Fire Command Vehicle
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Interested? Intrigued? Absolutely have to have this?!
Every second counts in an emergency: All-new 2021 F-150 Police Responder ®, America’s only pursuit-rated pickup purpose-built for law enforcement, recorded faster 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and quarter-mile times than any other police vehicle in recent tests
Overall performance improvements were verified in vehicle dynamics testing where 2021 F-150 Police Responder cut up to 5.8 seconds off its average lap time vs. outgoing model according to Michigan State Police preliminary test results DEARBORN, Mich., June 29, 2021 – The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder® has the best acceleration of any pursuit-rated police vehicle tested, helping law enforcement officers respond quickly to emergencies. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department test data, as well as preliminary test results from Michigan State Police, show the 2021 F-150 Police Responder, America’s only pursuit-rated pickup truck, had the fastest 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and quartermile times of any law enforcement vehicle, including SUVs and sedans.
“Vehicle acceleration and speed contribute to how quickly first responders can safely arrive at an emergency scene,” said Greg Ebel, Ford police vehicle brand manager. “Shaving even a few seconds off response times can make a big difference. Whether responding to an accident on the highway or a distress call from somewhere off-road, law enforcement officers can count on 2021 F-150 Police Responder to get them there fast.” In Michigan State Police tests, preliminary results show 2021 F-150 Police Responder clocked a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds – 1.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model and at least 0.4 seconds faster than any other vehicle tested. Its 0-100 mph time was 3.7 seconds faster than the 2020 model at 13.1 seconds – 0.8 seconds faster than the runner up. The agency also confirmed the truck’s new 120 mph top speed, a 15 mph increase. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tests showed 2021 F-150 Police Responder hitting the quarter mile in just 14.4 seconds, a full second faster than the 2020 model and 0.4 seconds faster than the closest competitor. The main drivers of the acceleration improvements are the truck’s increased torque and new torque-on-demand 4x4 transfer case. The F-150 Police Responder standard police-tuned 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine produces 500 lb.-ft. of torque, more than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle.
Its automatic four-wheel-drive mode and torque-on-demand transfer case constantly adjust torque to front or rear wheels as needed. This contributes to faster starts because it provides instant traction to all four wheels regardless of road – or off-road – conditions. The torque-on-demand transfer case also plays a role in the truck’s overall performance, since it facilitates carrying faster speeds when cornering. This was showcased during 32-lap vehicle dynamics tests run by both the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The 2021 F-150 Police Responder showed dramatic improvements over the original, cutting 5.8 seconds off its average lap time during the Michigan tests, and 3.6 seconds per lap during the Los Angeles tests. (Los Angeles testing protocols add 400 lbs. of payload to police trucks and SUVs to simulate cargo). Laps in the dynamic tests are run on winding, curving tracks, as well as a tight city course, to simulate real-world pursuit driving conditions.
“The vehicle dynamics course is where the entire vehicle is put to the test,” explained Allen Magolan, Ford police vehicles integration manager. “It shows how well the vehicle’s systems work together to deliver the performance an officer relies on in an unpredictable high-speed situation – its acceleration, straight-line speed, cornering and overall performance.” Introduced in 2017 as a powerful and capable all-terrain law enforcement tool, F-150 Police Responder is part of America’s best-selling police vehicle lineup.* The truck is built on the all-new 2021 F-150 SuperCrew® platform and engineered to meet a wide range of agency needs – from allowing officers to travel with an assortment of emergency response gear to transporting mobile command centers. It offers the most towing capacity**, payload capacity† and interior passenger volume of any pursuit-rated law enforcement vehicle.
F-150 Police Responder is assembled at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, and arrives in fleets later this fall. Pursuit ratings for police vehicles are determined by vehicle manufacturers; passing the vehicle dynamics test conducted in third-party evaluations by Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is used by Ford for validation of its pursuit-rated claims. # # # *Based on IHS Markit new vehicle registration data limited to government entities and POL and SSV trim for full year 2020. **Maximum towing varies based on cargo, accessories and number of passengers; do not tow a trailer during patrol or pursuit situations. †Maximum payload varies and is based on accessories. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Towing, payload, horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously
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DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2021 – Settling in for a drive in an enhanced, upgraded vehicle will now become a regular experience for Ford owners as the company routinely delivers new features and improvements through its wireless software update technology called Ford Power-Up.
The first Ford Power-Up software updates for F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers in North America began in March, accelerating a transformation well underway with more than 6 million vehicles on the road today featuring advanced, embedded modem connectivity. New vehicles equipped with Ford Power-Up capability identify customer preferences and vehicle issues, which Ford engineers then translate into quality and capability improvements delivered through Ford Power-Up enhancements.
“Software updates are common across billions of connected devices but not yet for vehicles. Ford Power-Up software updates will change that by quickly bringing it to millions of people,” says Alex Purdy, director, business operations, enterprise connectivity, Ford Motor Company. “We’ve invested in more seamless technology so updates can happen while you’re sleeping – making your next ride a better experience.”
A new fully networked, second-generation electrical architecture and advanced tech stack create the foundation to deliver unique Ford Power-Up software updates. These quick and easy wireless upgrades help enhance features, quality, experiences, capability and convenience. Capable of updating the vast majority of vehicle computer modules – more than 110 on higher end models – these upgrades can help improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips.
Many Ford Power-Up software updates will be virtually invisible to customers, enabled by a tech platform that installs much of the new software in the background. Many updates require little to no action by the customer, enabled by SYNC® 4 Technology that keeps current software running until the new version is ready to go.
For updates that require reboots, Ford invites customers to schedule them at convenient times, such as overnight. Some updates can be made in under two minutes1, while others may take longer. Unlike updates for devices such as laptops which often seem to come at inconvenient times, vehicle owners may not even notice that the installation occurred until the vehicle is started.
Amazon and Ford plan to expand relationship to create new features
Ford is prepping what’s planned to be the industry’s broadest rollout of the embedded Alexa hands-free experience to date, with complimentary connectivity to Alexa for up to three years2. This year alone, the same type of Alexa voice command functionality many people have in their homes will be wired to 700,000 Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, followed by millions more over the next few years.
As part of a new strategic engagement between Amazon and Ford, the companies plan to work together to deliver enhanced features and new commercial services over the next six years. This includes exploring the development of the first custom Alexa skills for Ford commercial vehicles, using the power of Alexa artificial intelligence to help business owners and fleet managers stay in touch with their teams and increase productivity.
“We’re excited to work with Amazon to bring powerful new AI-enabled experiences to Ford customers,” says Purdy. “We believe in the power of teaming up with other innovators. Bringing Ford’s vehicle know-how together with Amazon’s technology expertise will deliver in-vehicle capabilities that help our retail customers travel more enjoyably and with ease, while helping our commercial customers operate more profitably.”
Alexa will initially be delivered through Ford Power-Up software updates beginning this fall for Bronco®, Edge, F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Super Duty® customers with SYNC 4 Technology in the U.S. and Canada, with other regions to follow.
“Democratizing technology and putting it within reach of millions of customers has been a part of Ford’s DNA dating back to the Model T, and our new collaboration is a continuation of that legacy,” says Ned Curic, vice president, Alexa Automotive. “We can’t wait for Ford customers to experience the best of what Alexa and voice AI can do while on the road – including new features and capabilities that will be delivered seamlessly through future over-the-air software updates. We love the vote of confidence from Ford to deepen our work together and continue making the driving experience more connected, entertaining, and productive.”
The support of Alexa on SYNC 4 represents the latest collaboration between Ford and Amazon. Ford first brought Alexa into its vehicles in 2017, starting with connected vehicle skills and then adding in-vehicle capabilities through the SYNC AppLink smartphone app, which is still available but no longer required for the new, more seamless capability. More information about how customers can set up an Alexa account will be shared closer to launch.
Inside their vehicle, Ford customers can ask Alexa to control smart home devices, place calls, locate parking and more. Alexa capabilities delivered through SYNC 4 Technology provide the convenience of hands-free, voice-initiated interactions – minimizing the need for drivers to view or touch screens and helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Customers can interact with their vehicles naturally and say things like, “Alexa, find the closest gas station” or “Alexa, play my road trip playlist” or “Alexa, call Mom.”
Ford customers will be able to access the benefits of Amazon’s world-class voice AI and intelligent features both inside and outside their vehicle. Combined with the FordPass skill for Alexa3 – which customers can continue to use to control vehicle functions such as start/stop engine, lock and unlock doors4, check vehicle range or tire pressure all from the comfort of their home – Ford is bringing smart homes and connected vehicles closer together.
Powering up new features, quality
Over the last two months, 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers have begun receiving Ford Power-Up enhancements. Mustang Mach-E customers in North America and Europe soon will receive Sketch -- also referred to as Notes in vehicle menus – for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming.
Ford Power-Up software updates will quickly expand to nearly all vehicle computer modules, enabling an update of Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology that adds BlueCruise5 hands-free highway driving to Intelligent Cruise Control. This will be delivered to properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles with additional software purchase later this year.
The company’s move to modernize its quality processes is already delivering results. Ford engineers used connected vehicle data to quickly identify issues with F-150 zone lighting. Ford also plans to address an issue with F-150 and Mustang Mach-E Android Auto connectivity by June.
Customers also will continue to receive new enhancements over the coming weeks, including:
DEARBORN, Mich., May 10, 2021 – Ford’s smartest, most innovative truck yet will be all-electric and called F-150 Lightning. The all-new F-150 Lightning will be revealed May 19 at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn and livestreamed for millions to watch.
The F-150 Lightning brings stunning innovation, technologies and capabilities to the F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, combined with the power, payload and towing capability that is the hallmark of all Built Ford Tough trucks.
The reveal takes place at 9:30 p.m. EDT, May 19, from Ford World Headquarters and will be broadcast live with 30+ ways to watch across physical and digital destinations, including the Ford Facebook and YouTube channels, Twitter, key national publications as well as 18 impactful out-of-home locations such as Times Square in New York City and Las Vegas Boulevard.
“Every so often, a new vehicle comes along that disrupts the status quo and changes the game … Model T, Mustang, Prius, Model 3. Now comes the F-150 Lightning,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “America’s favorite vehicle for nearly half a century is going digital and fully electric. F-150 Lightning can power your home during an outage; it’s even quicker than the original F-150 Lightning performance truck; and it will constantly improve through over-the-air updates.”
Added Farley: “The truck of the future will be built with quality and a commitment to sustainability by Ford-UAW workers at the Ford Rouge Complex -- the cathedral of American manufacturing and our most advanced plant.”
Production of the F-150 Lightning begins next spring at the all-new Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.
Miami MAY 7, 2021 – As part of Ford’s commitment to strengthen local communities, the company is joining forces with Health in the Hood and World Central Kitchen to deliver 5,000 fresh, healthy, pre-prepared meals to families in Miami-Dade County. The mobilized delivery service will run for eight weeks and complement Health in the Hood’s existing distribution program, with Ford delivering meals via Ford Transit Connect vans to over 60 families weekly who are living in food deserts.
“Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in food insecurity in Miami due to job loss,” said Asha Walker, Founder and CEO, Health in the Hood. “By teaming up with corporate community partners like Ford, we are able to mobilize our food pantry and provide additional access to families who might have otherwise not have been able to receive the meals.”
Administered by Ford Fund – the automaker’s philanthropic arm – Ford is contributing $25,000 to kick off the effort led by Health in the Hood, a nonprofit whose mission is to fight food insecurity. World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond, is providing the pre-prepared, fresh meals in addition to their ongoing Miami efforts. Ford’s mobility team is also providing support via its Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) software platform to help manage the delivery vehicles and notify recipients when their food is on the way.
The Ford Volunteer Corps will set the stage for meal delivery with a day of service at Health in the Hood. As part of the day of service, local employees across Ford’s mobility business and Ford’s micromobility unit Spin, will help harvest and plant vegetables at its urban gardens. Spin is operating a fleet of dockless scooters in the City of Miami and City of Coral Gables and Ford, in partnership with Argo AI, is currently building an autonomous vehicle service in Miami Dade.
“This program builds on Ford and Ford Fund’s long-term commitment to the Miami community,” said Joe Avila, manager, U.S. & Latin America, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Using our collective resources and expertise, we are able to provide a much-needed service for local families, who now have access to quality meals provided by Health in the Hood and World Central Kitchen.”
Ford Fund and local Ford dealers have invested more than $8 million in Miami-Dade County and the Miami area to boost education, provide disaster relief and advance social entrepreneurship. More recently, 1 million masks were donated to local nonprofits, first responders and the public as part of Ford and Ford Fund’s effort to donate 120 million masks to communities across the U.S.
Vehicles have tow ratings for a reason, but often it's difficult to know when you've exceeded the limit for your particular vehicle.
Complicating the matter is the need to take into account the additional force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch, known as tongue weight, which many people forget. A good rule of thumb is 10-15% of the combined weight of the trailer and anything it's carrying.
New technologies Ford is making available on the F-150 this summer takes out the guesswork, helping to improve safety when towing. They include built-in scales that measure how much weight is being carried directly by the vehicle (i.e. in the cabin and bed), as well as a scale to measure tongue weight to help you properly hitch up and reduce the possibility of trailer sway.
The first of the features, Onboard Scales, measures the weight being carried in the truck and displays this via the infotainment screen, an app, and some trick taillights that have individual bars that light up like the battery indicator of a mobile phone. When there's too much weight, all bars will be lit and the top bar will flash.
The second feature, Smart Hitch, is for towing a trailer. It calculates the tongue weight and provides this information the same way as the Onboard Scales feature. It can also provide guidance on better weight distribution, whether the tongue weight is too low or too high, and whether a weight redistributing hitch (when used) is properly tensioned.
In addition to these, the 2021 F-150 is available with active suspension dampers. When a Tow/Haul mode is activated, these dampers can help control unwanted motions such as bounce, pitch and roll. This can be especially useful when driving over a rough surface, including roads marked with potholes.
The F-150 was redesigned for 2021. The latest generation is capable of towing up to 14,000 pounds and carrying up to 3,325 pounds of payload, depending on the variant.
The new F-150 also saw the introduction of a hybrid powertrain and a battery-electric powertrain is currently being developed. For V-8 fans, a new Raptor R model is also in the works. The regular Raptor continues with a V-6.