Blue Oval Guide

The Ford Motor Company filed a trademark application for EcoBeast this past December 2014. The classification is for Goods and Services: Automobile and automobile engines.

2016 Shelby GT350 Convertible? Shelby GT350 Forum - One piece of speculation that has been floating around the 2016 Shelby GT350 rumor mill is the off and on again rumor of a convertible model. Let's put the rumor to rest right here, right now. Based on Ford parts catalogs, exterior lower rocker moldings appear as separate applications for both coupe (fastback) and convertible models. Hence to the delight of convertible fans, we're going to see a Shelby GT350 convertible coming out of Ford's Flat Rock plant, presumably for the 2016 model year. Shelby GT350 Convertibles 2012 Shelby GT350 convertibles The first Shelby GT350 convertibles appeared in 1966, totaling four (4) builds. These were used for executive and Shelby internal purposes. All four survive today. The GT350 once again appeared in 1968 and was offered through the 1970 model year. After a long absence, the GT350 convertible appeared again in 1984, however, it was not a Shelby authorized build. Shelby American started to offer the GT350 convertible again starting in 2012 with production ending on 31 December 2013.

2016 Shelby GT350 Engine Confirmed: 5.2L Naturally Aspirated FORD SHELBY GT350 FORUM - The next-generation Ford Shelby GT350 will be powered by a 5.2L Coyote engine variant, which will be naturally aspirated. A naturally aspirated engine is what was expected for the 2016 GT350 since its duty will be to perform road course track service. Although many of the specific engine details are not yet available, it will also feature variable camshaft timing for all cams. The release also confirms that the 2016 Shelby will also be available in a convertible. Click here for more on the 2016 Shelby GT350

Fusion, Explorer, Escape Lead Ford’s Best July Results in Eight Years; F-Series and Lincoln Also Post Gains Ford Motor Company U.S. July sales increased 10 percent with 212,236 vehicles sold for best July performance in eight years Ford Fusion posted a record July sales month with 23,942 cars sold, up 17 percent Ford Explorer sales increased 32 percent; Ford Escape posted best July with a 19 percent sales increase Ford F-Series again topped 60,000-vehicle mark, up 5 percent Lincoln sales increased 14 percent on building MKC stock CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RELEASE Ford Motor Company U.S. sales of 212,236 vehicles increased 10 percent over a year ago for the best July in eight years. Retail sales of 162,028 vehicles are up 7 percent. “July proved to be a very good month for Ford and Lincoln with positive gains across the board in all the major segments,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Escape and Fusion were big contributors to our sales increases, with both setting July sales records. F-Series again topped the 60,000-vehicle sales mark and we’re seeing great initial demand for our launch vehicles, such as the Transit Connect, Transit Connect Wagon and the Lincoln MKC as availability builds.” Ford Fusion set an all-time monthly sales record in July with 23,942 cars sold, a gain of 17 percent. The West region of the United States continues to drive Fusion sales higher, with a 24 percent retail increase relative to a 22 percent increase nationally. Ford Explorer sales are up 32 percent with 16,797 vehicles sold, for the vehicle’s best July since 2005. Ford Escape sales are up 19 percent, setting an all-time performance record for July. Ford F-Series sales are up 5 percent with 63,240 trucks sold, a number achieved with the lowest incentives of the three largest pickup truck manufacturers. Lincoln sales of 7,863 vehicles are up 14 percent, giving the brand its best July result in six years. Stock for Lincoln MKC is expanding and momentum is building, with 1,534 vehicles sold in July.

2015 Ford Transit Review: Losing The Econoline Just Got A Whole Lot Easier AutoBlog / Ben Wojdyla As a segment, fullsize vans are stealth-fighter invisible on most consumers' radar. Visit a dealership for any of the four brands that offer them and you'll be lucky to find even one on display. These are commercial vehicles primarily, even more so than pickup trucks. Vans are the shuttles for plumbers, caterers, carpenters, concrete layers, masons, electricians, florists and flooring, and a huge part of this country's productivity is accomplished using them. At the moment, Ford is the 800-pound gorilla in that room – fully 41 percent of commercial vehicles wear a Blue Oval. So when Ford announced three years ago it would be ditching its commercial bread-and-butter E-Series, it meant the Transit that would be replacing the Econoline had huge, 53-year-old shoes to fill. We were still a bit nostalgic about Econoline vans going away until going directly from the Transit first drive in Kansas City to an E-350 airport shuttle. Climb up through the Econoline's tiny double doors and bang your head on the opening, crouch all the way to your seat then enjoy a loud, rattle-prone, creaky, harsh ride on beam-hard seats while struggling to see out the low windows. This is an experience nearly every traveler has had. By comparison, the Transits we'd just spent two days with were every bit of the four decades better they needed to be. It cannot be understated just how much better the Transit is in every single way. The load floor is barely more than knee high. There's a huge side door, and hitting your head on a door opening is nearly impossible. Stand up all the way if you're under six-foot, six-inches – no more half-hunching down the aisle. There are windows actually designed to be looked out of. The ride is buttery smooth, no booming vibration from un-restrained metal panels and no squeaks. Conversations can be held at normal levels rather than yelling over the roar of an ancient V8. The seats are comfortable. The AC is cold. There are cupholders. READ MORE HERE

All-New Ford Transit: Better Gas Mileage Than E-Series; Best-in-Class Gas Engine Torque, Cargo Capacity All-new 2015 Ford Transit low- and medium-roof regular-wheelbase wagons with available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® have a 46 percent better EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating* than Ford E-Series with premium gas engine Proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost offers gas engine torque rating of 400 lb.-ft. – best in class among full-size vans – ideal for those whose work requires extra cargo-hauling capability Transit van offers best-in-class gas engine maximum cargo capacity of 487.3 cubic feet when properly equipped FACT SHEET: All-New 2015 Ford Transit FORD TRANSIT FORUM - The all-new 2015 Ford Transit, America’s newest Built Ford Tough van, delivers as much as 46 percent better gas mileage than Ford E-Series and offers Ford van customers more choices and capability than ever. Transit goes on sale for the first time at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer, eventually replacing America’s best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. Transit has a proven legacy with more than 7 million units sold worldwide since being introduced in Europe in 1965. Ford has been the best-selling commercial vehicle brand in the United Kingdom for nearly 50 years and Transit is the recipient of two International Van of the Year awards. “We are excited to serve our fleet and commercial customers in North America with the all-new Transit,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford vice president, Engineering. “Transit is Built Ford Tough and represents One Ford at its best, building on lessons learned from our decades of leadership in the commercial vehicle markets in the United States and Europe.” Three engine choices offer performance and efficiency Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, and customers also can choose from an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® or 3.2-liter Power Stroke® diesel. When equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, all-new 2015 Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagons get a 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating.* That reflects an improvement of as much as 46 percent compared with the 10 mpg city/13 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating for the Ford E-Series 6.8-liter V10 premium gas engine. The improved gas mileage translates to fuel savings as high as $1,700 annually, based on EPA data. Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagons with the standard 3.7-liter V6 get a 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway EPA-estimated rating* – up to 19 percent better than the 13 mpg city/16 mpg EPA-estimated rating for the E-Series 4.6-liter V8 standard gas engine. Fuel savings for customers could be as much as $650 a year, according to EPA estimates. EPA-estimated ratings for low- and medium-roof regular-wheelbase models. Actual mileage will vary. 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel available on Transit is not EPA-rated. The proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost available for Ford Transit offers a gas engine torque rating of 400 lb.-ft. – best in class among full-size vans – making Transit an excellent choice for those whose work requires extra cargo-hauling capability. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine’s low-end torque and 310 horsepower result from its suite of technologies including direct injection and twin turbocharging. The available 3.2-liter Power Stroke five-cylinder diesel engine provides 90 percent of its peak torque from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. Quick-start glow plugs offer fast startups at temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. A variable geometry turbocharger helps deliver quick power. Transit van delivers as much as 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. Maximum payload increases at least 600 pounds across all sizes of Transit vans versus comparable E-Series vans. Transit delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. Towing and hauling are made easy by the standard six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission. It features selectable tow/haul mode to compensate for grade and load, while also reducing gear hunting when towing or hauling heavy cargo. A compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas prep package is available on Transit when equipped with the 3.7-liter V6 engine. Built Ford Tough Built Ford Tough is part of the Transit DNA, and the all-new unibody structure makes extensive use of boron steel for weight savings, improved torsional stiffness and long-term durability. Transit was tested for more than 7 million customer-equivalent miles at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.7-liter V6 engines have been proven in more than 700,000 Ford F-150 trucks since 2011. The globally proven 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel engine underwent more than 4,000 hours of rigorous dynamometer testing specifically for Transit. Testing included running at maximum engine power for 750 hours (the equivalent of 14 nonstop round trips from New York to Los Angeles) simulating 10 years’ service across 150,000 miles, and in environments with temperatures of 40 degrees below zero and altitudes of more than 14,500 feet. To simulate the heavy use fleet and commercial customers put their vans through, Ford testers opened and slammed Transit doors 250,000 times – nearly three times more than for a car. Capability to get the job done The all-new Transit van offers a best-in-class gas engine maximum cargo capacity of 487.3 cubic feet when properly equipped – 75 percent more than the largest E-Series van. The extended-length wagon model offers best-in-class cargo storage (100.5 cubic feet) behind the last row of seats in a 15-passenger version – ideal for shuttle service. Transit high-roof van models offer best-in-class cargo height to make loading easier, and high-roof wagon models deliver best-in-class passenger compartment height, enabling passengers as tall as 6 feet 4 inches to stand upright. Transit also has a best-in-class rear door opening height and the available 270-degree swing-out rear cargo doors offer quick and easy access. Offering the most choices Transit is available in a best-in-class range of vehicle configurations and offers more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van. Customers can choose from van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; three body lengths and two wheelbases for van and wagon, along with three roof heights; and XL and XLT trim levels. A center aisle for most configurations combines with easy access through wide-opening side doors and ample legroom to allow fast and hassle-free pickups and drop-offs. Transit van is ideal for custom storage and shelving systems such as cargo dividers, multi-racks, bulkheads and sliding platforms. Upfitting is made easy with 11 available upfit ship-throughs, eight of which are located within 20 miles of Kansas City Assembly Plant where Transit is built. Transit vehicles can be custom-configured at www.TransitUpfits.com. Smart features Transit customers can add even more smart technology, including available Crew Chief telematics to help track service and mileage costs and MyKey® to help encourage safer driving. An available lane-keeping alert system detects lane markings with a forward-facing camera and vibrates the steering wheel to help alert drivers to steer back toward the center of the lane. An internal ladder-rack system, available as an upfit, helps keep ladders protected from poor weather and away from prying eyes. * EPA-estimated rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for all-new 2015 Transit low- and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagon. Actual mileage will vary.

New Ford Transit Debuts with Industry-First Ford Paint Technology that Improves Durability and Sustainability All-new Ford Transit uses industry-first paint technology that is more durable than other commercial van exterior coatings Paint applied through the new process will retain 90 percent of its gloss at four years in service* New two-wet monocoat paint technology significantly reduces energy and water use, and lowers carbon dioxide and other emissions at Kansas City Assembly Plant VIDEO: The All-New Ford Transit with Industry First Paint Process FORD TRANSIT OWNERS - The all-new Ford Transit makes its North American debut with more durable paint, thanks to an industry-first paint technology now in use at Kansas City Assembly Plant. Ford celebrated the start of North American Transit production at Kansas City Assembly Plant on April 30, and vans will be available on U.S. and Canadian dealer lots this summer. The Transit vehicles built in Kansas City are the first to use the new two-wet monocoat paint process developed by Ford and its paint suppliers. The technology results in more durable paint, uses less energy and water, and reduces carbon dioxide and particulate emissions compared with conventional paint processes. The new paint had to meet or exceed “Built Ford Tough” standards, and was subjected to a battery of tests that simulates typical conditions the vehicle will see during 10 years. The paint was tested for its resistance to chipping and scratching, pollutants and sun exposure. Advanced weathering testing indicates that paint applied with the new two-wet technology will retain 90 percent of its gloss at four years in service compared to 1 percent gloss retention for paint applied using a conventional monocoat process.* “Durability was a critical consideration when we initiated this project,” said Dennis Havlin, Ford global paint engineering development and launch supervisor. “The advancements in paint chemistry enable us to deliver the appearance, performance and durability our customers demand.” In addition to making paint tougher, the process reduces painting time and energy use by cutting the number of paint applications from three to two and the number of drying procedures from two to one. It is another example of the innovative technologies Ford is implementing to support its global manufacturing strategies with regard to carbon dioxide emissions and water use. Ford plans call for a 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle produced from 2010 to 2025, and a 30 percent reduction in water use per vehicle produced from 2009 to 2015. The new paint process uses less energy and water, and reduces carbon dioxide and particulate emissions compared with conventional paint processes. The reduction in paint and energy consumed is expected to result in 9,500 tons fewer carbon dioxide emissions and a 35-ton savings in particulate emissions on an annual basis.* An innovative dry scrubber system will help save more than 10.5 million gallons of water.* Overall, the system should save 48,000 megawatt hours of electrical power,* enough electricity to power 3,400 homes. The two-wet monocoat process uses a primer coat that requires only a few minutes of open-air drying time before the color coat is applied. The color coat is formulated with the same appearance and protection properties of the clear coat, which eliminates the need for a separate clear coat. The painted body is fully cured in an enamel oven after the color coat is applied. The total process removes one paint application step and one oven drying step when compared to conventional paint processes. The new paint procedure is being used for white-colored vehicles, which account for 80 percent of Ford Transit production at Kansas City Assembly Plant. As each color must be developed uniquely for the two-wet monocoat process, other colors will be considered based on demand. A conventional three-wet process – primer, base coat, clear coat – remains in use for metallic-colored vehicles. Gaining production efficiencies The two-wet monocoat system helps increase production efficiency. The more streamlined process takes the vehicle body through an electrostatically bonded corrosion-resistance (E-coat) bath. The Transit body remains on a carrier that is lowered into the E-coat by four pendulums, rather than being manually removed from the carrier and attached to chains to be taken down, only to have to repeat the same steps before moving on to the paint booth. The pendulums take the vehicle body into and out of the bath at steep angles, reducing the length of the bath by as much as 320 feet. Transit’s paint operation requires less space than that used in production of the smaller Ford Fiesta. “The two-wet monocoat process allows us to design a system considerably smaller than a conventional paint shop, especially with regard to a vehicle of this size and complexity,” said Havlin. “Because painting time is cut down, the technology enables greater productivity using less equipment.” Environmental savings A conventional paint process uses water filtration – known as a wet scrubber system – to remove the overspray from the air in the paint booth that produces sludge. The new dry scrubber system pumps the air through a filter containing limestone that can be recycled. The dry scrubber system alone reduces energy use and carbon dioxide emissions by 44 percent, cuts particulate emissions by 99 percent and uses 75 percent less water annually.* * Data based on preliminary testing.

All-New Lincoln MKC Provides Backdrop for Design Discussion at Long View Gallery 2015 Lincoln MKC, the brand’s first small premium utility, provides compelling backdrop to informative, entertaining dialogue around designing for a younger luxury customer Luxury automotive and interior designers strive to create warm, open and inviting environments Dillon Blanski, Lincoln exterior designer, and Antonio Molinari, Lincoln interior designer, compared strategies with Rob Brown and Todd Davis of Brown Davis Interiors LINCOLN MKC FORUM - Creating a warm, open and inviting environment aimed at a younger luxury customer is at the heart of the design of the all-new Lincoln MKC, the brand’s first small premium utility. Muscular, athletic exterior design complemented by stunning interior amenities and rich materials combine to create an atmosphere where the driver feels both comfortable and in control. Interior designers strive to achieve many of these same goals when crafting a home’s interior, particularly the desire to offer comfort while expressing personal style. Often the result is progressive, classic design with a modern twist, a trend that experts in the fields of luxury automotive design and interior home design discussed during an informal, yet informative, luncheon on Monday at Long View Gallery. The event was the third stop on Lincoln’s “Engage Your Senses” tour, a series of events designed to shine a light on the new Lincoln MKC ahead of its release this summer. “The Lincoln MKC was designed with a younger customer in mind,” said Dillon Blanski, exterior designer, Lincoln Motor Company. “Through our research, we came to understand that the customer for this car wants avehicle that is warm, open and inviting. It also has to be sporty and exuberant.” The clean, taut, muscular lines of the 2015 Lincoln MKC draw the eye and build anticipation, which carries over to the interior design execution. “A key outcome of interior luxury automotive design is to complement and amplify what you see with a warm and inviting environment,” said Antonio Molinari, interior designer, Lincoln Motor Company. “In the interior, the goal to appeal to a younger luxury customer is shown in particular in the line work, which is spirited and energetic. Most lines in a luxury car are quite long. Instead, we created lines with more snap and acceleration. One of my inspirations was a Formula One car approaching a turn: it slows when approaching, then accelerates with tons of energy out of the turn.” Relentless attention to detail and quality materials separate luxury automotive design. New Deepsoft leather, developed exclusively for the Lincoln MKC by renowned leather manufacturer Bridge of Weir®, authentic “open pore” wood trim and unique door-panel stitching elevate the elegance of the interior. The all-new leather-wrapped steering wheel with a softer, thicker grip is available in hand-stitched Wollsdorf® leather. Details such as these are comparable to what Brown and Davis contend with as they design home interiors. Brown Davis Interiors designed two residences for the Clintons, the British Embassy residence and an array of exceptional projects involving contemporary and historic renovation. Davis sees parallels between luxury automotive and high-end living space in terms of clean, classic and understated exterior design complemented by rich, engaging interiors. “If you look at the architectural landscape of Washington, it’s very rich in tradition; it’s about cohesiveness and not standing out too much,” Davis said. “The thought is to have a very classic-looking or traditional ‘shell’ with a modern interior, often seen in the kitchen and furniture, that reflects the personality and tastes of the client.” Brown added that both design disciplines want to challenge their clients in a positive way. “It’s a very personal experience as we create ideas and get response and feedback from the client,” he said. “In the end what we try to do is take clients to a place they ordinarily wouldn’t get to by themselves.” Previously, the “Engage Your Senses” tour stopped in Miami for a visit with celebrity chef Minerva Vazquez and then in Atlanta as personal service was explored with the staff of the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta Hotel. The tour will continue with events in Boston and Chicago. The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC is scheduled to be on sale in Lincoln showrooms this summer.[/url]

2,000 New Ford Kansas City Employees Celebrate Start of Production of Game-Changing 2015 Ford Transit Van With 2,000 new jobs and a $1.1 billion investment, Kansas City Assembly Plant begins Ford Transit van production; Ford now more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015 Ford Transit is the newest member of the nation’s best-selling and broadest lineup of commercial vehicles, providing customers Built Ford Tough durability, best-in-class maximum interior cargo height, and better cargo volume and payload capacity than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler Transit offers three roof heights, two wheelbases and three body lengths, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle FACT SHEET: Kansas City Assembly Plant FACT SHEET: 2015 Ford Transit Available Configurations Supported by 2,000 new employees and a $1.1 billion investment, the all-new Ford Transit van rolls off the line at Kansas City Assembly Plant today, as Ford aims to strengthen its leadership in the commercial vehiclesegment. On sale this summer, Ford’s next-generation full-size van family will provide tradespeople and businesses with increased capability and innovative new configurations in the growing commercial vehicle market. FORD TRANSIT CLUB.com - It is another example of the company’s One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles leveraging global assets, including common platforms. The move results in bringing new jobs to the greater Kansas City area. “Producing our Built Ford Tough Transit lineup in Kansas City is a big deal for the local community,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Our investment in Kansas City Assembly Plant for Transit production is about delivering world-class commercial vans for a new generation of commercial customers – while building on our decades of leadership in the market and supporting new jobs throughout the region and across America.” The 2,000 new Ford employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant puts the company more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015. In 2014 alone, Ford will hire nearly 5,000 new hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. to support overall growth. “Today represents much more than a next-generation vehicle rolling off an American assembly line for the first time, it represents another huge milestone for Missouri as we continue to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “With the all-new Transit, Ford’s historic investment in Missouri has brought another outstanding vehicle to consumers and thousands of good manufacturing jobs to our state. Today, the ‘Made in Missouri’ brand is back and stronger than ever.” Ford Transit transformation Transit is born from nearly a century of experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in America, Europe and other global markets. In the U.S., Transit eventually will replace America’s best-selling van for 35 years, the E-Series van, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. E-Series vans and wagons still will be available and sold side-by-side with Transit into the 2014 calendar year, providing a seamless transition for Ford customers. Additionally, the E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis will continue to be built and sold through most of the rest of the decade. Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965 and has been the best-selling commercial van in the UK for 49 years. Transit is currently sold in 118 markets on six continents. The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 8 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The new Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. The Transit van delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds. In some configurations, Transit offers as much as 75 percent more cargo volume than the largest E-Series, helping customers save in fuel costs and time associated with having to make a second trip. Maximum payload increases more than 600 pounds across the Transit van lineup versus comparable E-Series vans. Transit will be available in three body lengths, two wheelbases on van and wagon and three roof heights; in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle. Moving from an all-gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series, Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and offers the Ford F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, along with a globally proven available 3.2-liter Power Stroke® diesel option. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation. Transit has been tested to Built Ford Tough truck standards at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America. Kansas City Assembly Plant investment In addition to Transit, Kansas City Assembly Plant produces Regular, Super and Crew Cab versions of Ford F-150. The plant employs 4,878 hourly workers on three crews. The third crew was added in the third quarter of 2013. “The good news keeps rolling in for the dedicated, hard-working men and women of UAW Local 249,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “The addition of Transit to the Kansas City Assembly Plant line is a testament to the great work our members here and across the nation are doing every day, and helps solidify the future of Kansas City Assembly.” Ford has invested $1.1 billion to retool and expand the facility for Transit production and support surging customer demand for F-150. Expansion projects include the addition of a 437,000-square-foot stamping facility and a 78,000-square-foot paint shop that will employ the three-wet and two-wet monocoat paint processes. Both processes are more environmentally friendly and take less time than conventional paint processes. “These upgrades have helped make the Kansas City plant the global standard for Ford’s new manufacturing facilities across the world,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford vice president, North America manufacturing. “To support Ford’s global growth, in 2014 we will open three new manufacturing facilities – two of them in Asia Pacific and one in South America.” The investment has also contributed to close to 550 new robots in the body shop, more than 700 new assembly tools in trim and chassis, and 18 new conveyor systems totaling 5,565 feet. The new investment also will support Kansas City Assembly’s production of the all-new Ford F-150 in 2015, after the truck launches at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant in late 2014. The 2015 Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks. The truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, enhancing dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, as much as 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency. F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 66th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 37 consecutive years, the best-selling vehicle in America for 32 consecutive years. Community impact The addition of Transit has had a significant impact in the Kansas City-area community. Kansas City Assembly Plant works with more than 100 suppliers nationally and eight suppliers locally that have grown their businesses because of the new Transit. Stamping provider Cosma International, instrument panel assembler Piston Automotive and headliner manufacturer Grupo Antolin built brand-new facilities near Kansas City Assembly to support Transit. Additionally, seat supplier Magna International expanded its current Kansas City manufacturing facility in preparation for the start of Transit production. Furthermore, companies like Knapheide and Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, have established local facilities near the plant to upfit Transit vans.

2,000 New Ford Kansas City Employees Celebrate Start of Production of Game-Changing 2015 Ford Transit Van With 2,000 new jobs and a $1.1 billion investment, Kansas City Assembly Plant begins Ford Transit van production; Ford now more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015 Ford Transit is the newest member of the nation’s best-selling and broadest lineup of commercial vehicles, providing customers Built Ford Tough durability, best-in-class maximum interior cargo height, and better cargo volume and payload capacity than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler Transit offers three roof heights, two wheelbases and three body lengths, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle FACT SHEET: Kansas City Assembly Plant FACT SHEET: 2015 Ford Transit Available Configurations Supported by 2,000 new employees and a $1.1 billion investment, the all-new Ford Transit van rolls off the line at Kansas City Assembly Plant today, as Ford aims to strengthen its leadership in the commercial vehiclesegment. On sale this summer, Ford’s next-generation full-size van family will provide tradespeople and businesses with increased capability and innovative new configurations in the growing commercial vehicle market. FORD TRANSIT CLUB.com - It is another example of the company’s One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles leveraging global assets, including common platforms. The move results in bringing new jobs to the greater Kansas City area. “Producing our Built Ford Tough Transit lineup in Kansas City is a big deal for the local community,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Our investment in Kansas City Assembly Plant for Transit production is about delivering world-class commercial vans for a new generation of commercial customers – while building on our decades of leadership in the market and supporting new jobs throughout the region and across America.” The 2,000 new Ford employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant puts the company more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015. In 2014 alone, Ford will hire nearly 5,000 new hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. to support overall growth. “Today represents much more than a next-generation vehicle rolling off an American assembly line for the first time, it represents another huge milestone for Missouri as we continue to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “With the all-new Transit, Ford’s historic investment in Missouri has brought another outstanding vehicle to consumers and thousands of good manufacturing jobs to our state. Today, the ‘Made in Missouri’ brand is back and stronger than ever.” Ford Transit transformation Transit is born from nearly a century of experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in America, Europe and other global markets. In the U.S., Transit eventually will replace America’s best-selling van for 35 years, the E-Series van, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. E-Series vans and wagons still will be available and sold side-by-side with Transit into the 2014 calendar year, providing a seamless transition for Ford customers. Additionally, the E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis will continue to be built and sold through most of the rest of the decade. Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965 and has been the best-selling commercial van in the UK for 49 years. Transit is currently sold in 118 markets on six continents. The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 8 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The new Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. The Transit van delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds. In some configurations, Transit offers as much as 75 percent more cargo volume than the largest E-Series, helping customers save in fuel costs and time associated with having to make a second trip. Maximum payload increases more than 600 pounds across the Transit van lineup versus comparable E-Series vans. Transit will be available in three body lengths, two wheelbases on van and wagon and three roof heights; in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle. Moving from an all-gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series, Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and offers the Ford F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, along with a globally proven available 3.2-liter Power Stroke® diesel option. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation. Transit has been tested to Built Ford Tough truck standards at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America. Kansas City Assembly Plant investment In addition to Transit, Kansas City Assembly Plant produces Regular, Super and Crew Cab versions of Ford F-150. The plant employs 4,878 hourly workers on three crews. The third crew was added in the third quarter of 2013. “The good news keeps rolling in for the dedicated, hard-working men and women of UAW Local 249,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “The addition of Transit to the Kansas City Assembly Plant line is a testament to the great work our members here and across the nation are doing every day, and helps solidify the future of Kansas City Assembly.” Ford has invested $1.1 billion to retool and expand the facility for Transit production and support surging customer demand for F-150. Expansion projects include the addition of a 437,000-square-foot stamping facility and a 78,000-square-foot paint shop that will employ the three-wet and two-wet monocoat paint processes. Both processes are more environmentally friendly and take less time than conventional paint processes. “These upgrades have helped make the Kansas City plant the global standard for Ford’s new manufacturing facilities across the world,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford vice president, North America manufacturing. “To support Ford’s global growth, in 2014 we will open three new manufacturing facilities – two of them in Asia Pacific and one in South America.” The investment has also contributed to close to 550 new robots in the body shop, more than 700 new assembly tools in trim and chassis, and 18 new conveyor systems totaling 5,565 feet. The new investment also will support Kansas City Assembly’s production of the all-new Ford F-150 in 2015, after the truck launches at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant in late 2014. The 2015 Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks. The truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, enhancing dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, as much as 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency. F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 66th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 37 consecutive years, the best-selling vehicle in America for 32 consecutive years. Community impact The addition of Transit has had a significant impact in the Kansas City-area community. Kansas City Assembly Plant works with more than 100 suppliers nationally and eight suppliers locally that have grown their businesses because of the new Transit. Stamping provider Cosma International, instrument panel assembler Piston Automotive and headliner manufacturer Grupo Antolin built brand-new facilities near Kansas City Assembly to support Transit. Additionally, seat supplier Magna International expanded its current Kansas City manufacturing facility in preparation for the start of Transit production. Furthermore, companies like Knapheide and Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, have established local facilities near the plant to upfit Transit vans.

Ford Motor Company Launches New Warranty for Ford Genuine and Motorcraft® Parts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0wRMAd-gGA Ford Motor Company will announce at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) trade show on Nov. 6 the launch of a new warranty on Genuine Ford and Motorcraft service parts. The new warranty provides unlimited mileage coverage for 24 months from time of purchase or installation. Ford will also now reimburse fleets and independent repair facilities up to $150 in labor coverage. Ford continues a No Commercial Exceptions policy as a commitment to fleet customers. “The Ford backing, clarity of terms, labor coverage and access to our nationwide network for coverage, provides greater value and peace of mind for all our customers whether they are general consumers, fleet operators or independent repair facilities,” said Jay Davis, General Sales Manager, Ford Motor Company. Ford’s part warranty provides customers towing reimbursement for repairs completed at any Ford or Lincoln Dealership. The warranty also provides Independent Repair Facilities the ability to complete repairs for customers by securing parts from a dealership or Ford Authorized Distributor. All customers benefit with more options on how they can have their vehicles serviced. Ford’s previous service parts warranty was 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurred first, and labor was covered if the part was installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Labor was not covered on parts sold over-the-counter to a fleet or installer.

If you need more Shelby GT350, there's a forum specifically to you - the SHELBY GT350 FORUM and there's even a forum for the SHELBY GT350 R Enjoy!

MKZ pushes Lincoln dealer profits up Brand's sales could rise 20% in 2014, analysts say; retooling expected to help numbers Karl Henkel / Detroit News A profitable new MKZ sedan boosted Lincoln dealer profits last year, despite the lowest number of cars and SUVs sold in recent history. Sales of Lincoln vehicles overall fell 0.6 percent in 2013 to 81,694. But a 15 percent rise in sales of the luxury brand’s most popular vehicle, which is selling for about $6,000 more than during the previous year, has Lincoln dealers hoping that the brand’s reinvention — which could include sales gains of 20 percent this year — may be ahead of schedule. “When you see the new cars that are coming, this is what’s going to resurrect the Lincoln brand,” said Jere Law, general manager at Varsity Lincoln in Novi. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

2015 Ford Transit Production, Ordering and Scheduling Initial Order Acceptance: 14 January 2014 Production Scheduling Begins: 13 February 2014 Start of Production JOB1: Not yet set check back for updates @ http://www.FordTransitForum.com

The last order date for the 6.8L Econoline was on 17 January 2014.

Here are some 2015 Ford Transit production dates - Initial Order Acceptance: 14 January 2014 Production Scheduling Begins: 13 February 2014 Start of Production JOB1: Not yet set updates @ http:/www.FordTransitForum.com

Ford Focus Energi Forum We've developed a site for the possible Ford Focus Energi, which can be found here. There are some articles gathering from news sites on the forum and a topic asking your thoughts on the Focus Energi here. If you have a Facebook account, you can login to the site using your Facebook details.

Click here to check out the Lincoln MKC builder and color guide.

2015 Lincoln MKC Order Guide Builder The Lincoln Motor Company has launched their online build one tool for the 2015 Lincoln MKC. Click here to build your MKC now and check out the Lincoln MKC available colors below. Karat Gold Midnight Sapphire Ruby Red Silver Sand Smoke Quartz Tahitian Pearl Tuxedo Black

The last of the retro-Mustangs - nice

Check out this screen shot from Ford's dealer network, which shows the addition of the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350! More at the Ford Shelby GT350 Forum

Join us at the Ford Shelby GT350 Forum to answer some trivia questions for FREE Shelby swag! More here.