Supercars are awesome, but almost no other product (of any kind) can match the F-150’s sales volume and reliable revenue.

By my rough, rough estimates, shown below based on Ford’s 2012 Annual Report — the F-150 nameplate alone is worth at least $14 billion in annual revenue.

!

In terms of satisfied owners coming in for the new F-150 every few years: The Ford Truck line is certainly Dearborn’s golden goose.

 

How Important Is the F-150?	Units	ESTIMATES
Ford 2012 Approx Total Auto Revenue	Dollars	$              120,567,000
Total Global 2012 Sales	Units	5,668,000
Ford North Am Approx 2012 Sales	Units	2,700,000
North Am as % of Global 2012 Approx	Share Percentage	48%
ESTIMATED North Am 2012 Revnue	Dollars	$                52,872,160
F-150 Est Annual Sales North America	Units	800,000
F-150 as % of NA 2012 Approx REV	Share Percentage	29%
ESTIMATED North Am 2012 F-150	Dollars	$            15,332,926.40

The F-150 has been getting sharper almost every year since 2009, which is remarkable during a time when most other trucks froze improvements or pushed timetables well into 2020.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine was a toe-tip in the water ahead of the potent Coyote V8 – both engines new to the range and wildly popular since 2011.

It makes sense – everyone loves smooth and responsive power. Combined with new six-speed automatics up and down the range, the F-150’s dynamics are vastly superior to the 2006 trucks.

While the 2013 and 2014 F-150 look good, the exteriors have languished a bit during the full powertrain overhauls of 2011 and 2012.

The 2015 F-150 is all-new today, and brings a stunning amount of new technology to the full-size pickup truck class.

Even after only a quick read of the release, I’m very surprised at the Ford’s equipment versus the also-new Chevy Silverado for 2014.

Most of the goodies for the coolest F-150s will come on the pricey King Ranch and Platinum trim levels, but even so: it is great to see Ford putting their best design ideas on the road with this hot new truck.

First deliveries are estimated for late summer 2014.

All-New Ford F-150 Redefines Full-Size Trucks as the Toughest, Smartest, Most Capable F-150 Ever

• Tougher: All-new high-strength steel frame, high-strength aluminum-alloy body, more than 10 million miles of testing and Baja 1000-proven 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® engine

• Smarter: 11 new class-exclusive features, including 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab, LED headlights and sideview mirror spotlights, and remote tailgate release

• More capable: Up to 700 pounds less weight plus four engine choices for an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency

Ford today introduces the all-new Ford F-150, the reinvention of America’s favorite truck. It is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks.

The all-new F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

“F-150 is well-known for being Built Ford Tough. Now, it is both tough and smart,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer. “The all-new F-150 redefines the future of trucks, and it is yet another example of our One Ford plan producing vehicles that serve customers with a commitment to the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”

F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series truck lineup, America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 32 years.

 

 

 

“We have a unique connection with our customers,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of The Americas. “Time and again, F-150 has delivered the tougher, smarter features they want along with the capabilities they need for work or play. We build our trucks to their high standards.”

In designing the backbone of the F-150, Ford engineers improved the truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame. It is all-new with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, improving dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, up to 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency.

“More than ever before, customers want a truck that is a dependable partner, mobile office and a go-anywhere workshop,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To meet the needs of our truck customers, we created smart new features and a whole new approach to using advanced materials and engines to improve capability and efficiency.”

Even tougher
The 2015 Ford F-150 is the strongest and most durable F-150 ever. Before it goes on sale, it will have been torture-tested in labs, at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of some of Ford’s most demanding truck customers for more than 10 million miles.

The grueling testing simulated the demands Ford’s customers will subject the truck to throughout its average lifetime. The tests include crisscrossing the country pulling heavy trailers and hefty loads through desert valleys and over high-altitude mountain passes – in temperatures from 20 degrees below zero to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Customers using the F-150 for construction, mining and utilities have tested and helped prove out its high-strength aluminum-alloy cargo box.

A disguised new Ford F-150 even raced in the Baja 1000, where it earned the distinction of completing all 883 grueling miles while some other purpose-built race vehicles could not.

To perform in these challenging conditions, the frame uses high-strength steel rated up to 70,000 psi – stronger than the steel found in some competitors’ heavy-duty pickup truck frames. Eight through-welded crossmembers provide increased stiffness, while staggered rear outboard shocks provide greater stability.

Even smarter
Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the all-new F-150, including many class-exclusives. They include:

• 360-degree camera view, using exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow roads and trails

• Integrated loading ramps, which enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

• BoxLink^™, which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers

• LED headlamps and taillamps, which provide excellent nighttime visibility

• Trailer hitch assist, a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle

• Smart trailer tow module, using an all-new smart trailer tow wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults

• Remote tailgate, allowing for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob – eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened

• High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or mobile devices on-site or while driving

• LED spotlights on sideview mirrors, which provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior

• Latest EcoBoost^® technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design

• Next-generation tailgate step, which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use

Other smart innovations include:

• New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel, which includes updated truck apps – from fuel economy to towing tips – and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used apps in one place

• LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box, which brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items

• Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs, providing hidden storage for valuables. Two storage bins also are located underneath the rear seats

• Boxside step, now available for the short 5.5-foot box

They join available driver aids, including SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, hill start assist, MyKey^®, rear view camera, reverse sensing, trailer brake controller and extendable tailgate step.

More capable
In addition to helping customers work smarter, F-150 features segment-first technologies that automatically assist drivers. They include:

• Second-row inflatable safety belts, which work like a traditional belt but include a tubular airbag that inflates in the event of a crash and distributes the force of the impact across a wider area of the passenger’s chest

• Curve Control, which automatically provides more aggressive four-wheel braking when the truck is going into a corner too fast

• Adaptive cruise control, allowing drivers to set a cruising speed and use radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and maintain a safe distance between vehicles

• Lane-Keeping System, which is designed to help avert unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside the intended driving lane by automatically detecting the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror

• Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, which uses radar hidden in the taillamps to detect a vehicle entering a driver’s blind spot while driving or backing up

A range of four engines provides more power to meet almost any customer need.

A new 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing join the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine features a lightweight, compact design to deliver the same power as some mid-range V8s.

Auto Start-Stop technology helps save fuel. Unlike start-stop solutions in other vehicles, this technology – specially tuned for truck customers – shuts off the engine to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, except when towing or in four-wheel drive. The engine restarts in milliseconds when the brake is released.

Ford F-150 trucks equipped with EcoBoost engines also will benefit from standard Active Grille Shutters. Active Grille Shutters stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. They automatically close to reduce aerodynamic drag at cruising speed.

On sale late this year
When it goes on sale late this year, the all-new Ford F-150 will continue the tradition of offering the broadest selection of trim levels in the full-size pickup segment. Five primary trims are available: XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Chrome appearance packages are available with XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. Monochromatic sport appearance packages are available with XL, XLT and Lariat.

The FX4 off-road package can be added to most four-wheel-drive models, improving trail capability with an electronic locking rear axle, skid plates and off-road-tuned shocks.

Both the exterior and interior design of Ford F-150 reflect decades of listening to customers and understanding their occupational and recreational needs. The exterior is characterized by a new shape that suggests capability, with a wider Built Ford Tough stance, prominent wheel arches and chiseled grille.

Comfort, utility and refinement define the truck’s interior. Ergonomically optimized seating for the front row positions enhances comfort, while extending legroom for rear passengers. Buttons and controls are optimized so they can be operated while wearing work gloves.

Storage options include laptop stowage in the center console, as well as quick storage solutions for cellphones, drinks, pens and business cards.

“Once again, the Ford F-150 establishes new standards in durability, capability, technology and efficiency to help F-150 owners be more productive 24/7 – whether for work or weekend fun,” said Nair.

The F-150 will continue to be manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich., and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

Trim Lines

Specifications are preliminary and subject to change

2015 FORD F-150 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2015 FORD F-150 – Trim levels

— XL: The workhorse of the Ford F-150 lineup, the F-150 XL still provides style, technology and comfort. The XL is available in 12 cab/box/drive configurations from a 4×2 Regular Cab with an eight-foot box to the SuperCrew 4×4 with a six-and-a-half-foot box. New engines for the XL are the 2.7-liter EcoBoost® with Auto Start-Stop and 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 with flex-fuel capability.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 engines are available as well. New interior features include a 2.3-inch message center in the instrument panel and a 4.2-inch audio and climate control screen in the center stack.

A cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat is standard. Customers can choose between chrome, sport and FX4 off-road packages. A variety of trailer tow packages are available as well.

— XLT: Ford F-150 XLT shares available configurations and powertrains with XL while adding chrome bumpers and grille, and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels. XLT customers also receive SYNC® AppLink™, which provides voice-activated communication and entertainment including control of some smartphone applications. Available features include trailer hitch assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert and inflatable rear safety belts.

— Lariat: Lariat offers upscale features with outstanding capability – ideal for getaway trips with a boat or travel trailer in tow. Depending on cab/box/drive configuration, either the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine or 5.0-liter V8 is standard along with 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels.

Pickup box LED lighting and rear backup camera with trailer hitch assist add to the list of convenience features. SYNC with MyFord Touch® and an all-new 8-inch customizable productivity screen are part of the many available technologies.

 

— King Ranch: The updated Ford F-150 King Ranch edition reflects the feel of southwestern luxury. The exterior features front and rear chrome bumpers, a unique chrome grille with accent-color mesh insert, running boards and two-tone paint.

High-intensity LED puddle lamps and exterior LED spotlights are integrated into the outside mirrors while the all-new remote tailgate release is another industry first. King Ranch-specific leather trims the front and rear seats; the front seats are heated and cooled, the rear seats are heated.

King Ranch also features a heated steering wheel. The entertainment system includes a Sony® 10-speaker system with HD Radio™. The 5.0-liter V8 with flex-fuel capability is the standard engine.

 

— Platinum: The Platinum edition is for customers looking for the ultra-premium truck that isn’t afraid to do work. Offered only in a SuperCrew cab, Platinum is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with flex-fuel capability. Bright body-side moldings and a satin finish grille complement chrome front and rear bumpers.

The Platinum rolls on 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and features power-deployable running boards, high-intensity LED headlamps and taillamps. Genuine wood accents highlight the interior along with leather seating, unique multi-contour front bucket seats, a unique instrument cluster face and Sony sound system with subwoofer.