Ford recently hosted a combined hybrid #MAMAeMeet and in-person event to share the brand’s latest news and vehicle updates with MAMA members.
To start, Ford shared results from a study by Boston Consulting Group to highlight the company’s tremendous impact on both the Chicago region and entire state of Illinois. According to the study, Ford’s impact on the Illinois economy includes driving more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributing $6.8 billion in state gross domestic product. Moreover, the Chicago Assembly Plant (Ford’s oldest continuously operating assembly plant), drives economic impact of $2.9 billion in Chicago alone. Beyond its economic impact, Ford continues to give back to local communities in a charitable way. Just last week, Chicagoland Ford dealers donated an additional 200,000 face masks to nonprofit organizations, schools and first responders in their local communities.
Ford then shifted gears to provide updates on its best-selling truck in America for 43 years—the F-series pickup. The F-150 is also the most popular vehicle on the road in 39 out of 50 states, including Illinois. Ford showed off the all-new 2021 F-150 and F-150 Hybrid virtually and in-person at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association building. According to Ford, the 2021 F-150 delivers best-in-class towing and payload, and is more “connected” than it has ever been before. Some of the major updates include:
All-new Exterior Design
- New headlights with “C-clamp” design motif on LED running lights
- New front bumper with lower accent skid plate
- New hood’s shape rises to meet the A-pillar
- New sculpted doors, fenders and box sides
- New mirrors that echo “C-clamp” design motif
- New extended-length running boards (for easier pickup-bed access)
- All-new wheels with larger tires
- 11 available grille options
- Tailgate that doubles as a work surface with a built-in ruler, mobile device compartment and new clamp pockets to hold materials down for precise work.
- Truck bed has an available Pro Power Onboard integrated power generator, featuring more exportable power than any light-duty full-size pickup, giving owners the ability to run power tools and equipment without the need for a separate gas-engine generator. It is available with three levels of electrical output depending on engine choice. According to Ford, the generator can power an entire job site or 28 average refrigerators!
All-new Interior Design & Technology
- New instrument panel
- New center console
- New door trims
- New seat foam and fabrics
- New steering wheel
- New switches and controls
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen in all models, available 12.1” touchscreen on XLT trim
- Instrument-cluster upgrades across the board, including all-digital cluster on Lariat
- Wireless charging
- Dual glovebox
- Rear underseat locking storage
- E-shifter standard; available Interior Work Surface center console includes shift lever that folds into the console when the vehicle is in park
- SYNC4 infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; an enhanced voice recognition/navigation package is optional
- Over-the-air software updates and feature upgrades for infotainment system
Engine Options
- 3.3L Ti-VCT V6: 290 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. torque
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 horsepower, 400 lb.-ft. torque
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: 400 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. torque
- 3.0L Power Stroke V6: 250 horsepower, 440 lb.-ft. torque
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 400 horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. torque
- 3.5L Power Boost Full Hybrid V6: 430 horsepower, 570 lb.-ft. torque
Prices start at $28,940 for the base XL trim and can climb as high as $78,490 for the top Platinum SuperCrew Hybrid model. Ford expects the new F-150 to arrive at dealerships shortly.
The next #MAMAeMeet is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26 with Lexus. For more details and to register, click here.
