We Want Your Muddy Pictures!

A truck covered in mud usually means that there is a great story waiting to be told. We also know a few car and SUV owners who like to get them dirty!

Charlie Snearly, 9/10/2013

Snap a picture of your dirty Ford vehicle after a day out in the elements, with mud hanging off the fender and dirt tracks on the driveway, and click here to submit to us!

Just take a look at Caleb M, who says that he always using his Ford to pull his friend’s trucks out of the mud when they head off road for some fun.

Larry M can be found driving his Raptor into the woods at Mt. Morris Mounds, one of the off-road vehicle parks in the Great Lakes region. He has found several deep mud holes that come up to the axles. You can bet that his Raptor sports a nice coat of mud every time he drives home.

This Ford Social member installed 37-inch tall mudding tires on his truck, which leaves it sitting niche and high off the ground when combined with a 6-inch lift kit. He manages to get it into the muck up to the fender flares.

We will gather all the submissions together and then give you an opportunity to vote for the truck that is the dirtiest of the dirty, the most in need of a wash.

So what are you waiting for? Get out into the beautiful, outdoors and make some memories to share!

Ford Global Week of Caring Tori Tellem, 9/8/2013

One person can truly make a difference. Now imagine the change in the world when that number becomes thousands upon thousands.

September 2013 marks the eighth annual Ford Global Week of Caring, in which Ford employees and retirees as well as dealerships volunteer for community projects. This year, approximately 12,000 Ford employees are taking part in more than 315 projects on six continents.

“Our employees do everything from assisting Habitat for Humanity builds here, working with orphans in Nanjing to building fresh water wells in South Africa,” said Janet Lawson, Director of Ford Volunteer Corps. “Some run blood drives or help stock food pantries. Last year in India, volunteers collected and donated 750 pairs of shoes and 1,500 pairs of socks to schoolchildren in India who had none.”

It’s estimated that volunteers will give 55,000 hours during Global Week of Caring. The Ford Volunteer Corps is part of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

In addition to new community projects, each year some are expanded or ongoing.

“I mean there are so many unbelievable projects. Really, it’s about making a difference in the world. A huge difference,” Janet said. “Ford Global Week of Caring is part of our DNA. It’s another way we Go Further. It’s what we are all about.”

Ford has a legacy of caring that extends back more than 100 years, and that same level of commitment and care given to building vehicles extends to giving back to others.

“Ford volunteers are engaged, energized, and making a world of difference for people in need,” Janet added. “Ford volunteers are the face of Ford in the community, and proudly carry on the company’s legacy of caring and community service.”

Ford F-150 to Offer Ability to Run on Compressed Natural Gas; Sales of Ford CNG-Prepped Vehicles Continue Growth

• 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine; it will be able to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
• With the addition of F-150, Ford will have eight vehicles available to run on clean-burning, inexpensive CNG/LPG. Sales continue to grow rapidly, with Ford expecting to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year 
• Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs

Ford, America’s truck leader, will offer the2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. W

When the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 is equipped with a CNG/LPG engine package, it is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on one tank of gas, depending on the tank size selected. The Ford F-150 averages 23 mpg on the highway.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “With the money saved using CNG, customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months.”

CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $3.66 per gallon.

In the next year, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, a number no other full-line manufacturer can match:

• Transit Connect van and wagon
• Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
• E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
• F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
• F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
• F-650 medium-duty truck
• F53 and F59 stripped chassis
• 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup

Customers are enthusiastically responding to this powerful array of choices. Since reintroducing the option in 2009, Ford has established itself as the leader in CNG/LPG engine sales. Ford is on pace to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012.

AT&T is one of many Ford customers that are finding value in CNG. The communications giant recently purchased 650 F-350 chassis cabs with the CNG-prep option. “We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of year 2018,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president, global fleet operations. “Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”

Qualified Vehicle Modifiers
Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. The QVM program is intended to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.

QVMs offer a wide variety of CNG/LPG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles); the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.

Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. About 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.

Another benefit of this alternative fuel: Cleaner emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.

Celebrating the Life of Henry Ford Tori Tellem and Andrew Schuth, 7/30/2013

Celebrating the life of Henry Ford is perhaps the most important part of Blue Oval history. But celebrations and events have really ramped up recently! That’s because Henry’s 150th birthday is July 30, 2013. And the state of Michigan recently named that date Henry Ford Day!

Both the Michigan House and Michigan Senate adopted resolutions earlier this year to acknowledge Henry Ford’s impact on the automotive industry and on society at large. The resolutions note, “He is recognized for his pioneering spirit and innovation that put the world on wheels, and we honor his contribution to significant social and economic progress.”

There are myriad reasons to fest how he changed the automotive industry and helped invent car culture. Plus, his innovations and the technology developed under his leadership are legendary. And to think, he started it all in 1903 with just $28,000 in cash!

Let’s talk Ford vehicles, too. The first one sold was a Model A, to Dr. E. Pfenning in Chicago in July 1903. Since that date, Ford has sold more than 300 million vehicles worldwide. That includes the uber-popular Mustang, which will have a major celebration of its own in 2014: its 50th anniversary.

And Henry also figured out how to alter the process when it came to building vehicles. To deal with the Model T selling like hot cakes following its introduction in 1908, he revolutionized the manufacturing process by bringing the concept of the “moving assembly line” to automotive production.

These are a just a few reasons we here at Ford Social think Ford is an iconic brand. Why do you think the Blue Oval has withstood the test of time? Tell us — leave a comment to let us know your thoughts!

If you’re looking for activities to partake in for the 150th birthday, there are many events throughout the year. Be sure to click here to learn more about the ongoing celebrations. And to learn more about Ford history and Henry Ford, visit the The Henry Ford Museum either in person in Dearborn, Michigan, or click here to check it out online.

JUL 31, 2013 | DEARBORN, MICH.FORD ESCAPE SETS NEW SALES RECORD FOR SMALL UTILITIES

JUL 31, 2013 | DEARBORN, MICH.FORD ESCAPE SETS NEW SALES RECORD FOR SMALL UTILITIES

• New Ford Escape is the first-ever small utility to break the 150,000-vehicle salesmark through the first six months of the year
• Escape’s coastal sales were up 33 percent from January through May, based on Polk retail registration data; top trade-ins for Escape are coming from Honda and Toyota owners
• After adding a third shift, Louisville Assembly Plant – home of Escape – has built more vehicles in the first six months of the year than any Ford plant in North America

The Ford Escape set a new sales record. It is now the first small utility ever to sell more than 150,000 vehicles in the first half of any year.

Ford Escape is on pace to break its all-time annual sales record, set last year, of 261,008 vehicles sold. Sales through June totaled 156,626 vehicles. Escape has outsold Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 through the first half of this year.

“The Ford Escape’s great performance, standout design and outstanding fuel economy are bringing new buyers into the showroom,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, global cars and crossovers. “It’s great to see Escape break new ground, which shows we are listening to customers and delivering competitive global vehicles.”

With year-over-year U.S. sales up 23 percent, Escape outpaced the industry growth rate in the small utility segment, which grew 13 percent during the same six-month period. Retail registrations of Escape on the coasts were up 33 percent, three times as much growth as the small utility segment, with new customers in key coastal markets contributing to Escape’s success.

Coastal cities experiencing top retail sales growth include Miami, 61 percent; Orlando, Fla., 41 percent; Charlotte, N.C. and Seattle, both 33 percent; Washington, D.C., 31 percent; and San Francisco, 26 percent. Escape is seeing strong growth from coast to coast, with retail sales increases of 25 percent in both Los Angeles and Boston.

In Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Charlotte and Washington, D.C., the top competitive conquest brand is Toyota. In New York and San Francisco, the top competitive conquest is Honda.

“Coastal areas, historically dominated by Honda and Toyota, are important to overall U.S. share growth of Ford Motor Company,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Honda’s share of the small utility segment is down 2 full percentage points this year, as Escape continues to conquest retail customers on the coasts.”

The highest competitive conquest rates for Escape include San Francisco, 58 percent; Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C., all 54 percent; Boston, 53 percent; and Charlotte, 52 percent.

With a strong lineup of cars, trucks and utilities, Ford brand sales are up 14 percent over last year, with 20 percent of this growth coming from Escape sales. Within Ford’s utility lineup, Escape accounts for 57 percent of this year’s

This momentum means Louisville Assembly Plant, home of Ford Escape, produced more vehicles than any Ford plant in North America for the first six months of the year.

“Because of unprecedented demand, last year we had to add a third crew and 1,300 additional jobs for a total of approximately 4,500 people making the all-new Escape,” said Daryl Sykes, Louisville plant manager. “We have the best, brightest and most hard-working workforce right here in Louisville, and that’s why we’re the busiest plant in North America.”

Customers have responded to Escape’s improved fuel economy, sleek new design, enhanced cargo capacity and such innovative technology features as its foot-activated, hands-free liftgate.overall sales growth.

Chrysler’s Ram tops Consumer Reports’ pickup truck rankings

Chrysler’s Ram tops Consumer Reports’ pickup truck rankings – http://trib.in/14adoWp

Jeep Brand Patriotism

Posted on July 3rd, 2013 • by Bill Cawthon

Just in time for Independence Day, Brand Keys, a New York-based consumer loyalty and brand consultancy evaluated brands to learn which ones consumers identified as the most patriotic. The results were posted in ablog entry by Robert Passikoff, the company’s president.As part of a brand values survey, Brand Keys asked for consumer responses to identify which of 197 brands they most associated with the value of “patriotism.” Brand Keys posted the top 25, led by the Jeep Brand with 98% of respondents naming the legendary American vehicle as the most patriotic.The only other automotive brand to make the list was Ford at No. 16.

WWII JWWII Jeep ‘found in crate’ set to cross Greenwich auction block

By Jeffrey N. Ross
Posted May 30th 2013 5:44PM Via: http://www.autoblog.com

1945 Ford GPW auction Photos – too see more photos

Fans of old military vehicles might want to pay extra close attention to the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance coming up this weekend. Crossing the Bonhams auction block on Sunday are a pair of seemingly flawless World War II Jeeps, which are both expected to fetch serious dollars. Lot Number 305 at the auction is a 1945 Ford GPW Jeep that has been fully restored, which is expected to command between $35,000 and $45,000. Shortly after the Ford GPW, a potentially more interesting 1944 Willys MB (shown above) will be auctioned off, but Hemmings raises some red flags about this Jeep. First, it is claiming to have been “discovered in its original crate about 30 years ago,” but there is no proof or documentation of any sort. Also, it is claiming to be all original, but it was given a paint job “shortly after it was discovered.” Even with these questionable descriptions, this Willys could reach between $20,000 and $30,000. Head over to Bonhams’ site and Hemmings for more information on both WW2-era Jeeps. Related Gallery1945 Ford GPW auction News Source: Bonhams [1], [2] via Hemmings Category: Classics, Auctions, Jeep, Military Tags: bonhams, ford gpw, ford jeep, greenwich concours delegance, jeep, military jeep, military vehicle, willys jeep, willys mb, willys mb jeep, world war ii, ww2, wwii

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercrew –
By Michael Harley
Posted Mar 15th 2013 3:00PM
See full story on Autoblog  http://aol.it/XX8mZz

I’m not normally a pickup kind of guy, but the 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor won me over nearly instantly. The street-legal trophy truck – there is really no other way to accurately describe it – is big, brawny and incredibly capable. Let’s just say it’s every bit the monster it visually portrays. I spent a week pretending I was one of Ford’s Baja 1000 drivers, but lacking desert sand, I headed into the local mountains where a mild winter storm had dropped a couple inches of fresh snow on my favorite off-road park. The Ford was, for the most part, practically unstoppable.Ford offers its SVT Raptor package on Supercab and Supercrew platforms with the five-foot, five-inch bed. The Supercrew I tested rides on a 144-inch wheelbase (about a foot longer than the Supercab). In addition to its cosmetic differences when compared to the standard F-150 – there isn’t a young boy on the planet who doesn’t think the matte black Ford grille is cool – the Raptor has a 73.6-inch track – nearly seven inches wider than the track on the standard F-150.After upgrading the F-150 SVT Raptor significantly for the 2012 model year, there are only a few changes for 2013. The list includes standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, Hill Descent Control, forged beadlock-capable wheels, and the new matte Terrain color (aka “Desert Storm”) option seen on my test model.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado The Fullsize Pickup, Refined

See more images here!   http://aol.it/12Edi58

No one’s underestimating the importance of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. While General Motors continues to shovel the current generation off dealer lots at an impressive pace, it would be too kind to simply say the old mule has started to show its age. The GMT900 platform that’s rolling along under the 2013 model has been underpinning fullsize GM trucks since 2007, and while the Silverado has stayed competitive through most of the intervening six years, the past two haven’t been kind to the machine.Ford just won’t quit sharpening its F-150 in one way or another, throwing interior and driveline updates at the stalwart pickup with the fevered pace of a company possessed. Like the Silverado, the F-150 is no fresh piece of hardware, but fuel-efficient and powerful engine options and a well-sorted interior put the truck consistently ahead of the now aged Chevrolet. And then there’s the Ram 1500. Chrysler let loose with both barrels with the 2013 update, tearing into the fullsize market with a beautiful cabin, excellent tech and plenty of clever engineering.Chevy engineers stood back and watched this happen, biting their tongues and whittling away all the while on the next-generation 2014 Silverado. There are only a handful of carryover parts from old machine to new, and the result is a pickup that offers more power, efficiency and refinement than the previous generation while holding the pricing line. This is, without a doubt, the best Silverado ever built, but does that make it the best pickup?

Park it beside its forebear and the changes immediately present themselves as substantial.When the new Silverado first bowed at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the truck faced a chorus of moans. Critics said the design simply wasn’t revolutionary enough to carry the machine forward, but park it beside its forebear and the changes immediately present themselves as substantial. The half-ton pickup now wears the bold, vertical face of its heavy duty predecessors, complete with an all-aluminum hood boasting a set of twin power domes that stretch from cowl to grille. As a result, the Silverado looks considerably less pokey than the previous truck from head-on. Throw in those handsome projector headlamps and the black two-tier grille of our Z71 tester and the new model looks both clean and modern without turning its back on the nameplate’s history.The 2014 Silverado is now 0.4 inches wider than before, and that small nudge in track helps give the machine a more planted look. Designers took advantage of the added width by slathering the sides with massive, exaggerated fender swells. The squared-off wheel arches of the previous generation have stuck around, but the look makes sense paired with this more angular design. The inset doors help give the truck a more modern, clean appearance from the side, while smaller Z71 badges show Chevy is capable of demonstrating some restraint when it comes time to apply stickers.