Ford Launches 60th Anniversary F-150 and Super Duty Models

The Ford F-Series, dubbed as America's best selling full size pickup truck model is celebrating its 60th anniversary as the leader in the segment. As a part of the celebration, Ford Motor Company will roll out the 60th anniversary package for the Ford F-150 truck and Super Duty models.

“The F-Series is more than just the long-running foundation for Ford. This truck line-up embodies the values of Ford Motor Company and, in many ways, the values of America. ‘Built Ford Tough’ is just another way of saying these trucks are built for hard-working, independent Americans.” said Mike Crowley, Ford Truck and SUV group marketing manager

The 60th Anniversary Ford F-150 and Super Duty Limited Edition models will roll out in Ford dealer showrooms this winter, but Ford did not yet released the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the vehicle. Ford will produce a limited number of 7,500 units of the Anniversary F-150, and 2,500 units of the Anniversary Super Duty model.

Customers can choose either 4x4 or 4x2 configuration with SuperCab and SuperCrew body stylings for both the 60th Anniversary F-150 and Super Duty. Powertrain options for the 60th Anniversary F-150 include a 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter V8 engines, both coupled with an automatic gearbox. For the 60th Anniversary Super Duty, Ford offers three engine options including 5.4-liter Triton V8, 6.8-liter Triton V10, and 6.4-liter PowerStroke Turbo Diesel.

Other highlights of the 60th Anniversary Ford F-150 and Super Duty Limited Edition include:

- Special two-tone paint scheme of Dark Shadow Gray over Ebony or a reverse color scheme - with Ebony over Dark Shadow Gray
- XLT Chrome package including chrome grille, running bars and exhaust tips
- Chrome wheels (60th Anniversary Ford Super Duty)
- Commemorative 60th Anniversary badge on the armrest
- Special gauge cluster appliqué graphic
- This special-edition F-150 edition is equipped with the
- FX4 sport cloth seats in Dark and Medium Flint
- Charcoal/Stone interior (60th Anniversary Ford Super Duty)

Meanwhile, check out some of the Ford F-Series milestones throughout the 60 years.

1948
F-Series “Bonus Built” trucks are introduced

1953
F-100 pickup is introduced, replacing F-1

1959
Ford’ 4x4 models are introduced

1965
Twin I-Beam front suspension is introduced

1974
Ford introduces F-Series SuperCab
1975
F-150 pickup debuts

1978
Ford sells 864,000 F-Series trucks

1980
Ford’s diesel pickups debut with 6.9-liter V-8

1987
F-Series becomes first truck with rear-wheel, anti-lock brakes

1994
Driver’s-side air bags introduced

1995
F-Series introduces the Eddie Bauer edition truck.

1997
Completely redesigned F-150 and F-250 models introduced.

1999
Ford and Harley-Davidson introduces the Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150

2001
Ford debuts the new super-premium King Ranch edition truck. During this time, Ford also
unveils the second Harley-Davidson edition model

2003
Ford’s third Harley-Davidson edition F-150 debuts

2004
Ford debuts new super-premium King Ranch edition truck.

2005
Ford launches an all-new Super Duty

2006
Ford’s fourth Harley-Davidson edition F-150 and the first Harley-Davidson edition built on the new 2004 F-150 platform.

2007
Ford introduces a supercharged F-150 Harley-Davidson edition truck and the 2008 F-Series 60th Anniversary Edition models

Ford Racing Successful in NASCAR

This past week can be considered as the strongest time for Ford Racing teams and drivers, as drivers posted back to back victories in NASCAR Nextel Cup and NASCAR Craftsman truck series. Carl Edwards, aboard his No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion for the Roush Fenway Racing team bagged the trophy at the recent Dodge Dealers 400 race that took place at Dover International Speedway. His teammate, Greg Biffle driver of the No. 16 Nintendo Wii Ford Fusion followed him and landed on the 2nd place, giving Roush Fenway Racing team a 1-2 finish. In addition, Edwards' win also allowed Roush Fenway Racing to celebrate its 100th NASCA Cup victory.

After the race in Dover, Jack Roush, owner Roush Fenway Racing commented: “The track owner here that passed away last year, Melvin Joseph, was a Ford man all the way and he really enjoyed celebrating every time we won here. It feels like we won eight or 10 times at Dover, Delaware, for him. This is where he’d have wanted us to win our 100th win, and he wanted a Ford win, I’m sure.”

Carl Edwards now climbs up in the 3rd place at the Chase for the Championships. Edwards also commented: “I think this Chase is turning into what people predicted, the depth is such that I think you’re going to have to win races. We’re two races in and guys had bad luck and all that stuff, to have the top seven guys within 30-something points – is that right? – that’s insane. I think it’s going to be an extremely tough Chase. You’re going to have to have win races to be leading the points at the end. And, I wouldn’t have said that before it started, really, looking at the past Chases, but this one’s for sure that way.”

In the NASCAR Busch series, Roush Fenway driver Matt Kenseth was also successful finishing in the 3rd place, while Carl Edwards remained as the point leader.

Ford Racing's Roush Fenway Racing team continued their winning spree at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Las Vegas when driver Travis Kvapil landed the victory aboard the No. 6 Ford F-150. Kvapil is still in the 3rd place and aims to score more wins in the six remaining races for the 2007 season.

Check out what Kvapil said after the race:
“I tell you what, coming into tonight, I didn’t think we had much of a shot. You never give up hope and you never know what can happen in six or seven races. We gained 80-some points in one night. And one or two more nights like that, we’re right in the mix.

He added: “We’ve got some tracks I feel like we’re going to keep running this truck right here at Texas, Atlanta and Homestead. This is the third win this truck has this year. It just seems to run really good. We’re going to continue to run up front and try to win races. If they have a bad day here and there, I think we’ll be right there in the hunt by the time we get to Homestead.”

Well, I hope Ford Racing teams and drivers can obtain a championship title this 2007 season. I wish them luck.

Ford Models Conquer TV Shows

All-new 2008 Ford models are now getting ready for their appearance in the new season of some of the popular television series.

According to Ford Global Brand Entertainment (FGBE) manager, Bob Witter:
"The demand for our vehicles is unprecedented. Our placement garage is pretty well empty. We’ve got cars working all over town."

Al Uzielli, senior adviser of FGBE also commented: "That kind of product integration is important because it compliments our traditional advertising and creates a sense of emotion for our vehicles. By being located in the heart of one of the world’s creative capitals we can seek out opportunities that further our products in totally unique ways." Uzielli is also one of the creators of FGBE.

FGBE has been loaning new Ford vehicle models to studios and other production networks. In return, these Ford models are being aired on TV, movies, and other media. In addition, Ford models are also being used by some of the main characters of certain TV shows on its episodes.

One of the latest additions to Ford's celebrity vehicles is the 2008 Lincoln MKX. Dana Delaney, the newest character in "Desperate Housewives" will go aboard this model when she drives down the Wisteria Lane.
"The guys at Ford have been invaluable. On Wisteria Lane, everything has to be perfect including the cars. The Ford team works with our producers in making critical story decisions on what’s right for our characters. They’re always looking for what’s best for Ford and we’re always looking for what’s best for the show. In the process we’ve developed an incredibly strong symbiotic relationship." said Bo Ehrig, transportation director for "Desperate Housewives."

NBC's new TV series "Life" will also feature Ford models. According to Brian Daly, senior VP with Team Detroit, the transportation director for the series called him up and asked him to provide the show with an American-made car to be driven by Damian Lewis, which portrays the lead character in the series. Daly said: "Lewis plays a cop who spends a lot of time in his car, it’s practically his office. I sent a 2008 Ford Taurus over for an audition and they loved it. The character is young and the car is brand new. Plus, from a practical point-of-view it's large enough to accommodate cameras for interior shots."

Other upcoming TV shows that will feature Ford, Jaguar, Mazda, Range Rover, and other Ford vehicle models include "The Neighbors," "Notes from the Underbelly," "Pushing Daises," "Chuck" and "Dirty Sexy Money." Other shows also include "Brothers and Sisters," "CSI:Miami," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Ford Racing's Marcus Grönholm to Retire After 2007

Current World Rally Championship (WRC) point leader Marcus Grönholm along with his long time co-driver Timo Rautiainen in the BP-Ford World Rally Team announced that they will retire in WRC racing after the 2007 season.

Grönholm, aged 39 said that his plan to retire in WRC is a very tough decision to make, and wanted to retire while he is on top of this racing series. Gronholm said: "This has been an incredibly hard decision for me to make. Rallying has been my life for so many years and when the Monte Carlo Rally comes round in January to start next year's championship, it will feel strange not to be there. But the time is right for me to finish now. I wanted to stop while I still had the speed to win rallies. I didn't want to leave the decision too late so that I wasn't capable of winning any longer."

Gronholm added: "This will allow me to spend more time with my wife and three children. They have fully supported me all the way through my career and I would like to thank them for that. I could not have achieved what I have without their encouragement. Now this decision is made, I want to concentrate on the remaining five rounds of the season. We lead both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships and I would like nothing more than to end my career with another title."

Although Gronholm started his WRC career aboard a Peugeot rally car, Marcus Gronholm will finish his career on a Ford Focus RS WRC. In fact, Gronholm contributed to the success of BP-Ford World Rally Team during his inception to the team last year.

John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO commented: "Marcus has done a superb job for the team and it is no coincidence that his arrival in 2006, coupled with the introduction of the new Focus RS World Rally Car, signalled the start of one of our most successful periods in the WRC. We greatly appreciate his contribution during the last two seasons and will miss him and the inspiration he brings to the team."

Anyway, check out below for Marcus Gronholm's wins in his WRC career so far. The list shows win number, WRC event, year, co-driver, and the rally car.

1 49th International Swedish Rally 2000 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
2 30th Rally New Zealand 2000 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
3 50th Neste Rally Finland 2000 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
4 13th Telstra Rally Australia 2000 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
5 51st Neste Rally Finland 2001 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
6 14th Telstra Rally Australia 2001 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
7 57th Network Q Rally of Great Britain 2001 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
8 51st Uddeholm Swedish Rally 2002 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
9 30th Cyprus Rally 2002 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
10 52nd Neste Rally Finland 2002 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
11 32nd Propecia Rally New Zealand 2002 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
12 15th Telstra Rally Australia 2002 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
13 52nd Uddeholm Swedish Rally 2003 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
14 33rd Propecia Rally New Zealand 2003 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
15 23º Rally Argentina 2003 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
16 54th Neste Rally Finland 2004 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 307 WRC
17 55th Neste Rally Finland 2005 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 307 WRC
18 2nd Rally Japan 2005 Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 307 WRC
19 74ème Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
20 55th Uddeholm Swedish Rally 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
21 53rd Acropolis Rally 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
22 56th Neste Oil Rally Finland 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
23 7th Rally of Turkey 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
24 36th Propecia Rally New Zealand 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
25 62nd Wales Rally GB 2006 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
26 56th Uddeholm Swedish Rally 2007 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
27 4º Supermag Rally Italia Sardinia 2007 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
28 54th BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally of Greece 2007 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 06
29 57th Neste Oil Rally Finland 2007 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 07
30 37th Propecia Rally New Zealand 2007 Timo Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC 07

The Jaguar XF at IAA Frankfurt

Finally! Ford Motor Company's Jaguar Cars division unveiled the much-awaited Jaguar XF sedan featuring the British automaker's bold new design language.

The Jaguar XF stirred the crowd at the recent 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) that took place in Frankfurt, Germany. This new model from Jaguar Cars comes with numerous innovative features as well as advanced technological systems. The XF is already available to order in Jaguar dealerships in various markets all over Europe. The vehicle will arrive in customer's garage in March 2008.

The Jaguar XF comes with three powertrain options mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles (Jaguar Sequential Shift TM). Engine options include:

- 3.0-litre V6 petrol: 0-60mph in 7.9 secs (0-100kph in 8.3 secs) and a top speed of 148mph
- 4.2 n/a V8 petrol: 0-60mph in 6.2 secs (0-100kph in 6.5 secs) and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph
- 4.2 s/c V8 petrol: 0-60mph in 5.1 secs (0-100kph in 5.4 secs) and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph

The vehicle will roll out in markets with three available model trim levels incuidng Luxury, Premium Luxury, and SV8. Check out the other highlights of the Jaguar XF luxury sedan below, as stated by a recent Ford official press release.

* The XF is a four-door Jaguar that fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon.
* The exterior styling of the XF is the first expression of Jaguar's new design language in a saloon car. With interior design that is the equal of the exterior in terms of crafted execution and visual excitement, the XF offers a truly contemporary, luxury environment.
* The coupe-like lines of the XF belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a boot capacity of up to 540 litres * (plus the opportunity to fold the rear seats and add a further 420 litres).
* Jaguar craftsmanship adopts a sharp new edge on the XF. Sophisticated instrumentation, a Touch-screen, modern materials and graphics complement new ‘surprise and delight’ features. On entry to the XF, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Selector TM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.
* The best torsional stiffness in class delivers both refinement and dynamic performance – underpinning the driver-focussed yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.
* Key driving aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.
* The new XF has a wide portfolio of driver assistance features including a Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids, Rear Camera Parking Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Bluetooth® compatibility, iPod®/MP3 player interfaces, JaguarVoice TM, Digital radio and a single or six-disc CD player ensure owners can listen and talk as they choose.
* XF offers three levels of audio system, all controlled through the Touch-screen. The top-of-the-range Bowers & Wilkins 440w Premium Sound System option offers extraordinary clarity and faithful sound reproduction. Designed and tuned for the XF by Bowers & Wilkins, the surround-sound system delivers a powerful and vivid performance.
* In a first for a Jaguar saloon, the XF has the marque’s new Pedestrian Contact Sensing System. This can mitigate pedestrian injury by firing actuators that deploy the bonnet, resulting in a cushioned space between the bonnet and engine hardpoints.

[source: Ford Motor Company]

2008 Ford Focus Heading to Frankfurt

Ford Motor Company has released the details of the 2nd-generation model of the Ford Focus that is bound for the European market। The 2008 Ford Focus is set to debut in the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this week. According to a recent Ford of Europe press release, the three-door, Coupé-Cabriolet, and the ST variants of the 2008 Ford Focus will roll out in dealer showrooms all over the U.K. starting in spring 2008.

Several powertrain options for the 2008 Ford Focus are available. Aside from the new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, Ford will also offer the Focus "ECOnetic" model featuring a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) under its hood. This newly developed unit offers an impressive fuel economy as well as low exhaust emissions. The 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi achieves an average fuel consumption of 65 mpg, and
an average CO2 emission of only 115 g/km.

Another powertrain option for the 2008 Ford Focus is the Flexifuel 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine. This engine can run on bio ethanol E85 fuel as well as the conventional unleaded gasoline fuel, or even a mixture of both fuels. Moreover, a 2.0-litre Duratec engine variant offered for the 2008 Focus can be fueled with CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

The 2008 Ford Focus will roll out in European markets with four model trim levels: Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium. Check out the highlights of the 2008 Ford Focus below.

- Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ approach to styling
- trapezoidal grilles
- swept back headlamps
- bold wheel arches
- newly shaped rear glass
- contoured tailgate and new tail lamps
- chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler
- soft-touch plastics on the instrument panel
- soft-touch plastics the upper front door trim
- plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishings
- re-designed instrumentation
- ergonomically improved two-zone air conditioning
- newly designed centre console for the Titanium
- four-litre-capacity storage compartment
- storage areas for back-seat passengers
- optional 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box
- Ford Power Button positioned near the gear shifter.
- all-new automated gearbox - Ford PowerShift transmission

The complete details and technical specs of the 2008 Ford Focus will be released during dates closer to the vehicle's launch in 2008, so you better watch out for it.

Ford Wants You to "Swap Your Ride"

Ford Motor Company has recently launched its newest marketing campaign called “Swap Your Ride.” This campaign will feature real people sharing their feedbacks after driving Ford vehicle models for about a week.

“When consumers experience a new Ford vehicle for themselves – especially when they haven’t driven one of our products lately – it’s almost always an eye-opening experience. In ‘Swap Your Ride,’ real people tell this story in their own words.” said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Marketing.

According to Ford, to ensure the authenticity of the feedbacks from customers, they created a market research company called In Home Test Drive Experience LLC, to recruit about 90 competitive vehicle owners to evaluate and test drive one of 11 Ford vehicle models for one week including the Ford Fusion, Focus, Mustang, Taurus, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Expedition, Expedition EL, F-150 or F-Series Super Duty. A video crew will follow the participant during the one week of test driving. These documents will be converted into a 30-second TV spots. In addition, the advertising campaign will also hit other media including print ads and the internet.

This marketing campaign also encourages consumers to get a new Ford vehicle (hence the name “Swap Your Ride”) with the lease and retail offers below:

* Up to $1,000 “Swap Bonus Cash” on most 2007 and 2008 model year Ford vehicles in addition to all existing retail and lease offers
* The “Swap Bonus Cash” offer for most eligible vehicles is $1,000; the 2008 Ford Fusion and Mustang are eligible for $500 “Swap Bonus Cash”
* 2007 F-150 models will offer $1,000 “Swap Bonus Cash” plus zero percent financing for 60 months
* 2007 Explorer, SportTrac and Ranger will offer stand-alone zero percent financing for 60 months (or 1.9 percent financing plus $1,000 “Swap Bonus Cash”)
* Certain 2007 and 2008 models, including Shelby and Harley-Davidson models, are not eligible for “Swap Bonus Cash”

So ah... are you willing to swap your ride?