Daily Slideshow: How Ford Plans to Market the New F-150
The 2018 Ford F-150 has a few new surprises.
2018 Ford F-150 has almost gone away with the V-8's of lore
The 2018 Ford F-150, the winner of Motor Trend's Truck of the Year, has a few tricks up its sleeve. The biggest and possibly most controversial are the power plant options. Ford is trying to keep pace with the other manufacture's goals to bring a plethora of Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the market by 2020. The F-150 will be one of 13 models to be converted into either hybrid or full electric in order to meet its year 2020 goal. This is all in part due to the wonderful organization is known as the EPA. Gone (almost) are the V-8 engines that pulled your trailer and your neighbor's truck simultaneously. Although, a 5.0L V-8 is still available in 2018. While a 302 cubic inch engine may be the only thing left of the V-8's, many will be considering the EcoBoost engines as the 3.3L and the 3.5L engines produce as much or more torque and horsepower! Current statistics show that nearly two-thirds of all F-150's purchased are equipped with the V6 EcoBoost engines.
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Electrified F-150
The F-150 has been and still is the country's best selling truck will be offering a hybrid version. Fortunately, the gasoline engines are still an option. And in polls, fuel economy for F-150 owners comes in at 28th place for their list of priorities. For those that are a bit more adventurous, feel that global warming is a real thing, or is just tired of hearing their wallet scream at the pump, take heart! A greener F-150 is coming available. Ford has cleverly noted in its marketing strategy that the battery used to store power for the motors also provides power for other items.
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Generating Demand
The 2018 Ford F-150 is going electric. And Ford's marketing team is trying to convince us that it's useful. Part truck, part generator, this F-150 could be extremely useful for campsites, boating trips, tailgating parties and construction zones. There is no data, at this time, of the voltage and amperage outputs for the accessory outlets wired to the main battery. There is potential use to power your electric cooler, margarita mixer, camp lighting, or your power tool battery chargers. However, it is yet to be seen if it will power your mini fridge or your 120-volt welder. Ford has also not released the added cost for going green but is expected to be north of a $5,000 add-on. Is it worth the extra money to save a little at the pump and have the convenience of a built-in generator? It all depends upon how much more it costs and how effective the battery will be. Current hybrid or electric vehicles can take nearly 10 years of driving to save the difference in purchase costs versus the regularly fueled vehicles.
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Bold Moves
"That's a bold move, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off!” Ford is getting bold with their F-series vehicles. Investors have given a beating to Ford as Chevrolet and Tesla have cornered the domestic electric vehicle market while foreign vehicles continue to increase their brand on U.S. soil. Ford is going so far as to electrify the Mustang (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little). Data indicates that 2,500 F-series trucks are sold daily in the U.S. This equates to revenue of about $41 Billion annually. Will Ford's push to meet the Fed's MPG requirements cause the "F" in the F-Series to be known as something other than Ford? Will it cause Ford to lose out on potential customers? Not likely. Timing is right as Tesla still has at least a year prior to releasing their pickup design. While the EcoBoost has proven itself, the electric option will probably take a few years to energize the consumers. Ultimately, Ford has chosen wisely to give the customer options.
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Opportunities
Ford has invested considerable time and money into the F-Series trucks. With the 218 F-150 being Motor Trend's Truck of the Year, it shows. While many may not be a big fan of the electric vehicles, there is a significant market opportunity for Ford. In addition to the regular consumer, this has a lot of potential in fleet sales. Many major cities have turned the switch to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Some feel it's for smog reduction. Others say it's to reduce fuel expenses. Either way, Ford may be onto something by offering a dependable truck with drivetrain options.
>>Join the conversation about How Ford Plans to Market the F-150 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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