USA - Ford is ready to fulfill orders for the 2017 Raptor, the most aggressive version of the F-150 to be built.

2017 F-150 Raptor Ordering Begins, Online and In-Line at Ford Dealers: SuperCrew, Luxury Group with Technology Package in Shadow Black is the Top Configuration

• With over 90,000 hits in the first 10 days, visits to the Raptor Build and Price configurator are setting records and driving traffic to Ford dealerships
• With a starting MSRP of $49,520, Ford dealers are already taking deposits with the first deliveries still more than a month away  
• Most popular options include SuperCrew (91%), Luxury Group (90%), and Technology Package (77%) according to data tracked from the Ford.com website

As full-scale production is set to begin on the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor in November, orders are already pouring into Ford dealerships nationwide as customer waiting lists grow and traffic on the Ford.com website topped 90,000 hits to the Raptor build and price page in the first 10 days online.

Performance, capability and technology improvements across the board make this the Toughest, Smartest, and Most Capable Raptor ever. With a starting MSRP of just $49,520 Ford dealers are seeing interest in the next-generation purpose-built off-road performance F-150 Raptor engineered by Ford’s Performance team.

Team Ford in Las Vegas has been one of the most successful Ford Raptor dealers in North America. Owner Steve Olliges, who races Raptors professionally off-road, says he already has nearly 300 customers on a waiting list. He fields two to three calls a day from customers across the country looking to place an order, turning many away due to supply allocation limits.

“It’s a great problem to have, but it’s tough because there’s so much interest in the product,” Olliges said. “We do everything we can to get our hands on Raptors for our customers, whether that’s referring them to other Ford dealers or making calls to find trucks for them.”

While Ford does not publically disclose production numbers, of the Raptors scheduled for production, 65 percent of early orders are identified as retail orders for a specific customer. The largest markets so far include Texas, California and Florida.

Meanwhile, in the first 10 days online, the Raptor Build and Price configurator on the Ford.com website has already seen more than 90,000 hits with nearly 30,000 completed builds. Of those completed online builds 91 percent are SuperCrew. Meanwhile, the Luxury Group, which includes features like 360-degree Camera and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), has a 90% take rate and the Technology Package, which includes features like Lane-Keeping System and Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation, has a 77 percent take rate. Shadow Black is the most common paint color.

“This is one of the fastest and most popular product launches we’ve seen in some time. Site traffic volume on the Raptor pages is currently more than five times our other performance vehicle lines and dealer demand is far ahead of expectations, which demonstrates to us that the Ford Performance team hit their mark with the new F-150 Raptor” said Rob Rosenbach, Ford F-150 brand manager.

USA - The Ford F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-pound weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology

• All-new F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-pound weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology to deliver the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup
• Second-generation 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost^® engine produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a 23 percent improvement in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy
• Advanced 10-speed transmission enables Raptor customers to enjoy exhilarating performance and efficiency both on- and off-road

Ford Motor Company, America’s truck leader, today announced horsepower and torque ratings for the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor that will continue to position the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup in a class by itself.

Equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo high-output EcoBoost^® engine, the Raptor churns out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band.

Mated to an all-new Ford-built 10-speed transmission and exclusive transfer case – and managed by a six-mode Terrain Management System^™ – the 2017 F-150 Raptor makes good on its promise to deliver an exhilarating off-road performance truck and even more bragging rights with a base MSRP less than $50,000.

“Raptor was designed to be a no-compromise, off-road performance machine,” said Matt Tranter, Ford Performance engineering supervisor. “That is why we made the switch from the cast-iron V8 to the aluminum block, high-output GTDI V6 EcoBoost engine that our team tuned to add 39 horsepower and 76 lb.-ft. of torque for today’s Raptor.”

Using the same high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body and a fully boxed high-strength steel frame as the current F-150 trucks, the 2017 Raptor is up to 500 pounds lighter than the 2014 model. Combined with a new high-output EcoBoost engine and 10-speed transmission, the 2017 Raptor delivers a 21 percent improved average torque-to-weight ratio and a 23 percent improvement in EPA-rated combined fuel economy compared with the previous generation Raptor.  

EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the 2017 F-150 Raptor are 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

Further building on the power-to-weight benefits, the 2017 Raptor delivers more low-RPM torque and better optimized power bands and shift points across all two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes thanks to the 10-speed transmission and torque-on-demand transfer case.

“The torque-on-demand transfer case and six-mode Terrain Management System is unique to Raptor in the Ford family of vehicles,” Tranter said. “It gives you the benefit of a clutched all-wheel-drive system for easy around-town maneuverability in bad weather. Then, there’s Baja Mode, which automatically engages a mechanically locked 4X4 high, and optimizes throttle response, shifting and boost control to provide improved off-road capability. That’s definitely drawing a line in the sand.”

All-new 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost engine

Within performance circles, Ford’s EcoBoost engine has gained a following among truck enthusiasts and racing fans alike. Already robust and efficient, Ford developed the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which the Ford Performance team then tuned specifically for the new Raptor.

Key 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine improvements include a new twin direct and port-fuel injection strategy, stronger and lighter crank and valvetrain components, a redesigned twin-turbocharger system with electronic wastegate, and a redesigned valvetrain and variable-displacement oil pump.

Among the high-output EcoBoost performance enhancements for Raptor are more aggressive turbo compressors with increased boost calibrations, cast stainless steel manifolds and full dual exhaust, oil-cooled pistons and more aggressive engine control calibrations.

“Looking at the torque curve of the Raptor’s EcoBoost engine, you see the twin turbos spool quicker for faster time to torque – it hammers quick and keeps delivering torque for a more brawny feel than its V8 predecessor,” said Al Cockerill, Raptor’s powertrain development engineer.

All-new 10-speed automatic transmission

The all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, standard on the 2017 Raptor, features Auto Start-Stop and an integrated electric pump that improve driving efficiency.

The transmission’s closer ratio between gears and Ford-patented hydraulic control system better optimize the power and torque curves of the new 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost engine.

Raptor’s all-new adaptive shift algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time – ensuring the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including Raptor’s normal, sport, weather, mud/sand, rock/crawl and Baja modes. In addition, a high-speed, one-way clutch allows for non-sequential shifting.

Weight savings play a key role in improved shift performance. The 10-speed gearbox – the first from Ford not to employ cast-iron components – uses advanced materials and alloys that result in less weight. Additionally, an integrated torque converter/turbine clutch helps shed more than two pounds, while also reducing the packaging footprint.

CHINA SALES - Ford posts growth numbers ranging from 6% to 15% dependant on it's joint ventures.

• Ford and its joint ventures sell 88,189 vehicles in July, up 15 percent
• Changan Ford Automobile sells 69,074 vehicles, up 20 percent
• Jiangling Motor Corporation sells 17,748 vehicles, up 6 percent

Ford and its joint ventures in China continued their strong sales performance with 88,189 vehicles sold in July, up 15 percent compared to July 2015. Year-to-date sales for Ford, Changan Ford (CAF) and Jiangling Motor Corporation (JMC) total 652,836 vehicles, up 6 percent compared to the same time last year.

July sales for CAF, Ford's passenger car joint venture, reached 69,074 vehicles, up 20 percent compared to July 2015. Year-to-date sales for CAF accelerated past the half million mark with 503,719 vehicles sold, up 11 percent compared to last year.

CAF’s strong performance was led by the Ford Escort, which saw July sales up 82 percent, and the new Ford Focus, with monthly sales up 13 percent.

JMC, Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, sold 17,748 vehicles in July, up 6 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales total 139,262 vehicles, down 5 percent.

CHINA - Ford grows by 6% over last year with the joint ventures, Lincoln and Ford all showing gains.

• Ford Motor Company first half sales in China total 577,097 vehicles, up 6 percent
• Changan Ford Automobile first half sales total 434,645 vehicles, up 10 percent; 64,377 vehicles sold in June, up 4 percent
• Jiangling Motor Corporation first half sales total 121,514 vehicles, down 7 percent; 19,351 vehicles sold in June, up 5 percent 
• Lincoln first half sales in China total 12,450 vehicles, an almost three-fold increase and exceeding 2015 full-year sales

Ford Motor Company continued its strong performance in China with vehicle sales in the first half for Ford, Lincoln and its joint ventures reaching 577,097 vehicles, a 6 percent increase compared to the same time last year.

Vehicle sales for Ford and its joint ventures in the first half were up 5 percent over last year to 564,647, with June accounting for 85,105 units sold. June results were 3 percent higher than June 2015.

“We continue to see solid growth in China during the first half,” said Dave Schoch, Ford Motor Company group vice president and president of Asia Pacific. “Even as the pace of growth slows and the market matures, customers continue to respond well to our products, particularly our world-class SUV lineup.”

Demand for Ford and Lincoln sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continues to be high in the first half of 2016, with combined sales of the Ford EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, Everest and Explorer and Lincoln MKC, MKX and Navigator surpassing 150,000 vehicles, a 27 percent increase over 2015.

The Ford Edge saw sales surpass the 50,000 mark during the first half. First half sales for the Ford Explorer increased nearly 50 percent over last year to 6,884. 

First half sales for Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's passenger car joint venture, reached 434,645 vehicles, a 10 percent increase compared to last year. In June, CAF sold 64,377 vehicles, up 4 percent compared to June 2015.

Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, sold 19,351 vehicles in June, an increase of 5 percent compared to last year. First-half sales totaled 121,514 vehicles, down 7 percent.

Lincoln continues to see strong growth in China with 12,450 vehicles sold in the first half of 2016, an almost three-fold increase compared to last year. With this, the luxury brand already has exceeded last year’s full-year sales of 11,630.

USA - Ford announces the new Raptor will come with Six different mode settings to cover the vast majority of surfaces.

The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor features six terrain modes designed to handle the most demanding terrains. From off-road rock crawling and desert running to on-road sport mode, Raptor is ready for any type of driving. Here’s a breakdown of each mode.

Normal

For everyday on-road driving duties, normal mode is a perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience.

Sport

Mountain passes are no longer just for Mustang, thanks to Raptor sport mode. For spirited on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response and provides a sportier steering feel – along with quicker shifting. The transmission holds gears longer to keep you in the power band.

Weather

When road conditions are less than ideal, weather mode inspires confidence without compromising driving pleasure. Snow/wet mode automatically engages 4 Auto. AdvanceTrac, throttle response and the shift schedule are optimized for greater confidence in slippery conditions.

Mud/Sand

For tackling trails and other off-road treks, the mud/sand setting is your best friend. 4 High and the electronic locking differential automatically engage for driving over loose or soft ground, and optimized AdvanceTrac settings help Raptor keep its footing. Steering is set to comfort, which makes it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles.

Baja

Baja mode is where Raptor eclipses the competition. Designed for high-speed desert running, Baja mode places the vehicle in 4 High, AdvanceTrac is programmed to the least intrusive settings, and the throttle map is adjusted for more linear power and improved engine response to give the hardcore off-road driver greater control. The transmission has quicker shifts and holds gears longer – keeping the vehicle in its power band.

Rock Crawl

This setting is for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds. Rock crawl prompts the driver to place the vehicle in 4 Low, the electronic locking differential is automatically engaged and AdvanceTrac is set to the least intrusive settings for optimum rock-climbing ability. 

Throttle modulation and transmission response are optimized for greater control. Additionally, the front camera allows the driver to see what’s right in front of the truck, and it can be kept on at speeds up to 15 mph.

Along with the individual AdvanceTrac settings tied to drive modes, Raptor continues the Ford Performance tradition of allowing the driver to program the system’s settings to match conditions and skill level. 

The driver can reduce traction control but keep stability control on with a single press of the electronic stability control button; or, by holding the button for five seconds, the driver can turn AdvanceTrac settings off.

Ford year to date sales in china are have risen to nearly half a million, and still growing at a steady rate.

• Ford year-to-date sales total 479,542 up five percent; 88,248 vehicles sold in May.
• Changan Ford Automobile year-to-date sales total 370,268, up 11 percent, 67,055 vehicles sold in May.
• Jiangling Motor Corporation year-to-date sales total 102,163 vehicles, down nine percent; 19,692 vehicles sold in May.

Ford’s performance in China remains strong with year-to-date sales reaching 479,542, a five-percent increase compared to 2015. May sales totaled 88,248.

Year-to-date sales for Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's passenger car joint venture, reached 370,268, an 11-percent increase compared to last year. CAF sold 67,055 vehicles in May, matching the company’s best-ever May performance of 2015.

The Ford Edge had another strong month in May with more than 8,500 sold.  The new Ford Taurus also is off to a strong start with nearly 2,500 sold during May.

Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, delivered year-to-date sales of 102,163 vehicles, a nine-percent decrease compared to the same time last year, generally in-line with the traditional commercial vehicle market. In May, JMC sold 19,692 vehicles, a four-percent decrease compared to May 2015. 

Ford China year-to-date sales total 391,294 vehicles, up seven percent; 82,324 vehicles sold in April.

• Ford year-to-date sales total 391,294 vehicles, up seven percent; 82,324 vehicles sold in April
• Changan Ford Automobile sales through April total 303,213 vehicles, up 14 percent; 58,802 vehicles sold in April
• Jiangling Motor Corporation year-to-date sales total 82,471 vehicles, down 10 percent; 22,165 vehicles sold in April

Ford’s year-to-date sales in China increased seven percent from 2015 with 391,294 vehicles sold. In April, Ford sold 82,324 vehicles, down 11 percent compared to April 2015.

Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's passenger car joint venture, delivered year-to-date sales of 303,213, up 14 percent from last year. CAF sold 58,802 vehicles in April, a decrease of 11 percent.

Ford’s portfolio of sport utility vehicles continues to be popular among Chinese consumers with year-to-date sales of the Ford Ecosport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest surpassing the 100,000 mark, up 27 percent compared to the same period last year. Ford introduced the newest members to its SUV lineup, the new Ford Kuga and the Ford Edge V6 Flagship, at the recent Auto China 2016.

The Ford Escort continues to be a top-seller for Ford, with year-to-date sales of the nameplate totaling 84,835 vehicles, up 69 percent compared to 2015.

Year-to-date sales for Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, totaled 82,471 vehicles, down 10 percent compared to the same time last year. In April, JMC’s sold 22,165 vehicles, down seven percent compared to April 2015.

Looking forward, CAF 1 Chongqing Assembly Plant, which produces the Ford Ecosport, Focus and Mondeo, will take downtime during the remainder of the second quarter due to planned maintenance. This downtime was reflected in the Ford Asia Pacific second quarter production volume of 345,000 units shared during Ford’s financial report April 28.