Ford: F-Series News
12-14-2003, 08:47 AM
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Ford: F-Series News
Sunday, December 14, 2003
F-150 sales can't reverse Ford slump
Analysts advise incentives as automaker loses market share for eighth year in a row
By Eric Mayne / The Detroit News
DEARBORN — Ford, the best-selling automotive brand, will lose U.S. market share for the eighth consecutive year in 2003 despite strong sales of its redesigned F-150 pickup.
Ford Motor Co.’s leading brand will capture about 17.2 percent of the U.S. car and truck market this year, short of the automaker’s projected share of 17.6 percent, said Ford Division President Steve Lyons.
The Blue Oval brand has lost market share steadily since 1995, when it controlled 21.8 percent of the U.S. market. The decline comes as today’s increasingly competitive, incentive-rich market presents a huge challenge for Ford Motor as the automaker struggles to meet a target of $7 billion in annual pretax profit by mid-decade.
The Ford brand has captured 17.4 percent of the U.S. market this year through November, down from 17.8 percent in 2002, according to statistics compiled by Autodata Corp. General Motors Corp.’s Chevrolet brand is second with 15.7 percent of the market, followed by Toyota with 9.7 percent, Dodge with 7.4 percent and Honda with 7.2 percent.
Lyons blames Ford’s market share decrease on a decision to offer less generous rebates and a decline in sales to fleet and rental customers. In 2004, Ford says the division’s market share should stabilize at 17.2 percent, helped by new sedans and the all-new Mustang coupe.
"Everybody thinks, well, retail-wise, we’re not in the ballgame," Lyons said. "But that’s not the case. We’ve decided to pass on some rental car business because the incentives there have gotten to the point where it’s just marginally profitable, if profitable at all."
Ford is not alone. Chevrolet and Dodge also have lost share in recent years, though both have seen increases in the last 12 months.
For Ford to increase market share it will have to pour on the incentives, analysts said.
"They can certainly increase market share if they want to buy it," said Burnham Securities analyst David Healy.
On average, Ford Motor Co. spends $3,056 per unit on incentives for its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands. General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group, according to Autodata, spend $4,036 and $3,731, respectively.
"Ford will close up the gap some," Healy said of incentive spending.
Don’t bet on it, Lyons said.
"We do a lot of revenue management here and what we look at is what our product is and what the demand for it is," Lyons said.
Consider the flagship F-150 pickup. Ford has recorded double-digit sales hikes every month since the redesigned truck was launched in September. And the average incentive — $2,045 — is well below those paid out on competitive Chevrolet and Dodge products: $3,340 and $3,366.
Lyons said the new products planned for 2004 could allow greater profitability without share growth.
"What we’re going to do is improve the quality of share," he said, outlining a strategy that will see Ford surrender a significant slice of its rental car and other fleet business next year in favor of a bid to bolster more lucrative retail sales.
Nearly 60 percent of Ford Taurus sales are discounted for fleet customers.
"What we’re doing is trading Taurus fleet sales for Five Hundred retail sales," Lyons said, referring to the new, larger sedan Ford will introduce next year as an ’05 model.
The Taurus is currently built in Chicago and Atlanta. But production volume will be reduced by half in April when Ford’s Chicago assembly plant begins building the Five Hundred and its mechanical cousins: the Mercury Montego sedan and Ford Freestyle, a minivan-sport utility vehicle hybrid that will compete with the Chrysler Pacifica.
Product introductions are another linchpin of Ford’s revitalization plan, but they also will disrupt production next year. While Taurus production in Chicago is scheduled to end in April, the Five Hundred won’t debut until the third quarter.
The redesigned Ford Mustang will bow about the same time at AutoAlliance International Inc. in Flat Rock — several weeks after the nameplate’s ‘04 model goes out of production at a Dearborn plant.
Similar disruptions could occur in midsummer when the automaker’s St. Louis factory, one of two Ford Explorer production sites, goes from two shifts to one. Meanwhile, Ford Ranger output is scheduled to be consolidated in St. Paul-Minneapolis when a New Jersey plant is permanently closed.
The reduction in capacity is part of Ford’s revitalization plan, which calls for eliminating 1 million units of output by middecade.
Dealers are wary.
"The product is in the pipeline, but it’s not at the dealerships," said John Daoud, president and CEO of Al Long Ford in Warren.
"Ford has weathered a lot of storms, but they’ve got a grip on most of them now. The (Firestone) situation is past. They’re not buying other automotive companies anymore. They’re sticking with their truck line, but they’ve stopped abandoning the car side. We’re just waiting on the product."
Lyons said Ford is still on track to sell 1 million pickups in 2004 — F-Series and Rangers combined. Sales of F-Series pickups alone, he projects, will exceed the high-water mark they reached in 2001 when there were 911,597 units sold.
"You can write that down," he said.
You can reach Eric Mayne at (313) 222-2443 or emayne@detnews.com.
F-150 sales can't reverse Ford slump
Analysts advise incentives as automaker loses market share for eighth year in a row
By Eric Mayne / The Detroit News
DEARBORN — Ford, the best-selling automotive brand, will lose U.S. market share for the eighth consecutive year in 2003 despite strong sales of its redesigned F-150 pickup.
Ford Motor Co.’s leading brand will capture about 17.2 percent of the U.S. car and truck market this year, short of the automaker’s projected share of 17.6 percent, said Ford Division President Steve Lyons.
The Blue Oval brand has lost market share steadily since 1995, when it controlled 21.8 percent of the U.S. market. The decline comes as today’s increasingly competitive, incentive-rich market presents a huge challenge for Ford Motor as the automaker struggles to meet a target of $7 billion in annual pretax profit by mid-decade.
The Ford brand has captured 17.4 percent of the U.S. market this year through November, down from 17.8 percent in 2002, according to statistics compiled by Autodata Corp. General Motors Corp.’s Chevrolet brand is second with 15.7 percent of the market, followed by Toyota with 9.7 percent, Dodge with 7.4 percent and Honda with 7.2 percent.
Lyons blames Ford’s market share decrease on a decision to offer less generous rebates and a decline in sales to fleet and rental customers. In 2004, Ford says the division’s market share should stabilize at 17.2 percent, helped by new sedans and the all-new Mustang coupe.
"Everybody thinks, well, retail-wise, we’re not in the ballgame," Lyons said. "But that’s not the case. We’ve decided to pass on some rental car business because the incentives there have gotten to the point where it’s just marginally profitable, if profitable at all."
Ford is not alone. Chevrolet and Dodge also have lost share in recent years, though both have seen increases in the last 12 months.
For Ford to increase market share it will have to pour on the incentives, analysts said.
"They can certainly increase market share if they want to buy it," said Burnham Securities analyst David Healy.
On average, Ford Motor Co. spends $3,056 per unit on incentives for its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands. General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group, according to Autodata, spend $4,036 and $3,731, respectively.
"Ford will close up the gap some," Healy said of incentive spending.
Don’t bet on it, Lyons said.
"We do a lot of revenue management here and what we look at is what our product is and what the demand for it is," Lyons said.
Consider the flagship F-150 pickup. Ford has recorded double-digit sales hikes every month since the redesigned truck was launched in September. And the average incentive — $2,045 — is well below those paid out on competitive Chevrolet and Dodge products: $3,340 and $3,366.
Lyons said the new products planned for 2004 could allow greater profitability without share growth.
"What we’re going to do is improve the quality of share," he said, outlining a strategy that will see Ford surrender a significant slice of its rental car and other fleet business next year in favor of a bid to bolster more lucrative retail sales.
Nearly 60 percent of Ford Taurus sales are discounted for fleet customers.
"What we’re doing is trading Taurus fleet sales for Five Hundred retail sales," Lyons said, referring to the new, larger sedan Ford will introduce next year as an ’05 model.
The Taurus is currently built in Chicago and Atlanta. But production volume will be reduced by half in April when Ford’s Chicago assembly plant begins building the Five Hundred and its mechanical cousins: the Mercury Montego sedan and Ford Freestyle, a minivan-sport utility vehicle hybrid that will compete with the Chrysler Pacifica.
Product introductions are another linchpin of Ford’s revitalization plan, but they also will disrupt production next year. While Taurus production in Chicago is scheduled to end in April, the Five Hundred won’t debut until the third quarter.
The redesigned Ford Mustang will bow about the same time at AutoAlliance International Inc. in Flat Rock — several weeks after the nameplate’s ‘04 model goes out of production at a Dearborn plant.
Similar disruptions could occur in midsummer when the automaker’s St. Louis factory, one of two Ford Explorer production sites, goes from two shifts to one. Meanwhile, Ford Ranger output is scheduled to be consolidated in St. Paul-Minneapolis when a New Jersey plant is permanently closed.
The reduction in capacity is part of Ford’s revitalization plan, which calls for eliminating 1 million units of output by middecade.
Dealers are wary.
"The product is in the pipeline, but it’s not at the dealerships," said John Daoud, president and CEO of Al Long Ford in Warren.
"Ford has weathered a lot of storms, but they’ve got a grip on most of them now. The (Firestone) situation is past. They’re not buying other automotive companies anymore. They’re sticking with their truck line, but they’ve stopped abandoning the car side. We’re just waiting on the product."
Lyons said Ford is still on track to sell 1 million pickups in 2004 — F-Series and Rangers combined. Sales of F-Series pickups alone, he projects, will exceed the high-water mark they reached in 2001 when there were 911,597 units sold.
"You can write that down," he said.
You can reach Eric Mayne at (313) 222-2443 or emayne@detnews.com.
12-15-2003, 10:37 AM
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Originally posted by Infamous425
pretty sad that a brand new truck already has incentives
pretty sad that a brand new truck already has incentives
One thing that I didn't know till recently is that 25% of fords profits are tied to it's truck sales.
I wouldn't count ford out yet. They have the redesigned mustang coming out, and the new lighting and cobra are around the corner.
12-15-2003, 12:14 PM
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Lyons blames Ford’s market share decrease on a decision to offer less generous rebates and a decline in sales to fleet and rental customers
love the new F-150... wierd to see it selling slowly
12-15-2003, 07:00 PM
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I love the new F-150... wierd to see it selling slowly.
incentives are part of the game, ford said they were going to offer lower incentives on the 2004 f150 because it cost more to build.
12-17-2003, 10:03 AM
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This is a new article on the F150 which seems to contradict the previous article:
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
F-150 speeds Ford's rebound
Discounting, shrewd pricing help bolster sales, memo says
By Eric Mayne / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co.’s Ford division — benefitting from the introduction of an all-new F-150 pickup truck — is helping accelerate the automaker’s financial turnaround faster than planned, according to an internal memo obtained by The Detroit News.
Steve Lyons, Ford Division president, said shrewd pricing and discounting are helping to enhance the division’s financial performance despite a climate that has seen competitors offer increasingly generous incentives in a battle to maintain market share.
The introduction of the redesigned F-150 helped Ford’s F-Series pickups boost the Ford division’s share of 2003 industry sales by 0.3 points, Lyons said in a memo to Ford dealers and employees.
"We had to make some tough choices between market share and corporate profitability," he said.
"You will see how well we managed the equation when the company publishes fourth-quarter financial results in January, but I can tell you today that Ford division’s contribution was huge — far better than budget."
Ford lost $6.4 billion in 2001 and 2002 and hopes to break even on its automotive operations this year.
Ford spokesman Jon Harmon said strong sales of high-end F-150 models have been a dominant influence.
"There’s been a richer mix of the F-150 than we anticipated," Harmon said. "And it’s held up."
Ford predicted most ‘04 F-150 buyers would opt for the XLT model, which starts at $30,085. But many customers are shelling out more than $5,000 more for the better-equipped Lariat model.
F-Series’ share of the industry is up 0.3 points since August and Lyons claimed the increase came "out of the hide of the bow-tie people" — Chevrolet.
General Motors Corp. spokeswoman Elaine Redd said Chevrolet’s Silverado sustained a small share loss since August, but noted the decline followed near-record summer sales.
Meanwhile, Ford’s overall market share declined this year compared with last. Chevrolet’s share, however, has risen steadily since the end of 2000.
You can reach Eric Mayne at (313)222-2443 or emayne@detnews.com.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
F-150 speeds Ford's rebound
Discounting, shrewd pricing help bolster sales, memo says
By Eric Mayne / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co.’s Ford division — benefitting from the introduction of an all-new F-150 pickup truck — is helping accelerate the automaker’s financial turnaround faster than planned, according to an internal memo obtained by The Detroit News.
Steve Lyons, Ford Division president, said shrewd pricing and discounting are helping to enhance the division’s financial performance despite a climate that has seen competitors offer increasingly generous incentives in a battle to maintain market share.
The introduction of the redesigned F-150 helped Ford’s F-Series pickups boost the Ford division’s share of 2003 industry sales by 0.3 points, Lyons said in a memo to Ford dealers and employees.
"We had to make some tough choices between market share and corporate profitability," he said.
"You will see how well we managed the equation when the company publishes fourth-quarter financial results in January, but I can tell you today that Ford division’s contribution was huge — far better than budget."
Ford lost $6.4 billion in 2001 and 2002 and hopes to break even on its automotive operations this year.
Ford spokesman Jon Harmon said strong sales of high-end F-150 models have been a dominant influence.
"There’s been a richer mix of the F-150 than we anticipated," Harmon said. "And it’s held up."
Ford predicted most ‘04 F-150 buyers would opt for the XLT model, which starts at $30,085. But many customers are shelling out more than $5,000 more for the better-equipped Lariat model.
F-Series’ share of the industry is up 0.3 points since August and Lyons claimed the increase came "out of the hide of the bow-tie people" — Chevrolet.
General Motors Corp. spokeswoman Elaine Redd said Chevrolet’s Silverado sustained a small share loss since August, but noted the decline followed near-record summer sales.
Meanwhile, Ford’s overall market share declined this year compared with last. Chevrolet’s share, however, has risen steadily since the end of 2000.
You can reach Eric Mayne at (313)222-2443 or emayne@detnews.com.
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12-17-2003, 10:26 AM
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Wednesday, December 17, 2003
The Detroit News: Car and Truck of the Year
Caddy XLR, Ford F-150 best of '04
By Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
The 2004 Detroit News Car and Truck of the Year are a celebration of Detroit iron from storied brands marking centennial years.
The top car is the 2004 Cadillac XLR, a sexy, edgy two-passenger coupe/convertible that underscores the rebirth of the legendary luxury brand.
Best truck honors go to the redesigned 2004 Ford F-150 pickup, which continues to stand as the benchmark in the full-size pickup market and raises the bar even higher in terms of interior amenities and quality.
If you think the nod to Cadillac and Ford is merely local boosterism, consider this: Of our 10 runners-up, five were Japanese products and three came from Europe.
Toyota Motor Co.p. had a particularly impressive year, with four of its products making our list of finalists, including the 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric sedan and the Scion xB hatchback.
In the face of stiff competition, our hats are off to the hometown teams.
The Detroit News: Car and Truck of the Year
Caddy XLR, Ford F-150 best of '04
By Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
The 2004 Detroit News Car and Truck of the Year are a celebration of Detroit iron from storied brands marking centennial years.
The top car is the 2004 Cadillac XLR, a sexy, edgy two-passenger coupe/convertible that underscores the rebirth of the legendary luxury brand.
Best truck honors go to the redesigned 2004 Ford F-150 pickup, which continues to stand as the benchmark in the full-size pickup market and raises the bar even higher in terms of interior amenities and quality.
If you think the nod to Cadillac and Ford is merely local boosterism, consider this: Of our 10 runners-up, five were Japanese products and three came from Europe.
Toyota Motor Co.p. had a particularly impressive year, with four of its products making our list of finalists, including the 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric sedan and the Scion xB hatchback.
In the face of stiff competition, our hats are off to the hometown teams.
12-17-2003, 10:28 AM
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Detroit rides high on trucks
Big 3 take 4 of top 12 spots; Toyota best of the foreign brands
By Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
For the second year in a row, our list of finalists for The Detroit News Car and Truck of the Year honors is populated by a wide-ranging group of global products, representing German, British, Japanese and domestic brands. Toyota and Cadillac fared the best, snagging six of the top 12 spots.
Our 2004 selections are the culmination of a year of test driving new cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans, on our home turf and at various locations around the world. Our in-depth evaluations of more than 100 new vehicles over the past 12 months included testing Volkswagen’s first luxury sedan, the Phaeton, on the Autobahn in Germany and tooling around northern Michigan in Ford’s new 2004 Freestar minivan.
In the final analysis, Cadillac won The Detroit News Car of the Year honors with its 2004 XLR ($76,200), an impressive convertible/coupe that vaults the brand into true world-class status.
Ford took The Detroit News Truck of the Year honors with the redesigned 2004 F-150 ($22,010), which reinforces its claim as the best pickup on the planet.
Several themes emerged as we looked back on thousands of miles of test-driving a wide variety of foreign and domestic models:
The resurgence of Cadillac with solid products such as the XLR and the 2004 SRX luxury utility vehicle that stands out from a crowded field with its dramatic looks.
The dominance of Japanese auto giant Toyota, which managed to be a powerhouse across several different segments and brands, ranging from its Scion xB hatchback, which is aimed at the youth market, to the impressive Lexus RX 330, the ultimate suburban ride.
The maturation of Volkswagen which, in addition to the Phaeton, debuted its first serious SUV, the 2004 Touareg, a sister vehicle to the Porsche Cayenne.
The continued realization that Ford Motor Co.’s foreign affiliates, including Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover, provide indispensable pizzazz and punch to the U.S. automaker’s product stable.
In addition to the F-150 and the XLR, here are the rest of our best rides for 2004:
Cars
Toyota Prius ($20,510): Toyota has moved the evolving niche for hybrid gas-electric vehicles much closer to the mainstream with the redesigned Prius. The newest model can operate solely in electric or gasoline mode, or a combination of both, and the transitions are truly seamless — so much so that it’s sometimes difficult to tell which powerplant is in operation unless you’re paying attention to the 7-inch monitor in the dashboard. From the cockpit, the ’04 Prius doesn’t look or feel nearly as idiosyncratic as its predecessor, which always gave the impression that it was a thinly veiled, high-tech concept car that had been barely tamed for production.
Mazda RX8 ($25,700): Mazda’s new RX-8 is a true bargain for sports car lovers. The twin-rotor Wankel engine produces a lusty 238 horsepower if you order it with the six-speed manual gearbox, and it has an agility and poise you’d normally find only in much more expensive two-seaters. The domestic manufacturers, including Mazda’s U.S. parent Ford, don’t make anything quite like it for the price.
Scion xB ($14,165): The boxy little Scion charmed the youngest generation, as well as buyers with lots of experience when we test drove it this summer. Based on a home-market sibling of the Toyota Echo, the relatively inexpensive xB is a fresh alternative at the low end of the market, and you can personalize it with dozens of accessories. The Scion product line doesn’t go on sale officially in the Midwest until midyear, so if you really crave an xB before then, you’ll have to make the trek to a California dealer.
BMW 5-series ($39,995): Germany’s BMW took a lot of guff last year when it radically redesigned its 7-series flagship. This year’s makeover of the mid-range 5-series sedan is a bit more sedate, but the updated underpinnings are truly impressive, and the handling is nonpareil. Now if only BMW would rethink its dreadfully complicated iDrive controller.
Jaguar XJ ($59,995): It doesn’t look much different visually from its predecessor, but the redesigned Jaguar XJ8 sedan and its high-octane counterpart, the supercharged XJR, remain timeless classics of design. A new lightweight, high-tech aluminum body helps boost fuel economy while enhancing performance. Inside you’ll find the usual sumptuous blend of leather, wool and natural wood. The new XJ provides reassuring proof that Ford’s British affiliate continues to build some of the world’s best sporting sedans.
Trucks
Dodge Durango ($26,565): The redesigned Durango strikes the perfect balance between comfort and commanding road presence. You can spot the striking Dodge Ram-style front end from several blocks away and even the exaggerated taillights that are designed to look like the afterburners on a jet are memorable. Durango adds muscle and bulk for 2004. We both fell in love with the first full-size SUV from DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group since the Ramcharger.
Cadillac SRX ($38,690): The SRX certainly has the most distinctive design in the crowded crossover utility vehicle segment, one that perfectly embodies the evolving Cadillac family look, which is very angular and chiseled. There’s no mistaking the SRX for anything but a Cadillac. But the chassis and driveline are also among the best we’ve tested. This is a remarkably competent vehicle in all kinds of weather, on all kinds of surfaces, thanks to some very sophisticated chassis technology. We call it America’s first premium crossover utility.
Toyota Sienna ($23,495): The Sienna is simply the new benchmark in minivans, offering families everything from optional side air curtains that protect passengers in all three rows to a cleverly designed stowable third-row seat. Toyota’s done a good job of assimilating some of the best minivan features from its competitors, including a folding table that it cribbed from Honda’s Odyssey and a concave baby mirror inspired by the one on the Ford Freestar. The end result is carpool bliss.
Volkswagen Touareg ($35,515): VW’s first modern sport-utility vehicle — we don’t count the World War II-inspired Iltis, sold in North America as The Thing — is a marvel of German engineering and craftsmanship. The all-new Touareg is assembled in Bratislava, Slovakia. More to the point, it gives the German automaker a powerful entry in the luxury-SUV segment. And it has one of the most beautifully crafted interiors we’ve ever seen — on a car or a truck.
Lexus RX 330 ($35,650): The original RX 300 virtually invented the premium crossover utility segment. Its successor, the ‘04 RX 330, raises the bar in terms of style, content and technology, with such dazzling features as adaptive headlamps that run with the steering wheel and, in the coming year, a hybrid gas/electric variant. How good? This is the closest most moms — or dads — are ever going to get to having a spa experience behind the wheel.
Big 3 take 4 of top 12 spots; Toyota best of the foreign brands
By Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
For the second year in a row, our list of finalists for The Detroit News Car and Truck of the Year honors is populated by a wide-ranging group of global products, representing German, British, Japanese and domestic brands. Toyota and Cadillac fared the best, snagging six of the top 12 spots.
Our 2004 selections are the culmination of a year of test driving new cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans, on our home turf and at various locations around the world. Our in-depth evaluations of more than 100 new vehicles over the past 12 months included testing Volkswagen’s first luxury sedan, the Phaeton, on the Autobahn in Germany and tooling around northern Michigan in Ford’s new 2004 Freestar minivan.
In the final analysis, Cadillac won The Detroit News Car of the Year honors with its 2004 XLR ($76,200), an impressive convertible/coupe that vaults the brand into true world-class status.
Ford took The Detroit News Truck of the Year honors with the redesigned 2004 F-150 ($22,010), which reinforces its claim as the best pickup on the planet.
Several themes emerged as we looked back on thousands of miles of test-driving a wide variety of foreign and domestic models:
The resurgence of Cadillac with solid products such as the XLR and the 2004 SRX luxury utility vehicle that stands out from a crowded field with its dramatic looks.
The dominance of Japanese auto giant Toyota, which managed to be a powerhouse across several different segments and brands, ranging from its Scion xB hatchback, which is aimed at the youth market, to the impressive Lexus RX 330, the ultimate suburban ride.
The maturation of Volkswagen which, in addition to the Phaeton, debuted its first serious SUV, the 2004 Touareg, a sister vehicle to the Porsche Cayenne.
The continued realization that Ford Motor Co.’s foreign affiliates, including Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover, provide indispensable pizzazz and punch to the U.S. automaker’s product stable.
In addition to the F-150 and the XLR, here are the rest of our best rides for 2004:
Cars
Toyota Prius ($20,510): Toyota has moved the evolving niche for hybrid gas-electric vehicles much closer to the mainstream with the redesigned Prius. The newest model can operate solely in electric or gasoline mode, or a combination of both, and the transitions are truly seamless — so much so that it’s sometimes difficult to tell which powerplant is in operation unless you’re paying attention to the 7-inch monitor in the dashboard. From the cockpit, the ’04 Prius doesn’t look or feel nearly as idiosyncratic as its predecessor, which always gave the impression that it was a thinly veiled, high-tech concept car that had been barely tamed for production.
Mazda RX8 ($25,700): Mazda’s new RX-8 is a true bargain for sports car lovers. The twin-rotor Wankel engine produces a lusty 238 horsepower if you order it with the six-speed manual gearbox, and it has an agility and poise you’d normally find only in much more expensive two-seaters. The domestic manufacturers, including Mazda’s U.S. parent Ford, don’t make anything quite like it for the price.
Scion xB ($14,165): The boxy little Scion charmed the youngest generation, as well as buyers with lots of experience when we test drove it this summer. Based on a home-market sibling of the Toyota Echo, the relatively inexpensive xB is a fresh alternative at the low end of the market, and you can personalize it with dozens of accessories. The Scion product line doesn’t go on sale officially in the Midwest until midyear, so if you really crave an xB before then, you’ll have to make the trek to a California dealer.
BMW 5-series ($39,995): Germany’s BMW took a lot of guff last year when it radically redesigned its 7-series flagship. This year’s makeover of the mid-range 5-series sedan is a bit more sedate, but the updated underpinnings are truly impressive, and the handling is nonpareil. Now if only BMW would rethink its dreadfully complicated iDrive controller.
Jaguar XJ ($59,995): It doesn’t look much different visually from its predecessor, but the redesigned Jaguar XJ8 sedan and its high-octane counterpart, the supercharged XJR, remain timeless classics of design. A new lightweight, high-tech aluminum body helps boost fuel economy while enhancing performance. Inside you’ll find the usual sumptuous blend of leather, wool and natural wood. The new XJ provides reassuring proof that Ford’s British affiliate continues to build some of the world’s best sporting sedans.
Trucks
Dodge Durango ($26,565): The redesigned Durango strikes the perfect balance between comfort and commanding road presence. You can spot the striking Dodge Ram-style front end from several blocks away and even the exaggerated taillights that are designed to look like the afterburners on a jet are memorable. Durango adds muscle and bulk for 2004. We both fell in love with the first full-size SUV from DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group since the Ramcharger.
Cadillac SRX ($38,690): The SRX certainly has the most distinctive design in the crowded crossover utility vehicle segment, one that perfectly embodies the evolving Cadillac family look, which is very angular and chiseled. There’s no mistaking the SRX for anything but a Cadillac. But the chassis and driveline are also among the best we’ve tested. This is a remarkably competent vehicle in all kinds of weather, on all kinds of surfaces, thanks to some very sophisticated chassis technology. We call it America’s first premium crossover utility.
Toyota Sienna ($23,495): The Sienna is simply the new benchmark in minivans, offering families everything from optional side air curtains that protect passengers in all three rows to a cleverly designed stowable third-row seat. Toyota’s done a good job of assimilating some of the best minivan features from its competitors, including a folding table that it cribbed from Honda’s Odyssey and a concave baby mirror inspired by the one on the Ford Freestar. The end result is carpool bliss.
Volkswagen Touareg ($35,515): VW’s first modern sport-utility vehicle — we don’t count the World War II-inspired Iltis, sold in North America as The Thing — is a marvel of German engineering and craftsmanship. The all-new Touareg is assembled in Bratislava, Slovakia. More to the point, it gives the German automaker a powerful entry in the luxury-SUV segment. And it has one of the most beautifully crafted interiors we’ve ever seen — on a car or a truck.
Lexus RX 330 ($35,650): The original RX 300 virtually invented the premium crossover utility segment. Its successor, the ‘04 RX 330, raises the bar in terms of style, content and technology, with such dazzling features as adaptive headlamps that run with the steering wheel and, in the coming year, a hybrid gas/electric variant. How good? This is the closest most moms — or dads — are ever going to get to having a spa experience behind the wheel.
01-08-2006, 11:28 AM
#11
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2006 F-250 Super
Chief Concept - - Source; http://media.ford.com
Chief Concept - - Source; http://media.ford.com
FORD F-250 SUPER CHIEF CONCEPT: A BOLD, AMERICAN FLEX FUEL PICKUP THAT DELIVERS TOMORROW'S FUEL TODAY
SOUNDBITES: FORD F-250 SUPER CHIEF CONCEPT
World’s first Tri-Flex fuel engine: 12 percent better fuel economy, 99 percent fewer CO2 emissions in hydrogen mode and 500 miles between fill-ups
Bold, American design and innovation: Underscores the design and innovation that will define all Ford vehicles going forward
New level for interiors: Just as F-150 set the standard for vehicle interiors, the F-250 Super Chief concept shows Ford interior innovations for the future
DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2006 – The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept takes truck leadership to a new level – as the world's first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline.
The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation's ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop.
The concept truck and its name are inspired by the bold, American Super Chief trains of the nation's past. Super Chief is Ford's most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever – designed to build on the standard for interior excellence established by the new F-150.
Super Chief features an interior paneled in American walnut, brushed aluminum and bold brown leather. Convenience features include bold light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps, a full glass roof and automated ottoman.
Technology Innovation in a Bold American Wrapper
The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept boldly foretells a new era for pickup trucks that Ford intends to lead with bold, American design and innovation – as it has for nearly three decades.
"F-250 Super Chief pays tribute to the bold optimism that is part of the American character," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. "The F-250 Super Chief's innovations pave a new path for the American truck. It's a notion – and a modern design – so bold, it could only come from Ford."
Running on hydrogen, the supercharged V-10 engine provides up to 12 percent fuel economy improvement on an energy equivalent basis versus a non-supercharged gasoline V-10 – and nearly 500 miles per fill-up. In addition, when operating on hydrogen, the Tri-Flex V-10 generates 99 percent less CO2 emissions than when running on gasoline.
The world's first Tri-Flex engine employes hydrogen, gasoline or E85 fuel.
Hydrogen is the ultimate clean fuel of the future. It is not only the cleanest fuel, it is the most abundant element on Earth. E85 ethanol is a domestic, renewable, greenhouse gas-friendly fuel.
"The Tri-Flex fuel engine encourages the development of the hydrogen fuel infrastructure for the best future mobility solution," says Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. "It also drives the expansion of the domestic ethanol E85 fuel production and availability and, of course, provides our customers the convenience of gasoline until these other fuels become more readily available."
The Tri-Flex system leverages existing powertrain technologies in which Ford has long held leadership. Since 1996, Ford has led in production and sales of flex-fuel E85 ethanol/gasoline vehicles. Ford has built more than 1.6 million flex-fuel vehicles that operate on any mix of E85 and gasoline.
The Ford F-250 Super Chief epitomizes bold, American design and features an innovative Tri-Flex fuel engine that can run on hydrogen, E85 or gasoline.
In December 2005, a flex-fuel capable version of the F-150 pickup went into production. Ford has committed to building more than 250,000 flex-fuel vehicles in 2006. Ford flex-fuel vehicles offer the customer convenience of filling one tank with E85 and/or gasoline.
The transition from hydrogen fuel power to either E85 or gasoline is handled seamlessly through a dashboard-mounted switch and can occur while the vehicle is in operation. Transition from either E85 or gasoline to hydrogen requires that the vehicle be at idle to allow for proper engagement of the supercharger, which only operates when the vehicle is powered by hydrogen.
Safe and Comfortable
While the F-250 Super Chief has plenty of innovative tricks under its hood, it embraces several of Ford Motor Company's advanced safety technologies to help ensure that occupants' travels are not only comfortable, but also safe.
Safety technology such as BeltMinder™ and BlockerBeam™ are among the innovative features on the F-250 Super Chief. BlockerBeam™ provides enhanced frontal crash compatibility with cars on the road, and Ford's patented BeltMinder™ technology will alert the driver when occupants are not buckled up.
BeltMinder™ goes further than the federally required safety belt reminder chiming system. In Ford vehicles, the driver or front passenger who remains unbuckled is regularly reminded to buckle up.
The system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first. The second-row BeltMinder™ technology will now be able to alert the driver when second-row passengers have not buckled their safety belts.
In addition, Ford's unique frontal crash enhanced underride protection system – called BlockerBeam™ – could make the F-250 Super Chief more compatible with cars. The system helps F-250 Super Chief and a car better share energy during a crash.
During a frontal collision with a car, the BlockerBeam™ is designed to make contact with the frame rails of a car in an effort to prevent the car from sliding beneath the higher-riding vehicle. Upon impact, the L-shaped brackets bend, helping to disperse crash energy. This reduces the amount of intrusion into the passenger compartment of the car and further reduces the risk of serious injury to the car's occupants.
Bold, American Exterior Design
The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept projects the next level of rugged elegance for full-size pickups, further stretching the world-famous F-Series lineup past the F-250 Super Crew and F-250 King Ranch.
"Ford has been the truck leader for so long, no one can remember it being any other way," says J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. "The F-250 Super Chief boldly restates our leadership with a quintessentially American truck."
The F-250 Super Chief's locomotive-inspired front-end appearance sets the tone, complemented by its bold, imposing grille.
The pattern of the headlamps echoes the motif of the interior's coffered ceiling, with five-element/four-emitter LEDs behind the optics.
Below the headlamps, sturdy tow hooks are integrated into the fog lamps for a multifunctional look.
Even more pronounced from the profile is the truck's substantial cabin. Based on an F-250 Super Duty with an 8-foot-long bed, F-250 Super Chief designers reallocated 2 feet of bed space for the passenger compartment, which is accessible through center-opening doors.
The F-250 Super Chief's rear doors can be opened independently of its front doors. An electronic release first extends the rear three-pivot hinges out and slides them back slightly to open the rear doors; an electronic motor pulls them closed.
Expressive details add beauty as well as functionality. The sculpted cowling serves as an air intake for the V-10 engine, while pronounced vents exhaust heat from the engine bay. Pronounced flares house the truck's 24-inch wheels, and Goodyear tires firmly plant the truck on the ground.
In the rear, the tailgate hinges on both sides for greater utility. Inside the bed, a wood-planked bed floor is ribbed with raised metal rub strips for easy cargo loading. In addition, there's an under-bed storage tray, which can be accessed even when the cargo bed is full.
Interior Indulgence
The F-250 Super Chief concept delivers an interior design that's rugged as well as elegant in three materials: American walnut, brushed aluminum and rich brown leather.
"Well-appointed vehicles are nothing new," Mays says. "But, as premium amenities and finishes become more ordinary, we wanted to push the envelope and show our truck customers – and our competitors – what a truly upscale, distinctly American pickup might look like."
The entire roof of the F-250 Super Chief is glass, bisected by a leather-wrapped grid of American walnut, allowing vista views. The walnut, outlined in aluminum, lines the truck's floors as well, carrying through the design execution of the pickup bed. Viewed from above, through the glass roof, the floor is smooth and integrated from cabin to the bed.
Rear seats allow for relaxation aided by ottomans that deploy from the floor space.
The seats have separate cushions for the seat bottoms and the backs, as well as individual integrated armrests that are not part of the rear door panels.
The leather for the seats – as it is throughout the rest of the cabin – is Spinneybeck, aniline-dyed in a rich brown.
"While the F-250 Super Chief is an extreme example of interior indulgence, our experience with trucks has shown that customers want more interior comfort and amenities than ever," says Horbury. "The current F-150 demonstrated that as far as we were willing to go on interior comfort and design, our customers may be willing to go further.
"The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept allows us to better gauge where the high end of rugged elegance just might be."
SOUNDBITES: FORD F-250 SUPER CHIEF CONCEPT
World’s first Tri-Flex fuel engine: 12 percent better fuel economy, 99 percent fewer CO2 emissions in hydrogen mode and 500 miles between fill-ups
Bold, American design and innovation: Underscores the design and innovation that will define all Ford vehicles going forward
New level for interiors: Just as F-150 set the standard for vehicle interiors, the F-250 Super Chief concept shows Ford interior innovations for the future
DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2006 – The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept takes truck leadership to a new level – as the world's first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline.
The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation's ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop.
The concept truck and its name are inspired by the bold, American Super Chief trains of the nation's past. Super Chief is Ford's most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever – designed to build on the standard for interior excellence established by the new F-150.
Super Chief features an interior paneled in American walnut, brushed aluminum and bold brown leather. Convenience features include bold light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps, a full glass roof and automated ottoman.
Technology Innovation in a Bold American Wrapper
The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept boldly foretells a new era for pickup trucks that Ford intends to lead with bold, American design and innovation – as it has for nearly three decades.
"F-250 Super Chief pays tribute to the bold optimism that is part of the American character," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. "The F-250 Super Chief's innovations pave a new path for the American truck. It's a notion – and a modern design – so bold, it could only come from Ford."
Running on hydrogen, the supercharged V-10 engine provides up to 12 percent fuel economy improvement on an energy equivalent basis versus a non-supercharged gasoline V-10 – and nearly 500 miles per fill-up. In addition, when operating on hydrogen, the Tri-Flex V-10 generates 99 percent less CO2 emissions than when running on gasoline.
The world's first Tri-Flex engine employes hydrogen, gasoline or E85 fuel.
Hydrogen is the ultimate clean fuel of the future. It is not only the cleanest fuel, it is the most abundant element on Earth. E85 ethanol is a domestic, renewable, greenhouse gas-friendly fuel.
"The Tri-Flex fuel engine encourages the development of the hydrogen fuel infrastructure for the best future mobility solution," says Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. "It also drives the expansion of the domestic ethanol E85 fuel production and availability and, of course, provides our customers the convenience of gasoline until these other fuels become more readily available."
The Tri-Flex system leverages existing powertrain technologies in which Ford has long held leadership. Since 1996, Ford has led in production and sales of flex-fuel E85 ethanol/gasoline vehicles. Ford has built more than 1.6 million flex-fuel vehicles that operate on any mix of E85 and gasoline.
The Ford F-250 Super Chief epitomizes bold, American design and features an innovative Tri-Flex fuel engine that can run on hydrogen, E85 or gasoline.
In December 2005, a flex-fuel capable version of the F-150 pickup went into production. Ford has committed to building more than 250,000 flex-fuel vehicles in 2006. Ford flex-fuel vehicles offer the customer convenience of filling one tank with E85 and/or gasoline.
The transition from hydrogen fuel power to either E85 or gasoline is handled seamlessly through a dashboard-mounted switch and can occur while the vehicle is in operation. Transition from either E85 or gasoline to hydrogen requires that the vehicle be at idle to allow for proper engagement of the supercharger, which only operates when the vehicle is powered by hydrogen.
Safe and Comfortable
While the F-250 Super Chief has plenty of innovative tricks under its hood, it embraces several of Ford Motor Company's advanced safety technologies to help ensure that occupants' travels are not only comfortable, but also safe.
Safety technology such as BeltMinder™ and BlockerBeam™ are among the innovative features on the F-250 Super Chief. BlockerBeam™ provides enhanced frontal crash compatibility with cars on the road, and Ford's patented BeltMinder™ technology will alert the driver when occupants are not buckled up.
BeltMinder™ goes further than the federally required safety belt reminder chiming system. In Ford vehicles, the driver or front passenger who remains unbuckled is regularly reminded to buckle up.
The system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first. The second-row BeltMinder™ technology will now be able to alert the driver when second-row passengers have not buckled their safety belts.
In addition, Ford's unique frontal crash enhanced underride protection system – called BlockerBeam™ – could make the F-250 Super Chief more compatible with cars. The system helps F-250 Super Chief and a car better share energy during a crash.
During a frontal collision with a car, the BlockerBeam™ is designed to make contact with the frame rails of a car in an effort to prevent the car from sliding beneath the higher-riding vehicle. Upon impact, the L-shaped brackets bend, helping to disperse crash energy. This reduces the amount of intrusion into the passenger compartment of the car and further reduces the risk of serious injury to the car's occupants.
Bold, American Exterior Design
The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept projects the next level of rugged elegance for full-size pickups, further stretching the world-famous F-Series lineup past the F-250 Super Crew and F-250 King Ranch.
"Ford has been the truck leader for so long, no one can remember it being any other way," says J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. "The F-250 Super Chief boldly restates our leadership with a quintessentially American truck."
The F-250 Super Chief's locomotive-inspired front-end appearance sets the tone, complemented by its bold, imposing grille.
The pattern of the headlamps echoes the motif of the interior's coffered ceiling, with five-element/four-emitter LEDs behind the optics.
Below the headlamps, sturdy tow hooks are integrated into the fog lamps for a multifunctional look.
Even more pronounced from the profile is the truck's substantial cabin. Based on an F-250 Super Duty with an 8-foot-long bed, F-250 Super Chief designers reallocated 2 feet of bed space for the passenger compartment, which is accessible through center-opening doors.
The F-250 Super Chief's rear doors can be opened independently of its front doors. An electronic release first extends the rear three-pivot hinges out and slides them back slightly to open the rear doors; an electronic motor pulls them closed.
Expressive details add beauty as well as functionality. The sculpted cowling serves as an air intake for the V-10 engine, while pronounced vents exhaust heat from the engine bay. Pronounced flares house the truck's 24-inch wheels, and Goodyear tires firmly plant the truck on the ground.
In the rear, the tailgate hinges on both sides for greater utility. Inside the bed, a wood-planked bed floor is ribbed with raised metal rub strips for easy cargo loading. In addition, there's an under-bed storage tray, which can be accessed even when the cargo bed is full.
Interior Indulgence
The F-250 Super Chief concept delivers an interior design that's rugged as well as elegant in three materials: American walnut, brushed aluminum and rich brown leather.
"Well-appointed vehicles are nothing new," Mays says. "But, as premium amenities and finishes become more ordinary, we wanted to push the envelope and show our truck customers – and our competitors – what a truly upscale, distinctly American pickup might look like."
The entire roof of the F-250 Super Chief is glass, bisected by a leather-wrapped grid of American walnut, allowing vista views. The walnut, outlined in aluminum, lines the truck's floors as well, carrying through the design execution of the pickup bed. Viewed from above, through the glass roof, the floor is smooth and integrated from cabin to the bed.
Rear seats allow for relaxation aided by ottomans that deploy from the floor space.
The seats have separate cushions for the seat bottoms and the backs, as well as individual integrated armrests that are not part of the rear door panels.
The leather for the seats – as it is throughout the rest of the cabin – is Spinneybeck, aniline-dyed in a rich brown.
"While the F-250 Super Chief is an extreme example of interior indulgence, our experience with trucks has shown that customers want more interior comfort and amenities than ever," says Horbury. "The current F-150 demonstrated that as far as we were willing to go on interior comfort and design, our customers may be willing to go further.
"The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept allows us to better gauge where the high end of rugged elegance just might be."
01-08-2006, 04:12 PM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks like they got some ideas from armored cars.
01-08-2006, 07:56 PM
#18
Senior Moderator
Neat...for a truck.
Now, does it transform?
Now, does it transform?
04-05-2006, 11:43 PM
#19
Drifting
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Ford: F-Series Super Duty **2011 Revealed (page 1)**
It's not quite a Super Chief, but Ford did do a good job of giving its heavy-duty truck a completely different look than the standard F-150. (Photo courtesy of KGP Photography)
New light clusters, a revised tailgate design and big "Super Duty" badging are the most noticeable changes out back. (Photo courtesy of KGP Photography)
Test mules aren't the most attractive means of showcasing a new interior design, but you get the idea. Look past all the data-logging equipment and it's clear the next Super Duty will share many of the same design cues inside with the half-ton F-150. (Photo courtesy of KGP Photography)
New quarter panel vents look cool, but it's doubtful they're anything more than decoration. (Photo courtesy of KGP Photography)
Ford's 2007 Super Duty getting a face-lift
By Ed Hellwig Email
Date posted: 04-03-2006
We've seen butchered test mules of the 2007 Ford Super Duty before; now take a look at the final product in our latest spy photos. It's not quite the Super Chief concept brought to life, but this new heavy-duty Ford truck does have a few changes up front which make it look like the concept truck shown in Detroit earlier this year.
Compared to the current model, the next-generation 2007 Super Duty gets taller, more rectangular headlights. They extend down to the one-piece chrome bumper and place the turn signals in the middle of the headlights instead of below them. The grille is more squared off, too, with bigger vents on each side and an even larger Ford logo. Look closely and you can also make out the words "Super Duty" pressed into the chrome.
Earlier pictures tipped us off to the new quarter panel vents just behind the front wheels. They look good but we would be surprised if they're actually functional. In back, the logo is bigger and has been moved to the center, the reverse lights are higher and the same "Super Duty" script used up front is pressed into the bottom of the tailgate.
Although the gasoline engine options aren't expected to change much, diesel fans will be glad to know there's an all-new Powerstroke in the works. Built by International, the new diesel V8 will displace 6.4 liters, feature a pair of sequential turbos and generate 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Ford's current Powerstroke has been plagued with problems so the arrival of the new 6.4 can't come soon enough.
There are substantial changes to the interior of the Super Duty as well. A spy photo of a test mule shows an interior similar to the F-150 with a cleanly laid out center stack with circular vents on each side. There's yet another "Super Duty" stamp just above the glovebox, so Ford is obviously trying to push the Super Duty brand a little harder this time around. Since these trucks tend to be work trucks more often than not, the designers made sure to include plenty of practical features like power outlets and easily accessible storage space.
Sales of the 2007 Super Duty are expected to begin before the end of the year. We expected a possible debut at the upcoming New York auto show, but Ford has said nothing about such an intro to date. Even if the new trucks don't get an official unveil at a major auto show, we still expect official specs and photos to show up sometime this summer.
By Ed Hellwig Email
Date posted: 04-03-2006
We've seen butchered test mules of the 2007 Ford Super Duty before; now take a look at the final product in our latest spy photos. It's not quite the Super Chief concept brought to life, but this new heavy-duty Ford truck does have a few changes up front which make it look like the concept truck shown in Detroit earlier this year.
Compared to the current model, the next-generation 2007 Super Duty gets taller, more rectangular headlights. They extend down to the one-piece chrome bumper and place the turn signals in the middle of the headlights instead of below them. The grille is more squared off, too, with bigger vents on each side and an even larger Ford logo. Look closely and you can also make out the words "Super Duty" pressed into the chrome.
Earlier pictures tipped us off to the new quarter panel vents just behind the front wheels. They look good but we would be surprised if they're actually functional. In back, the logo is bigger and has been moved to the center, the reverse lights are higher and the same "Super Duty" script used up front is pressed into the bottom of the tailgate.
Although the gasoline engine options aren't expected to change much, diesel fans will be glad to know there's an all-new Powerstroke in the works. Built by International, the new diesel V8 will displace 6.4 liters, feature a pair of sequential turbos and generate 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Ford's current Powerstroke has been plagued with problems so the arrival of the new 6.4 can't come soon enough.
There are substantial changes to the interior of the Super Duty as well. A spy photo of a test mule shows an interior similar to the F-150 with a cleanly laid out center stack with circular vents on each side. There's yet another "Super Duty" stamp just above the glovebox, so Ford is obviously trying to push the Super Duty brand a little harder this time around. Since these trucks tend to be work trucks more often than not, the designers made sure to include plenty of practical features like power outlets and easily accessible storage space.
Sales of the 2007 Super Duty are expected to begin before the end of the year. We expected a possible debut at the upcoming New York auto show, but Ford has said nothing about such an intro to date. Even if the new trucks don't get an official unveil at a major auto show, we still expect official specs and photos to show up sometime this summer.
04-05-2006, 11:54 PM
#20
Drifting
I don't under stand why it has to say super duty across the interior of the truck, You would think that you would know if you bought it, My grandmothers Grandmarquis has it in small leters in the fake wood trim and I thought that was bad.
I am glad they did to the interior what they did to the f150 though. My grandfathers 01 250 though verry work oriented, is just one of the worst interiors around. Also I'm glad they changed the headlight cluster around. The 250 also had some of the worst visability at night of any vehicle i've been in.
I am glad they did to the interior what they did to the f150 though. My grandfathers 01 250 though verry work oriented, is just one of the worst interiors around. Also I'm glad they changed the headlight cluster around. The 250 also had some of the worst visability at night of any vehicle i've been in.
04-06-2006, 12:51 PM
#21
I don't like the headlight design
04-06-2006, 01:22 PM
#22
The sizzle in the Steak
08-02-2006, 11:58 PM
#25
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Ford Drops F-Series Pricing - - Source: The Car Connection
Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday that it's cutting prices on its industry leading F-150 pickup, a day after reporting sales and market share falls overall and ahead of new truck offerings from General Motors and Toyota.
The average price of the regular cab model falls by $720 and SuperCabs are dropping by an average of $830. SuperCrew truck prices are down by $949.
Ford lives or dies by how many F-150 trucks it sells. It's by far the strongest piece of Ford's product portfolio, and its biggest profit generator at a time when the rest of its product lineup is swamping the F-Series profit machine to create losses for its North American vehicle operation.
GM showed off its new redesigned Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups trucks, which bow in showrooms this fall, to media on Wednesday. And Toyota, by the first quarter of 2007, will be in full swing manufacturing a redesigned Tundra pickup. Both trucks provide fresh competition for the F-Series, which doesn't get a redesign until 2009.
Meantime, the trend of suburban households buying pickups as second vehicles has cooled off with sustained higher gas prices, slamming the brakes on growth in the pickup market. Neither the Nissan Titan nor Honda Ridgeline pickups have found as much traction as they had hoped in the U.S. market, but they But those are fringe vehicles for the Japanese automakers. Pickups are the meat and potatoes of GM and Ford's business.
Last year, Ford reached the 900,000 mark for F-Series sales. But it took a pasting in July, as sales dropped to 68,982, down significantly from the blistering pace of 126,905 Ford sold in July of last year when it kicked off an employee pricing promotion.
Sales of the F-Series overall are down 12 percent through July, compared with last year.-Jim Burt
The average price of the regular cab model falls by $720 and SuperCabs are dropping by an average of $830. SuperCrew truck prices are down by $949.
Ford lives or dies by how many F-150 trucks it sells. It's by far the strongest piece of Ford's product portfolio, and its biggest profit generator at a time when the rest of its product lineup is swamping the F-Series profit machine to create losses for its North American vehicle operation.
GM showed off its new redesigned Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups trucks, which bow in showrooms this fall, to media on Wednesday. And Toyota, by the first quarter of 2007, will be in full swing manufacturing a redesigned Tundra pickup. Both trucks provide fresh competition for the F-Series, which doesn't get a redesign until 2009.
Meantime, the trend of suburban households buying pickups as second vehicles has cooled off with sustained higher gas prices, slamming the brakes on growth in the pickup market. Neither the Nissan Titan nor Honda Ridgeline pickups have found as much traction as they had hoped in the U.S. market, but they But those are fringe vehicles for the Japanese automakers. Pickups are the meat and potatoes of GM and Ford's business.
Last year, Ford reached the 900,000 mark for F-Series sales. But it took a pasting in July, as sales dropped to 68,982, down significantly from the blistering pace of 126,905 Ford sold in July of last year when it kicked off an employee pricing promotion.
Sales of the F-Series overall are down 12 percent through July, compared with last year.-Jim Burt
08-04-2006, 01:08 PM
#26
Everyday Joe
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I know that the Norfolk, VA plant that builds F-150's is shutting down for 4 weeks over the next month or two. That is coming after already being told that the plant will be closing for good in '08. The media here touted the plant as being one of Ford's best so if they are shutting down, what does that say??? Not good....
08-18-2006, 11:15 PM
#27
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Ford production cut puts F-series goal out of reach - - Amy Wilson | | Automotive News / August 18, 2006 - 9:44 am / UPDATED: 8/18/2006 4:21 P.M. - - Source: Autonews.com
DETROIT -- With its massive production cut announced today, Ford Motor Co. is officially backing away from an earlier target to sell 900,000 F-series pickups in 2006. Ford sales analyst George Pipas wouldn’t provide a new sales goal but said, “900,000 is out of reach.”
The F series accounts for more than half of the North American production cut Ford announced today, Pipas said. “The head winds in this segment are pretty strong right now,” he said. “We’re spending more and more money on incentives and enjoying it less.”
Ford today said it was slashing 168,000 units, or 21 percent, from its North American production in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago. It now expects to build 625,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter.
The automaker said it also was cutting an additional 20,000 units from its third-quarter North American production plan. Ford expects to build 650,000 units in the third quarter. That is down 10.7 percent from the 728,000 units it built in the third quarter of 2005.
Most cuts come from truck production. Ford plans to cut fourth-quarter truck production by 155,000. It will cut 13,000 cars from the schedule.
For the full year, Ford now expects to build 3,048,000 vehicles in North America, a 9 percent reduction from 2005. The full-year production is expected to break down into 1,134,000 cars and 1,914,000 trucks.
The production cut is part of Ford’s plan to accelerate its Way Forward restructuring plan for North America. Given higher gasoline prices and sharp declines in light-truck sales, the automaker acknowledged last month that it needs to cut faster and deeper.
More actions will be announced next month. Ford is expected to move up plant closing dates and cut additional salaried jobs and benefits. Ford also could add plants to its capacity-reduction plans and open buyout packages to all U.S. hourly production workers, sources say.
Today’s production cut triggered Fitch Ratings to downgrade Ford Motor’s credit ratings deeper into junk territory. Rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s also put Ford on watch for further downgrades.
The F series accounts for more than half of the North American production cut Ford announced today, Pipas said. “The head winds in this segment are pretty strong right now,” he said. “We’re spending more and more money on incentives and enjoying it less.”
Ford today said it was slashing 168,000 units, or 21 percent, from its North American production in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago. It now expects to build 625,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter.
The automaker said it also was cutting an additional 20,000 units from its third-quarter North American production plan. Ford expects to build 650,000 units in the third quarter. That is down 10.7 percent from the 728,000 units it built in the third quarter of 2005.
Most cuts come from truck production. Ford plans to cut fourth-quarter truck production by 155,000. It will cut 13,000 cars from the schedule.
For the full year, Ford now expects to build 3,048,000 vehicles in North America, a 9 percent reduction from 2005. The full-year production is expected to break down into 1,134,000 cars and 1,914,000 trucks.
The production cut is part of Ford’s plan to accelerate its Way Forward restructuring plan for North America. Given higher gasoline prices and sharp declines in light-truck sales, the automaker acknowledged last month that it needs to cut faster and deeper.
More actions will be announced next month. Ford is expected to move up plant closing dates and cut additional salaried jobs and benefits. Ford also could add plants to its capacity-reduction plans and open buyout packages to all U.S. hourly production workers, sources say.
Today’s production cut triggered Fitch Ratings to downgrade Ford Motor’s credit ratings deeper into junk territory. Rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s also put Ford on watch for further downgrades.
08-19-2006, 01:13 AM
#28
I'm the Firestarter
US companies should have long ago made the decision to accept market share losses and instead concentrate on making money off each vehicle. Giving away cars only cheapens the product further and reduces its desirability.
08-22-2006, 09:49 AM
#29
Suzuka Master
"Ford to roll out diesel truck in 2007"
August 22 2006: 7:14 AM EDT
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co., which is facing mounting pressure to reduce its reliance on gas-guzzling trucks, on Tuesday said it would begin selling a new diesel version of its Super Duty pickup in early 2007.
The launch of the heavy-duty diesel-powered pickup comes at a crucial time for Ford, which has had to slash truck production this year after sales slowed faster than expected in the face of higher U.S. interest rates and gas prices.
Ford (Charts) said it would unveil the 2008 model of its F-Series Super Duty pickup aimed at commercial truck buyers on Sept. 28 at an event in Dallas.
The new Ford Super Duty pickup joins a growing list of upcoming U.S. diesel-powered trucks and sport utility vehicles intended to provide more power and improved economy to win over buyers concerned about high fuel prices.
Ford said the new 6.4-liter diesel engine in the 2008 Super Duty would be larger than the 6.0-liter V8 in the current model and would become first diesel engine in the U.S. market to feature a high-precision fuel injection system.
That system, combined with new low-sulfur fuel, will make the engine run more quietly and reduce emissions to the level of a gasoline engine, Ford said.
Ford dominates the lucrative U.S. pickup market, with the F-series alone accounting for 30 percent of its annual sales.
But last week Ford said it would cut fourth-quarter production to its lowest level in 25 years in order to accelerate a turnaround plan that has not yielded results fast enough amid falling sales.
Ford said the production cuts were necessary because high gasoline prices have cut into demand for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
By contrast, sales of diesel-powered trucks remain a small but still growing part of the U.S. market, with annual sales up about 25 percent since 2001.
Almost three-quarters of all Ford Super Duty truck buyers already opt for a diesel engine, Ford said.
The growth in the U.S. market for diesel engines has been boosted in part by upcoming U.S. government regulations that will require ultralow-sulfur fuel to be widely available from October.
Ford said it would provide more details on the pricing of the 2008 Super Duty closer to the introduction of the new vehicles early next year.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/22/auto...reut/index.htm
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co., which is facing mounting pressure to reduce its reliance on gas-guzzling trucks, on Tuesday said it would begin selling a new diesel version of its Super Duty pickup in early 2007.
The launch of the heavy-duty diesel-powered pickup comes at a crucial time for Ford, which has had to slash truck production this year after sales slowed faster than expected in the face of higher U.S. interest rates and gas prices.
Ford (Charts) said it would unveil the 2008 model of its F-Series Super Duty pickup aimed at commercial truck buyers on Sept. 28 at an event in Dallas.
The new Ford Super Duty pickup joins a growing list of upcoming U.S. diesel-powered trucks and sport utility vehicles intended to provide more power and improved economy to win over buyers concerned about high fuel prices.
Ford said the new 6.4-liter diesel engine in the 2008 Super Duty would be larger than the 6.0-liter V8 in the current model and would become first diesel engine in the U.S. market to feature a high-precision fuel injection system.
That system, combined with new low-sulfur fuel, will make the engine run more quietly and reduce emissions to the level of a gasoline engine, Ford said.
Ford dominates the lucrative U.S. pickup market, with the F-series alone accounting for 30 percent of its annual sales.
But last week Ford said it would cut fourth-quarter production to its lowest level in 25 years in order to accelerate a turnaround plan that has not yielded results fast enough amid falling sales.
Ford said the production cuts were necessary because high gasoline prices have cut into demand for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
By contrast, sales of diesel-powered trucks remain a small but still growing part of the U.S. market, with annual sales up about 25 percent since 2001.
Almost three-quarters of all Ford Super Duty truck buyers already opt for a diesel engine, Ford said.
The growth in the U.S. market for diesel engines has been boosted in part by upcoming U.S. government regulations that will require ultralow-sulfur fuel to be widely available from October.
Ford said it would provide more details on the pricing of the 2008 Super Duty closer to the introduction of the new vehicles early next year.
http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/22/auto...reut/index.htm
08-13-2007, 08:47 PM
#30
Senior Moderator
2008 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition...
WYHI...?
08-13-2007, 08:47 PM
#31
Senior Moderator
Press release...
The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 – the most powerful factory F-Series truck ever – races onto streets this fall to help the famed motorcycle maker and automaker kick off their 105th anniversary celebrations. The new, limited-edition truck is the third supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson F-150, following the best-selling 2002 and 2003 models that were part of more than 60,000 of the specialty trucks sold since 1999.
"Ford Harley-Davidson trucks have turned a shared passion for open roads into one of the most successful alliances in the industry," says Todd Eckert, Ford Truck and SUV communications manager. "The new 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit and raw power of Harley-Davidson motorcycles – the principles that continue to drive both companies after 105 years."
This anniversary edition F-150 honors the humble beginnings of two American icons in 1903. The truck is available as SuperCrew 4x2 or all-wheel-drive models and features a choice of Black monochromatic exterior with custom stripe running along the beltline or an available Black and Vintage Copper two-tone exterior paint.
The purposeful exteriors are complemented by other features that signal the truck's connection to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They include:
- Unique chrome billet grille and lower front valance.
- Body color bumper, mirror caps, ground effects, door and tailgate handles.
- Blacked-out headlamps with black bulb shield and dark tinted, smoked-out taillamps.
- Windshield with Bar & Shield logo dot pattern and Alliance logo.
- New 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels with the Bar & Shield logo on center caps.
- Forged aluminum "105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-150" Medallions on the fenders and tailgate.
- Chrome dual exhaust tips and tie-down hooks.
- Rubber bed mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield logo.
The Vintage Copper and Black color scheme is carried onto the interior that features Black/Dusted Copper leather-trimmed front captain's chairs and rear bench seat with die-cast Bar & Shield logos embedded in the leather. Other interior features are:
- Two-tone leather shifter, console lid and steering wheel.
- High-gloss piano black floor console and center stack with the Bar & Shield logos, as well as chrome vent rings and unique instrument cluster.
- Serialized nickel plate displaying the production VIN and number.
- Brushed stainless steel pedals.
- The center stack, matching door-trim panels and lower part of the windshield feature numerous miniature Bar & Shield logos. In fact, the center stack panel was inspired by similar panels found on certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Powertrain options include a standard 300 horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or an available Saleen intercooled, supercharged, V-8 that pumps out an impressive 450 horsepower and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. Along with the engine upgrades, the Saleen performance package, available on the 4x2 only, includes an available gauge pod with boost and air-charge temperature gauges.
The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 truck is the tenth model to emerge from a Ford Harley-Davidson Alliance that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied companies has proven to be a successful formula with sales of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks totaling more than 60,000 units.
"Ford Harley-Davidson trucks have turned a shared passion for open roads into one of the most successful alliances in the industry," says Todd Eckert, Ford Truck and SUV communications manager. "The new 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit and raw power of Harley-Davidson motorcycles – the principles that continue to drive both companies after 105 years."
This anniversary edition F-150 honors the humble beginnings of two American icons in 1903. The truck is available as SuperCrew 4x2 or all-wheel-drive models and features a choice of Black monochromatic exterior with custom stripe running along the beltline or an available Black and Vintage Copper two-tone exterior paint.
The purposeful exteriors are complemented by other features that signal the truck's connection to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They include:
- Unique chrome billet grille and lower front valance.
- Body color bumper, mirror caps, ground effects, door and tailgate handles.
- Blacked-out headlamps with black bulb shield and dark tinted, smoked-out taillamps.
- Windshield with Bar & Shield logo dot pattern and Alliance logo.
- New 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels with the Bar & Shield logo on center caps.
- Forged aluminum "105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-150" Medallions on the fenders and tailgate.
- Chrome dual exhaust tips and tie-down hooks.
- Rubber bed mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield logo.
The Vintage Copper and Black color scheme is carried onto the interior that features Black/Dusted Copper leather-trimmed front captain's chairs and rear bench seat with die-cast Bar & Shield logos embedded in the leather. Other interior features are:
- Two-tone leather shifter, console lid and steering wheel.
- High-gloss piano black floor console and center stack with the Bar & Shield logos, as well as chrome vent rings and unique instrument cluster.
- Serialized nickel plate displaying the production VIN and number.
- Brushed stainless steel pedals.
- The center stack, matching door-trim panels and lower part of the windshield feature numerous miniature Bar & Shield logos. In fact, the center stack panel was inspired by similar panels found on certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Powertrain options include a standard 300 horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or an available Saleen intercooled, supercharged, V-8 that pumps out an impressive 450 horsepower and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. Along with the engine upgrades, the Saleen performance package, available on the 4x2 only, includes an available gauge pod with boost and air-charge temperature gauges.
The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 truck is the tenth model to emerge from a Ford Harley-Davidson Alliance that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied companies has proven to be a successful formula with sales of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks totaling more than 60,000 units.
08-13-2007, 08:59 PM
#33
Senior Moderator
That interior is nice. 
08-13-2007, 09:15 PM
#34
Is it wrong that I actually like the interior...
11-20-2007, 09:22 PM
#38
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
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2009 Ford F-150
While we've already given you what you should expect from the new 2009 Ford F-150, and we've already even showed you a heavily cloaked new Toby Keith-powered truck, we've now got a real treat -- an opportunity to peel some more layers off the exterior. We must say that having an engineer or marketing maven driving around town in an almost completely undisguised 2009 Ford F-150's one way of getting yourself canned from the big blue oval -- talk about a "bold move." Unfortunately for whoever was driving the new mini-Super Chief-like prototype hauler from Ford, the sneaky spies from KGP were there to snap a quick shot or two for your viewing pleasure. While we're expecting to see this bad-boy Tonka-truck revealed officially at the Detroit Auto Show in January, we're still trying to figure out exactly what to expect underneath the newly-styled sheet metal that screams "Hi, I'm Dave." But hey, we do have KGP's unvarnished opinion in the spy report below the jump on the new sheet metal adorning Ford's cash cow -- so we guess there's that.
http://jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-aut...red-324803.php
http://jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-aut...red-324803.php
11-20-2007, 09:29 PM
#39
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
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I drive a silver '06 F-150, and it looks very similar to this new car. Though it's an all-new truck, the exterior is similar to the my truck's looks. Though I think this new truck looks good, I think the exterior should have been a bit of a larger departure from the current version. That said, the exterior and interior look good.
i wonder when or if they're gonna come with the diesel version 