Ford Likely to Expand Box Options With New ‘Flexbed’ Trademark
Recently filed patent hints at increased storage and tailgate capability for the upcoming 2022 Ford F-Series.
It seems that the truck wars are back. Ford is still the undisputed leader of the pickup truck market and has been so for the last 44 years. But Ram and General Motors both posted sales in the last few quarters that definitely challenged Ford. With this heady spirit of competition, Ford is rising to the occasion on a number of fronts. And a recent patent filing might have given us an idea of what they have planned next.
Last week, the automaker stealthily filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the “Flexbed.” The Flexbed trademark would most definitely be intended for the F-Series, and possibly other pickups. After reviewing the Flexbed trademark this new technology could be very appealing to many pickup truck drivers.
Ford describes the Flexbed in the filing as a “customizable and organizational system for cargo area of vehicles.” Expanding on the utility of the tailgate, bed, and cargo area is something that can only make Ford trucks better.
To be clear, we don’t have any official confirmation from Ford on the Flexbed, but specifically mentioning cargo is a bit of a tell. Ram got big raves with their Ram Box cargo storage system. And Ford knows that they will need to give something comparable or ideally better. So, if the Ford Flexbed adds a factory available option for cargo and storage options, that will be a great idea. We like how this harkens back to when Ford offered factory-installed tool boxes on fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-gen Ford trucks.
If Flexbed is a tailgate upgrade, it would likely add more tech and innovation to the current 2021 fleet. Features such as Pro Power Onboard and the Tailgate Work Surface have been lauded by critics and drivers alike. These features make pickups more work-friendly, and more versatile. Ford has been testing multigate tailgate functions and we anticipate the upcoming F-Series fleet will take direct aim at GM’s tailgate offerings.
Frankly, it could be a shrewd move for Ford to roll out a lineup of trucks with expanded storage and functionality. Many Ford truck drivers need a vehicle that can transition seamlessly from work to home; a beast of burden and a daily driver. Maybe the Ford Flexbed will help to bridge that gap, and add some very cool upgrades. We’ll keep you posted.
What would you like to see in the next Ford truck? Let us know!
Photos: Ford
Join the Ford Trucks conversation in our forums!
