Autoblog

Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford, Diesel

To ensure that its new 2014 Ford Transit will be able to get the job done when it goes on sale in the US next year, Ford announced that its new work van will be offered with a diesel engine that balances power and fuel economy. The Transit is already on sale with the diesel in other markets, but Ford confirmed that the 3.2-liter I5 Power Stroke will mark the return of a diesel engine to its full-size van for the first time since the 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 was phased out of the E-Series in 2010.

Power ratings for the US-spec Transit Power Stroke have not been announced yet, but Ford says these engines in European versions of the van are rated at 197 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque - 90 percent of the engine's torque will be available between 1,700 rpm and 3,500 rpm. Although these figures are far less than the most recent Power Stroke in the E-Series rated at 235 hp and 440 lb-ft, this new engine is expected to be cleaner and more efficient. Ford expects the new Power Stroke to be able to run on B20 biodiesel fuel.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke will be built in South Africa and exported to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant where the Transit will be built. In addition to the new diesel engine, the Transit will also be available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and all engines will be paired with six-speed automatic transmissions.

Scroll down to read Ford's official press release.

Continue reading Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit

Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future

Scott Burgess — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Ford, Military, Diesel

The future of the U.S. Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program might be powered by a Ford V8. BAE Systems, Northrup Grumman and Meritor Defenses said this afternoon that their proposed light fighting vehicle, which is called the Valanx, will have a Ford Power Stroke 6.7-liter diesel engine under its steel hood. (And likely a .50 cal on its roof.)

If it's good enough for the Super Duty, it's good enough for a Call of Duty.

"Ford products have a reputation for dependability and performance, even under challenging conditions," said Ann Hoholick, BAE Systems Vice President of Amphibious & New Programs in the release.

Ford had dropped out of the JLTV program, which is searching for the next fighting machine to replace the venerable Humvee for the U.S. military. Ford is not a partner with the group but did provide a statement this afternoon.

"We're proud of Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engines and their best-in-class power, durability and fuel economy," said Ford spokesman Mike Levine. "And we are proud the engines were chosen to be part of BAE's JLTV entry."

Let's just hope that engine is as bulletproof.

Continue reading From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future

From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1994 Ford Power Stroke Concept

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Auctions, Ford, Diesel

Some concept cars don't die off into the unknown oblivion of some random unmarked warehouse. Instead, they just fade into eBay Motors. The 1994 Ford Power Stroke Concept is the latest refugee from the show circuit that has shown up on everyone's favorite auction site.

Originally designed to show off the Ford Power Stroke diesel engine, the bulbous and somewhat homely concept is about as aesthetically far from any full-size truck as it gets. The seller says the vehicle functions as it should and comes with the custom wheels and tires that it rolled onto the stage with way back when. Apparently the show electronics are also included in the deal.

Unfortunately, this machine isn't registered as a street vehicle and likely never will be. As such, the winning bidder will receive a bill of sale. As of the time of writing, the truck has six days left on the auction with zero bids and a $40,000 starting bid. Head over to eBay Motors to check out the auction for yourself.

eBay Find of the Day: 1994 Ford Power Stroke Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel to churn out 800 lb-ft of torque

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford, GM

In February, the specs on Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 were announced: 390 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque. A month later, General Motors laid out the specs on its 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel: 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. According to PickupTrucks.com, the Duramax could be shoved to the corner again later this year, when a high-output Super Duty blows out the footlights with 400 hp and 800 - or more - lb-ft of twisting gumption.

According to the unknown source within the Blue Oval, Ford's new 6R140 TorqShift six-speed transmission has strong enough guts that Ford can open up the taps on that engine a bit. And give GM something to think about. If this absurdly powerful dream does come true, the behemoth motor will be seen in the second wave of 2011 Super Duty pickups that begin production in a few months. No word on whether early adopters of the 6.7-liter will get a free upgrade.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel to churn out 800 lb-ft of torque originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM challenges Ford to heavy-duty pickup tug of war

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC, Diesel

Pickuptrucks.com sat down with Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product operations at the Detroit Auto Show, and during the course of the conversation, Stephens began espousing the virtues of the General's new Duramax diesel, due to be fitted to the 2011 Chevrolet and GMC Heavy Duty pickups.

Obviously, it's not rare for an exec to speak highly of a new engine, but in a rare moment of brand fervor, Stephens issued a challenge:

"You know what I want to do to prove it? I want to take our truck and Ford's [new Super Duty] and chain them together back-to-back. Then I want to have them pull against each other. I know our truck will beat theirs."

After making sure Stephens was serious, the site's intrepid editor, Mike Levine, contacted Ford to see if it was interested in the challenge. He hasn't gotten an official response yet, but he's ready to play referee and set up an event in Texas to pit the two H-D haulers against each other. Consider the gauntlet thrown. Ford? We anxiously await your response...

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

GM challenges Ford to heavy-duty pickup tug of war originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, Ford

2010 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year for Ford's powertrain engineering and manufacturing teams. By the end of this year, the folks in Dearborn will have launched nine engines and six transmissions that are all-new or substantially redesigned. Several of these combinations have already been revealed over the past month and more will be revealed at tomorrow's Detroit Auto Show.

On Friday morning, Barb Samardzich, VP of powertrain engineering, ran down the list at a pre-show preview. Three years ago, Ford set about the process of completely revamping its powertrain lineup, and between 2008 and 2013, a total of 60 powertrain combinations will have been introduced globally, with half of those coming by the end of this year. We already knew about the new 1.6-liter inline-four and the six-speed Powershift dual clutch automatic for the Fiesta. The Mustang is getting new V6 and V8 engines that crank up output significantly while reducing fuel consumption.

Samardzich confirmed on Friday that the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 will land in the F-150 truck later this year. The list presented also includes the previously-announced 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost and a new six-speed automatic transmission for transverse applications.

As we reported earlier today, while no one would get specific about exactly which vehicles these would go into, there were smiles and the usual "not ready to announce anything" when we brought up the new unibody Explorer. When the Explorer America concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit show, there was discussion of 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter Ecoboost engines, and it appears that's exactly what it will get.

Continue reading Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010

Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Videos, Ford, Diesel

Click above to view the video after the jump

Ford will officially unveil its revised 2011 Super Duty pickups Thursday at the State Fair of Texas, and the all-new, Ford-designed and produced 6.7-liter Power Stroke (aka Scorpion) diesel is the star of the show. We've already given you the details on the Scorpion, as well as a description of how quiet it is, and now Ford has now posted a video of one of the diesels on a dynamometer switching from the old single injection pulse control to the new multi-pulse strategy.

The difference in sound levels is quite startling. By splitting the fuel delivery into multiple pulses (and ignition events) the pressure impulse on the piston is flattened out and spread over a larger time, mitigating the knocking sound. The new engine will be available in production trucks in the second quarter of 2010 and you can check it out for yourself in the video after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter

VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford F-150's 4.4L diesel exposed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Truck, Green, Ford

The Internet got a sneak peek at the new 4.4L Ford diesel engine last April when somebody snapped a pic of the complete package sitting on the floor at Ford's national dealer conference. Now, thanks to some eagle-eyed sharp shooters, we can see the new oil-burning mill in its natural habitat under the hood of a Ford F-150. Sure, there's lots of black plastic covering all the good stuff, but we can get a glimpse of all the assorted plumbing that will make this engine squeaky clean. We can also have a good shot of the intercooler, peaking out between the grille and the radiator.

This engine is labeled as a Power Stroke, Ford's long-running moniker for the diesels equipped in its Super Duty trucks. For years, those mills have been made by Navistar, but after the fallout between the automaker and the supplier, Ford is now using a derivative of the diesel from Land Rover in Europe, though the 4.4L iteration will be made in Mexico for the North American market. Offering 20-percent more fuel economy than the 5.4L gas-powered Triton, along with a considerable bump in power, this could be one very important addition for the Ford Motor Company and will likely make its official debut at next year's Chicago Auto Show.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Ford F-150's 4.4L diesel exposed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Navistar sues Ford (again) regarding upcoming F-150 diesel engine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Ford

Wow, talk about a strained relationship! With so much money passing hands between Ford and Navistar, you might think they would find a way to negotiate a deal regarding their diesel engine partnership(s). You would be right, assuming you think that starting yet another lawsuit is a way to patch things up. That's right... another lawsuit. This one is still about diesel truck engines, but instead of the large 6.4 liter Power Stroke, this one cites a smaller 4.4-liter diesel engine slated for the F-150 truck in 2009 or 2010. Navistar has been Ford's long-time supplier of diesel engines that carry the "Power Stroke" moniker for Ford, and Navistar is claiming that if Ford goes to market with the 4.4-liter engine, it would constitute a breach of contract. At this point, it seems unclear whether Navistar is claiming to have designed the engine in question, or if it believes it had a contract to do so, but either way, things could get even messier between the two companies.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd) via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Navistar sues Ford (again) regarding upcoming F-150 diesel engine

Navistar sues Ford (again) regarding upcoming F-150 diesel engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

We all learn the theory of what happens inside an internal combustion engine; a mixture of fuel and air is ignited by a short electric spark. Some people describe the ensuing event as an explosion, but the ideal is a controlled burn, but it's still so fast that it could be confused for an uncontrolled explosion. An engine is a practical application of thermodynamics, when it comes right down to it. The piston moves by the pressure exerted by the burning fuel mixture, and as the piston moves down the bore, pressure reduces, and work is extracted from the fuel.

Of course, there's a lot more to it, but that's the basics. We're sure you had a little animated diagram dancing around in your head the first time you really tried to understand the common Otto cycle. My mental flash player still fires up when I'm trying to figure out different cycles like the Atkinson. Wouldn't it be great to actually see inside the cylinder during combustion events? No, we didn't videotape our lawnmower with a Colortune plug -- this technique is far fancier.

Video and technique info after the jump

[Source: Hemmings]

Continue reading VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup

VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford responds to flaming Super Duty video

John Neff — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Ford

Our good buddy Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com did the legwork and got in touch with Ford safety spokesperson Dan Jarvis to talk about the video we showed you yesterday that features a 2008 Ford Super Duty pickup spewing flames from its tailpipes. Jarvis confirmed that the truck in the video is one of the three pickups Ford described last week when it issued a recall to address the problem. While not entirely certain which of the trucks it is, Jarvis said it's one of the two trucks that was purchased in Canada, probably the one that was started in extremely cold temperatures (appx. minus 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit) and not given sufficient time to warm up before being driven. That situation could make short work of any engine, and the resultant blown bearing seal in the turbo that leaked combustible fluid into the exhaust system should not necessarily be considered a defective part.

Clearly, Ford is very concerned about the reputation of its new 6.4L Power Stroke, which is evident by how quickly it took action with a recall to address three isolated incidents that resulted in the same outcome, i.e. flaming tailpipes. The real issue in each case appears to be this newfangled Diesel Particulate Filter, versions of which are used not only by the Ford Super Duty, but also the Heavy Duty GMT900 and Dodge Ram pickups. Considering that all three heavy duty pickups use a process of regeneration to burn away accumulated particulates in their respective DPFs, the potential for flaming tailpipes exists in all three trucks if an unmetered amount of flammable liquid gets in there somehow. We're certainly not cutting Ford any slack here, but considering it likely sells more heavy duty trucks equipped with diesels than the other two automakers, statistically speaking this was bound to happen to a Ford first. Only time will tell if we're right and other diesel-equipped late-model pickups start getting hot under the collar.

Ford responds to flaming Super Duty video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford Super Duty diesel throwing flames

John Neff — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Videos, Ford

This video of a 2008 Ford Super Duty pickup shooting flames from its tailpipes surfaced last week over at forddoctorsdts.com, a forum only open to registered Ford diesel technicians. It made its way to some other forums before finally popping up on more mainstream sites today. Literally nothing is known for sure about the video, like who uploaded it, whether or not the truck spewing flames is one of the three Ford refers to in its recall notice, or even if the light show is the result of leaky injectors or a cracked turbo, the two issues that supposedly prompted the recall of all 2008 Ford Super Dutys equipped with the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel in the first place.

What we do know is that it's pretty shocking to watch a truck throwing flames in idle, even more so when it's revved. We think it's important to be clear about what may be causing this and why Ford issued the recall in the first place. Fortunately, the purveyor of forddoctorsdts.com published a very clear, concise explanation of why the recall was issued and what may be going on in this video.

See the video and continue reading our account of this hot situation after the jump.

[Source: YouTube, forddoctorsdts.com, Automotive News, Pickuptruck.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Super Duty diesel throwing flames

VIDEO: Ford Super Duty diesel throwing flames originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aw, Snap! Ford supplier stops production of Super Duty's Power Stroke diesel engine

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford

If it weren't for bad luck, Ford would have no luck at all. The single largest profit-source for Ford Motor Company would be the F-Series Pickup and the Power Sroke diesel Super Duty is a huge chunk of that revenue. Navistar International Engines has powered the Super Duty since 1979, which makes them a large component of Ford's success in the market. The good Karma between Ford and International started to go sour with the quality issues surrounding the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel in the last generation of Super Duty trucks. Relations got worse when Ford recently sued International, saying it was not complying with warranty cost-sharing agreements. Ford also contended that International unjustifiably raised prices on its engines. Now International has decided to stop supplying the all-new 6.4L engine that powers the 2008 Super Duty, claiming that Ford is not honoring the contract terms under which the engines are built.

Navistar has given no indication how long this impasse could last, but every second a Super Duty isn't being assembled by Ford workers is money down the drain. With the cash problems Ford already has, this could get ugly quick. We're guessing Ford doesn't have much choice but to kiss and make up with International in order to keep these too-important Power Stroke Super Duty trucks rolling off the assembly line.

[Source: Yahoo]

Aw, Snap! Ford supplier stops production of Super Duty's Power Stroke diesel engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Ford Super Duty brings more and then some

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 01:42:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Paris Motor Show, Ford

The 2008 Ford Super Duty F450 pickup is what an pickup truck is supposed to embody. It's big, real big and with reason. The new uber-truck boasts the highest towing capacity in its class, with the ability to pull 24,000 pounds or haul around 6,000 in payload. It will come equipped with Tow Command, a integrated trailer brake controller, TorqShift, to boost power in high-load conditions, and a few other toys that make loading, unloading and towing less of a chore. As expected a large oil burner provides motivation, with a 6.4-liter Powerstroke Diesel finding its way under the hood.

With that much rugged-usefulness, Ford decided to balance the F450 with what they're calling 'tough luxury,' which is exactly what you're thinking it'll be; nice leather, pleasing plastics and lots of toys.

The new exterior design, specifically the new headlight placement, may take some getting used to, but we're guessing that whoever buys this beast is going to be less concerned with the styling and more concerned with what's after the jump, namely the full press release and with the hardy details.

Continue reading 2008 Ford Super Duty brings more and then some

2008 Ford Super Duty brings more and then some originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas site of 2008 Ford Super Duty and 6.4-liter Power Stroke unveiling

John Neff — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Technology, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Once again Texas will play host to a major truck announcement. On Sept. 28th, Ford will unveil its new 2008 F-Series Super Duty pickup and new 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The big news is that the new Power Stroke will be able to run on Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel, the sale of which will be mandated nationwide as of this October. The engine is larger in displacement than the perpetually plagued 6.0-liter unit it replaces and features some high-tech trickery to achieve particulate emissions levels that equal those of gas-powered engines. The most significant is the use of piezo-electric injectors in the common-rail fuel injection system, a first for a pickup engine sold in the U.S. Ford won't reveal the Super Duty's price or the Power Stroke's fuel economy and power figures until closer to the vehicle's launch in Dallas.

(Check out Ford's full press release after the jump)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Texas site of 2008 Ford Super Duty and 6.4-liter Power Stroke unveiling

Texas site of 2008 Ford Super Duty and 6.4-liter Power Stroke unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ford Powerstroke to use piezo injectors?

Eric Bryant — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Technology, Work, Ford

When a new Ford Power Stroke diesel comes along in 2007 to replace the current 6.0-liter model, it may represent the first use of piezo injectors in a pickup truck. The Siemens-built injectors should help International's 6.4-liter twin-turbo meet upcoming emission standards while also improving upon its predecessor's spotty reliability record, as well as giving the Blue Oval oil burner an European-like level of technological sophistication.

The injectors work via the piezoelectric effect, as the name might hint. They use a small disc of quartz-like crystalline material that deforms when subjected to a high-voltage low-current source, which provides the injector opening and closing action. With cycle times as low as 0.2 milliseconds, such injectors are several times faster than conventional solenoids, which in turn is said to allow up to seven injector events during each compression stroke. The precision of each injector is also increased, with injector-to-injector variation of only a few percent.

All of this adds up to a significant improvement in emissions and fuel economy, but at a price; piezo injectors are reportedly up to twice as expensive as the traditional solenoid-based squirters. With the average pickup truck diesel engine carrying a $5,000 premium, we're guessing that there's plenty of room in the budget.

[Source: Automotive News/Autoweek]

New Ford Powerstroke to use piezo injectors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's Super Duties delayed until calendar 2007

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 May 2006 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford, GM, GMC, Earnings/Financials

Those waiting to do a spot of stump-pulling with Ford's revamped 2007 Super Duty pickups will have to hold their horses a little longer. The fortified F-Series trucks won't hit dealers until January, despite internal plans to release it in the fourth quarter of 2006. As a result, the Blue Oval's profit-rich big boys likely won't reach the market ahead of rival General Motors' revamped heavy-duty variants of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the delay has something to do with quality measures on its new diesels, among other issues.

Regardless of the reason for the holdup, analysts are predicting that the push-back will likely hurt Ford's earnings for 2006.

[Sources: Detroit Free Press; Inside Line]

Ford's Super Duties delayed until calendar 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 May 2006 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford dresses up the Super Duty Lariat with Outlaw and Highline packages

Eric Bryant — Mon, 08 May 2006 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford

Not content to let the newly-redesigned Super Duty rest with only five trim levels, Ford has announced two more for the late May start of 2007 production - the Lariat Outlaw and Lariat Highline.

Available only with the Powerstroke 6.0L diesel, the black monochrome Outlaw is designed to attract the sort of disobedient bad-asses who buy $50,000 trucks. Leather-covered captain's chairs keep prospective Young Guns comfortable, and there are a set of chrome step bars in case they've got trouble making a big single leap into the cab. Tinted windows are included to hide all those law-breaking activities from the authorities.

The Highline, available with all three options, adds to the already long list of standard Lariat equipment by adding an all-black leather interior, brushed aluminum trim, and a billet grille that is larger than most garage doors.

Ford's full press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

Continue reading Ford dresses up the Super Duty Lariat with Outlaw and Highline packages

Ford dresses up the Super Duty Lariat with Outlaw and Highline packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford tries to win back Power Stroke customers with cash

Eric Bryant — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Recalls, Work, Ford

To say that Ford's introduction of its revised Power Stroke diesel engine in 2003 didn't go well would be an understatement. Buyers of such engines demand reliability, and the new 6.0L had some rather significant fuel system and induction problems, leading to a large number of service bulletins and even some buy-backs of defective vehicles. The problem has been made worse by the importance of this market to Ford, as it is currently the leader in diesel pickup sales.

In order to convince customers to come back to the Blue Oval instead of straying across the street to the land of Duramax and Cummins, the company is offering a $2,500 "loyalty bonus" to prospective shoppers who own 2003 and 2004 Super Duty pickups equipped with the Power Stroke. The company is backing this with a promotional push by its dealer network, and it's likely that most dealers don't need to be reminded why they should want to retain their buyers of $40K (and up) trucks. We believe that buyers ultimately must be convinced that the engine's problems have been addressed-- and that assurance isn't likely to come from incentives, especially not in a sale environment already polluted with cash-back offers of all varieties. It's our guess that word-of-mouth and the level of attention (and satisfaction) paid to previous problems will determine whether customers come back to Ford, or find their oil-burning fix elsewhere.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ford tries to win back Power Stroke customers with cash originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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