Ford F-150 Strobe Light Kit

The Ford F-150 now offers an available factory-installed strobe warning LED light kit for fleet customers.

Chevy Pickup History - Decades Of Trucks

Chevy pickup history began in 1918 when the first trucks went on sale. They were a far cry from the Chevrolet trucks of today, but they made a huge impact on the world. Man would now use motor power instead of animals for work and travel. A proud farmer or rancher standing beside his Chevy truck becomes a common sight.

William Durant and Louis Chevrolet 
The Chevy truck grew out of one man's idea to build a truck that the average citizen could afford to purchase. William Durant teamed up with Louis Chevrolet to accomplish this task. They became a forceful pair. Chevrolet was driven by his love for racecars and Durant had an issue with General Motors. He had been forced out as head of General Motors, which he had founded. His Chevrolet earnings would get him back in.

Chevy Pickup History 
The first trucks were crude compared to the streamlined versions of today. Their basic feature was a chassis cowl with a 4-cylinder motor and transmission. It was the buyer's responsibility to provide the cab. These were usually purchased from outside companies, but often the buyers would build the cab themselves. It would be several years later before the trucks were offered with, or without, a cab.

Chevy trucks revved up for a ride to the top of the market. No trucks were manufactured in the company's early years. Eventually Chevy engineers began to design the vehicles for everyday family use to meet ever-changing roles. From Saturday night dates, to family vacations with a camper on the back, the trucks became a family icon.

1980s Bring Economic Problems 
Chevy trucks had climbed upward at a steady pace from the beginning, edging out competitors. William Durant had certainly supplied the consumer with a dependable and affordable means of transportation. Then the energy crisis of the nineteen eighties hit the country. Chevrolet sales took a sharp decline. Chevrolet was faced with the challenge of making the truck more fuel-efficient. The engineers went to work and came up with a lighter version of their truck that once again drove their sales to the top.

Chevy pickup history has seen many changes from the first ones built in 1918. Today you can recline in leather seats, while enjoying air conditioning and music from your radio or DVD player. Do not be fooled by the frills. There has been a constant upgrade under the hood. Improved V8 truck engines, improved aerodynamics, along with features to keep up with the ever-important safety and environmental issues, has kept the Chevy truck at the top.

Once again, an energy crisis looms over the country. Look for Chevrolet to lead the way, as the car manufacturers endeavor to address the problem.

Old and Still Running 
The fan clubs of Chevy trucks tells a story. This vehicle has earned the unwavering loyalty of its owners. When you see these thirty and even forty year old models in the car shows and on the roads, it is a tribute to their durability.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1648023

Smarter Suspensions Are on the Way for Pickups

In the future, unique suspension systems used today likely will find wider acceptance and offer better control and more flexibility. We expect more air suspension options and magnetic ride technology to provide better fuel economy, load-carrying capability, comfort and handling. It wouldn't surprise us if the computer systems on new vehicles will be better able to predict what's likely to happen next on the road, possibly leaning into a turn at the first steering input to make a big truck feel more like midsize car.

Active anti-roll-bar systems already found in Range Rover SUVs, luxury sedans, and Toyota's and Lexus' active suspensions could improve highway and trail performance for small and large pickups. The Toyota 4Runner SUV's cross-linked shock system is an impressive active suspension system that works as well in four-wheel drive as it does when entering a 240-degree curving freeway on-ramp.

We also predict that as sales of luxury-model pickups increase, we'll be more likely to see more canyon-carving trucks with independent rear suspensions. The new 2017 Ridgeline will have coil rear springs and an IRS, and is anticipated to have a payload of 1,600 pounds; likewise, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris midsize commercial van (also with coil springs and IRS) has a minimum payload rating of 1,800 pounds, more than many half-ton pickups. 

Bushing technology also is likely to improve, perhaps adding a self-adjusting or computer-controlled aspect to them, allowing them to quiet engine vibration or wheel chatter while allowing precise steering. Less vibration means quieter and less-stressed parts and pieces.

And we expect broader application of magnet ride systems, perhaps even grouped with towing packages where damper behavior would be modified simply by engaging Tow/Haul mode or when sensing heavier loads.

Front suspensions may adopt a dual ball-joint lower coupling and have been used on everything from VW Passats to BMW SUVs and the new Lexus LS. This arrangement pays big dividends in bump absorption, handling and directional stability, and leaves more room for axle shafts and bigger brakes to move freely and stay cool.

Further down the road, we expect tuning of active suspension pieces like air springs, self-adjusting shocks or active anti-roll bars to link with cameras and navigation data to prime the suspension before it hits a bump or comes to a sharp bend, making the suspension more predictive than reactive. No matter what happens, we're confident we'll be getting more sophisticated and smarter suspensions to keep our pickups under control.

Read more at:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/04/smarter-suspensions-are-on-the-way-for-pickups.html

2016 Work Truck Show: RAM Commercial Press Conference

RAM Commercial Press Conference at the 2016 Work Truck Show

Introducing the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty

See what makes the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever built.

We Own Work: Reinvestment of Weight Savings for the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty

Follow our group of real-world truck customers as they go behind the scenes to meet with Ford Super Duty experts and engineers to learn how weight savings from the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body were reinvested into other areas of the truck for improved performance and capability.

Upgrades include a fully boxed steel frame, stronger axles, beefed-up suspension, bigger brakes and a higher capacity trailer hitch. These are just some of the reasons the all-new 2017 Super Duty is the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.

Discover the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty: https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...

Safe Fleet inView 360 Fleet Monitoring System Demo

inView 360™ from Safe Fleet brand SEON is a revolutionary fleet monitoring and protection system that gives drivers a 360° view of their surroundings to avoid accidents, and provides fleet managers greater insight into fleet incidents.

Safest F-150 Ever: Ford F-150 SuperCrew and SuperCab Only Full-Size Pickups to Earn 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick

•     Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2016 Ford F-150 pickup its Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations – the only large pickup to earn this recognition
•     Superb crash test performance of new Ford F-150 – including highest possible rating in small overlap front crash test – is enabled by high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering
•     2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab

DOWNLOAD THE 2016 F-150 TOP SAFETY PICK FACT SHEET

DEARBORN, Mich., April 12, 2016 – The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever – is the only large pickup to earn an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations.

Class-leading crash test performance of the new Ford F-150 is enabled by the use of high-strength steel in the frame; high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy in the body; and smart engineering, which also help to save up to 700 pounds of weight to enable best-in-class ratings for towing, payload and EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy.

“From the moment our team set out to design and build the new F-150, we knew it had to be best-in-class,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick is another example of Ford’s commitment to building the toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever.”

A cross-functional group of Ford truck veterans worked thousands of hours to deliver improved durability, capability, fuel economy and safety. The team created 31 safety-related innovations – including new structures that manage crash forces, and joining methods that were tested virtually with supercomputer simulations, then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories to engineer the safest F-150 ever.

These smart innovations include a patented extruded aluminum roof crossmember and additional frame crossmember to help improve crash resilience.

To manage crash forces in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap front crash test, Ford created a system of innovations that work together to help protect the driver. Nylon hinge pillar reinforcements save weight, and in conjunction with specially designed wheel blockers, work to control crash forces while also providing additional safety.

“The same innovative approach applied to every other attribute of the 2016 F-150 is exemplified in our commitment to safety,” said Nair. “We spent thousands of hours engineering, designing and developing multiple safety features that work together in the event of an accident.”

F-150 is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score and a five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes and cab configurations – SuperCrew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford Wins Best Value Awards from Vincentric, Takes Home Honors for Truck Brand, F-150, F-350 Super Duty and Taurus

DEARBORN, Mich., April 5, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, is winning recognition for trucks that offer the best value. Ford Taurus was honored with a value award as well.

Ford is named Best Value Truck Brand in America for the second time by Vincentric, an automotive data analysis firm that specializes in lifecycle cost measurement. Ford first earned the truck brand award in 2013.
Ford F-150 wins the Best Value in America award among full-size half-ton pickups for the fifth time – reclaiming the title it held from 2011 through 2014.

The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – introduces segment-first Pro Trailer Backup Assist^™. The technology makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction – the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed.

Ford F-350 Super Duty is honored for the fifth time with the Best Value in America award for the full-size one-ton pickup segment. It had previously won in 2010, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
The all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – goes on sale this fall.

Ford F-Series Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup truck, continues its leadership with best-in-class 440 diesel horsepower and standard 860 lb.-ft. of torque.

Along with the Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 turbo diesel, Super Duty is available with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces best-in-class standard horsepower of 385 along with 405 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford Taurus honored for best value in large sedan segment

Ford Taurus wins the Best Value in America award among large sedans from Vincentric.

The 2016 Taurus is designed to respect your comfort and respond to your needs, with a standard 3.5-liter V6 and two available EcoBoost^® engines, a Lane-Keeping System that alerts you when your vehicle starts to drift from its lane and available voice-activated SYNC^® that helps keep you connected.

The Vincentric Best Value in America awards are model-specific honors that determine the best value in each segment. Value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the total cost of ownership of all vehicles for the 2016 model year, along with the current market price of those vehicles.

In the model-level analysis, results are compiled using nine different scenarios based on combinations of annual driving mileage (10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 miles) and driving experience (three or fewer years, four to six years and more than six years).

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Silverado Special Editions Takeover Texas Motor Speedway

New Rally Edition adds to the most choices of any truck brand

DALLAS – Chevrolet revealed the 2016 Silverado Rally Edition today at the Texas Motor Speedway, extending Silverado’s line of special editions – which offers more choices for truck buyers than any other brand.

“We introduced several special editions in 2015 – each combining equipment and appearance packages designed for specific enthusiasts in mind,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director. They clearly resonated with buyers, selling in one-third the time – and attracting new, younger, and more affluent buyers to the brand – than the industry average.

“They also helped make Chevrolet the fastest-growing truck brand in the industry,” Piszar continued. “In 2015, total Chevrolet truck sales increased 27 percent – double the increase for the total truck market. As we expand our lineup of special editions for 2016, we expect to continue that momentum.”

To celebrate the introduction of the new Rally, Silverado special editions are taking over the Speedway this weekend, each paired with a different Chevrolet Racing driver. Beginning today, Chevy fans can vote for their favorite special edition team at twitter.com/ChevyTrucks, including:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is campaigning for the new Rally Edition, which will be available later this month. The Rally is inspired by trends seen in street-performance trucks, including monochromatic exterior with black accents, bold hood and body-side stripes, and black wheels in 20- or 22-inch sizes.

Austin Dillon is campaigning for the Realtree Edition, available later this spring.  Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, this truck builds on Chevrolet’s relationship with the world’s leading camouflage brand, including Realtree camouflage accents on the interior and exterior.

Kyle Larson is campaigning for the Silverado 1500 Midnight Edition, while Kasey Kahne is campaigning for the Silverado 2500 Midnight Edition. Both trucks are currently available, and build upon the legendary Z71 off-road performance package with an exterior that is inspired by the blacked-out trend seen in the aftermarket – including black wheels, black body-cladding, black front and rear fascias and black interior. Even the tow hooks and Chevy bowtie are black. Midnight Editions also include aggressive Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road performance.

The Realtree and Midnight Edition trucks include the Z71 off-road equipment package, including Rancho mono-tube shocks, locking rear differential, transfer case shield, hill descent control, and aggressive all-terrain tires.

All four trucks will be on display at the Chevrolet display at the Duck Commander 500 race this weekend. On Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make a campaign stop for the Rally edition at the Chevrolet stand, and a fleet of special edition Silverados will be used for the driver-introduction parade.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Half-Ton Pickups: Strategies for Better Fuel Economy

According to the 2014 Vehicle Technologies Market Report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory's sales-weighted data from 1980 to 2014, light vehicles showed a 124 percent increase in horsepower and a 47 percent improvement in zero-to-60-mph times, but just a 27 percent improvement in fuel economy. Interestingly, the report notes that vehicle weight appears to have an inverse relationship with fuel economy, meaning as pickup trucks get heavier (excluding the alloy-bodied Ford F-150 because it's been getting lighter), fuel economy is getting better. This is especially relevant to today's luxury-laden ever-larger pickups.

Read the whole story at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/04/half-ton-pickups-strategies-for-better-fuel-economy.html

Best-Selling Pickup Trucks: March 2016

Forecasters predicted a good March, typically a strong month for auto sales, and from the looks of pickup truck sales they were right.

When compared to March 2015, U.S. pickup truck sales jumped almost 10 percent, and year-to-date sales (comparing the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 numbers) are up 6.5 percent. That’s likely to be good news if you’re in the market for a new pickup — dealerships will be primed and practiced at making a deal. And with the fast-selling summer months just around the corner, we don’t expect pickup sales to slow down at all.

Every one of the major truckmakers are having a good year so far, on track to break most of the sales records in the last nine years. In fact, some analysts are saying the 2016 sales year could be the highest ever recorded, and much of that gain, appropriately enough, will be on the backs of pickup trucks.

The Ford F-Series broke the 70,000 unit barrier for the first time this year (the earliest since 2007), and is on track to sell close to 800,000 units in a single year. Other significant pickup truck news for March includes the Chevrolet Colorado for the first time passing the Nissan Frontier in year-to-date sales. Chevy has outsold the Frontier in monthly sales for the last two months, but with sales like these, the Colorado is not likely to give up the No. 7 slot on our list for the remainder of the year.

The Nissan Titan, which now includes the new Titan XD with the Cummins engine, is continuously improving its monthly sales pace by 20 percent and more, and when the half-ton version comes on line in the fall, that number is likely to jump again.

Finally, we see the inverse sales relationship between the midsize Toyota Tacoma and full-size Tundra, which makes sense because they’re manufactured at the same plant on the same line. If Toyota wants to make more Tacomas (which it does), it needs to drop the corresponding number of Tundras to make room for them. We’ll likely see this trend continue until Toyota finds a way to increase total volume at the San Antonio or Mexico plants. In the meantime, the Tundra is the only pickup posting negative March sales numbers besides the Honda Ridgeline, which won’t be updated until later this year.

We Own Work: Inside the Manufacturing of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty

Five truck customers head inside the Kentucky Truck Plant for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to witness the unique manufacturing innovations involved in creating the smartest, toughest and most capable Super Duty ever.

In this episode, our teams of Insiders see the innovative joining techniques used to build the Super Duty’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body. From self-piercing rivets to flow-drill screws and powerful structural adhesives, this is truly manufacturing at its best.

Discover the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty: https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...

Ford Introduces Kansas City-Built F-150 MVP Edition

•     Limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant
•     Suggested by a Ford customer, 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition – first time Kansas City celebrated a professional baseball world championship
•     Midwest Ford Dealers renewed its sponsorship for the 2016 season with Kansas City Royals

CLAYCOMO, Mo., March 29, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, salutes Kansas City’s world championship by announcing a limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Based on the F-150 XLT with chrome package and available in either Oxford White or Blue Flame, F-150 MVP edition includes special MVP badging, unique polished stainless rocker panels and a spray-in bedliner. 

The 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition started as an idea from Marc Lassalle, a Kansas City Royals fan, to celebrate his team’s second world championship. It follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition, created and sold in 1985 to celebrate Kansas City’s first time as world champions. 

“Like our manufacturing team members at Kansas City Assembly Plant, the Kansas City Royals are a great example of what terrific teamwork can accomplish,” said Gary Johnson, Ford vice president for North America manufacturing.

F-150 MVP edition customizations are added at Kansas City’s unique SubTropolis underground business complex, where Ford applies custom accessories to its vehicles in the energy-efficient cave system.

Ford worked with former Kansas City Royals star Bret Saberhagen, from the 1985 team roster, and Salvador Pérez, from the 2015 Kansas City lineup, to promote the F-150 MVP edition.

Saberhagen will be on hand today to greet Kansas City Assembly Plant employees. Midwest Ford Dealers has also renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Kansas City Royals for 2016.

The F-150 MVP edition is on sale now at Kansas City area Ford dealers.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Colorado Shoreline Hitting the Beach this Summer

Special edition targets heart of the Midsize Pickup market

 

LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet unveiled the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Shoreline today, which is designed for customers in the heart of the midsize pickup truck market.

“The new Colorado ignited the midsize pickup market, accounting for 74 percent of the growth in the segment in 2015,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director. “This year, we are continuing that momentum with the Shoreline edition designed specifically for customers in the segment’s biggest market.”

California is by far the largest midsize pickup market, with more midsize trucks sold in Los Angeles than the next two largest markets, combined.

To appeal to this specific demographic, the Shoreline package will be offered on Colorado extended cab models in LT trim, with both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.

In keeping with aftermarket trends seen in California, the Shoreline combines bright exterior colors with blacked-out trim and minimal chrome accents. It will be available only in Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Laser Blue, or Red Hot exterior colors. Exterior changes include body color front grill, black 18-inch wheels, and black trim for the door handles, mirrors and beltline. Shoreline also includes some of the most popular features, including spray-in bedliner, all-weather floor liners, and one-year of Sirius XM radio subscription.

The Colorado Shoreline joins a portfolio of special editions for Chevrolet trucks for 2016, including the Colorado Z71 Midnight, Colorado Trail Boss, Silverado Realtree®, and Silverado Special Ops. 

“The Shoreline is a great example of our strategy to offer unique trucks designed for very specific customers,” said Piszar. “These trucks have clearly resonated with customers, as last year our special edition trucks sold in one-third the time, and to younger, more affluent buyers than the industry average.” 

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.