Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup with New Products, Features to Meet Greener, Leaner Customer Needs

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the U.S., according to Polk U.S. registration data  
• By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels, including Ford commercial trucks, which will be available with flex fuel (E85), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hybrid and battery electric powertrains direct from Ford or from certified partners
• All-new Ford Transit full-size van to be built in the U.S. by 2013 will live up to Econoline's Built Ford Tough reputation plus achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy, lowering CO2 emissions and customer operating costs
• 2012 Ford F-650 with new 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), the best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., will grow its product lineup in 2012 with a new medium-duty truck, two all-new Police Interceptors and a next-generation limousine to meet the rapidly changing needs of its commercial customers.

Ford's commercial vehicle lineup is the most diverse and capable yet for 2012.

"Though they often go unnoticed, commercial vehicles play an important role keeping the nation's economy moving and protecting people's lives," said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations.

Ford sales prove the company is on the right track. Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the United States according to Polk U.S. registration data. And as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009, Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments.

In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share has soared from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competition has tried to enter the market.

In heavy-duty (commercial use only) pickups, Ford F-Series Super Duty – the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 34 straight years – has seen its market share rise from 45.3 percent in 2008 to 47.1 percent in 2011.

As the nation's commercial vehicles head back to work in greater numbers, Ford is committed to implementing and working with leaders in sustainable technologies and alternative fuels without compromising the capable performance its customers (and their customers) depend on.

No-compromise fuel savings

• By 2020, Ford is targeting a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Europe 
• Certified clean-burning CNG/LPG alternative fuel gaseous engine prep packages are available across Ford's truck lineup, helping lower commercial customer operating costs along with emissions

Ford offers a broad range of fuel-saving and alternative fuel powertrains for its commercial vehicles.

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the highway. Ford expects to sell more than 100,000 EcoBoost-equipped F-150s in 2011, less than a year after the engine first went on sale. Additionally the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are flex fuel-capable.

EcoBoost direct injection and turbocharging technology also powers Ford's next-generation Police Interceptor sedan. The Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility recently passed the extreme testing conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and proved to the public and the law enforcement industry that Ford delivers purpose-built, pursuit-rated Police Interceptor vehicles. Both the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility are capable of operation on E85. In addition, Ford Police Interceptor is the only police vehicle available with all-wheel drive. To date, more than 85 percent of Police Interceptor orders have been with all-wheel drive. Ford will begin delivering the new Police Interceptors to cities across America beginning in early 2012.

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with conventional, diesel, biodiesel B20 and CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be optioned for biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

The Transit Connect small van is available with either conventional, CNG or a battery electric drive system that's capable of up to 80 miles of range with zero emissions.

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways can be optioned with flex fuel or CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems, or with a hybrid system from a Ford upfit partner.

Next-generation Ford Transit to replace Ford E-Series

Ford will migrate its commercial vans around the world to a common, global platform in 2013, when Kansas City Assembly Plant workers begin producing the full-size Transit for North American customers.

The new Transit van, a predecessor of which is available in Europe, will eventually replace the venerable Econoline wagon and van in North America. The Transit will be a truly global cargo and people hauler with improvements in handling, fuel economy and technology.

This is another example of the company's One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles and leverage global assets, including common platforms, as well as bring new jobs to the greater Kansas City area.

Transit will also achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar Econoline vans, thanks in part to smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds from the vehicle compared to a similar E-Series van. That means customers will potentially save thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings.

2012 Ford F-650 gas model with 6.8-liter V10

For municipalities and others seeking a cheaper alternative to replenish an aging medium-duty truck fleet, Ford offers the 2012 Super Duty F-650 with a gas engine – a class exclusive in the medium-duty truck segment. The gas variant costs thousands of dollars less than diesel trucks of its size.

Ford has heard from municipalities around the country that they need a lower-cost, yet highly capable medium-duty truck to help keep their streets clean of dirt and snow.

In response, Ford has created the new 2012 F-650 with a 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission that promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model.

All 2012 Ford F-650 and F-750 models will have available SYNC® technology to help keep drivers better connected without them having to divert their eyes from the road. Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a ruling prohibiting Interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held electronics while behind the wheel. Ford SYNC allows drivers to communicate wirelessly without sacrificing safety.

Next-generation limousine

Ford Motor Company also knows that its commercial customers want durable yet sophisticated vehicles to transport their door-to-door customers safely and efficiently. In response, the company has delivered the next-generation limo/livery vehicle in the Lincoln MKT Town Car.

The new Lincoln MKT Town Car offers a higher roofline, roomier, more sophisticated seating, a spacious trunk plus even easier passenger entry and exit.

The Lincoln MKT Town Car is available in two bodystyles, Livery and Limousine, maintaining Lincoln's position as the dominant brand in this segment for 20 years. Lincoln's share of the chauffeured transport industry is over 70 percent and the next-generation products have been designed to continue this leadership position.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company