Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Feb. 24, 2015
2015 Ford F-150 – $26,615 to start incl. D&H but not incl. any discounts. With the 2.7L EcoBoost, $27,410 incl. D&H. With it in 2WD trim, a 19/26 mpg city/highway rating is the result.
Since May 2013, more than 8,000 skilled trades and production workers at Ford’s Dearborn Truck and Kansas City Assembly Plant have undergone an intensive training program to support production of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150, the most fuel efficient F-150 yet.
The production training program was designed to support F-150’s innovative manufacturing process, which incorporates the latest in advanced military grade heat treated aluminum and high strength steels plus forming and joining technologies, including a cutting-edge riveting operation system versus welding.
With more than 400 hours of in-class and hands-on courses, the skilled trades program covers everything from installing and configuring new equipment for the production line to constructing the truck’s electrical control system(s).
A unique element of the overall program is the “train the trainer” model, in which the workers become subject matter experts on the new equipment, enabling them to train the crew they work with on a daily basis.
The new manufacturing process called for the overhaul of both Dearborn Truck and Kansas City Assembly facilities. Dearborn Truck saw its largest manufacturing transformation in decades wherein legacy manufacturing equipment was replaced with the latest in production technology, including:
- New press lines to help stamp four different types of aluminum alloys that assist with light-weighting the vehicle cab and box
- New hydroforming lines to use fluid pressure to form metal tubes into structurally strong support rails
- New chemical and heat treat area for corrosion resistance and material hardening results in stronger, more durable materials
- Implementation of a closed-loop aluminum recycling system process in which all aluminum assembly scrap is collected and sorted so it can be used again in new F-150s – a process that saves energy and lowers cost
- Investment in 500 new robots in the all-new body shops to conduct state-of-the-art joining technology, resulting in a tougher, more durable truck
- Updated paint shops with dirt detection technology and increased automation for more durable paint application
The training program has resulted in the successful launch of the all-new 2015 F-150 at Dearborn Truck. Kansas City Assembly next with production scheduled for late in the first quarter of 2015. Combined, Dearborn Truck and Kansas City Assembly will have capacity to produce more than 700,000 Ford F-150 pickups per year for availability in 90 markets globally.
Early Sales Results
In January, the F-Series had its strongest sales month since 2004, the company’s best sales year ever for F-150. The F-150 had a turn rate of just 12 days on dealer lots last month.
The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 is the strongest and possibly most efficient F-150 ever produced thanks in part to the massive weight loss of approximately 650 lbs. by using 6013 heat treated aluminum alloy body plus High-strength and Ultra high-strength steel frame and chassis hardware.
These weight savings provide a truck that can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds than the previous generation. When equipped with an available 2.7L V6 EcoBoost, the new F-150 4x2 is rated at 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined.
Other optional all-new features include a 360-degree camera view using exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck, integrated loading ramps, BoxLink cargo management system, a trailer hitch assist with a new rearview camera to line up the truck and trailer and a remote tailgate allows release and clock from the key fob. Much of this is not new to the industry but it is the first time it has been available on an F-150.
2015 Ford F-150 4X4 Supercrew
Equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost mated to a 6-speed AT and 3.73 rear end sits in the drive as I type.
Equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost mated to a 6-speed AT and 3.73 rear end sits in the drive as I type.
I may be the last auto journalist to take the keys to this newsworthy all-new 2015 Ford Pickup truck.
The 18/23 mpg city/highway rated 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat 4X4 Supercrew with the 2.7L EcoBoost arrived yesterday. Unfortunately it has the nit so efficient 3.73 rear end and 18" off-road wheel/tire package. I will not have much time in it today but did start it up to take a look at the previous fuel consumption displays.
Only the Press Fleet Handlers results were displayed and probably included 5 minutes idling while refueling, 40+ miles of Illinois Interstates and 25 miles of city/suburban surface streets. Just 17.4 mpg over 65.3 miles displayed. Both are non-calibrated results. For a Chicagoan during winter, it is very typical not to hit EPA city.
Hopefully we will do far better during our drive(s). ;)
2015 Ford F-150 Ready for Kansas City Production
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