USA - Ford celebrates the American's biggest seller for decades, the F-Series with a year long celebration.

• Ford F-Series is now America’s best-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 35 years; with more than 26 million trucks sold since 1977
• Listening to customers, delivering constant innovation and best-in-class levels of performance enabled the Ford F-Series to set itself apart by making customers more productive through tougher, smarter and more capable trucks

• Ford kicks off 2017 with a yearlong celebration for loyal F-Series owners and their trucks at 40YearsTough.com

Ford, America’s truck leader, is celebrating a major milestone as F-Series now reigns as the top-selling truck in the country for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 35 years.

Ford has now sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks since January 1977. Think of it like this: That many trucks could circle the globe more than three times, or, lined up bumper-to-bumper, would span 90,000-plus miles.

Ford truck leadership was established with the sixth-generation of F-Series for the 1977 model year, a time when 8-track tapes, disco and bell bottoms were the rage. 

The company was riding a sales wave – based on an all-new F-150 light-duty pickup featuring an improved 351-series V8 engine, standard front disc brakes, and an extended SuperCab offering.

Yet continuous innovation is at the very core of F-Series’ success and even with the momentum in 1977, Ford engineers were already at work on a clean-sheet design for an all-new lineup. That seventh-generation F-Series not only set sales records for trucks, but also by 1982 it had become the overall best-selling vehicle in America.

“The 1980 model was a breakthrough generation for Ford,” said historian and author James Wagner. “It was all new – probably the greatest change in 40 years. It was fresh and had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, things really went Ford’s way as far as trucks were concerned.”

1997 marked the beginning of a split for F-Series into two distinct platforms – the 10th-generation F-150 was geared toward light-duty truck customers, while new F-250 and F-350 Super Duty brand trucks debuted in 1999 targeting heavy-duty commercial vehicle buyers.

Ford anticipated widening consumer needs, expanded its truck lineup

Early on, Ford identified changing consumer preferences among truck customers who were increasingly using their vehicle to do more than haul livestock and equipment; customers were also using their trucks for their family and lifestyle needs. 

Beginning with the King Ranch in 2001, Ford was now offering luxury edition pickups that provided a combination of capability, style and comfort. Furthermore, models like the Platinum and Limited series went further, featuring leather seating, rich wood trim, full power accessories and premium sound systems.

Ford also pioneered performance and specialty truck segments with the special-edition Harley-Davidson F-150 and SVT F-150 Lightning in 1993. By 2002, Ford was marking 25 years as best-selling truck in America and 20 years as best-selling vehicle overall.

“What’s made the F-Series so successful is the Ford truck team’s ability to anticipate the needs of our customers better than anyone else – how those needs change, what’s most important, and what they need to move forward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Their insights help us design, engineer and build America’s best-selling trucks.”

For the 2004 model year, the 11th-generation F-150 received a top-down redesign. 2009 saw Ford charging ahead with some of the strongest visual cues ever for the 12th-generation F-Series. 

For the 2011 model year, the company was poised to combat skyrocketing energy costs with introduction of the all-new fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 engine for F-150.

Toughest, smartest, most capable F-Series ever

On rare occasions, innovative companies forever change the game with the introduction of a revolutionary product. Ford’s all-new high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body for the light-duty F-150 in 2015 was that breakthrough product. 

Then Ford applied the same lightweight material to make the all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty even more capable than ever.

When paired with advanced powertrains, like Ford EcoBoost V6 engines, the F-150 lineup offers the most hauling capability* and best-in-class gas mileage**.

Customers and critics alike appreciate the continued innovation of Ford F-Series trucks, with the 2017 Super Duty winning the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award – the seventh time in 30 years Ford has taken home the honors.

F-Series innovations and milestones, 1977 to present

• 1977: Ford begins F-Series truck leadership, selling 818,580 trucks for the model year
• 1979: Ford introduces the Built Ford Tough brand promise
• 1980: All-new seventh-generation F-Series features efficient gas and diesel V8 engines, new angular design, improved interior features; twin-traction-beam four-wheel-drive front suspension introduced
• 1984: F-150 replaces F-100 as base F-Series truck, adding improved safety features and new center console; optional CD player comes a year later
• 1987: Eighth-generation F-Series features a more aerodynamic design, available electronic fuel injection, redesigned interior including instrument panel, and rear antilock brakes
• 1998: Super Duty brand of medium-duty trucks debuts for commercial customers and aligns the popular F-150 line for light-duty customers
• 2001: Luxury King Ranch is an unprecedented success
• 2002: Ford, celebrating 25 years as best-selling truck in America and 20 years as best-selling vehicle overall, introduces Ford-engineered, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® turbo diesel engine
• 2008: Ford introduces all-new Class 3-leading F-450 pickup, once again raising the bar for maximum towing capacity
• 2011: Powerful, efficient EcoBoost engine technology introduced for F-150
• 2015: Ford shifts production away from steel to high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body for F-150; introduces all-new technology, including 360-degree camera
• 2016: New Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob; plus F-150 is only full-size pickup to earn a five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• 2017: Ford celebrates F-Series leadership, marking 40 years with the best-selling truck in America and the best-selling vehicle overall for 35 years

USA - The Ford F-Series Super Duty has been named as the Motor Trend Truck of the year for 2017

• 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – has been named 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year
• All-new Super Duty features best-in-class towing and hauling capability along with 17 segment-first productivity technologies including adaptive steering and 360-degree camera system
• 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8, with best-in-class 925 lb.-ft. of torque and 440 horsepower, earns Motor Trend recognition as one of the best engineered, most capable diesel engines – outperforming its competitors

The all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – has won the 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year title – the first time the Super Duty has taken home this prize.

“We are honored to win this year’s Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award as it underscores how the all-new 2017 Ford Super Dutys are the toughest, smartest and most capable trucks we’ve ever built,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of The Americas.  

“For 39 consecutive years, Ford F-Series has been America’s favorite truck, and now Motor Trend has given one of our F-Series top honors for the fifth time.”

Using advanced materials to reduce weight, Super Duty introduces all-new segment-exclusive smart technology features to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience.

The backbone of the truck is an all-new fully boxed frame comprising more than 95 percent high-strength steel that’s up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame – enabling best-in-class towing and hauling capability. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy for the body is more dent- and ding-resistant than outgoing steel and not subject to red rust corrosion.

These materials combine to help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds, with Ford engineers reinvesting that savings everywhere it counts to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever.

The all-new F-Series Super Duty also features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware.

With towing central to the mission, driving and work situations are made easier and more comfortable with 17 segment-first productivity technologies. Up to seven cameras help drivers see angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck to make not just conventional towing, but gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing simpler and more efficient than ever. Available adaptive steering also results in improved efficiency and effort.

With more power than ever, the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel V8 now delivers a best-in-class combination of 440 horsepower and a staggering 925 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is standard for every diesel pickup, from F-250 to F-450, with no special tuning or unique hardware required – making the all-new F-Series Super Duty the undisputed powerhouse. 

“We judge the contenders based on six categories – from design to efficiency to performance – characterizing the things consumers want most in their next vehicle,” said Ed Loh, Motor Trend editor-in-chief. “The all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty met and exceeded our criteria, truly proving it is the undisputed leader in towing, capability and power – exactly what truck customers want. Motor Trend is excited to crown this purpose-built machine this year’s Truck of the Year.”

USA - Ford announces net imcome of $1.0Bn, down $1.2Bn from one year ago, profit and EPS are also down.

• Net income $1.0B, down $1.2B from a year ago; Total company adjusted pre-tax profit $1.4B, down $1.7B
• Earnings per share $0.24, down $0.31 from a year ago; adjusted earnings per share $0.26, down $0.26
• 2016 Guidance: Ford continues to expect total company adjusted pre-tax profit to be about $10.2 billion
• Global market share of 7.5 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a year ago
• Ford Credit delivered best quarterly profit since 2011
• Automotive segment operating cash flow $(2.0)B, down $4.8B from a year ago
• Automotive segment pre-tax profit $1.1B, down $1.7B
• Automotive segment operating margin 3.3 percent
• Strong cash and liquidity including Automotive cash of $24.3B; cash net of debt $11.2B and total liquidity $35.2B
• Launched first all-new F-Series Super Duty in 18 years, as well as the flagship Lincoln Continental; on track for 12 global product launches in 2016
• Europe delivered $138M pre-tax profit, sixth profitable quarter in a row and best 3Q since 2007
• Ford remains Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle brand
• Asia Pacific delivered a record 3Q pre-tax profit of $131M, up $109M from a year ago
• Ford surpassed 1 million sales in Asia Pacific following record August sales
• Ford Smart Mobility LLC invested in Zoomcar, the car-sharing leader in India
• Distributed $600M to shareholders in a regular quarterly dividend
• Global Lincoln sales up 17 percent from a year ago
• Year-to-date, net income $5.4B, down 2 percent, and adjusted pre-tax profit $8.2B, up $53M

”This quarter, we delivered key elements of our growth plan by fortifying our core business with the launch of the all-new Super Duty pickup, transforming Lincoln with the new Continental and investing in emerging opportunities with the acquisition of the Chariot crowd-sourced shuttle service. 

Importantly, we remain on track to deliver one of our best profit years ever.” Mark Fields, President & CEO.

USA SALES AUGUST - FORD/LINCOLN group sales are down, but Lincoln does grow, with a new design language thats working.

• Lincoln sales increase 7 percent in August on gains from new Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX with 9,243 sold; Lincoln retail sales up 10 percent
• Ford van sales total 20,355 vehicles for the month – best-ever August sales; Ford Transit sales gained 17 percent, with 11,993 vans sold
• Ford F-Series sales down 6 percent, with 66,946 trucks sold; August marks F-Series’ best retail month of the year
• Total U.S. company sales of 214,482 vehicles decline 8 percent; retail down 8 percent and fleet down 10 percent

Lincoln sales rose 7 percent in the U.S. in August versus a year ago with 9,243 vehicles sold, while Ford Motor Company vans reached best-ever August sales with 20,355 vehicles sold. Overall U.S. company sales totaled 214,482 vehicles, an 8 percent decline. 

Retail sales totaled 168,543 vehicles for the month – an 8 percent decrease. Fleet sales of 45,939 vehicles, including daily rental, commercial and government segments, were down 10 percent. 

Lincoln’s retail sales grew 10 percent, thanks to a 55 percent retail increase in Lincoln MKX sales and an 8 percent uptick in MKZ retail sales.

“Strong sales of high-end Lincoln vehicles and Ford SUVs also helped us continue outpacing the industry in average transaction pricing, which increased $1,200 versus a year ago,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Vans continue to be a bright spot for Ford – a consistent growth story for us this year.”

August’s record van sales were up 13 percent versus a year ago, driven largely by Ford Transit gaining 17 percent, with 11,993 vehicles sold.

Total truck sales were down 2 percent, with 88,372 vehicles sold. Ford F-Series sales of 66,946 trucks mark a 6 percent decline – and F-Series’ best retail month of the year. 

USA - All-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty gets a 48-gallon fuel tank on long-box Crew Cab configuration for both gasoline and diesel applications.

• All-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty gets a 48-gallon fuel tank on long-box Crew Cab configuration for both gasoline and diesel applications – allowing most productive Super Duty ever to spend more time on the road and less time at the pump
• New 48-gallon tank is the largest available in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment – 22 percent larger than 37.5-gallon tank in diesel-equipped 2016 Super Duty and 37 percent larger than 2016 gas-equipped truck’s 35-gallon tank
• Improved water separator filter and fuel filter design enables longer change intervals, minimizing time and money spent performing routine maintenance

The all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most capable and most productive Super Duty ever – an essential tool for work. Just one way in which it can accomplish this is through the addition of a massive 48-gallon fuel tank – the largest in its class – which aims to maximize time between fill-ups to allow for more time getting the job done.

Thanks to the all-new long-box Crew Cab’s longer wheelbase and wider track, the new tank fits between frame and driveshaft. It is 22 percent larger than the 2016 diesel-equipped Super Duty’s 37.5-gallon tank and 37 percent larger than the 2016 gas engine’s 35-gallon tank. Along with improved fuel economy enabled by light-weighting through the use of high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy, the all-new Super Duty’s range increases significantly.

Adding to that range is a larger-capacity diesel exhaust fluid tank for Power Stroke^®-equipped Super Duty – up 2.5 gallons from the 2016 truck to 7.5 gallons for 2017. An improved fuel filter and water separator filter allow for longer change intervals to minimize time and money spent on maintenance, allowing Super Duty more time on the road getting the job done.

“We want to give our customers a more productive tool for getting the most out of their trucks,” said Brian Rathsburg, Super Duty marketing manager. “This means less downtime at the fuel pump and performing routine maintenance, and more time on the job.”

The all-new Super Duty is available fall 2016.

USA - Drive the Future of Tough tour offers an opportunity to test the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• Drive the Future of Tough tour offers an early opportunity to test drive the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever
• 29-city tour continues through Nov. 13, with each site offering vehicle drives, interactive displays and towing demonstrations; product experts are on hand to answer questions on all-new Super Duty’s 17 class-exclusive smart new features
• Consumers can enter for a chance to win an all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Ford, America’s truck leader, is offering consumers across the United States an opportunity to test drive the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

Drive the Future of Tough, a 29-city cross-country tour that kicked off earlier this year, continues through Nov. 13. Consumers can schedule test drives at SuperDutyDrive.com, though walk-up participation also is encouraged.

The test route allows truck consumers to experience the all-new Super Duty’s best-in-class capability and its 17 class-exclusive smart new features, including adaptive steering, adaptive cruise control and Trailer Reverse Guidance. Product experts are along for the ride to explain the innovations and answer questions.

“The new Super Duty takes the heavy-duty truck segment to the next level,” says Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Truck customers can learn how it provides best-in-class towing and hauling, and they’ll get to experience Super Duty’s class-exclusive features from the best place possible – the driver’s seat.”

Participants can enter a sweepstakes to win an all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty. Details are available at tour locations.

The tour includes a variety of well-equipped F-250, F-350 and F-450 models in Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The trucks feature a mix of the 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine and 6.7-liter Power Stroke^®turbo diesel. F-250 models are equipped with the all-new TorqShift-G transmission.

The tour features interactive displays to help consumers understand how the all-new Super Duty is Built Ford Tough, starting with its high-strength steel frame construction and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and box panels.

Upcoming tour stops include:

• Aug. 16-20, Billings, Montana
• Aug. 19-21, San Antonio
• Aug. 20-28, Louisville, Kentucky
• Aug. 25-27, Dallas
• Sept. 2-5, Henderson, North Carolina
• Sept. 9-18, Puyallup, Washington
• Sept. 9-25, Reno, Nevada
• Sept. 13-15, Grand Island, Nebraska
• Sept. 15-18, Nashville, Tennessee
• Sept. 20-22, London, Ohio
• Sept. 21-Oct. 9, Anaheim, California
• Sept. 24-Oct. 1, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
• Sept. 30-Oct. 11, Dallas
• Oct. 6-8, Concord, North Carolina
• Oct. 13-16, Ormond Beach, Florida
• Oct. 18-20, Moultrie, Georgia
• Nov. 1-5, Las Vegas
• Nov. 8-13, Avondale, Arizona

Media will be invited to participate in select cities.