Ford F-150, Edge, Transit Connect Honored with TrueCar Awards Recognizing Highest Retained Value

DEARBORN, Mich.– The 2014 Ford F-150, Edge and Transit Connect will retain the highest percentage of their value as they enter the market for resale in 2016, according to TrueCar, which has recognized the three vehicles with its inaugural Pre-Owned Value Awards, making Ford the leader in truck segments.

The new awards, powered by ALG, TrueCar’s analytics division, evaluate pre-owned model-year 2014 vehicles available for resale in 2016 that are expected to retain the highest percentage of their value during the next three years.

The 2014 F-150 won the full-size pickup category in the 2016 Pre-Owned Value Awards. The 2016 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – has helped make Ford F-Series the best-selling truck in America for 39 years running, and America’s top-selling vehicle for 34 consecutive years. Ford has the most F-Series trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles compared with any other competitor.1

The 2014 Edge won among midsize utility vehicles with second-row seating. With an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, available enhanced active park assist and an available front 180-degree camera, the 2016 Edge is a showcase of Ford innovation that helps drivers be unstoppable.

The 2014 Transit Connect won the midsize commercial vehicle category. Strong demand for the current Transit Connect – along with Transit and E-Series – made Ford the best-selling brand of commercial vans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2015, based on the company’s analysis of IHS Automotive total vehicle registration data and Ford custom segmentation for commercial vans.

TrueCar Pre-Owned Value Award winners are determined through careful analysis of used vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have vehicle entries in at least four different segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line.

1 Based on vehicle registration data and latest odometer readings available to Polk for 1992 and newer model year full-size pickups still on the road in the U.S. as of 4/1/15.


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.

2017 Nissan Titan Light Duty Gasoline V8: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

Check out the all-new 2017 Nissan Titan light duty truck as it makes it's world debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show. It has a shorter and lighter chassis when compared to the Titan XD. However, it will use the same new gasoline V8 engine as the XD model with 390 horsepower.

Source:  http://www.tfltruck.com/

The Differences in Rack-its 1000, 2000 and 3000 Series Racks

Gary Kank shows us the differences in the Rack-It Series 1000, 2000, and 3000 Racks

The Smartest Super Duty Ever

With up to seven available cameras & LED lighting, the 2017 Ford Super Duty is the smartest Super Duty ever.

Towing is at the center of the Super Duty mission. Equipped with up to seven available cameras, the 2017 Super Duty can help make hitching up a standard or gooseneck trailer a snap. And the first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility while backing up.

Explore the 2017 Ford Super Duty: http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/...

Find a Rack-it Dealer Near You in California -Campway with Five Locations

Campway's Truck Accessory World locations in Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Martinez, Hayward, and San Jose as outstanding dealers for our products. 

Founded in 1970 Campway's Truck Accessory World has become the largest retailer of Camper Shells and Accessories on the west coast. From contractor rigs to the Pickup towing the boat we have the equipment that your vehicle needs. Featuring quality brands at very competitive pricing as well as offering complete installation, repair and service are just some of the many reasons our customers keep coming back time and time again.

Our Mission

Due to our belief in people, it is our mission to offer every customer the best service and selection available in our industry. In addition, we are committed to the success and growth of the many people that work daily in making Campway's Truck Accessory World what it is today.

Company Profile

Campway's operates five retail stores in the California Bay Area (Santa Rosa, Martinez, Hayward, San Jose and Sacramento). Products you will find at Campway's include Campers Shells, Lids or Tonneau Covers, Bed Liners (drop-in and spray-in), Trailer Hitches, Toolboxes, Truck Racks, Sport Racks, Bumpers, Steps, Winches, Floor Mats and much much more. For fun trucks and work trucks we can help with all of your needs.

Locations:

Santa Rosa

3948 Santa Rosa Ave
Santa Rosa, CA, 95407
(707) 584-7141 p
(707) 584-4259 f
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm
Servicing: Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Cotati

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Sacramento

3312 Power Inn Rd.
Sacramento, CA, 95826
(916) 737-8677 p
(916) 452-8192 f
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

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Martinez

4999 Pacheco Blvd.
Martinez, CA, 94553
(925) 228-9310 p
(925) 228-3170 f
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

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Hayward

28168 Mission Blvd.
Hayward, CA, 94544
(510) 278-9303 p
(510) 278-8943 f
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

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San Jose

1324 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA, 95112
(408) 453-1415 p
(408) 453-1420 f
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

See Campway's website at http://www.campway.com/

Trailering Camera System Available for Silverado

Innovative system with up to four cameras adds 

to Silverado’s leading suite of towing technologies

DALLAS – Chevrolet announced today that a new trailering camera system will be available for 2014-2016 model year Silverados.

It joins a new factory-installed, fifth-wheel prep package, compatible with either gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches available from Chevrolet Accessories.

“These are great examples of our commitment to provide truck customers with the most confident towing experience in the industry,” said Jeff Luke, Chevrolet truck executive chief engineer. “The fifth-wheel prep package has been designed by our structural engineers, to make the most of Silverado’s fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. The trailering camera system was designed in partnership with our Chevrolet MyLink team to seamlessly integrate views from trailering cameras into the existing radio display.”

As with all offerings from Chevrolet Accessories, these packages are warranted and integrated to work with the customer’s vehicle and are available through Chevrolet dealers.

Trailering Camera System by Echomaster

Chevrolet partnered with Echomaster to develop the blind-spot-assist towing package system, which includes three cameras: two side view cameras, and one for mounting on the rear of the customer’s trailer. It is compatible with all 2014-2016 model year Silverado HD trucks, and Silverado 1500 trucks with the available trailer-towing mirrors.

The two side cameras are seamlessly integrated into the housing for the side-view mirrors, for improved vision along the sides of the truck and trailer. When the driver activates the turn signal, the system automatically displays the correlating side view in the center screen.

The rear camera is designed to be mounted to the top, rearmost edge of the trailer, providing a view of what’s behind the trailer when reversing. This camera is hardwired to the trailer lights for electrical power, and wirelessly transmits images to the display using a closed wireless network. It also features infrared lighting, enabling enhanced images in low-light settings. 

The Silverado’s rear backup camera is activated when reverse is selected. Pressing and holding the radio Home button for five seconds brings up the camera menu screen to select the trailer camera image.

The system also supports the use of an optional fourth camera. This can include    an additional camera installed inside the trailer, transmitting video to monitor horses, cattle, other livestock, or content during transport. Later this summer, Chevrolet will introduce a camera integrated into the center brake light, to show the contents of the bed or to assist with connecting a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer.

Any of the four camera views can be activated at any time on the radio screen to bring up the camera menu screen.

The trailering camera system will be available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers in April, and is warranted by Echomaster (a division of AAMP Global). Prices start at $999 (not including tax, labor and installation). More information will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.

Factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package
Also new is a factory-installed, fully-integrated fifth-wheel package, available on all 2016 model Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks for $350. It features a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray, concealed under the truck bed.  A factory-installed 7-way trailer wiring connection in the pickup box is also available.

With a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch installed, the tray takes full advantage of the fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. With the hitch removed, the frame is completely concealed, with caps over the bed openings, preserving the flat bed floor for unencumbered cargo carrying. 

The hitch platform is compatible with the Chevrolet Accessories Gooseneck Completion Kit, including a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs, for $315.

Chevrolet also offers a CURT Manufacturing hitch that is compatible with the factory-installed hitch platform. The fifth-wheel packages from CURT Manufacturing are currently available for purchase through Chevrolet dealers at $939 for the 20,000 lbs. hitch and $999 for the 25,000 lbs. hitch (both not including tax, labor and installation.)

More information on available gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches will be available at www.chevrolet.com/accessories.

Silverado HD towing technologies

With the new trailer towing camera system and factory-installed fifth-wheel prep package, Chevy Truck offers a comprehensive suite of technologies and features to provide the most confident towing experience in the industry.  Other advanced towing technologies on Silverado HD trucks include:
•    Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models
•    Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades
•    Available Digital Steering Assist, which enables easier handling and maneuverability, greater steering response, greater road-holding capability and greater stability control assistance.

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.

NTEA reports on Work Truck Show 2016

Truck premieres, exclusive ride-and-drive opportunities, and unmatched training drew a record-setting 11,905 industry professionals to The Work Truck Show 2016, North America’s largest work truck event.

This breaks the event’s previous attendance record of 11,005, set in 2015. Attendees came from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 19 countries.

The Work Truck Show 2016 was held March 1 to 4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is produced annually by NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry.

“It was a great week,” says Steve Carey, NTEA executive director. “The Work Truck Show is the one event where everyone involved with vocational vehicles in North America comes together to share ideas, see what’s new and find opportunities for their business operations.”

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. used the Show to unveil its 2018 FTR Class 6 medium-duty truck to a huge crowd. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. debuted its prototype Fuso E-Cell all-electric truck and gave attendees the first opportunity to drive it in North America as part of The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive March 2 to 3.

Other truck OEMs making news at the Show included Ford Commercial Vehicles, International Truck, Kenworth Truck Company, Mack Trucks and Ram Commercial.

There were significant powertrain announcements made as well. Cummins Inc. introduced its 2017 B6.7 and L9 medium-duty engines, and Daimler Trucks North America gave the public its first glimpse of the new Detroit DD5 medium-duty engine.

During his keynote address at the Green Truck Summit general sessions on March 1, Reuben Sarkar, deputy assistant secretary for transportation at the U.S. Department of Energy, announced SuperTruck II, an $80 million funding opportunity for research, development and demonstration of long-haul trailer truck technology. He also announced more than $12 million in selections for three new projects focused on plug-in electric powertrain technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. In other “green” news, Work Truck Show exhibitors highlighted significant propane fleet adoptions and even converted a pickup truck to run on propane right on the Show floor.

The Work Truck Show 2016 was the largest event in NTEA history. Over the last five years, NTEA expanded the exhibit floor by more than 40 percent, but still had a sizable waiting list of potential exhibitors. In response to this demand, NTEA has maxed out all available room at the Indiana Convention Center for The Work Truck Show 2017 and exhibit space has already sold out.

The Work Truck Show 2017 runs March 14–17, 2017. Registration opens in October 2016 at worktruckshow.com.

Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/ntea-reports-on-work-truck-show-2016/

The Most Capable Super Duty Ever Ford Tough Ford Tough

The all-new 2017 Super Duty is built Ford tough and ready to go to work with you every day. Bigger axles and a re-designed fully boxed frame, made of over 95% high strength steel help make the 2017 Super Duty is the most capable Super Duty ever.

GMC Sierra HD – Automatic Locking Rear Differential

From boat ramps to construction sites and everything in between, heavy duty jobs often occur in areas with limited traction. That’s where the Sierra HD’s available Eaton automatic locking rear differential comes into play. If one tire loses traction and spins, the difference in speed is detected and the differential locks, providing more torque to the tire with the most grip. Along with advanced traction controls and available four wheel drive, it’s one of many ways the Sierra HD is intelligently engineered to improve traction.

For more information about the GMC Sierra HD, visit: http://www.gmc.com/sierra-2500-denali...

We Own Work: Behind the Scenes of the All-New 2017 Ford Super Duty

Five customers were given never-before access to the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever. Hear in their own words why We Own Work.

Chevrolet Rides the Special-Edition Wave

The current-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 debuted almost three years ago and already has had a midcycle redesign, but it still has just five trim packages: WT, LS, LT, LTZ and High Country. Of course, Chevy offers the Z71 Suspension Package on several trim levels to create two more extra levels. And don't forget about all those GM accessories. Unfortunately, buyers have been slow to embrace the growing accessory catalog GM has amassed for its pickup customers.So GM decided to add the accessories to the pickups and call them special editions.

We've seen several special editions for Chevy pickups in the last few years, such as Special Ops, Midnight and Realtree Silverado 1500s. None of these pickups are technically different from a standard order-from-a-dealership truck, but they have several specific accessory modifications and special paint jobs to give them a customized look and feel. Sometimes its more aggressive tires and black-out rims, sometimes its a unique paint job or maybe low-profile tires and a racing stripe; other times it's a complete makeover with a hunting or fishing theme. But all of these special editions use existing catalog accessories.

According the Automotive News, Chevy is sold on this special-edition strategy and is likely to continue the practice because of the success it's had with Camaro and Corvette special-edition vehicles. Chevy trucks marketing czar Sandor Piszar understands that the days of offering a limited lineup to a diverse buying population are gone. To be successful, truckmakers need to have niche products that cover every type of buyer imaginable. If you don't have the right the truck for a buyer, you better have the right accessories to allow him or her to build the truck they need.

Lately Chevy seems to be doing the best job of creating the most exciting packages, especially with offerings like the Navy-inspired Silverado 1500 Special Ops and off-roadish Colorado Trail Boss, but we expect both Ford and Ram to step up their game in much the same way. One of the best and most efficient features of the Chevy special editions is that they're relatively inexpensive to produce. After all, Chevy is just adding a few accessories, which doesn't require extra engineering or government crash-testing.

We don't have any doubt that Chevy, and by extension GMC, will continue this quick-hit strategy for several more years, at least until the new Ford Raptor and Ram SRT make it into production.


Read the whole story at:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/chevrolet-rides-the-special-edition-wave.html

Alliance AutoGas converts F-150 in 92 minutes

Alliance AutoGas announced today that it set a record this week for the fastest recorded vehicle conversion to propane.

Two Alliance AutoGas technicians installed the company’s latest conversion system in 1 hour and 32 minutes on a 2016 Ford F-150 while at the Work Truck Show on Wednesday in Indianapolis.


“The live, record-setting conversion of the F-150 at the Work Truck Show proved that Alliance’s EPA and NFPA 58 compliant system can indeed be installed in far less than half the time of other products in the market without any permanent vehicle modifications,” says Ed Hoffman, president of Blossman Services, the equipment distributor for Alliance AutoGas.

“We are also confident in saying that fleets can experience a positive ROI (return on investment) with a partial asset life when reduced conversion costs are coupled with low, stable fuel prices as well as our warranty that doubles the industry standard.”

Alliance technicians Stephen Holland and Stacey Snyder used the company’s ‘plug and play’ install which requires no cutting or drilling. Brackets were used to keep components in place.

Reporters and others gathered near the truck to watch Holland and Snyder install the system on the F-150’s bi-fuel 3.5-liter Ford V6, which they were hoping to have done in at least two hours.

“We are proud that our innovative and elegant fuel system design was installed in far less time than we ever anticipated,” says Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas.

“Alliances’ state of the art technology is the most durable alternatives fuel system available in the United States, and we are also pleased about the positive environmental impact. It is a winner in all regards. It is a definitive message that our system will take the lead on reducing costs and any barriers associated with fleet conversions going forward throughout North America.”

In early May of this year, the converted F-150 will embark on a 5,300-mile trip commencing in Kansas City, Kan., travel to Portland, Ore., across the country to Jacksonville, FL, and complete its journey in Asheville, NC, on May 20.

The Alliance AutoGas Clean Air Coast-to-Coast Ride, supported by partners and sponsors, will show real time results of using propane in a converted vehicle. Another goal of the ride is to promote emissions reductions.


- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/alliance-autogas-converts-f-150-in-92-minutes/#sthash.uHt7yWnL.dpuf

GMC Introduces 2016 Sierra with eAssist

Technologically advanced premium truck 

offers greater efficiency, capability

DETROIT – Building on GMC Sierra’s advanced powertrain technologies, new eAssist technology enhances its position as one of the industry’s most innovative and capable trucks, helping it achieve up to 13 percent greater city fuel economy – and solidifying its segment-best ranking for V8 efficiency.

Starting this spring, the new eAssist system is exclusively available on the already well-equipped 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. For 2016, we will monitor the market closely, producing 200 Sierra eAssist models for California, and adjust as appropriate moving forward.

“Innovative technology that enhances capability is at the core of everything we do at GMC and the new Sierra with eAssist takes it to a higher level,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Its advantages are delivered in a compromise-free package that enables real-world fuel savings with premium content that provides a very high level of refinement, comfort and connectivity.”

Compared to a comparable Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L/eight-speed powertrain, the Sierra with eAssist offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city – a 2-mpg improvement – while highway fuel economy improves 2 mpg to 24 mpg. The combined estimate improves 2 mpg to 20 mpg. The 5.3L eAssist V8 has a GM estimated 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The new eAssist powertrain is available in the Sierra SLT crew cab with the up-level Premium Plus package, a package that is also available with the standard 5.3L non- eAssist engine and the 6.2L V8 engine.  The SLT Premium Plus package includes an extensive list of premium technologies and features:
•    High-performance LED headlamps, LED taillamps and thin-profile LED foglamps
•    Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone)
•    IntelliLink with navigation and 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen
•    Bose premium audio system
•    Wireless phone charging
•    Heated and vented leather-appointed seats
•    Heated steering wheel
•    Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert
•    IntelliBeam headlamps
•    Front and Rear Park Assist
•    Rear Vision camera.

The max trailering rating is 9,400 lbs. and the Eaton locking rear differential is standard, for sure-footed traction on slippery surfaces.

eAssist details
The Sierra’s eAssist powertrain is a light electrification system leveraging General Motors’ latest electrification technologies. It builds on the advanced technologies of the 5.3L V8 engine, including direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), complementing them with a compact lithium-ion battery pack to enhance efficiency through:

•    Stop/Start capability: Additional fuel savings are achieved by turning off the engine when stopped at a stop light or heavy traffic and restarting the engine when the driver lifts his or her foot from the brake pedal
•    Electric power boost: The on-board electric motor provides a power boost during acceleration and passing, while enabling the engine to operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods, for additional fuel savings
•    Regenerative braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system
•    Aero enhancements: A 6 percent improvement in aerodynamics contributes to fuel economy due to a standard soft tonneau cover and automatic grille shutters, which can close at speeds over 30 mph in order to further reduce drag and fuel consumption.

The eAssist system includes a 24-cell, air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the center console (or front bench seat). It adds only about 100 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight.

A compact induction motor, located on the accessory drive, provides 15 kW of peak regenerative capability, thanks to advanced software controls based on the Chevrolet Volt. It performs like an electric torque booster, providing up to 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) and up to 13 hp (9.7 kW) of additional boost in high load situations. There’s also a liquid-cooled power inverter module located under the hood.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Ford Rolls Out Aluminum Chassis-Cab Super Duty Trucks

Powering the 2017 Super Duty chassis-cab line is Ford’s optional, second-generation Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 engine, which is upgraded with 30 more horsepower and 90 extra lb-ft of torque for a respective total of 330 hp and 750 lb-ft. It comes mated to Ford’s 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission.

 INDIANAPOLIS—Responding to the need for more specialized, rugged and capable work trucks such as aerial lifts, field-service vehicles and medium-duty haulers, Ford Motor Co. is debuting a new chassis-cab model of its aluminum-bodied Super Duty trucks at this month’s Work Truck Show.

Employing a new, high-strength, aluminum-alloy cab and a higher-strength steel frame than the outgoing generation, the 2017 F-350, F-450 and F-550 chassis-cab lineup offers best-in-class capability, Ford claims, with a front gross-axle-weight rating of 7,500 lb. and a gross-combined weight rating of 40,000 lb.

“Commercial truck customers need tough, capable trucks the can haul heavy equipment to crush challenging jobs,” says Craig Schmatz, Ford Super Duty’s chief engineer. “The innovations our team has put into the next-generation Super Duty chassis-cab are paying off by delivering capability that surpasses the competition.”

When the box-off trucks go on sale this fall, they will be available in regular, extended and crew cab configurations. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Powering the new Super Duty chassis-cab line is Ford’s optional, second-generation Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 engine, which is upgraded with 30 more horsepower and 90 extra lb-ft of torque for a respective total of 330 hp and 750 lb-ft, which Ford claims is class leading. It comes mated to Ford’s 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission. Standard gasoline engines include Ford's 6.2-liter V8 for the F-350 and a 6.8-liter V10 for the F-450/550.

Ford says it is confident that durability of the new aluminum cab has been thoroughly addressed through thick-gauge material and extensive product testing.

“Aluminum bodies are nothing new to heavy trucks,” Mike Levine, Ford truck spokesman, tells ENR. “They have been around a long, long time, on everything from big rigs to fire trucks.”

The Work Truck Show, which the trade group NTEA organizes, runs March 1-4 at the Indiana Convention Center and covers more than 500,000 sq ft of exhibit space.

Photo: Ford Motor Co.

Source:  http://www.enr.com/articles/38909-ford-rolls-out-aluminum-chassis-cab-super-duty-trucks

GM Delivers Most Segment Awards in Dependability Study Eight models ranked most dependable in segment

• ·    Four Chevrolet segment leaders most of any brand
• ·    Buick Verano ranked most dependable vehicle in the industry
• ·    11 GM models place in Top 3 of their segments

DETROIT – For the second consecutive year, General Motors’ brands deliver the most segment awards in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

“GM’s customer-centric focus on quality and dependability is yielding results for our customers,” said Jeff Wrona, General Motors executive director, Global Quality. “These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering the industry’s best ownership experience.”

The 2016 study tracks 2013 model year vehicles in their third year of ownership.
All GM brands ranked above industry average with Buick, GMC and Chevrolet ranking third, fifth and sixth respectively.

Chevrolet delivered the most segment leaders of any industry brand, led by Malibu as the segment leader for the second year in a row in the highly competitive Midsize Car segment. Camaro ranks highest in the Midsize Sporty Car segment for the fourth consecutive year and Silverado HD ranks first in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup Segment for the second year.  Equinox ranks first in the popular Compact SUV segment.

Buick Verano becomes the industry’s most dependable vehicle and segment award recipient in Compact Car.  Encore leads the Small SUV segment, adding to the popular SUV’s 2013 JD Power Initial Quality Study and Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study segment awards. LaCrosse also receives an award for the second year in the Large Car segment. 

The GMC Yukon ranked first in the Large SUV segment for the third year in a row.

Model Highlights by Brand

Chevrolet

• ·    Malibu – Segment Award, Midsize Car (2nd Year in a Row)
• ·    Camaro – Segment Award, Midsize Sporty Car (4th Year in a Row)
• ·    Equinox – Segment Award, Compact SUV
• ·    Silverado HD – Segment Award, Large Heavy Duty Pickup (2nd Year in Row)
• ·    Tahoe – Ranks Second, Large SUV
• ·    Silverado – Ranks Third, Large Light Duty Pickup

Buick

• ·    Verano – Segment Award, Compact Car
• ·    Encore – Segment Award, Small SUV
• ·    LaCrosse – Segment Award, Large Car (2nd Year in a Row)

GMC

• ·    Yukon – Segment Award, Large SUV (3rd Year in a Row)
• ·    Sierra – Ranks Second, Large Light Duty Pickup

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, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. 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. 

Unique Mobile Climate and Road Simulators Help Knock Out Squeaks and Rattles in All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty

•     Unique mobile climate and road simulators test all-new F-Series Super Duty and other vehicles for squeaks and rattles so Ford can minimize these noises ahead of production
•     The company’s eight mobile climate and road simulators are completely portable, allowing Ford to efficiently test prototype vehicles; one unit was moved to Kentucky Truck Plant to conduct noise testing of the all-new Super Duty
•     In these mobile labs, vehicles in development are subjected to simulated rough terrain and road surfaces, as well as to extreme differences in humidity and temperature – from 20 degrees below zero to 120 degrees Fahrenheit – to help detect and minimize squeaks and rattles

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25, 2016 – Ford is using mobile climate and road simulators to minimize squeaks and rattles in the all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

Rigorous testing with this equipment includes some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. The simulators are known as Transportable Environmental Four Posters, in reference to their 18-wheeler portability and four-point road simulators that sit under each wheel when a vehicle is in the chamber. Ford is the only automaker to use these mobile simulators.

“Mobile climate and road simulators are absolutely key to finding unwanted noises in the early stages of vehicle development,” said Craig Schmatz, Ford F-Series Super Duty chief engineer. “Extreme climates and terrains are especially known for bringing out squeaks and rattles. Identifying and mitigating these noises long before a vehicle goes into production is one more way Ford is working to deliver great vehicle quality.”

In these mobile labs, Ford puts prototype vehicles through their paces on all manner of simulated terrain and road surfaces, as well as in extreme humidity and temperatures ranging from a bone-chilling 20 degrees below zero to a blistering 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thanks to the portability of these simulators, Ford can move them all over the world to test prototypes wherever and whenever a vehicle is undergoing development. To test the all-new Super Duty, Ford moved one of the simulators to Kentucky Truck Plant, which has produced more than 5 million Super Duty trucks since the vehicle was introduced in 1999.

Before the first all-new Super Duty charges off the line, it will have logged more than 12 million cumulative miles of testing – more than any of its predecessors – to ensure the promise of Built Ford Tough.

Controlled environment allows for comprehensive testing

These initially patented mobile climate and road simulators help Ford ensure quality in a way that’s as unique as it is innovative. The ability to perform tests on-site at Ford facilities is immensely more efficient than sending a vehicle to another location and waiting for results. Prototypes undergo testing all the way to production, with the controlled environment allowing trained experts and advanced audio-sensing equipment to identify the causes of noise.

For each vehicle launch, climate and road simulation testing is overseen by a Ford launch engineer and a plant vehicle team engineer who work diligently to prevent squeaks and rattles; for Super Duty, this was Abdul Mohammed and Dave Massengill, respectively. This testing is part of the company’s focus on quiet quality – a motto boldly emblazoned on each of the eight simulators as a reminder.

“Ford takes its commitment to delivering quiet quality seriously – devoting a lot of resources to deploying the best people and tools,” said Vy Tran, Ford North American launch supervisor for squeak and rattle testing. “Ford’s approach to testing for squeaks and rattles, both for Super Duty and other vehicle launches, helps the company put customers behind the wheel of vehicles they can enjoy with their ears as much as their eyes and hands.”

Ford worked with suppliers and other companies to develop the Transportable Environmental Four Posters, which have now been used for more than 100 global vehicle launches.

Aside from full-vehicle testing, Ford also performs component-level testing to help limit squeaks and rattles. For instance, the company subjects instrument panels to shake testing on custom stands called Transportable Instrument Panel Sound Testing Evaluation Rigs.

“Simulator technology has come a long way in helping to reduce noises in vehicles,” said Timothy Wittrock, Ford North American current model supervisor for squeak and rattle testing. “Transportable Environmental Four Poster technology has been instrumental in reducing squeaks and rattles under various operating conditions to deliver a whisper-quiet driving experience for customers.”

Mobile climate and road simulators are but one part of a large suite of tools Ford uses to create high-quality vehicles.

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.