Autoblog

Ford Transit van coming to America as Kansas City-built T-Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford, UAW/Unions

When Daimler started selling its Sprinter van in North America - first as a Freightliner, then as a Mercedes-Benz and even a Dodge - it found companies on this side of the Atlantic were as keen to get their hands on a European-style van as, well, European companies are. But the Sprinter is about to get some European competition from... an American automaker.

That Ford makes certain products for overseas markets is nothing new, but as part of its drive to standardize its lineup around the world, the Blue Oval automaker is apparently planning on bringing its full-size Transit van Stateside.

Not only is it bringing the Transit to the American market, but it will also be building it here, too. The news is confirmed by a recent United Auto Workers announcement that reveals that, with production of the next-generation Escape moving to Louisville, Kentucky, the Transit will be assembled for local consumption alongside the F-150 pickup truck at the Kansas City plant.

According to Car and Driver sources, in order to avoid confusion with the smaller Transit Connect, the big van will be badged as a T-Series in this market, with nameplates like T-250, T-450 and T-550 - similar to the F-Series trucks, and more pertinently, the E-Series vans that used to be known as the Econoline. They can call it whatever they want; we just hope we get a version of the UK-market limited-edition SportVan pictured above.

Ford Transit van coming to America as Kansas City-built T-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

2011 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we said shortly after driving Ford's latest F-150 pickup trucks, we think the Dearborn automaker has the very best range of powertrain options in the segment for 2011. One of the engines we are most impressed with is the 3.7-liter V6 that now serves as the base powerplant in the F-150, but until now, we didn't have final EPA fuel economy figures.

Well, that's been rectified, as Ford has announced that the 302-horsepower 3.7 will serve up 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway in rear-wheel drive models, the latter figure making it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market. Stepping up the next rung to the 5.0-liter V8 will get you 360 horses and a fine 15 city, 21 highway EPA fuel economy rating, another best-in-class figure.

There are two more optional engines in the 2011 F-150. The top rung, 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 will deliver 12 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. That's not exactly stellar mileage, and it's actually one mpg lower in both categories compared to General Motors' 6.2-liter V8, but we're expecting much better figures from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which matches the 6.2's 11,300-pound tow rating and 3,060-pound payload.

Sadly, we still have to wait for final EPA mileage certification on the twin-turbo V6 mill. In the meantime, feel free to hit the break to read Ford's latest press release touting its F-150 fuel economy figures.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company

[Source: Ford]

2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Work, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Dunkel Industries RV - Click above for high-res image gallery

As they sat looking over the horizon, they realized they had achieved their dream. The guys from Dunkel Industries had driven themselves to a remote spot where they could just relax and enjoy nature at its tranquil best. What made the journey extra special was that they had gotten there in their very own Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4. Now, "Luxury 4X4" might have some of you thinking Land Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's what you're picturing, then all we can say is "Think bigger." Much bigger. Like, so-big-we-can't-get-it-into-the-frame bigger. The Dunkel version of a Luxury 4X4 starts with a Ford F-650 commercial chassis and winds up as the ultimate off-road recreational vehicle.

As their website puts it, Dunkel industries was built on the childhood dream of never having to stop because the trail was 'more than the RV could handle.' So they created a vehicle with "unlimited versatility" that utilizes a Fabco military-grade 4x4 system, capable of driving the luxurious "custom wood, leather and Fiberglass interior" to places no RV dares to go. And in case you want to bring some smaller toys along with you into the wilderness, the bed is big enough to haul a car. That bed also articulates to serve as a ramp to load dirtbikes or ATVs onto the roof. No trailer necessary and no 55-mph limitations for this beast.

There's a full list of the vehicle's features after the jump, but some of the highlights include a firewood box, a shower, and the camp seating built into the running boards and storage bins all around the truck's perimeter. The ATVs on the roof are a definite crowd-pleaser as well. We're not sure how much this project cost the Dunkel Bros. or if they are going to make them available to the public, but we do know that this would make the perfect Autoblog mobile HQ for any automotive event from Pebble Beach to the Baja 1000. Check out the Dunkel Industries website for additional photos and information, follow the jump for the build sheet and check out our own gallery below.

Gallery: Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4

Continue reading Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford bucks trend, will hire 1,000 workers at F-150 plant

Chris Tutor — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Come January, about 1,000 laid-off Ford workers will get their jobs back. That's because Ford, despite industry trends, is predicting that sales of its re-designed F-150 will surpass its current reduced manufacturing capacity. To prepare for this, Ford will restore a third shift at its Dearborn Truck Plant in January and invite back 1,000 workers who were previously laid off. When the wayward workers arrive back on the job, the plant's payroll will swell back up to 3,300 workers. The announcement came yesterday during a celebration at the plant to kick off production of the 2009 F-150, which was attended by Ford CEO Alan Mulally, President of the Americas Mark Fields and Ford family scion Bill Ford Jr.

Ford says the need to restore third-shift workers is in part due to the company's success selling highly-incentivized, left-over 2008 models. We certainly liked the new F-150, and so does Texas, apparently. Then again, it doesn't hurt that the 2009 model already has a $2,000 rebate on it shood.

The AP also reports that Ford has no plans to scale back its overall product development or the F-150's marketing budget. The first of the new F-150's TV ads are set to run this Sunday on "NFL on FOX".

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: The Associated Press via fseriestrucks.com, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Ford bucks trend, will hire 1,000 workers at F-150 plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man gets caught with custom-built gas-stealing truck

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Ford

With gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon, it's no surprise that fuel stealing is on the rise. What's amazing is the lengths to which thieves are willing to go to swindle the pricey commodity in larger-than-normal quantities. An Orlando man was recently arrested for having a hidden, professionally welded 800-gallon gas tank retrofitted to a Ford truck that police say was expressly used for stealing petrol. The man also had a key that disables pump meters, which should scare the hell out of gas station owners.

He was caught after a Hess gas station attendant became suspicious of the inordinate amount of time he was spending pump-side and called the police. Law enforcement officials say that due to the elaborate setup of the gas-stealing truck and the theif's possession of the pump meter-disabling key, he is likely one part of a larger gas-stealing syndicate that resells the fuel for profit. It isn't surprising that some unscrupulous folks would be attracted to the possibility of netting $3,200 in about a half hour, but since they are going to so much trouble to remain undetected, you'd think they wouldn't try to steal all the gas at once. Thanks for the tip, Eric!

[Source: Local6]

Man gets caught with custom-built gas-stealing truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Lincoln

Ford Motor Company is recalling a whole herd of trucks to see the team doctors over concerns about a hose in the braking system that could adversely effect the vehicles' braking power. According to the NHTSA, about 605,000 2005 and 2006 model year Ford F150 and Lincoln Mark LT trucks equipped with the 3-valve 5.4-liter V8 will receive a hose replacement free of charge. The problem hose supplies the brake booster with engine vacuum, and could swell over time and eventually become disconnected. While the hydraulic braking system will function without the power assist, pedal effort will be significantly increased, and if drivers are taken off-guard by the problem an accident could occur. Ford will start notifying owners in June, and the recall campaign will kick off in July. According to FoMoCo, there have been 11 minor accidents related to the issue. Check out more details from the NHTSA after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks

Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ford may drop manual from Super Duty lineup

Dan Roth — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ford, Rumormill

It's an unconfirmed rumor that Ford's going to make its Super Duty pickups shiftless, but the mere whiff of a reduction in choices is likely set enthusiasts afire with rage. The merits of standard versus automatic transmissions in trucks that routinely tow and generally work hard is a debate for another time, but the real crux of the biscuit comes down to cost. As it stands now, you can get a Power Stroke diesel with a manual for $1500 less than a self-shifter. If Ford removes the standard transmission from its Power Stroke offerings, does that mean that it will pass some of the savings on to consumers by reducing the price of the automatic? Not bloody likely. A more probable scenario would see the price of the Power Stroke option rising.

[Source: Four Wheeler]

Rumormill: Ford may drop manual from Super Duty lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 grille

John Neff — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

click above for more spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

We've already seen some revealing spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150 that's scheduled to debut next week at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but the angle was such that we couldn't see the pickup's new face very clearly. Enter KGP Photography, which has just snapped a couple pics of the new grille head on. There's a clearly a lot of influence from the Super Duty line of truck's in the F-150's new design. You can also see the shape of the headlight clusters are very close to those on vehicles like the Edge and Taurus X, with a main headlamp sitting on top of smaller front turn signals. As there are practically a billion configurations for the F-150 that range from stripper work trucks to pampering pickups, don't expect this to be the F-150's only grille. Judging by the fact that there are a pair of foglamps on the front of this prototype, though, we suspect it's an up-level version of the truck.

UPDATE: Check out the F-150's new badge on the truck at Pickuptruck.com.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The future of SVT is hinged to a new truck

John Neff — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Ford

The future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team has been cloudy for the past few years. The hope that it would remain around in some form or another took a hit when its current chief, Hau Thai-Tang, was tapped to head Ford of Brazil earlier this year. Nevertheless, SVT indeed soldiers on and today we have proof that they're hard at work on a new project.

Winding Road managed to corner Jamal Hameedi, Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT, at a Ford event in Detroit this morning. Hameedi revealed to WR that nearly all of SVT's resources are busy developing a new truck, and by "truck" he means a "body-on-frame" vehicle. Thus, whether it's a new F-150 Lightning or possibly a different F-Series model, an Explorer, Expedition or Ranger is unkown.

So, no Ford Taurus SHO developed by SVT or SVT Fusion. This kind of makes sense if one considers that the Lightning was supported throughout SVT's reign of terror in the '90s. Hameedi is reportedly extremely excited about the project, saying the finished product "...will blow your mind."

The performance truck world just got two shots of adrenalin in the form of the F-150 Foose Edition that will debut at the New York Auto Show next week and the Saleen S331 Sport Truck. If the new SVT truck will truly blow our minds, the bar is already set pretty high.

[Source: Winding Road]

The future of SVT is hinged to a new truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford launches new F-series ad campaign

Erin Mays — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Football, racing, and country music are the baskets into which Ford is putting their advertising eggs for the new F-series pickups, which has been Ford's bread and butter for the last 30 years.

The campaign blends Ford's new "Bold Moves" campaign and the older (but more entrenched) "Built Ford Tough" concept. Among the messages conveyed by the ads and promotional efforts will be bold design, outstanding capability, unmatched durability and exceptional customer loyalty. The fact that more Ford trucks have reached 250,000 miles than any other brand will be a hot topic.

Begin looking for the ads September 7 at the start of the NFL season, then September 17 with the start of NASCAR's Nextel Cup "Chase for the Cup." Promotion of the truck from a country music angle will start even earlier on August 11 with the kickoff of country music star Toby Keith's "Hookin Up and Hangin' Out" concert tour, during which the F-series Super Duty will be featured prominently on-stage during the concerts. The truck will also get some "face" time in the new movie starring Keith and Kelly Preston, Broken Bridges, opening September 8. A website promoting Toby Keith's relationship with the F-series has been launched at http://www.fordvehicles.com/hangwithtoby/, where visitors can enter a sweepstakes to win a 2007 F-150.

Check out the full release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford launches new F-series ad campaign

Ford launches new F-series ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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