expedition sales have increased year-over-year eight months in a row One of the Expedition "Challenge" ads pokes fun at a rival's third-row seat, which requires customers to remove it from the vehicle for maximum cargo space. Expedition owners simply press a button to electronically fold the third row flat.
* Through April, the Ford F-Series continued its 30-year run as the industry's sales leader. The first Ford F-150 ads starring Rowe highlighted the truck's leading payload and towing capabilities. In one spot, Rowe walks away from two competitive trucks that are both hitched to one 11,000-pound trailer and says, "If you need to tow 11,000 pounds, you'll need two trucks. Unless you're Joe. Joe owns a Ford F-150." The ad goes onto to describe how the truck's unique fully boxed frame delivers the unmatched towing capacity in the half-ton pickup segment.

F-Series: The Industry's Leader
Since its debut in 1948, Ford has sold more than 32 million F-Series trucks around the world. Today, there are more F-Series pickups on the road with 250,000 miles than any other brand. It has also been the best-selling truck in America for 30 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row.

The Ford F-150 half-ton pickup is the strongest half-ton truck with best-in-class payload and towing capacities. New for the 2007 model, Ford added to an unmatched lineup of more than 60 unique F-Series offerings with new F-150 FX2 Sport and Harley-Davidson SuperCrew models.

Ford recalls Super Duty trucks after tailpipe fires [Reuters]

Related:
Spy Photos: 6-Door Ford F-150 Mule [internal]

"Navistar spokesman Roy Wiley said the company simply wants payment for its goods. "Ford said the plant began operating one shift on March 5, two shifts on Tuesday and is expected to be back at a full three shifts of production on Monday..."Our bottom line is we want to be paid for our engines. They shouldn't be debiting anything," he said. Both sides said the dispute could be settled as soon as Thursday afternoon."

Ford says Super Duty plant will be up to full speed by Monday; Navistar resumes engine supply [AP via Detroit News]

Related:
Stroke It, FoMoCo! Navistar Stops Shipping Power Stroke Diesel Engines To Ford; Judicially Active! Demise Of Ford Averted By Oakland County Judge [internal]

Spied: 6-Door Ford F-150 Mule [PickupTruck.com]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Ford F-150 Mules [internal]

And now the trilogy of advertising semi-randomness from FoMoCo is complete. In many ways we're thinking this is the last salvo of the Ford marketing team's attempt to show Alan Mulally they're relevant. And if they failed at it in any way like the second to last salvo, it's not going to end very well at all. But we digress, let's get back to the last two ads from FoMoCo's wild ride. They're a continuation of the buff mag hand-job product placement we've already seen called the "Fusion Challenge." If you don't remember that's when FoMoCo sponsored a Car & Driver happy ending product whoring escapade "independent test" involving the Hachette magazine's readers. In case "sponsored" isn't clear enough, here's a better pair of words to use — "paid off." Well, Car & Driver ain't the only Hachette mag involved in this little bit of intellectual reacharound action, now it includes the other ampersand-in-the-title car porn book. That's right, Road & Track was a part of the game as well, running their own little LA-based challenge, and with predictable results. The first ad's above, and the second's below the jump, along with the press release from Dearborn for some "independent" explanation of today's advertising fun. – Ray Wert

CONFIDENCE DRIVES 'FORD CHALLENGE' ADVERTISEMENTS

* "Ford Challenge" integrated marketing campaign highlights features that make Ford Fusion, Expedition EL and F-150 best in class.
* Ford Fusion tops Asian competitors in head-to-head L.A. shootout organized for Road & Track subscribers - results track success of similar drive in Washington, D.C.
* Ford Expedition EL trumps long-time segment leader in seating package, flexibility, ease of use and comfort.
* Ford F-150 features best-in-class towing and payload capability, and a new spokesperson ready to take on any tough job: Discovery Channel star Mike Rowe, creator of "Dirty Jobs."

STAR OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S 'DIRTY JOBS' JOINS 'BUILT FORD TOUGH' DREAM TEAM

DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2007 - Humor and the spirit of competition are at the heart of the "Ford Challenge" - a new integrated broadcast, digital and print marketing campaign for the 2007 Ford Fusion, Expedition EL and F-150 that begins airing this week.

"Ford products offer some of the best quality, the most advanced technology and sophisticated designs available today, and that's the focus of the Ford Challenge," said Cisco Codina, group vice president, North American Marketing, Sales and Service.

An overarching ad titled "Anthem" highlights Ford's strengths over the company's 103-year history and encourages consumers to take the Ford Challenge. Classic footage of the Model T introduces the commercial as a voiceover tells consumers, "They didn't buy the Model T just because it was priced right." Viewers then see images of today's strong product lineup as the voiceover says, "We had to prove ourselves then. And we're still proving ourselves today."

Consumer information on each of the products featured in these ads will be available on the Web site: www.fordchallenge.com. The site also will feature current sales and marketing offers, product reviews and competitive information from MSN Autos, Yahoo!Autos and Edmunds.com.

Ford Fusion

In the first "Fusion Challenge" event held in December 2006, subscribers of Car and Driver magazine ranked the 2007 Ford Fusion V-6 with all-wheel drive ahead of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry V-6 models in key areas like "styling," "handling" and "fun to drive" after a head-to-head comparison test.

Only top-of-the-line models were tested. The Fusion was tested with all-wheel drive, but that feature isn't offered on Camry and Accord. The price of an all-wheel drive Fusion is comparable to the price of these front-wheel drive V-6 powered Japanese sedans.

The sales and marketing campaign built around the Fusion Challenge has been an overwhelming success: Ford Fusion will post a double-digit sales increase in February compared with a year ago, and the percentage of conquest sales - customers new to Ford Motor Company - has hit an all-time high of 47 percent.

Now, Ford will launch new ads focusing on a rematch of the Fusion Challenge, held in January in Los Angeles for subscribers of Road & Track magazine. The results closely mirrored those of the Washington, D.C. event, with Fusion scoring higher than the imports on key attributes including "Precise Handling," "Attractive Styling," "Fun to Drive" and "Performs Well."

The first national television ad created from the event, "L.A. Launch Challenge: We Did It Again," marries driving footage with consumer comments. It debuted on Feb. 28 on the Fox network hit "American Idol."

Ford Expedition EL

The all-new 2007 Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition EL are Ford's newest full-size SUVs. Introduced in the fall of 2006, the Expeditions deliver exceptional capability, functionality and toughness, and the Expedition EL already is winning head-to-head media comparisons in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Motor Trend.

The Expedition EL will be featured in two new spots titled "Exercise" and "Work Out," which use humor to highlight the advantages of Expedition's easy to use, flexible seats - especially its one-touch power-folding third row. In one ad, a fitness instructor uses the heavy, bulky third row seats of the Chevrolet Suburban - which have to be removed from the vehicle to carry many larger loads - for grueling physical training.

The ads for the Expedition EL will begin airing today.

Ford F-150

This year, Ford is launching the most capable heavy duty pickup ever built - the Ford F-Series Super Duty - and the most capable light duty truck ever - the Ford F-150. Together, these products will help the Ford F-Series build on its 30-year track record as the best-selling line of pickup trucks.

To help carry the message that F-150 - with its maximum tow rating of 11,000 pounds and payload capacity of more than 3,000 pounds - is ready for any job, Ford has recruited a new member to the "Build Ford Tough" marketing dream team: Mike Rowe, creator and star of the Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs."

In his series, Rowe explores the dirty side of earning an honest living. In his first F-150 spot, titled "Boxed," viewers will see Rowe at a campground where the Ford F-150 easily tows an 11,000 pound trailer, while it takes two trucks from the competition to pull the same load.

In the second spot, "Leaf Spring," Rowe is at a landscaping site helping a crew load massive amounts of landscaping material into the bed of the F-150. The F-Series is the only truck in its class that can carry 3,050 pounds, 890 pounds more than its closest competitor.

"'Dirty Jobs' celebrates the people who do the kind of jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us," said Mike Rowe, Ford spokesperson. "It's no coincidence that those people rely on Ford trucks to get the job done. I see it over and over again."

The new F-150 commercials begin airing nationally this weekend. Rowe will also appear in print and digital ads. International country music star and Ford Truck Man Toby Keith will continue to appear in Ford commercials for the F-Series.

Special Offers on Ford Challenge Products

To help continue momentum on the products featured in the new Ford Challenge ads, Ford is introducing a number of attractive retail and lease offers in conjunction with the debut of the new ad campaign.

* A"Sign and Drive" Ford Red Carpet Lease on the Fusion SE I-4, with payments of $249/month with $0 Down/$0 First Month's Payment/$0 due at signing (39-month term).
* Fusion customers can opt for a 2.9 percent APR for 60 months or $1,000 customer cash.
* Ford Expedition customers can select either $2,000 customer cash or 3.9 percent APR for 60 months.
* Customers can select either $3,000 customer cash or 0 percent APR for 60 months on all 2007 F-150 models (except Harley-Davidson SuperCrew).
* Full details on these offers, including terms and conditions, are available at www.fordvehicles.com or at local Ford dealers. The offers run through April 2.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

Related:
Ad Watch: Ford Will Challenge Your Mid-Size To A Duel And Pay Car & Driver To Make It Happen; Ad Watch: Selling Ford Trucks Is A "Dirty Job"; Ad Watch: Ford Gives Chevy Suburban The Finger With New Expedition EL Ads[internal]

FoMoCo's really pushing this "Ford Challenge" tagline and we're sort of digging it. It's certainly a helluva lot better than "Bold Moves" at describing what the Dearborn-based automaker's looking to prove. I mean, it's no Iacocca-esque "If you can find a better car..." but then again, they sell more trucks than they do cars anyway. So that explains why Henry Ford's baby is all over Mike Rowe, the host of "Dirty Jobs." The man personifies the play-in-the-mud type. And playing in the mud is what at least one of these commercials is doing. The first one above is called "Leaf Springs" and yes, that's the technical term for it, but the one below the jump called "Boxed Frame" seems to insinuate other automakers use "un-boxed" frames on their competing trucks within the line-up. Interestingly enough, FoMoCo doesn't mention another automaker that uses "un-boxed" frames in their competitor to the F-150 for the 2007 model year. Which makes us wonder — does any automaker use "un-boxed" frames? We know Chevy doesn't in the new Silverado (which look to be the trucks they've got in the video), and we're pretty certain the new Toyota Tundra doesn't either. What about the others? Check out the ad and then leave your comments below 'cause well, we'd like to know. – Ray Wert

[FordChallenge]

Related:
Ad Watch: Ford Gives Chevy Suburban The Finger With New Expedition EL Ads [internal]

Next-Generation Ford F-150 Prototypes Spotted!! [Winding Road]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty [internal]

Navistar stops engine shipments to Ford over dispute [Reuters via Chicago Business]

Related:
Ad Watch: Ford's Super (Duty) Bowl Commercial Teasers Are Techie Porn [internal]

"is struggling to lower its inventory of the No. 2 U.S. automaker's vehicles following the dramatic slide in sales of Ford F-Series pickup trucks...the company had 113 days' supply of Ford vehicles at the end of the fourth quarter, far higher than the 97 days' supply of vehicles from General Motors or 68 days' supply of DaimlerChrysler..."

Key Ford dealer Group 1 struggles to cut inventory [Reuters via GMInsideNews]

Related:
Ford's Failing Report Card: Automaker Grounded, Not Allowed Out To Play?; The Detroit Free Press Wants To Hear Ford Workers Cry [internal]

We've gotten our hands on some cool-to-watch and tech-heavy 15-second teaser ads for the Super Bowl ad campaign launch of the 2008 Ford F-Whatever Super Duty. The one above is a CAD-based build of the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine with dual turbos and the second teaser commercial, in the same out-of-thin-air fashion, highlights all the little parts that make up the new (and useful) tailgate step. There's also a third teaser which is nothing more than a jarring drop of the big metal "Ford" badge dropped onto concrete. Although the third one's silly, the other two are cool as hell to watch. But the problem I've got is I'm not sure what they're going to do to sell the truck to the target pro-'merican demographic. Especially since earlier this week we heard that FoMoCo, despite losing $12.7 billion in 2006 and a turnaround plan forecasting a 2007 loss, plans no cuts in it's marketing budget. It's almost like the sell-it-on-TV team's gone to CEO Alan Mulally and said "Yeah boss, the ads aren't selling product, but whatevs — let's drop more money down that abyss while we've still got it!" I guess we'll have to wait for Super Bowl Sunday to find out for sure what the full 60-second ad will look like during the pre-game festivities, but for now we're just going to appreciate it for the techie coolness, and set our gnawing doubts on efficacy aside. In case you don't remember what the Super Duty is, we've got a gallery below as a reminder, and the second and third teaser commercials below the jump. – Ray Wert

Related:
Big Blue Oval Day: Didn't The Wall Street Journal Get The Memo?; FoMoCo FUBAR! Ford Earnings Call Live-Blog!; Breaking The Bank! Ford Leaks Money Like A Sieve In 2006, Reports Net Loss Of $12.7 Billion [internal]

I just asked a FoMoCo-PR-Bro how a scrappy writer like me could get into a truck like the one pictured above. His response? "A ladder." I've been sparring deep into the comment section of Mr. Mehta's screed (it was a screed, right?) concerning our country's truck. Readers appear upset that Sajeev refused to simply call the new Chevy apple pie and be done with it. Tempers have flared and teh internets tough guys are out in force. As I have stated many times, unless you are hauling cords of wood or removing trees, here in our country, pickups are much more frequently a lifestyle statement than they are useful, practical and/or responsible. Look, if you got your dirt in Boss Kean's ditch then by all means grab a dirt-hauler and git-r-done. But if you just have a tremendously small penis, dude, no one cares but your wife. – Jonny Lieberman

[Ford F-650 Extreme Pick Up Truck]

Related:
TTAC On The New Silverado [Internal]

Apparently there's a part of the Toby Keith "Ford truck man" song we must have missed. It's a part of the song that must not have reached the commercials, where Keith pulls out a pocket protector and a tablet PC — and then says

"If you're the type of man who needs to surf the web and check your e-mail on the go, and do it from a ruggedized tablet platform running off of an AMD Geode LX 800 chipset, then you're probably a Ford truck man."

[FordLink Mobile Office Gallery]

FordLinkTM Mobile Office System Display - 8.4" TFT LCD with resistive touch, outdoor readable

Display resolution - 800 x 600 (SVGA)

Processor - AMD Geode LX 800

Memory - Flash technology 4 Gigabyte imbedded or 30 gigabyte mini Toshiba hard
drive

Memory RAM - 512 Megabyte

Software Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Storage - Internal Flash Module, Compact Flash Slot, HHD or USB options

Enclosure - Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy

Stylus - Included / ruggedized plastic

Protective Jacket - Rugged Rubber Ears

AC/DC Adapter - Input: 90-240 VAC / Output 12VDC, 3.5A

Power Cords - USA

Battery Packs - Lithium-Ion, Internal (14W) Optional External (28W)

Network Interface - PCMCIA, USB 2.0, Bluetooth (built-in) and CF slot in 4GB systems

Wireless - PCMCI Slot / Bluetooth

Input and Controls - Four front buttons; One Oval 4-way, One Power; One for voice
recording

Input / Output Ports - 12V DC-in jack, Microphone in, Headset jack, USB 2.0

Dimensions - 7.9 x 9.6 x .08 inches / 200 x 240 x 18 (mm)

Base Weight - 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)

Regulatory - FCC Class B, CE, UL

Operating Temperature -10 C to +40 C

Humidity - 0% - 90%

Related:
Office on Wheels: FordLink; Ad Watch: If You're Not Toby Keith In A Ford Truck, You're Just A "Good Size"; Ad Watch: Toby Keith Plays With His Guitar And Spews Forth An Amerigasm Of Song About Ford Trucks [internal]

[Ford SEMA F-150 FX2 Sport Extreme Gallery]

Related:
Exclusive 2006 SEMA Preview! Ford Gives The Mustang A Perfomance Treatment [internal]

Toby Keith Plays With His Guitar And Spews Forth An Amerigasm Of Song About Ford Trucks [TobyKeith.com]

Related:
Ad Watch: Toby Keith Plays With His Guitar And Spews Forth An Amerigasm Of Song About Ford Trucks [internal]

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[Ford F-Series Gallery]

– Ray Wert

Related:
Ad Watch: Toby Keith Plays With His Guitar And Spews Forth An Amerigasm Of Song About Ford Trucks [internal]

Ford announced it was readying a new Equator truck concept to show at the Tokyo motor show. It's the first concept to bear the Equator name since 2000, when Ford unveiled the sport utility truck concept (pictured) that set the design direction for the current generation of Ford's F-something pickups. The the new concept, fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 linked to an intelligent 4WD system, will likewise inform Ford's next-generation of SUVs. But well-heeled car-design fans are advised to gather their krugerrands and head to Texas, because the 2000 Equator will be auctioned for charity.

Ford also announced today it was auctioning the previous Equator, a one-off design concept and channel the proceeds toward storm-ravaged regions in Texas through the Red Cross. The 2000 concept will be displayed at the State Fair of Texas, starting tomorrow and the auction will take place at the Kruse-Leake 33rd Anniversary Collector Car Auction in Dallas on Nov. 18-20.

Related:
The Mark LT: Is Lincoln s New Luxury Pickup Luxurious Enough? [internal]