Though the Ford F-150 has been available in the Platinum level trim since 2009, Ford is gracing the trim upon the Super Duty trucks for the first time on the 2013 models.  This is the highest trim level that will be available for the Super Duty trucks, but will work with the Kind Ranch trim, allowing buyers to choose between the cowboy or stylish theme.

The new package will include the new MyFord Touch voice-activated infotainment system, a different grille, a specialized tailgate design, uniquely designed wheels and a sleeker lighting detail design throughout the cabin and bed.

Though the pricing difference for the new trim level has not been released yet, automotive media expects to see the Platinum Super Duty Trucks on dealership lots by fall.  Ford’s Super Duty Trucks are available in F-250, F-350 and F-450.  There has been a demand, even by large truck owners, for a more luxurious and sleeker design, which is what the Platinum package will provide.

For more information or to take a look at any Ford trucks, contact Brien Ford.

Brien Ford see’s nothing but Ford’s  F series super duty being used in the field. There’s quite a reason behind that however, as Ford reports that they have sold over 4,000,000 of the trucks in the past 13 years. If one were to measure the distance covered by a line of all of these trucks it would be about 16 thousand miles long.

Ford seems to have a pretty secure job in the heavy duty truck market, as they make a new one every 63 seconds. The F series has also been the leader of the entire truck market for roughly 34 years.

Take a look at what’s going on in Ford News, courtesy of Brien Ford! Be sure to check out Brien Ford for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Ford vehicles.

• Brien Ford New Inventory
  
• Brien Ford Pre-Owned Inventor

People told Gary Mueller that he should probably think about getting a new truck when his 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty was nearing 300,000 miles.

Read the original post:
1 Million and Counting: Ford Retiree Hits Mileage Milestone Traveling Coast to Coast in His 2002 F-350 Super Duty

• Wind tunnel development time enables Ford engineers, aerodynamicists and designers to optimize vehicle fuel efficiency
• Aerodynamics help Ford vehicles achieve class-leading or unsurpassed fuel efficiency in each segment where they compete
• The all-new Ford Focus employs an innovative active grille shutter system to help deliver up to 40 mpg highway by improving aerodynamics

DEARBORN, Mich., April 5, 2011 – Fuel economy improvements can result from reducing friction and drag – not only within engines and transmissions, but as air flows over and around the vehicle as it efficiently skims through the atmosphere at cruising speeds.

“Aerodynamic development has yielded significant improvements in fuel efficiency across the full line of Ford vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Full-size trucks, family-friendly utilities, and cars in each segment add fuel economy from careful attention to aerodynamic details.”

The all-new Ford Explorer SUV, 2011 North American Truck of the Year, and the stylish Ford Flex crossover both enjoy improved fuel efficiency from painstaking detail work by designers and aerodynamicists collaborating in the wind tunnel.

Explorer delivers class-leading fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, when equipped with front-wheel drive and the standard 290-horsepower V6 engine.

Carefully balancing aerodynamic details such as the front air dam, sideview mirrors and rear liftgate spoiler adds nearly 1 mpg as Explorer quietly cruises the highway.

Ford’s distinctively styled Flex crossover has a boxy shape that turns heads on the street, yet it requires only 8.90 horsepower to maintain a 55 mph cruising speed; its crossover competitors GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander require 9.30 horsepower to move at the same velocity. Using less power to carve through the atmosphere saves fuel, lowering the cost of ownership for Flex drivers.

Built Ford Tough F-Series pickups achieve class-leading fuel economy, aided by careful aerodynamic development. F-150 trucks feature a chamfered shape to the rear of the cab that helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box in an efficient manner. The top of the tailgate angles outward to create a lip, which in turn does its part to direct airflow over the cargo box. The front bumper valance and spoiler have been configured to properly manage airflow beneath the truck, with no compromise to off-road capability.

Cars see aerodynamic benefit, too
Optimized airflow over, under and around Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid sedans help these popular offerings deliver class-leading fuel efficiency. Revised front and rear fascias, front and rear tire shields, an underbody shield and optimized cooling air flow into the engine compartment to help Fusion travel farther on a gallon of gas.

The subcompact Ford Fiesta is available with a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package that enables the car to achieve 40 mpg highway. This package features cruise control, low rolling-resistance tires and several additions to enhance vehicle aerodynamics, such as underbody shields, side air deflectors and lower grille blockers.

To see a brief video discussing how an aerodynamic body shape enhances fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/v/9a3Dd3WMz3c. To view photos of vehicle development in the wind tunnel, please follow this link: http://ford.wieck.com/db/*query?aerofe&source=FRD.

The all-new Ford Focus four-door sedan is also available with an SFE package, ideal for customers placing the highest priority on fuel efficiency. Low rolling-resistance tires combine with a rear decklid spoiler and aerodynamically optimized wheel covers to help Focus with SFE package deliver up to 40 mpg highway.

A unique feature shared by Fiesta and Focus SFE models is that both vehicles rely on aerodynamic optimizations and an advanced six-speed automatic transmission to deliver superior fuel efficiency, whereas competitive models often force a driver to choose a manual transmission to achieve the highest fuel economy.

Active grille shutters
Focus four-door models feature an innovative system to improve vehicle aerodynamics – and fuel efficiency – at cruising speeds. The active grille shutter system will open grille slats when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Moving forward, active grille shutter technology will migrate to other Ford nameplates.

About Brien Ford

At Brien Ford, we have one goal: Happy Customers. To make our customers happy, we decided we were going to sell vehicles in a way that reflects respect and care.

We asked, and people told us what they wanted when buying a vehicle. An end to the days of stressful buying process, inflated second stickers, and the hassles that go along with buying at most dealerships.

At Brien Ford, we abolished the old way of doing business, and became focused on our customers and service.

We treat all of our customers with the same great respect and honesty everyone deserves. Whether you are buying your first car or your hundredth car, we treat everybody the same.

Ford’s Extreme Road Testing Helps Cars Conquer Potholes around the World

Ford ‘s Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium and Michigan Proving Ground in the U.S. feature miles of test track that specifically re-creates potholes and damaged surfaces to mirror extreme public road conditions. Real-world road simulations, high-tech data acquisition and thousands of miles of testing ensure the toughest durability from Ford suspension systems. Come test drive a Ford at Brien Ford of Everett.

Ford engineers know that not all roads are created equal. Some are pockmarked with potholes. Others simply consist of merciless off-road-like tracks. Engineers know that too many drivers speed over four-inch-deep potholes or take turns too fast on cobblestone roads. To ensure its vehicles can withstand such driving behavior, engineers  test vehicles for all global markets.

Several types of road conditions are simulated including moderately rough roads such as those in Europe and North America and severely rough roads like those in emerging markets, taking into account that weather conditions can make these roads even worse. With much of Europe having been gripped by two bitterly cold winters in succession and public spending cuts leaving little money for surface repairs there and in the U.S., motorists on both continents are driving into spring on roads scarred by potholes and damaged surfaces.

Yet Ford drivers can rest assured their vehicles are built to cope, thanks to the rigorous testing and development processes established for chassis and suspension systems. All new Ford models are put through a tough testing and development process to ensure they not only offer class-leading levels of ride comfort for occupants but are easily capable of withstanding the loads placed upon components by damaged road surfaces.

“We have created some of the worst potholes in Europe on our own test track. If our cars can pass these tests, then they can cope with almost anything they encounter on public roads,” said Eric-Jan Scharlee, technical specialist for Durability Testing at Lommel Proving Ground. “You name the road surface, we have it at our proving ground.”

“We use two types of test tracks at Ford to re-create the loads customers are seeing on public roads,” said Scharlee. “One type simulates actual public roads, such as Lower Dunton Road in Essex, U.K., while the other comprises a variety of potholes that have been artificially constructed to mimic different driving conditions.”

The standard is repeated at Michigan Proving Ground: “We go over gravel. We go over cobblestone. We go full-throttle. We shake things up,” said Dan Coleman, manager of Global Durability Process in Dearborn, Mich.

Ford develops suspension testing for global customer requirements
To re-create realistic road conditions, Ford engineers survey drivers of every vehicle segment in different parts of the world asking them to rate the roads they drive on and how they use their vehicles.

Then they create a statistical profile of the driver, the type of roads the driver uses, and his or her driving habits – and apply it to a durability test cycle at the respective proving ground.

Using this data, engineers can extrapolate how much load is likely to be placed on the vehicle over the course of its lifetime, which tells them how much the vehicle needs to be able to withstand.

“The challenge for a suspension system is when it exits the pothole,” said Simon Mooney, test engineer for Road Load Data at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex. “The impact can be like hitting a curb. We test all the wheel and tire sizes that we produce for our vehicles to their limit, so we’re confident they can cope.”

With Ford dedicated to producing global vehicles, testing procedures and requirements at proving grounds around the world are commonized.

Rigorous testing using high-tech equipment
Chassis and suspension testing for passenger cars is conducted in two phases, with the first phase designed to simulate the extreme demands placed on the vehicle’s suspension and major structures over the course of its lifetime. During the second phase the emphasis shifts to the entire vehicle, including high speed and rural road driving simulations.

During these tests, high-tech equipment is used to record the loads and strains placed upon suspension components. “We use specially instrumented wheels on the car that measure the force and corresponding moments in three directions,” says Mooney. “On some vehicles, there are various sensors totaling some 200 channels through which to get the data.”

About Brien Ford

At Brien Ford, we have one goal: Happy Customers. To make our customers happy, we decided we were going to sell vehicles in a way that reflects respect and care.

We asked, and people told us what they wanted when buying a vehicle. An end to the days of stressful buying process, inflated second stickers, and the hassles that go along with buying at most dealerships.

At Brien Ford, we abolished the old way of doing business, and became focused on our customers and service.

We treat all of our customers with the same great respect and honesty everyone deserves. Whether you are buying your first car or your hundredth car, we treat everybody the same.

Get directions to Brien Ford in Everett

For the first time in the study’s 16-year history, the Ford Motor Company has surpassed American Honda in Strategic Vision ’s annual Total Value Index ratings. The automaker finished second overall in the rankings and saw five of its vehicles finish at the top of their individual segments. This year’s Total Value Index was based on some 442 data points—dealing with areas such as fuel economy, reliability, durability, ownership costs and resale value—as reported by more than 110,000 customers who purchased a new vehicle between September 2009 and June 2010. The company’s award winners included: Ford Fusion, topping all rivals in the hotly contested Mid-Size Car segment Ford Flex, besting all comers in the Mid-Size Crossover Utility category Ford F-150 , a co-winner in the Full-Size Pickup class Ford F-250/F-350, taking Total Value honors among Heavy Duty Pickups Lincoln MKT , which was recognized in the Luxury Multi-Function segment “Ford Motor Corporation’s ranking ahead of American Honda Motor is quite an accomplishment, especially considering that just eight years ago they ranked last among all corporations,” said Strategic Vision vice president Christopher Chaney. “It’s certainly not that other manufacturers have completely fallen, it’s that the bar is being raised with the buyer ultimately winning.” And in Ford’s case, that’s a lot of buyers: The company sold 1.935 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2010, up 19 percent as compared to the previous year—representing the largest increase of any full-line automaker. “With our balanced line of high-quality, fuel-efficient products, we have a solid foundation to deliver more sales and improved results in 2011,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Consideration for Ford is increasing beyond our traditional areas of strength—signaling that the seeds of growth already have taken hold.”

Continued here:
Ford Reaches New High-Water Mark In Total Value Index

Proving that Ford is leading the way when it comes to in-car technology, Ford has introduced a new App Software to help owners of the Ford F-Series with towing their loads.  The new software promises to help walk drivers though the proper trailer connection process, and many other features.

The F-150 productivity screen is standard on all FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models. It is also available on XLT as part of the XLT Convenience Package. Stop by Brien Ford today to check out the exciting new F-Series from Ford, and see what makes Ford trucks so successful!

• Truck App software application makes hooking up a trailer and going off-road easy and safe
• Menu items featured on a 4×2-inch screen
• System is exclusive to Ford trucks

DEARBORN, Mich., March 10, 2011 – An all-new Truck App in Ford F-Series features an industry-first in truck technology – a software application for safe and easy towing and off-roading.

With more than 50 percent of F-Series owners regularly towing a trailer, Ford developed the first application to walk drivers through the proper trailer connection process, among many other features.

The Truck App is available on F-Series’ class-exclusive LCD instrument cluster screen, a beefier version of the driver information display where traditional stats on fuel economy, vehicle settings and trip tracking also live.

“The 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen presents detailed information in an engaging, easy-to-use manner so customers get the most out of their Ford trucks for work and for play,” said Joseph Fodera, cluster applications engineer.

A checklist asks drivers a set of questions to help ensure the trailer is connected properly:

• Ball coupler connected and locked?
• Tongue jack raised?
• Mirrors adjusted?
• Electrical wiring connected?
• Lights functioning correctly (running lights, left/right turn and brake lights)?
• Trailer Brake Controller gain setting adjusted?
• Wheel chocks removed?
• Safety chains connected?

For those who own multiple trailers, Truck App allows drivers to name each trailer and collect and store accumulated mileage for each – for up to 10 different trailers, displaying helpful information such as accumulated miles for a particular unit, trailer brake gain (with available integrated brake controller) and output.

Off-road information
The Truck App also caters to the off-road enthusiast with unique information screens such as pitch-and-roll, which shows the angle of surface incline, the degree of tilt and steering angle.

The app on the F-150 SVT Raptor includes a specific screen that shows the status of Hill Descent Control™, off-road mode and the 4×4 system.

In addition to the Truck App software application, the more traditional screen menus include:

• Gauge mode – includes real-time transmission oil temperature
• Trip A/B – includes trip time and mileage information and tracks two trips
• Fuel economy – tracks fuel consumption history and offers selectable displays for efficiency in miles to empty, average and instantaneous
• Settings – allows the customer to turn features on or off, change autolamp time, set trailer brake setting and monitor oil life
• Information – provides management of the MyKey® feature, a system check screen and key system warnings for trailer sway control, Hill Descent Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The F-150 productivity screen is standard on all FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models. It is also available on XLT as part of the XLT Convenience Package.

Video link:

Click here for a video that illustrates the features of the new Truck Apps for F-Series.

# # #

About Brien Ford
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Serving Seattle, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, Bothell, Edmonds, and Lake Stevens, Washington dealers.

Seattle Ford Dealers

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Ford F-150 • Escape • Ford Escape Hybrid • Focus • Ford Fusion • Flex • Ford Edge • Taurus • Ford Expedition• Explorer• Ford Explorer Sport • Mustang• Ford Ranger • F-250 • Ford F-350 • Browse Ford dealership New car inventory

Another month, another sales record from Ford. Come see why Ford sales continue to climb at Brien Ford Everett. We have all of the best selling Ford models in stock – Schedule a test drive today!

• Ford’s February retail sales climbed 23 percent versus a year ago
• Best month ever for Fiesta; Focus retail sales up 43 percent year-over-year
• Explorer retail sales up 268 percent; Edge retail sales up 18 percent
• Fusion, Escape set sales records – Fusion up 40 percent; Escape up 19 percent
• Ford’s total February sales (including fleet) were 156,626, up 14 percent
• Year-to-date sales were 283,943, up 14 percent; retail sales up 25 percent
• Ford announces second quarter North American production

Consumer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as February retail sales increased 23 percent versus a year ago.

Ford’s total February sales, including sales to fleet customers, were 156,626, up 14 percent.

“With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers’ consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford’s investment in new products, engines and transmissions is delivering real value to our customers, and people are rewarding us for it.”

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Cars
Retail sales of Ford’s small cars – Fiesta and Focus – were more than double year-ago levels (up 114 percent). Fiesta had its best sales month ever with 6,270 vehicles and continues to gain share in its market segment. Focus retail sales were 43 percent higher than a year ago. The all-new Focus will arrive in Ford dealer showrooms this spring.

Ford Fusion set a new monthly sales record with total sales of 23,111, up 40 percent versus a year ago.

Retail sales also were higher for the Ford Mustang (up 22 percent) and the Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan (up 17 percent).

Utilities
Sales of Ford’s utility vehicles were paced by the all-new Ford Explorer. Explorer retail sales were up 268 percent. For the second straight month, the new Explorer is the fastest-turning vehicle in the Ford showroom.

Retail sales also were higher for the Ford Escape (up 34 percent), Edge (up 18 percent) and Lincoln MKX (up 13 percent). Escape set a February record with total sales of 18,005 (up 19 percent).

Trucks
Strong sales to commercial fleet customers and higher sales to retail customers powered Ford truck sales growth in February. Sales of Ford’s F-Series truck totaled 37,549, up 14 percent versus a year ago.

Ford’s commercial vehicles also posted strong year-to-year increases. Econoline sales totaled 9,723 (up 22 percent) and Transit Connect sales were 2,152 (up 61 percent).

Year-to-date sales
In the first two months of 2011, Ford sales totaled 283,943, up 14 percent versus the same period a year ago. Retail sales were up 25 percent with the strongest growth in the East (where retail sales were up 45 percent) and California (where retail sales were up 43 percent).

“Ford’s fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles are winning customers nationwide, but the strongest growth is in the ‘smile’ region of the country,” said Czubay. “Early consumer reactions indicate the new Focus will drive more growth in these areas.”

North American production
In the second quarter, Ford plans to build 710,000 vehicles, up 57,000 vehicles (9 percent) compared with the second quarter of 2010.  In the first quarter, Ford plans to build 650,000 vehicles, unchanged from the previous forecast.

# # #

About Brien Ford

Seattle Ford Dealers

Brien Certified Everett Ford cars and trucks

Used cars Everett dealers

Serving Seattle, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, Bothell, Edmonds, and Lake Stevens, Washington dealers.

Ford F-150 • Escape • Ford Escape Hybrid • Focus • Ford Fusion • Flex • Ford Edge • Taurus • Ford Expedition • Explorer • Ford Explorer Sport • Mustang• Ford Ranger • F-250 • Ford F-350 • Browse Ford dealership New car inventory

Ford Trucks Seattle

When you are thinking about Ford Trucks in Seattle who would you compare one most to? Out of all of the folks that associate themselves with Seattle you could probably compare a Ford Truck best to Ken Griffey Jr..  They seem to be the perfect match. Now, what kind of Ford Truck do you think matches him best? You think a Ford Ranger is a good match? Maybe that is a little too small. He could possibly be compared to a Ford F-150? Still, a small truck to compare to a big star like Jr.. What kind of Ford Truck would fit him best? Well lets describe Jr. first and see what Ford Truck fits the description best

He was a superior player with one of the most feared bats in his time. Every time he stepped up to the plate the pitcher knew he had to find some way to get around him before he did his work but once his eyes locked up with a pitch he drove them hard, he drove them long and he drove them often.  When Jr. was defending the outfield he did it with pure leadership at the center position. He covered all sides with honor, speed and he sure did it with style.

Now you may talk about how he had a couple of bumps and bruises throughout his career but he bounced back after a couple of repairs and performed like  a true elite player. He was always on duty when asked and provided the leadership when the times called for it. His durability was tested every time he stepped out on the field did it for about 20 years. He performed more than expected and did it a lot longer than the average player.

Just like a Ford Super Duty Truck he was built tough. They are both legendary performers in a league of their own and it is no mistake to compare the two. A Super Duty Truck is the elite Truck within Ford and you can probably bet that it is the elite in its class. These trucks may have the same style of trim as the lighter ones in the family but they bring more payload and towing capacity right off the bat. You can try and test this aspect for a very long time. You can drive them hard and long just like Jr. The type of engines that are built for these Super Duty Trucks are more durable and longer lasting then the class that it leads. If you can match the beast under the hood of a Ford Super Duty Truck you might as well place a nice Ford logo on your chest and hit the road because you would be a legend in the making.

The F-350 is Ford’s Super Duty full-sized single rear-wheel (SRW) or dual rear-wheel (DRW) truck. The F-350 manages to mix innovation, comfort, and style into a competitive vehicle that has impressive torque ratings, towing capacities, and payloads.

The F-350 is available as a 4×2 or a 4×4, has three different cab configurations, and has four trims available. The rugged and reliable XL, the well equipped XLT, the durable FX4 and the luxurious Lariat. Three engine choices include a 5.4 liter 300 horsepower Triton V8 with 365 lb.-ft. of torque. A 362 horsepower Triton V10 with 457 lb.-ft of torque or a 350 horsepower twin-turbo 6.4 liter V8 Powerstroke diesel with 650 lb.-ft. of torque. Each engine offers a six-speed manual transmission or an optional TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode. When properly equipped the F-350 can tow 15,000 lbs. or carry a payload of 5,720 lbs. The F-350 offers unique amenities such as a supplemental heater, folding tailgate step and a TowCommand trailer brake controller.

For 2008, the Ford F-350 is completely redesigned.