1/31/22

Ford vs. GM: Old Rivals Battle for Share of the EV Truck Market | WSJ


Ford and GM recently introduced their first electric pickup trucks. WSJ auto reporter Mike Colias breaks down the different strategies the two legacy auto manufacturers are pursuing to bring their EVs to market. Photo Illustration: Alexander Hotz/WSJ

1/29/22

Bigger touchscreen and more package options - Ford Super Duty


Whether it comes to your home or truck, it’s hard to beat a big screen.

The 2022 F-250 has become Ford’s latest pickup to get the automaker’s 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 which will come standard on Lariat and above models.

Physical controls will accompany the screen to allow for quick access to commonly used functions. And that’s a smart idea since flipping through screens can be a pain not to mention the haze of fingerprints that often builds up on the screen from constant touching.  

Learn more at:   https://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/pickup-trucks/article/15064243/2022-ford-super-duty-gets-bigger-touchscreen-and-more-package-options

1/26/22

FARMING OF THE FUTURE: FORD PRO, SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS JOIN FORCES TO ELECTRIFY BUSINESS OF FARMING


  • Ford Pro™ is collaborating in a pilot program that will supply three Sonoma County farms in California with the full suite of Ford Pro solutions, including F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups and E-Transit™ cargo vans to help drive their business forward while tackling the next frontier in sustainable fleet operations
  • Pilot program farms are being outfitted with Ford Pro charging stations to complement the solar power that has been a critical part of the push for sustainability by the Sonoma County Winegrowers since 2014
  •  Ford Pro Intelligence™1 services is designed to help small businesses optimize their gas and electric fleets by providing always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data that help reduce operating costs, vehicle downtime and fuel consumption

One of the most forward-thinking winegrowing counties in the United States is looking to advance its sustainability mission, and the Ford Pro™ suite of electric vehicles, charging and telematics services has been tapped to help make that happen.

Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers, a group of more than 1,800 grape farmers in Northern California, are launching a pilot program that will add Ford F-150® Lightning™ Pro pickups, E-Transit™ cargo vans, and Ford Pro™ Intelligence™ products and services to three pilot farms in Sonoma County, one of the world’s most renowned wine regions.

The heart of the mission is to demonstrate how electric vehicles and web-based fleet management tools can have a positive impact on the agriculture industry in terms of increasing productivity, improving sustainability and lowering the total cost of fleet ownership anywhere from 10% to 20%2.

“Ford Pro is thrilled to team with the Sonoma County Winegrowers to further their sustainability goals and begin their transition to fully integrated all-electric fleets with on-site charging,” said Wanda Young, Ford Pro global chief marketing officer. “Ford Pro and the Sonoma County Winegrowers are driven by many of the same tenets – to accelerate productivity while operating responsibly.”

The pilot program is launching with Bevill Vineyard Management and Vino Farms in Healdsburg, and Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol – which collectively represent about 4,000 acres in the vineyard-rich Russian River Valley. Young anticipates the program will expand in the coming months to include other farming operations in the county.

About 60,000 acres across Sonoma County are dedicated to growing wine grapes, and another 120,000 acres are used for other diversified agriculture, such as apple orchards, dairy farms and cut flowers. In 2014, the Sonoma County Winegrowers launched an initiative to represent one of the nation’s leading winegrowing regions in terms of sustainability, with a target of reaching sustainable designation for nearly all of its vineyard acreage in the county.

Karissa Kruse, Sonoma County Winegrowers president and internationally renowned sustainability champion, said she believes electric vehicle adoption and efficient fleet management are the next steps in sustainability.

In addition to the vehicles, farms can consult with the Ford Pro team for the duration of the program. Pilot farmers will have access to Ford Pro Intelligence1 software, home and depot charging, Ford Pro™ Telematics Essentials™3 and Ford Pro™ E-Telematics™4 and energy management – all to help reduce operating costs and more efficiently manage gas- and electric-powered vehicle fleets.

“This collaboration with the Ford Pro team is a great natural next step to help us continue our progress in sustainable agriculture,” Kruse said. “A lot of farming families have a rich history with Ford, and with history comes trust. So as many of our farmers look for ways to lead in innovation and be a part of the solution, that trust is critical when it comes to investing in electric vehicles and in solutions to manage farming fleets. Our farmers love this pilot program; it’s going to be foundational.”

Vehicles among farmers’ most valuable tools

A year in the life of a Sonoma County winegrower can be sliced into two portions – roughly nine months to grow and three months to harvest. Occasionally, as in 2017, the uncertainties of Mother Nature condense the harvest to a four-week sprint. No time for vehicle downtime.

Ford Pro Intelligence* gives farmers access to important data on every vehicle – whether gas-powered or electric. The web-based service offers always-on access to vehicle health reports and other data designed to help limit vehicle downtime while lowering operating costs. All across the county, on farms large and small, winegrowers rely daily on their trucks to haul everything from fertilizer and fuel tanks to water and portable bathrooms. Some vehicles log upward of 50,000 miles a year, traveling between properties from Cloverdale to Petaluma.

Naturally, operating these vehicles – and maintaining them to keep them operational – is one of an organization’s largest expenses. At Dutton Ranch, which runs a fleet of about 70 work vehicles, fuel costs average about $5,000 per month. The prospect of reducing that monthly expense is critical to operations moving forward. Electric vehicles, coupled with the solar power that many Sonoma County ranches already generate and store, represent an important way to help offset rising fuel costs.

The technology connects wirelessly – helping businesses manage fleets with real-time vehicle insights. Information includes maintenance schedules, charge event monitoring, vehicle tracking, state of charge, range, charge history and logs, charging/battery settings and alerts, and departure preconditioning to help maximize range and save battery life for the road to get the job done.  

“Just as an F-150 Lightning or E-Transit is an essential asset for a small business owner, so too is Ford Pro Intelligence,” Young said. “We believe that the telematics data will change the way farmers manage their fleets and operations.”  

As veterans in sustainability practices, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have impacted other vocations regionally. Representatives in trucking, logistics, grocery stores and other specialties have taken notice, and Kruse hopes her organization continues to help lead the charge.

Ford, meanwhile, is among the automotive leaders in sustainability – the only full-line American automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards5. Ford is targeting 100% renewable energy for its global operations by 2035 and being fully carbon neutral worldwide by 2050.

                                                                          # # #

1 Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device. May require modem activation. Ford Pro Telematics and Ford Pro Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

2 Based on “Case Study: Olathe Ford CV Dealership Fleet Management TCO Model” KPMG, Dec. 10, 2021.

3 Complimentary product. Available on vehicles with embedded modem. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.

4 Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data, depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.

5 Based on latest available information as of July 8, 2021. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/.

 About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.


1/25/22

Towing Overview | Ford How-To | Ford


This informative video will help explain some of the features your vehicle may have that can help with towing a trailer.

1/23/22

Lift the Load with a Venco Venturo ET6K Electric Crane


The standard configuration for the ET6K includes a manual extension boom from six to 10 feet and hydraulic elevation from -5 to +75 degrees. The crane’s rating is 6,000 foot-pounds with a maximum lifting capacity of one ton – falling below the OSHA requirement for operator certification – making it exempt from OSHA 1926.1427 operator certification requirements.

The ET6K winch features a high-efficiency, heavy-duty three-stage electric planetary gear drive, 12V permanent magnet motor and dual braking systems, and comes standard with a capacity overload shut-off system, aircraft-quality wire rope, and remote control pendant.

Available options include radio remote control, anti two-block system which meets ANSI B30.5 safety standards, mounting pedestals for platform body applications, outriggers and jacklegs for a variety of truck bodies and an adjustable boom rest with a load block storage hook.

The ET6K is recommended for general service applications on any truck with a GVWR of 8,000 LBS or more.

- See more at: http://venturo.com/product/et6k/

1/20/22

Electric Cars 101 | Consumer Reports


Electric cars are bringing some of the biggest changes the auto industry has seen in years. Consumer Reports’ expert explains why these vehicles might not be as new-fangled as you think.

1/19/22

Ford Planning To Nearly Double All-Electric F-150 Lightning Production


  • Ford is planning to nearly double production capacity of the all-electric F-150 Lightning™ pickup to 150,000 vehicles per year at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, to meet soaring customer demand
  • F-150 Lightning moves to the final phase of pre-production as pickups roll off the line for real-world durability and thousands of miles of testing ahead of customer deliveries this spring
  • The first wave of reservation holders for F-150 Lightning will start converting their reservations to orders; additional reservation holders will be invited in phases to place their order over the next few months. For those who don’t receive invites for the 2022 model year, there will be an opportunity to order for future model years.

With unprecedented demand for the Mustang Mach-E, Ford earlier announced it will increase production starting this year and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023; within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually

Ford Motor Company is planning to nearly double production of the F-150 Lightning™ pickup at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn to 150,000 trucks per year to meet high demand for the first all-electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series. And beginning Thursday, the first group of reservation holders will be invited to place their orders for the F-150 Lightning.

“With nearly 200,000 reservations, our teams are working hard and creatively to break production constraints to get more F-150 Lightning trucks into the hands of our customers,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas & International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “The reality is clear: People are ready for an all-electric F-150 and Ford is pulling out all the stops to scale our operations and increase production capacity.”

Due to unprecedented customer interest, Ford is implementing a wave-by-wave reservation process, with reservation holders being asked to watch for an invitation via email from Ford or to log into their Ford.com account over the next few months. Those who don’t receive invitations to convert for the 2022 model year will have an opportunity to order a future model year vehicle in due course.

Flexibility is key to Ford’s production system and the way teams are now working to deliver the company’s future lineup of electric vehicles. To deliver this latest increase, a small task force of employees from manufacturing, purchasing, strategy, product development and capacity planning are finding ways to quickly adapt and expand production of the groundbreaking pickup. Ford is working with key suppliers – as well as with its own manufacturing facilities Rawsonville Components Plant and Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center – to find ways to increase capacity of electric vehicle parts, including battery cells, battery trays and electric drive systems.

“The pride and quality UAW members are putting into building the iconic Ford F-150 Lightning is evident in the high pre-production demand for the new F-150 Lightning truck,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president. “UAW members are leading the way in doubling the amount of vehicles Ford is producing for this game-changing model of our legendary union-built vehicle.”

This week marks the final pre-build phase before accelerating into mass production of F-150 Lightning trucks for retail customers and F-150 Lightning Pro for commercial customers. These production-level trucks will be used for testing in real-world customer conditions, collectively accumulating 1 million miles.  

The Lightning is drawing interest from customers of competitor brands at a record rate in North America, with more than 75% of reservation holders new to the Ford brand. Production of the 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup will begin this spring at a starting MSRP of $39,9741 before potential federal tax incentives2.  

Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution, investing more than $30 billion in electric vehicles through 2025. Over the next two years, Ford aims to emerge as the clear No. 2 electric vehicle maker in North America and then challenge the No. 1 spot as huge investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing come onstream. Within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually.

In addition to scaling Lightning production, Ford recently announced the tripling of production for the Mustang Mach-E and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023. Ford’s all-electric van, the 2022 E-Transit, goes on sale early this year.

Ford is building the largest, most advanced, most efficient auto production facility in its 118-year history in Tennessee, where it will assemble next-generation F-Series electric pickups. Together with SK Innovation, Ford is also building three new BlueOval SK battery plants – one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky – to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries to power next-generation Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

This $11.4 billion investment will create nearly 11,000 new jobs at BlueOval City and BlueOvalSK Battery Park in Tennessee and Kentucky and build on Ford’s position as America’s leading employer of hourly autoworkers.

To learn more about the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning truck, click here.

# # #

¹MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included.


2The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit amount may be reduced according to credit phase-out rules. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

1/17/22

Be Prepared with Breakdown Kit in Your Vehicle


In case your car breaks down, find yourself prepared with these items you can keep in your trunk.

1/15/22

Get the Lift You Need with a Palfinger Liftgate - Harbor Saw Body


Fleet operators in almost every market segment, like Auto Parts, Food & Beverage Service, General Rental, Studio Rental, General and Special Freight rely on Palfinger liftgates because it helps keep their trucks on the road. Innovative and reliable solutions from PALFINGER are available in a complete range of styles to suit your specific needs: Folding, Rail, Cantilever Lifts, Cargo Van, Slider & Side Loader solutions. As the industry innovator in operations and safety, our high standard commitment helps confirm that your transported goods reach their destination on-time and safely. Plus, our gates are finished in a variety of surface treatments, depending on your needs, to maximize the corrosion protection of your lift.

This exquisitely crafted “tough-to-the-core” vehicle is a stunning example of how listening to your customers makes a difference. The SawMaster design resulted from collaboration between Harbor, a local concrete equipment dealer, and several customers. It started with the question of how to best carry slurry tanks, heavy saws, giant blades, and a myriad of concrete saw cutting paraphernalia and other stuff. The design received high praise at the national “World of Concrete” show in Las Vegas and quickly gained traction to become the industry-leading design for concrete saw cutters.

 Learn more at: http://harbortruckandvan.com/

1/13/22

Checking Your Tires for Towing


It's a good idea to check your tires before towing

1/11/22

Masterack Van Ladder Racks at Harbor Truck Bodies



Masterack has a ladder rack for every type of commercial van, plus accessories to customize a package to your particular need. Choose from the original Masterack Locking Rack, the ergonomic Slide-Down Rack, the effortless PowerRack, or the economical heavy-duty Utility Rack.
 

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at http://htbi.net/

1/09/22

Maxon Lift Corp.


MAXON Liftgates are the most trusted, best backed, most innovative in the business.

1/07/22

The New 2022 Ford E-Transit World Debut | Ford


We’re electrifying the future for business. The zero-emission 2022 E-Transit is joining our EV lineup, leading the charge for commercial customers into an electrified, more sustainable future. *Preproduction vehicle shown. Available late 2021. Learn more about the 2022 Ford E-Transit here: https://ford.to/3lnXodE

1/05/22

2022 GMC Sierra | We Will Rock You | Georgetown Chevrolet


Introducing the New #GMCSierra, offering hands-free Super Cruise driver-assistance technology and the New Sierra #Denali Ultimate—the most advanced and luxurious pickup in its class. Reserve yours now at https://s.gmc.com/njdfzj

1/04/22

Harbor - Known for Industry-First” Design Innovations in Truck Bodies


Allen Wrench says Harbor is the best at understanding that you need to use the right tool at the right time in the right vehicle. That’s why Harbor is the leader in “industry-first” innovations dedicated to making your job easier and more productive. To explore more, click on the learn more button.

As America’s premier manufacturer of service and platform bodies (and now van interiors), we enjoy a long history of “industry-first” design innovations dedicated to making your job easier and more productive.

Our bodies are loaded with more industry-first innovations than any other company in the industry. Some examples are:

  • Stainless Steel Pop-Top Lids that are self-opening with the pull of a single lever (plus, they are impervious to the elements);
  • Modern Gas Shock door stays on all vertical doors;
  • Use of Teflon Glides on our telescoping Cargo Bed Enclosures (instead of roller bearings that irritatingly seize up) that glide open with the push of a single finger;
  • Push-Button Locks with a visible red band on the door lock telling you your door is not secured…if the red band shows, push in the button. Now your tools are secure;
  • Bumper step depth is 8 inches minimum and deep enough to give your boot a firm purchase on the bumper without slipping off. This makes for easy access to tools or materials from the bed area or rack. Hard to say why no one thought of this before! By the way, these bumpers are made of formed channel and are the heaviest duty in the industry!
  • These are but a few examples of Harbor’s industry-first inventions that many other companies have now adopted.
It All Starts Here!

It’s thanks to our engineering team that Harbor is able to always deliver the best quality products to our customers. They have a combined total experience of over 50 years, which lets them tackle any challenge head on. They even hold patents for some of Harbor’s best innovations. With an arsenal of modern technology, they are always on the cutting edge of the industry.


  • Harbor Truck Bodies, Inc.
    255 Voyager Avenue
    Brea, CA 92821
  • (800) 433-9452 Office
  • (714) 996-0695 Sales

1/02/22

Harbor Lo Pro Workmaster for a Single Rear Wheel



The Harbor Lo-Pro Workmaster on a SRW Cut-Away

The Harbor WorkMaster is a Service Body with a roof and additional useful features. Available in a 10' (10' 4") for the single rear wheel cutaway chassis, perfect plumbers or HVAC truck, and is also useful in any number of different professions such as remodeling, mobile mechanic, locksmith, and other service industry uses to name a few. If you could use a truck that has storage for tools and parts and want a space that you can stand up in and is enclosed to do your work in or keep larger items out of the weather and public view, the WorkMaster is your truck.

Interior Ladder Rack keeps them out of sight. Standard with Rear Grab Handles, Interior Dome Lamp and a Rear Access Panel that is flush with the first shelf to handle occasional longer cargo. The Master Lock System is standard. A Florescent upgrade package is available.

See more beautiful hard working Harbor bodies at our website at harborortruckandvan.com/ or give us a call at 800-433-9452.