Friday, October 19, 2012

2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Raises the Bar with Best-in-Class Towing and Payload Benchmarks

•Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks again raise the bar, setting new best-in-class industry benchmarks for heavy-duty pickup towing and payload capacities

•Super Duty brake system improvements enable higher payload figures, delivering a robust, confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel for customers
•A larger parking brake also contributes to increased payload capacity for 2013 F-Series Super Duty pickups


DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 19, 2012 – Ford continues to strengthen the F-Series lineup for 2013, raising the bar for Super Duty towing, hauling and braking to again set the standard among heavy-duty trucks.
“Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we’ve increased our towing and payload capability yet again.”

Best-in-class towing and payload
F-Series Super Duty trucks are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest customers. With their needs in mind, Ford engineers have raised conventional towing capacity to a class-leading 18,500 pounds, besting the nearest competitor by 500 pounds.

Increased towing brawn goes hand-in-hand with improved payload capability to a class-leading 7,260 pounds.

Improved brakesF-Series Super Duty’s best-in-class payload numbers are supported by an improved brake system that delivers increased capability and usability.

Braking engineers increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking to help dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades.

These changes support a 700-pound increase in the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds. Improved brake pads and a retuned booster enable enhanced pedal brake feel to increase driver confidence.

“We’ve really improved brake feel,” said Michael Watkins, brake system engineer. “There’s refined modulation in the pedal – you really feel the stopping power. With a full load of cargo, drivers will notice strong, confidence-inspiring brakes.”

A larger parking brake for F-250 and F-350 models also allowed an increase in maximum payload rating.

Available adjustable pedals also enhance customer comfort by personalizing the interface between driver and brake system.

All-new F-Series Super Duty Platinum
Other changes for 2013 include the introduction of the all-new Platinum series model and the availability of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside, plus other special exterior upgrades. The interior showcases luxury in the form of premium wood grain appliqués, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other high-end luxury touches.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features, along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, the physical interface for MyFord Touch has been optimized to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Expect more
Leadership is expected of F-Series, which has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 35 straight years.

Historically, best-in-class towing and payload capability and legendary Built Ford Tough durability have driven F-Series customer loyalty. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines – with class-leading fuel economy – give Ford customers even more reasons to stay loyal in the years ahead.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Warriors in Pink Debuts Breast Cancer Survivor Documentary, Ford Continues 18-Year Commitment to Raise Awareness

•Ford Warriors in Pink® has produced its first documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer,” available for viewing at www.fordcares.com

•The film features the personal stories of Ford’s Models of Courage, 11 extraordinary women and men from around the U.S. who are breast cancer survivors
•The emotionally powerful piece showcases Warriors in Pink’s commitment to the fight against breast cancer, and the evolution of the program since its inception 18 years ago

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2012 – Ford Warriors in Pink®, the Ford Motor Company program that raises awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer, reveals its first-ever documentary with hopes to create a powerful and inspiring resource to all who have been touched by the disease. The short documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer,” gives the Models of Courage a platform to showcase their inspiring stories continuing Ford’s 18-year commitment to the cause.

“Over Ford’s 18 years of support in the fight against breast cancer, we continue to look for new ways to generate awareness and support for the cause, including the release of this ‘Bang the Drum’documentary,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Primary Brand Experiential Marketing manager. “We are proud to have been able to provide the Models of Courage a powerful platform to extend the reach of their inspirational stories to further the mission of Ford’s Warriors in Pink.”
The film provides heart-wrenching personal stories on what a breast cancer diagnosis means for these Models of Courage, and how for the nine women and two men in the group that diagnosis served as a catalyst that inspired each of them to do more and live with greater purpose. Real-life connections are made with the Models of Courage who share their experiences of being diagnosed, coping with the treatments, and relying on strong support networks to demonstrate there is life after breast cancer.
“Participating in ‘Bang the Drum’ and representing Ford’s Warriors in Pink have meant so much to me,” said Tina Harold, a cancer survivor and Model of Courage. “Cancer was never a part of the life I thought I would live, but fighting it has helped me find my passion and discover where I’m supposed to be. Sharing my story on film allowed me to really express the inner strength and courage that being a warrior against this disease has helped me discover.”
The film will be showcased at events throughout October, and will be available for viewing at www.fordcares.com.
The Ford commitment runs well beyond raising funds. The company is dedicated to making a difference 365 days a year by encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them about how early detection saves lives. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support; to date, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the cause.
Also available at the redesigned www.fordcares.com are items from the Warriors in Pink collection consumers can buy. A full 100 percent of net proceeds from Warriors in Pink sales go to support organizations fighting breast cancer.