Built Tough Ford Commercial Vehicles Dominate the Market

At the recent 2013 Work Truck Show Ford Motor Company showed the big picture for the commercial products, Gresham Ford Fleet among other Oregon Ford dealerships, offer to the commercial and municipal marketplace.  The event was held in Indianapolis and had one of the most impressive Ford Commercial Vehicle Presentations ever.  In spite of a virtual blizzard that engulfed Indiana, over 10,000 committed car people attended the Green Truck Summit showcasing alternative fuel seminars.  They visited over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space with more than 520 exhibitor companies showcasing their wares.  Over 60 OEM sponsored educational sessions covering industry topics, engineering, business, government, new products and market trends were on hand as well.  Ford Commercial Truck was aggressively involved in all facets of this huge convention and used every opportunity to reinforce its position as the leader in the commercial truck industry.  Ford even brought the 2014 Transit and Transit Connect to showcase just a few of the exciting offerings differentiating Ford Commercial work trucks and vans in the marketplace.  

One of the key presentations at the Green Truck Summit included a seminar entitled "OEM Perspectives on the Future of Clean Technologies".  It was designed to provide insights from the OEM point of view concerning anticipated changes in the transportation fuel sources as well as vehicle technology.  Obviously, the majority of attendees were interested in the opinions on how these changes impact commercial trucks and their associated equipment.  Rob Stevens, Ford Chief Nameplate Engineer, provided a wide-ranging insight into the Ford sustainability plans for Ford Commercial Vehicles.  Gresham Ford Fleet is proud to offer the full line of alternative fuel vehicles offered by Ford Motor Company and its Qualify Vehicle

Commercial Truck Season

Modifiers.  It includes a strategy to offer commercially-based customers a broad selection of powertrain options that include both traditional gasoline based technologies and hybrid/electrical variations utilizing current Ford vehicle platforms.  The chart below captures some of this Ford powertrain strategy and graphically demonstrated to attendees the level of Ford commitment and participation in the future of alternative fuel based vehicles.  The OEM panel included the Moderator Bill Van Amburg, CALSTART: Dave Majors, International Truck; Frank Schenk, Peterbilt Motors; Robert Carrick, Freightliner Trucks; Rob Stevens, Ford Commercial Truck division.  Gresham Ford is a proud Oregon Ford dealership minutes from the heart of Portland, located at 1999 East Powell Blvd in Gresham Oregon.

Ford's 2013 Spring Commercial Truck Season has arrived and brought a new Aerial Bucket Package with it!

Gresham Ford Fleet is proud to participate in the 2013 Spring Ford Commercial Truck Season.  Now through July 1st 2013 Ford Commercial Trucks are being offered with some great incentives including a  all new 2 year/30,000 mile maintenance plan when you purchase a new commercial truck.  Rebates and upfit reimbursement are also available; for more information contact your Gresham Ford Fleet Manager today.  

Ford Extended Service Plans in partnership with Commercial Truck Operations is pleased to announce a complimentary 2 year/30,000 mile extended service plan with limited maintenance coverage for any business owner purchasing one of the following vehicles during this Commercial Truck Season: E-Series Cutaway and Stripped Chassis, E-Series Cargo Vans and Wagons, F-350 F-450 and F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cabs or even the Transit Connect Work Van or Wagon.  Gresham Ford Fleet believes in a holistic approach to fleet management and can show you how extended service and maintenance plans can reduce your overall cost of ownership.  

2013 Econoline Vans Available at Gresham Ford Fleet

Gresham Ford Fleet is also excited to have begun April 1st 2013 with the E-Series Vans intended to be completed as a aerial lift bucket truck with the 86A Aerial Lift Suspension Package.  This package also requires the 53S option also known as the modified vehicle wiring system.  The completed vehicle Vertical Center of Gravity (CGv) must be a minimum of 39.4 inches and a maximum of 44.25 inches in order to meet Type II compliance requirements as noted in the Incomplete Vehicle Manual to comply with FMVSS 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems.  The maximum front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) (672) is 4,600 lbs while the rear GAWR is restricted to 5,400lbs.  The GVWR remains 9500 lbs and Ford Commercial Vehicles has added a new front stabilizer bar, new 80 PSI tire pressure and new 8,500lbs 9 leaf springs also from the E350 DRW Cutaway.  Your favorite upfitter will need to complete your Aerial Bucket Package Econoline with a verticla center of Gravity between 39.4 inches and 44.25 inches.  

Gresham Ford is excited to report that the F150 has been chosen above all others

Gresham Ford has many F150's to chose from

Both Popular Mechanics Magazine and PickupTrucks.com have chosen the 2013 F-150 as the best light duty pickup truck.  The 2013 Ford F-150 beat five competitors and is being recognized for its outstanding capability and performance.

In the performance oriented NW truck market the Ford half-ton F150 is dominating.  The Ford 150 finished first or second in 11 of 13 events sponsored by Popular Mechanics and PickupTrucks.com.  Judges tested the F150 against the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra and the Ram 1500.  The Ford truck group marketing manager, Doug Scott shared that "The results of this test show why F-Series has been the best-selling pickup truck in America for more than 30 years.  We know our light-duty customers are looking for a pickup truck that delivers the leading combination of towing, payload, horsepower, torque, and fuel economy, and this shootout proves F-150 continues to lead the pack."

If you haven't already driven a F-150, Gresham Ford would be happy to take you out and show you the performance it provides.  The 2013 Ford half ton truck features up to 11,300 pounds of towing capability and best in class 3,120 pounds of payload.  The F-150 is available with four powertrains including the all new 6.2L V8, a 5L V8, a 3.7L V6 and the awesome and wonderful 3.5L Eco-Boost engine.

If you own or operate a business contact, Gresham Ford Fleet, to access your special fleet pricing.  Or just email any of our Gresham Ford Fleet Managers for a your business pricing on a new F150.

Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) with Pull Drift Compensation

Pull-Drift Compensation is a software-based technology enabled by Ford’s shift to fuel-efficient
Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) systems.  The technology detects road conditions – such as a crowned road surface or crosswinds – and adjusts the EPAS steering system to help the driver compensate for pulling and drifting.  For drivers, Pull-Drift Compensation is designed to be unnoticeable as the system adjusts to help with pulling or drifting conditions.  Because EPAS uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance, its control can be precisely programmed to enable technologies such as Pull-Drift Compensation or Active Park Assist – a new option debuting on several 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – that help or take over steering.  Visit the Gresham Ford showroom for your own personal demonstration of EPAS.

Electric Power Assist Steering from Ford

Pull-Drift Compensation starts with EPAS technology, which replaces the traditional hydraulic-assist power steering pump with an electric motor.  This increases fuel economy because the electric motor operates only when steering assistance is required.  Sensors constantly measure steering wheel torque applied by the driver to maintain the vehicle’s path. Continuous adjustments are made as the system resets to adapt to changing road conditions or maneuvers, such as the vehicle turning a corner.  When the system detects a pulling or
drifting condition, such as a crowned road surface, it provides torque assistance to help make steering easier.
For drivers, this assistance is seamless and imperceptible.   EPAS technology can be fine tuned by engineers to fit the driving characteristics of varying products, whether it’s a luxury sedan or sporty compact SUV.

Today's vehicles offer immense technology and safety features.  Gresham Ford is proud to offer such a complete and wide ranging platform of vehicles that showcase the newest and most innovative technology available.

Ford Gives You Smart Steering

Gresham Ford is proud to offer a new technology that helps drivers lock into a lane by altering them to unwanted swerves.  Just imagine, its after midnight and you're on the last leg of a cross-county trip.  Eventually your coffee supply is going to run dry and that's where the Ford Lane Keeping System kicks in.

Gresham Ford Demonstrates Safety Technology Like the Lane Keeping System

Making its debut as an available option in the 2013 Fusion, the latest Ford technology tool is designed to keep drivers from drifting out side the lines of their lanes.  At speeds above 40 mph, the system uses a windshield mounted camera to watch for unwanted swaying in either direction.  If a swerve is detected, the system will deliver - depending on severity - one of three wake up calls: a vibration in the steering wheel, a gentle correction from power assisted steering or a combination of the two.  

With each new ignition cycle, the driver must turn the Lane Keeping System On by pressing the button (location will vary from vehicle to vehicle). The system is defaulted to the Off setting. The feature will turn itself On automatically when MyKey is detected.  Your Gresham Ford Sales Specialist can help demonstrate how the system functions and answer you specific questions. 

Driver Alert is designed to help prevent driver inattention. Like the Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert uses the forward facing camera to detect lane markings on the road ahead. When the system detects that the driver’s alertness level has decreased below a threshold, the driver will receive a series of warnings —

both visual and audible — to help keep them alert. Warnings First — the driver will receive a visual warning in the instrument cluster (coffee cup) and a chime to alert them.  Second — if erratic driving continues, another warning will appear and remain displayed for a longer time.  Reset — all information is reset as soon as the driver stops and opens the door or turns off the engine.  Drivers do not necessarily have to be tired to lose concentration when driving; even simple tasks like changing a radio station can be distracting and the

consequences severe. This system will help them stay alert and attentive while driving.

Ford Commercial Trucks Dominate the NW Region

Ford F Series vs Dodge Ram

For the entire 2012 calendar year the Ford Commercial Truck lineup continues to be the undeniable leader in the Commercial Truck Market.  Based on industry figures through September of 2012 Ford captured 46.4 percent of industry sales.  Nowhere is this more evident that in the situation where Dodge Ram tries to take on the Ford F-Series Super Duty line of work trucks.  It is obvious that Ram has tried to develop a product that mirrors many of the key attributes of the Super Duty, but today's sophisticated truck customer also wants and needs a complete package of support services to keep vehicles "on-the-road" and generating revenue.  Ford has tackled this obstacle by offering plug ins for your laptop and space for a printer so that your truck can truly be mobile office.  Gresham Ford appreciates the need to stay on the road where you are generating income and can help facilitate your transition to a mobile office.

 Roadside assistance on every new Super Duty work truck is complimentary for 5 years or 60,000 miles.  This roadside assistance covers lock out service, running out of gas, changing a flat tire, all that fun stuff so now there is no need for AAA.  With over 600 Business Preferred Network Dealerships, Ford can offer customers a large and experienced dealer network.  With trained technicians and almost instant parts availability, Ford dealers can get vehicles back in service with minimal customer downtime.  Ford dealers understand the truck business and what it takes to support the commercial customer.  Ram fails to bring this hard-earned experience to the table.

Roadside Assistance is Complimentary for 5 years or 60,000 miles

For commercial customers, buying a Super Duty Pickup F-250/F-350/ F-450 is a big investment. The Ford Motor Company New Vehicle Limited Warranty and optional Ford Motor Company Extended Service Plans will help protect the value of their investment and reinforce their purchase decision.  Commercial customers choosing an F-Series Super Duty Pickup have access to qualified service technicians available beyond the standard 9-to-5 business day.

Gresham Ford Fleet is a Business Preferred Network Oregon Dealership

Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company Business Preferred Network (BPN) certification is only provided to dealerships that satisfy a number of skills, knowledge and dedication.  Participating BPN dealerships are supported by a dedicated training curriculum for sales, parts and service and finance roles
These programs supporting BPN include Quality Fleet Care, Commercial Service Plus, National Fleet Parts Pricing, Ford Extended Service and Maintenance Plans for fleets and more.  FordParts.com for example, provides parts support 24/7 while featuring  national “Rapid Referral” and FedEx shipping.  Gresham Ford recognizes that you can't make money if your work truck in is the shop, so Gresham Ford Service gets you back on the road faster, where you belong.

Northwest Companies Explore Emissions Control Systems that Could Replace Liquid Urea Solution

Researchers are developing emissions control systems that could someday replace the selective catalytic reduction setups now found on diesel-powered medium duty trucks.  Their work has been driven in part by concerns that diesel exhaust fluid presents problems that alternative technologies could overcome.

The Ford Super Duty offers a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel offers 300 horsepower @ 2800 rpm and 660 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm while being the cleanest Power Stroke diesel ever.  The Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-built engine is also bio-diesel capability up to B20.  Because bio-diesel is not regulated Service & Maintenance experts suggest being diligent with your maintenance schedule if you do decide to use B20 fuel.  The engine is designed to handle a mixture of up to 20% bio-diesel by volume and 80% petroleum diesel fuel without any performance change.  The compacted graphite iron (CGI) deep-skirt engine block and aluminum cylinder heads help reduce weight while maintaining maximum strength for the horsepower and torque capacity of the Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine.  This is the kind of technology that Gresham Ford Fleet is so proud to offer.  This is the first North American use of CGI in a Super Duty-class vehicle.  CGI is stronger than traditional cast iron and provides the dependability you only get from Ford work trucks.  The aluminum cylinder heads help to reduce weight and increase your fuel economy.

The Ford diesel work truck also offers dual water jackets for enhanced cooling and increased strength.  While the six-head bolt design helps improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity to keep you on the road where you belong.  The unique inboard exhaust design is an automotive industry first for a modern production diesel engine and Ford will continue to be on the leading edge of alternative fuels and new technologies.  The new technology helps to reduce exhaust system volume and heat transfer to the engine compartment and helps improve throttle response.  Ford has also worked hard to improve NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics so when you are in your work truck you can hear.

The Ford work truck has a single-stage turbocharger that is a compact and efficient variable-geometry design helps deliver maximum power quickly, so there is never turbo lag.  The turbo charger provides up to 30 psi of boost that you can feel immediately.  It also features a center-mounted pedestal design at the rear of the engine to help improve NVH characteristics and access for service.  The high-pressure common-rail fuel injection utilizes piezo injector technology to deliver fuel at 30,000 psi and delivers up to 5 fuel injections per combustion cycle for excellent throttle response, fuel efficiency and NVH characteristics.

The 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel Ford Work Truck delivers quiet operation throughout the entire rpm range (similar to gasoline engine noise levels) and helps the Power Stroke V8 meet the latest diesel emissions standards with the urea liquid solution.  The work truck had instant-start glow plugs help provide quick engine starts, even in extremely cold conditions.  The structural oil pan bolts to the engine block and transmission to help improve powertrain stiffness while the Organic Acid Technology (OAT) engine coolant

and Intelligent Oil-Life Monitorwork together to ensure that you are reminded to maintain your work truck to ensure a long life.

So what is a Turbocharger?
A turbocharger (or turbo for short) uses the engine‘s exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor to force more air into the engine. Increasing the airflow allows more power to be generated. A turbo consumes very little power under light loads or easy engine use and allows smaller engines to generate the power of a larger displacement. When extra power is needed, the turbo spins into action.

What is Turbo Lag?
This is the time it takes for the turbocharger to spin after the driver steps on the accelerator. This delay can be caused by the turbo having to wait for the exhaust gas to spin the turbine and drive the compressor. Another factor in lag is the size of the turbo. Bigger turbos make more power but take longer to respond. In the past, the typical solution was to use two smaller turbos for faster response. However, this approach added the cost and complexity of two turbos and generated twice the heat.

The Innovative Power Stroke Approach
The 6.7L Power Stroke includes a single-stage turbocharger design. The turbocharger incorporates a variable-geometry design to help deliver maximum power.

The Power Stroke Benefit
The turbocharger is mounted between the cylinder head exhaust manifolds. The reduced distance between the exhaust ports and the turbocharger minimizes turbo lag.