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Ford Atlas Concept Hauls Away Autoweek Magazine

Ford Atlas Concept is named Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by the writers of Autoweek Magazine and autoweek.com

Ford Atlas Concept showcases the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

For the sixth year in a row, Ford vehicles on display at NAIAS have garnered Autoweek award recognition

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 17, 2013 – The Ford Atlas Concept, a bold vision for the future of pickups, has been named Autoweek Magazine’s Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

“The Atlas Concept is clearly Most Significant winner for the things you don’t see, like hidden aerodynamic improvements and weight savings from high-strength steel and interior parts, like thinner seats,” said Bob Gritzinger, Autoweek executive editor. “Those things add up to significant fuel savings for pickup trucks down the road. A next-generation EcoBoost® with Auto Start-Stoptechnology also signals why Atlas is a real game changer.”

The Ford Atlas Concept made its worldwide debut at NAIAS on Tuesday, Jan. 15. A design and engineering study inspired by decades of listening to customers in the places where they work and play, the concept has tomorrow’s pickup buyers in mind.

Breakthrough features include active aerodynamic elements in the grille, front air dam and wheels that reduce wind resistance to save gas. Truck-specific features that improve capability, durability and productivity include a Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step that integrates with a roof cradle to become a rack for long objects like ladders, Hidden Cargo Ramps to load ATVs and motorcycles, Trailer Backup Assist to enable accurate reversing with a trailer via the simple twist of a knob, and more.

“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the Ford Atlas Concept,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “This award from Autoweek – plus overwhelming positive reaction from news media and across social channels alike – confirms Ford is the positive reaction from news media and across social channels alike – confirms Ford is the recognized thought leader in trucks, in addition to our position as truck sales leader for 36 years.”

This is the sixth year in a row Autoweek has honored Ford with one of its North American International Auto Show Editors’ Choice Awards:

2012: 2013 Ford Fusion named Best in Show

2011: Ford Vertrek Concept named Best Concept

2010: Next-generation Ford Focus named Most Significant

2009: 2010 Ford Taurus named Most Significant and 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 named Most Fun

2008: 2009 Ford F-150 named Most Significant

Ford Brings Out Entire Showroom, Commercial Vehicles and EcoBoost for North American International Auto Show

• Ford presents its entire showroom for the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), offering guests a good look at everything from the all-new 2013 Fusion midsize sedan to its F-Series trucks

• To help celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Henry Ford’s birth, the company founder (played by a series of actors bearing an uncanny resemblance to Henry Ford) will walk guests around the exhibit, providing an audio tour that weaves the story of his life with a look at the modern Ford vehicle lineup and technological innovations such as EcoBoost^® engines

• Ford will feature its commercial vehicle story at this year’s auto show, including the Transit family of vehicles, with a display of people who protect, serve and help those in need

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2013 – All-new Fusions, Fiestas, Escapes and Transit vans share the stage with muscular Mustangs, tough F-Series trucks and the rest of the freshest vehicle lineup available on the Ford stand at this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

More than 65 vehicles will grace the Ford exhibit this year, including a Ford-based fire-rescue truck, a Gleaners mobile food pantry Transit Connect and Ford Police Interceptors.

“The theme of this year’s Ford stand is ‘People Serving People,’” said Elena Ford, director of Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations. “The everyday heroes who use these commercial vehicles will be a part of the exhibit to share their experiences with guests.”

Throughout the approximately 60,000-square-foot exhibit, Ford will showcase power-revving and fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® engine technology, a Focus ST road rally driving simulator, a Mustang Nation display, and ever-durable Ford trucks along with several other demonstrations. The stand boasts the freshest new vehicle lineup of any automaker, featuring EcoBoost engine technology available on nine different nameplates.

Henry Ford as your guide

To help celebrate 150 years of the man who put the world on wheels, Henry Ford – actually, an actor playing him – will guide guests around this year’s Ford stand.

Ford will start the tour near an original 1903 Model A, taking visitors through his life history while showing them Ford’s current lineup of vehicles. The full Ford showroom will be on display, as well as commercial vehicles including the all-new global Transit family.

Ford is the largest manufacturer in the global commercial vehicle segments where it competes, and North America’s best-selling commercial truck brand for 28 years. Ford is building on this leadership with introductions of the all-new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect vans.

Transit full-size cargo van and wagon are expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy – averaging 25 percent better than today’s E-Series – and the segment’s lowest operating costs. Customers can choose from three roof heights, three body lengths, two wheelbases, and standard 3.7-liter V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost or new 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder diesel engines.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect compact van is available in two wheelbase lengths and in XL and XLT trim series. Transit Connects deliver a 1,600-pound payload, 130 cubic feet of cargo space, and have an available 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Transit Connect is expected to achieve at least 30 mpg on the highway with its 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

Beyond its vehicle fleet and displays of technological innovations, Ford will offer NAIAS guests several experiential opportunities.

Boostical

Visitors will have the chance to produce an instant musical collage featuring the words “Eco” and “Boost” backed by sound effects. This fun sound mash-up will be shareable on social media networks instantly.

Taurus talent search

Guests interested in becoming a Taurus product specialist will be able to audition by recording a video. Participants will be given a short script to share via social media. Those with the highest number of “likes” will win the title of Best in Show.

Blue Oval card

For the second year, the display will feature Ford’s Blue Oval card, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register online to receive a Blue Oval card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand.

Ford Atlas Concept: The Future of Pickups

• Ford Atlas Concept is the future vision for pickup trucks

• Innovative design integrates capability and smart technologies to transform customer expectations of what Built Ford Tough^® will look like in the future

• Next-generation EcoBoost^® – coupled with advanced engineering and design innovations – creates leading fuel efficiency and increased capability

• Trailer towing and cargo hauling are made easier with innovative features designed specifically for truck owners to improve utility and confidence

Click here to visit the Ford Atlas Concept mini-site.

Ford Atlas Concept Infographic

Soundbites: Ford Atlas Concept

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2013 – Ford today unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

“The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With 36 years as America’s best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market.”

Design with purpose

The Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille – all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough^® image. 

“We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds – professionally and personally,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer. “Every surface and feature in the vehicle has been crafted for purpose and capability while retaining an unmistakable Built Ford Tough look.”

Designers enhanced truck functionality, while creating new advanced features(see infographic here). For example, multiple tie-down points are integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck unique functionality for a variety of jobs.

The interior is themed with structural styling cues and features the latest thinking in comfort, utility and refinement. Innovative, thin, lightweight seating in comfortable leather allows for extra legroom for rear passengers – along with integrated storage for smaller items. “Floating” instrument pods and glove-friendly buttons and controls keep the interior functional and ruggedly stylish.

Leading fuel efficiency

The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost^® powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel – and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing.  

EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150.

The Ford Atlas Concept goes further to save fuel through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They include:

• Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
• Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters
• Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance – helpful for off-roading
• Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance 

The combination of these fuel-saving features saves more than 2 mpg on the highway without diminishing towing or hauling capability.

Work and play smarter, not harder

Ford Atlas Concept is a rolling showcase of features that improve capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Features include:

• Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle – lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed spaceTrailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
• Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen
• 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck – such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
• LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
• LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
• Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed – from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes

Part 4: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Interview

Part 3: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Interview

High-Strength Steels Help Create Tough New 2014 Silverado

Adds structural strength without increasing weight on built-to-last full-size pickups

DETROIT – Full-size pickups are unique. Their owners routinely use them in ways that would horrify most car owners.  They pull heavy trailers thought the mountains, haul tools and supplies down washboard gravel roads, and slog through mud and muck on farms and construction sites. And trucks are expected to perform these tasks for years on end, with a minimum of repairs.

To help the new 2014 Silverado  measure up to these tasks, engineers chose high-strength steels for the backbone of the new trucks – the fully boxed frames and the structure of the cabs that carry and protect the occupants.

“Chevy owners use their trucks for earning a living and taking care of their families,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer.  “To meet the needs of these hard-working men and women, we chose high-strength steels for the key structural elements of the 2014 Silverado. That reduces the weight of these components without sacrificing the toughness and durability customers count on.”

To ensure that the new Silverado is up to the challenge, key elements of the updated frame, including the main rails and major cross members, are made from high-strength steel.  Hydroforming is used to improve strength and reduce mass of the front of the frame.

The cab structures are all new, and incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody in anticipation of new shallow-offset crash tests. In all, about two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high-strength steels.

Even the pickup bed benefits from tougher steels. The 2014 Silverado 1500 features a roll-formed steel pickup box, which is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by major competitors.

Aluminum is used in a number of areas to reduce mass without compromising dependability.  The blocks and cylinder heads of all three EcoTec3 engines are cast aluminum, while 4WD crew cab models use forged aluminum upper front control arms and cast aluminum lower control arms and steering knuckles for a mass reduction of 42 pounds. The hoods are also aluminum, saving 17 pounds over a comparable steel panel.

The strategic use of high strength steels, aluminum and other premium materials enabled engineers to create a new Silverado that is stronger, more capable and more efficient than current models, while still being lighter than comparable models from a key competitor. 

The materials and technologies used for Chevrolet pickups will continue to evolve, as truck customers face fluctuating fuel prices and truck makers engineer for strict new federal fuel economy standards, said Luke.

“But whether we are engineering full-size pickups like Silverado, or our efficient new midsize trucks, we can’t forget that trucks are workhorses. The materials we select and the powertrains we engineer must be able to get the job done, and save our customers money by holding down overall cost of ownership year in and year out.”

To help validate its design and materials for the 2014 Silverado, GM’s new full-size trucks will undergo more than 6 million miles of durability testing on proving grounds and tough test roads, equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks will accumulate real-world mileage in excess of 7 million miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

2013 Ram 1500 Wins Off-road Capability Title with Four Wheeler Magazine’s Pickup Truck Of The Year

• Advanced air suspension, fuel economy and capability push Ram 1500 to the top

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 7, 2013  -  Four Wheeler Magazine, a popular off-road enthusiast publication, has named the new 2013 Ram 1500 its Pickup Truck of the Year. For the past 24 years the Four Wheeler staff has picked a truck to hold the coveted annual title.

“Our readers use their trucks, sometimes in much harsher duty cycles than most would expect,” said John Cappa, Editor—Four Wheeler Magazine. “Within our testing, we integrate a number of challenges to push capability and durability. At trails-end, the 2013 Ram 1500 was our choice and winner of Four Wheeler Magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year.”

The competition takes place over five days and 1,000 miles, providing the panel of seven judges an opportunity to experience every plausible condition from city gridlock to technical trails. Judges tested each vehicle’s performance, comfort and design.

“Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler Magazine recognizes the engineering efforts put forth to mold the new 2013 Ram 1500 and we’re honored to carry the title,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “A large percentage of our customers are outdoor enthusiasts, making this award very well-received in a fiercely competitive truck market.”

For 2013, the new Ram 1500 offers buyers best-in-class 25 MPG fuel efficiency, new technology and new features without sacrificing capability. Ram 1500–the most recognizable pickup on the road–marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers a truckload of pioneering and fuel-saving systems. Equipped with a choice of engines, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine or the award-winning Pentastar V-6, the Ram 1500 offers the best powertrains in the industry and are known for their reliability.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and active air suspension. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.

Ram engineers changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® access system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

The Next Generation of GM Trucks | Jeff Luke | Faces of GM

Jeff Luke got his first pickup truck when he was a teenager and says, "I just love them." As Executive Chief Engineer for GM full-size trucks Jeff is now launching the next generation which promise to be the most refined and best engineered full-size pickups in the market.

Part 2: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Interview

PickupTrucks.com's Mark Williams interviews Executive Chief Engineer Jeff Luke about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2014 GMC Sierra 1500.

Part 1: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Interview

PickupTrucks.com's Mark Williams interviews Executive Chief Engineer Jeff Luke about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2014 GMC Sierra 1500.

GM Offering Standard Maintenance to Fleet Buyers

Industry-first business choice program includes oil changes and more

DETROIT – General Motors Fleet and Commercial Sales announced today that the GM Business Choice program, designed specifically for business customers, now includes an industry-first two-year, 30,000-mile Business Maintenance Plan, in addition to a cash allowance for vehicle accessories or upfits.

GM is the first automaker to offer a maintenance plan alongside cash incentives that may be used with any upfitter. The GM Business Choice maintenance plan, which covers lube, oil and filter changes; tire rotation; and a 27-point inspection, is now available to Business Choice customers. Eligible vehicles include: cargo, passenger and cutaway vans, chassis cabs, 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups and the Chevrolet Avalanche. 

“Our customers told us how important a maintenance plan is to them, so we listened and redesigned the Business Choice program to meet their needs as part of our commitment to providing the best possible customer experience,” said Ed Peper, General Motors U.S. vice president of Fleet and Commercial Sales.

“We’ve done a lot to raise the bar at GM Fleet and Commercial, and this is one example of how we are continuing to alter the way we do business to further nurture our partnerships with our customers and be their preferred choice,” Peper said.

 

The new Business Choice program has been revamped for ease of use by dealers and customers. Customers will now receive a GM Accessory cash allowance or an upfit cash allowance, depending on the vehicle and the customers’ needs.

Small business customers who purchase more than one vehicle for work-related purposes may be eligible for the program. To find out if your vehicle purchase will be eligible, please contact your Chevrolet or GMC dealer. The updated Business Choice program will complement the all-new Business Elite dealer program.

To learn more about the Business Choice program and qualifying vehicles, visit gmfleet.com/businesschoice. Also, customers are invited to join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group for timely responses to fleet-related questions.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.