Ready to Roll: Ford F-150 Lightning Begins Production

Posted on April 27, 2022 by admin

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 in Garland (serving greater Dallas) has some electrifying news. This week, Ford launches of the all-new, electric F-150 Lightning pickup. This is a mega milestone in America’s shift to electric vehicles. F-150 Lightning trucks are now being built for customers across America. This will be the fastest-accelerating F-150 yet and the only full-size electric pickup available now with a starting price less than $40,000.

Built at the ultra-modern Rouge Electric Vehicle Center within Ford’s historic Rouge Complex, F-150 Lightning is the only electric vehicle that is Built Ford Tough. Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 45 years in a row[1] and is second only to the iPhone in revenue among all American consumer products, according to a 2020 study.

“Today we celebrate the Model T moment for the 21st Century at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. “The Rouge is where Ford perfected the moving assembly line, making it a fitting backdrop as we make history again. The stunning anticipation for F-150 Lightning is a credit to the work of our Ford engineers and designers, and the UAW team members who are building these trucks with pride.”

Ford has unprecedented demand for F-150 Lightning with 200,000 reservations and is expanding the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to ramp up production to a planned annual run rate of 150,000 in 2023. The company has invested a total of $950 million and created 750 jobs at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Ford’s investment in Michigan for F-150 Lightning alone now totals more than $1 billion, with 1,700 recently created jobs spread among five Ford plants in the state, including Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center, where Lightning electric motors and electric transaxles are assembled, and Rawsonville Components Plant, where Lightning batteries are assembled. 

“America’s real transition to electric vehicles starts now,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “F-150 Lightning is just the beginning of our ambitions for growth and leadership in digital, electric vehicles. We continue to expand our EV manufacturing footprint across the U.S., including the start of site preparation at BlueOval City, which will enable us to meet the ever-increasing customer demand for our exciting EV line-up.”

Ford is on track to deliver more than 2 million electric vehicles annually by 2026, equal to about one-third of the company’s global volume, on the way to 50% by 2030.

With acceleration from zero to 60 mph in the mid-4 second range with the extended-range battery, the freedom of a 10-kilowatt smart power plant on wheels, a starting price less than $40,000 before available tax credits and software updates that will make it even better over time, F-150 Lightning is attracting new customers to Ford. A full three-quarters of reservation holders do not currently own or lease a Ford vehicle. F-150 Lightning is also converting many of them to first-time truck or electric vehicle buyers.

Harnessing a century of manufacturing mastery for an electric pickup
Ford announced its intention to build the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center at its historic Rouge complex 19 months ago, in September 2020, and has since created an ultra-modern site leveraging more than 118 years of expertise in manufacturing at scale.

Ford remains the top automaker in America in terms of U.S. production, sales of U.S.-made vehicles and employment of hourly autoworkers.[2]

“For UAW Ford members, the launch of the Lightning F-150 is an example that when electric vehicle expansion is done right, it can create good paying union jobs and opportunities,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “Today’s launch demonstrates that we can create a win-win for UAW families and communities as we build EV products for decades to come.”

The manufacturing technology in the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is just as innovative as the F-150 Lightning. It is the first Ford plant without traditional in-floor conveyor lines and instead uses robotic Autonomous Guided Vehicles to move F-150 Lightning trucks from workstation to station in the plant.

These Autonomous Guided Vehicles create more flexibility in the plant for additional production output, quality checks and product customizations, among other benefits. And changes can be made quickly without the constraints of a typical line that requires the installation of floor chains, moving mats, conveyors and overhead cranes. The plant also uses cobots, or collaborative robots, that work side-by-side with people without any safety cages needed. These cobots help with tasks that would be ergonomically challenging for employees, while also keeping employees safe.

“Today UAW members begin a new generation of building the iconic F-150, crafting a game-changing electric vehicle backed by our UAW craftsmanship and quality assembly,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president, director, Ford Department. “Our members are proud of building Ford Tough and are excited to build this new Lightning EV with the same UAW care and legendary performance Ford customers have grown to expect.”

The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is a zero-waste-to-landfill site, meaning none of the material generated as a by-product of the manufacturing process will go to landfills. The plant was built on the former Dearborn Assembly Plant site, using materials from the prior plant in the foundation.

Ford is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and to using 100% local, renewable electricity in all of its manufacturing operations by 2035.

The smartest, most innovative F-150 that Ford has ever built
America’s favorite vehicle for 36 years straight is revolutionizing what it means to go electric. 

For the first time, a full-size pickup provides cavernous lockable storage to store 400 liters of cargo out of sight. This Mega Power Frunk doubles as a cooler – washable and drainable – with lighting to see in the dark. It also has 2.4 kW of exportable power. Combined with the power available from the 5.5-foot bed and cab, it brings the truck’s Pro Power Onboard total to up to 9.6 kW from 11 power points.  

At home, F-150 Lightning, together with a home integration system, can power a house during an outage for three days[3] and in time will be able to offer power back to the grid. It can charge other electric vehicles so no one is left stranded.

“It’s not every day that you get to launch a truck that will change the way Americans feel about electric vehicles,” said Linda Zhang, F-150 Lightning chief program engineer. “The team has done a phenomenal job ensuring we are offering customers unique features only made possible by the electric power unit. But it’s the drive experience that will blow people’s minds. It is simply effortless.”

F-150 Lightning accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range with the extended-range battery, making it the fastest-accelerating F-150 yet. Its planted ride ensures a ride and handling experience not usually felt by a truck driver. It also has the most torque of any F-150 ever (at 775 lbs.-ft.) and because it’s almost instantaneous, offers effortless towing.

Ford offers F-150 Lightning owners an optional BlueCruise hands-free driving experience on more than 130,000 miles of prequalified divided highways across the U.S. and Canada. F-150 Lightning will stay up to date and constantly improve through over-the-air software updates, called Ford Power-Ups.

F-150 Lightning is a zero-emissions vehicle with as much as 320 EPA-estimated miles of range. Lightning customers have access to the BlueOval Charge Network, the largest public charging network in North America offered by automotive manufacturers.

Home charging is straightforward with installation partner Sunrun. Extended-range battery customers with an 80 amp Connected Charge Station Pro can get a full charge overnight on AC power with dual on-board chargers. Customers may also have the opportunity to install solar energy – enabling them to power both their home and charge their truck with clean, renewable energy.

F-150 Lightning Pro is the first electric F-Series truck purpose-built specifically for commercial customers. F-150 Lightning Pro is offered through Ford Pro, a one-stop shop for commercial and government customers with a range of conventional and electric vehicles and a full suite of software, charging, financing, services and support on Ford and non-Ford products. F-150 Lightning Pro is backed with turnkey solutions for commercial operations, and Ford predicts commercial customers’ cost savings will begin from day one.

Ready to learn more about the electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup? Visit www.Planetford635.com.

[1] Based on 1977-2021 calendar year total sales

[2] Ford assembles more vehicles in the U.S. than any other manufacturer based on S&P Global Mobility CYE 2021 US Light Vehicle Production data. Ford is No. 1 among high-volume automakers in American-assembled percent of American sales based on Ford’s analysis of S&P Global Mobility CYE 2021 Light Vehicle Production data. High volume manufacturers produce 500,000 units or more in a calendar year. Ford employs about 56,000 hourly workers in the U.S., more than any other automaker, based on Center for Automotive Research data.

[3] When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery.  Results may vary depending on energy usage.

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Planet Ford 635 Named CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer

Posted on April 14, 2022 by admin

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas has been named CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer for the second year in a row. In order to receive this honor, a 2021 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer must receive an average of 4.6 stars, out of a possible five. 

“Our dealership family works incredibly hard to take care of our customers, from shopping for their ideal vehicle, to taking care of it down the road,” said Justin Wright, General Manager/Operating Partner. “We treat our customers like they are a part of the family, because they are.”

Shelby Reed, Vice President of World Class Automotive Group, agrees. “Planet Ford 635 is among an elite group of award-winning dealers for a reason. They care and it shows in what they do to help our community each and every day.” 

The top-rated dealer honor celebrates those who have provided proven exceptional customer service.  “CARFAX has nearly 3.3 million verified customer ratings and reviews,” said Gregg Cleary, CARFAX Vice President of Dealer Business. “This isn’t an ‘everyone gets a trophy situation’; we are recognizing truly the best of the best when it comes to remarkable service and customer care. These dealers are top-rated based solely on verified reviews from their actual customers.”

Planet Ford 635, located at 3601 S. Shiloh Road (off 635) in Garland, has been serving the community for over 30 years.  Being named top dealer is one of many ongoing recognitions the Dallas-area dealer has received for exceptional sales and service. Planet Ford 635 is a thirteen-time recipient of the Ford President’s Award (2001-03, 2012-21), nine-time winner of the Ford Triple Crown (2001-03, 2012, 2017-21), and four-time J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence (2018-21) among many others. 

Customers can look for Planet Ford 635’s 2021 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer recognition on the CARFAX Vehicle History Reports provided to car-shopping customers. To learn more about Planet Ford 635, visit www.PlanetFord635.com.

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Planet Ford 635 Sponsors Annual Garland Police Awards

Posted on April 14, 2022 by admin

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 was honored to sponsor and attend to support the 24thAnnual Garland Police Department 2021 Awards Dinner on April 9th, 2022. The night honored many officers for their outstanding courage, dedication and loyalty to the community.

The Masters of Ceremonies were Lieutenant David R. Swavey retired from Garland PD after 35 years of service and now running the Garland Boxing Gym, Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas, and on the Board of Directors for the Heroes Bridge Memorial Park Foundation and Officer Christian “Tank” Gipson with Garland PD since 2000 then joining SWAT in 2005 and the current President of the Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation founded in 2021. 

Planet Ford 635 is honored to host their annual Clay Shoot benefiting the nonprofit Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation on March 24th, 2023 at Texas Gun Ranch.   

We will have lunch cooked on site by Texas de Brazil, Tea served from HTeaO Garland, cold/hot brews served throughout the event by Black Rifle Coffee Company as well as many additional sponsors supporting. TexasGunRanch.com

Our goal is to have a $50,000+ donation from everyone coming together, over 200 shooters in attendance at this event and have a videographer and a photographer in attendance to have content to promote on social channels after the event.  

For the Clay Shoot, Planet Ford 635, RAD-Rides and event organizers are currently taking verbal reservations (see contact below). Payments are not due until November 2022 – February 2023. You can learn more about the title sponsors Planet Ford and RAD at PlanetFord635.com or RAD-Rides.com.

Christian Gipson (Tank) has been with the Garland Police Department for 20 years.  He is currently a 13-year Motorcycle Officer and a 15-year SWAT Team Leader.  He assisted in the creation of the Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation along with the Traffic Division due to wanting to raise money to help the Garland Police Department employees and families, monetarily through their hospital bills.  The foundation also focuses on being advocates for the employees and pointing them in the right direction to receive proper help for both physical and mental ailments. He is now currently the President of the organization. 

You can help us support our heroes, too! About the Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation:

The Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation Mission:  Is a Garland police officer or those who work for the Garland Police Department suffers any type of catastrophic illness or injury (on or off duty), the Foundation has been set up to help an employee and their family cope with some of the financial hardship.  Initial assistance may be provided to help with the employee or their family’s current situation. The assistance could also be through programs set up both for mental awareness or physical ailments. 

Join the Event!

Details: We appreciate the support and we are taking verbal reservations now with payments due December 2022 through February 2023. 

Register or questions, please email Sheena Sharapata at SSharapata@wcao.net 214.477.7245 -OR- Lori Dodson 214.334.4533 

$2,000 Bronze Sponsorship Level Includes:

·         Team of 4 to Shoot

·         Station Signage for Company to display logo

·         Material on Company in Thank You bags

·         Social Promotion on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

·         Banner Recognition at the Event

$5,000 Silver Sponsorship Level Includes:

·         (2) Teams of 4 to Shoot

·         (2) Station Signage for Company to display logos

·         Material on Company in Thank You bags

·         Social Promotion on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

·         Banner Recognition at the Event

·         Speak at the Event on Company Involvement in community 

·         Speak on the 99% Radio show 

$7,500 Gold Sponsorship Level Includes:

·         (3) Teams of 4 to Shoot

·         (3) Station Signage for Company to display logos

·         Material on Company in Thank You bags

·         Social Promotion on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

·         Banner Recognition at the Event

·         Speak at the Event on Company Involvement in community 

·         Speak on the 99% Radio Show

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Planet Ford 635 Supports Local Business Grand Opening, Veterans & First Responders

Posted on March 28, 2022 by admin

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas was honored to be a part of the grand opening of Q Car Wash in Mesquite, Texas on Friday, March 25th, 2022.  The Q Car Wash, managed by Kerry Hoffer, General Manager, provides complimentary car washes to all first responder vehicles at all of the business’ locations across Dallas/Fort Worth, as well as supporting veterans and first responders. Planet Ford 635 on Shiloh in Garland is a fervent supporter of our military and local heroes as well. Both hosting and supporting a number of local events each year, we greatly celebrate Q Car Wash in supporting these brave men and women.

The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce had the official ribbon cutting and fun prize items were given away including oil changes to Planet Ford 635 and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center on Shiloh (off Garland Road and 635) in Garland, TX. 

Food, Brew, Donations & Fun!

In addition, Black Rifle Coffee Company, another supporter of our veterans, served hot/cold brews, along with good eats from Mesquite BBQ. A generous donation of $5,000 was made to the Mesquite Police Association and a $5,000 donation to Sharing Life Community Outreach during the event.

Not only was this a great grand opening with wonderful contributions to the community, our team at Planet Ford 635 would like to thank Q Car Wash as they were a sponsor for the Planet Ford 635 & 99% Radio Network Golf Event that was held at Firewheel Golf Park on March 18th, 2022. Huge thank you to all who came together. Because of people who care, we were able to donate $45,000.00 to Heroes Bridge Memorial Park Foundation.  It will be the first of its kind Memorial Park to honor how first responders and veterans lived their lives. It will educate people, spread awareness, and take action on post-traumatic injuries. 

Save the Date: Planet Ford 635 & 99% Radio Network Golf Event

You can join us for our 2nd Annual Event on March 10th, 2023 at Firewheel.  For more information on a team or to be a sponsor, e-mail Sheena Sharapata at SSharapata@wcao.net to verbally reserve space, today. 

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Planet Ford 635 Supports Walk the Bridge & Heroes Bridge Memorial Park

Posted on February 23, 2022 by admin

Planet Ford 635 in Garland, TX (serving Dallas, Rockwall, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano area) was honored to attend the Walk the Bridge on 2/22/22 with Chris Kizziar, Brian Wilburn, Mongo Campbell, John Salerno, and David Swavey. These are the people behind the Heroes Bridge Memorial Park Foundation, a 22-acre park development that will be built on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rowlett, TEXAS. It will be a testament of honor, a place of healing, and a catalyst to change the culture of seeking mental health.

These individuals work so hard daily in our communities to give back and help our veterans and first responders. “Walk The Bridge and The VROC were pleased yesterday to host at The VROC Reporter Brittney Johnson from NBC-5 DFW. Ms. Johnson is taking a hard look at the Mental Health Wellness of our Veterans & First Responders and the extreme stresses they face for just doing their job! Ms. Johnson did an in-depth interview with Susie Helms, Widow of Fallen Rowlett Police Sgt. Guy Helms and Gabriel Joseph, U.S. Army 82nd AB Combat Veteran and Navajo Warrior who have lost two family members because of their Duty and have struggled himself with Mental Health Wellness issues related to his service. Ms. Johnson also met Sharonda Calderon, Widow of Fallen Dallas County Deputy Sheriff, Omar Calderon at WTB, and made plans to interview her on her experiences upon the passing of her husband. Finally, Ms. Johnson and her photographer documented last night’s WTB and in the process helped us raise awareness and shine a light on those who consistently support the Mental Health Wellness of our Veterans and First Responders!” said Brian Wilburn, Veteran’s Resource Outreach Center.

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635, RAD-Rides and team thankful to be able to team up with the 99% Radio Network for the Planet Ford/RAD-Rides sponsored Golf Tournament on March 11th benefiting Veterans Resource & Outreach Center and Heroes Bridge Memorial Park Foundation. The tournament has over 40 teams locked in so far. There is still room for those who would like to get y involved for a team of four, station signage, material in thank you bags and social promotion for $1,400. Special thank you to Black Rifle Coffee Company, Texas de Brazil, Q Car Wash and Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC. for the support!  Sign up to join forces for the tournament today! Contact Sheena Sharapata at SSharapata@wcao.net.

🇺🇸 “Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.”🇺🇸 Learn more about all who are coming together at PlanetFord635.com, RAD-Rides.com and HeroesBridgeMemporialPark.org.

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RAD-Rides Custom Bronco at Vegas 2022 SHOT Show

Posted on February 1, 2022 by admin
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RAD-Rides custom vehicles (available at Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas) were honored to attend 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas this year with its aftermarket partner, Truck Vault. 

TruckVault products are now built for virtually every vehicle you can think of, providing organization and security for sportsmen, members of law enforcement, the military, commercial and residential tradesmen, and more. 

RAD-Rides had a custom First Edition Bronco (1 of 7,000 made) featured in SHOT Show at the convention January 18-21 at the Caesar’s Forum. 

The cyber orange was definitely an eye catcher when walking into the convention which sparked high interest.

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  • RAD-Rides are very appreciative of all of our aftermarket partners and want to thank them for making this epic custom build come together:
  • Fabtech Motorsports 2” Level
  • Truck Vault custom safe with drawer and pull out work station
  • Toyo Tires 35 x 12 ½ 
  • TIS Wheels 22 x 12
  • BodyGuard Bumpers front Baja Bumper with winch mount and rear bumper
  • Warn Winch
  • Rigid LED Lighting 
  • Bodyguard Cowl Light Mounts with Rigid Lights

It was an honor to spend time with Truck Vault, Kryptek Outdoor Group (veteran owned) and Raegan Hunsaker with Black Rifle Coffee Company events (veteran owned) working on many future projects supporting our veterans and first responders. 

RAD-Rides.com | TruckVault.com | BodyGuardBumpers.com | ToyoTires.com | TISWheels.com | RigidIndustries.com | Warn.com | Kryptek.com 

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Charging Into 2022

Posted on December 30, 2021 by admin

For most of our Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 in Garland, TX (serving great Dallas Metroplex) customers hear someone ask you to top them off, they’re holding a cool beverage in hand looking for a refill. In 2022, that is changing with the all-electric F-150 Lightning™. Now, customers can take service to another level by “sharing” miles with other electric vehicles – those built by Ford and other manufacturers – giving people additional range through vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

With available Pro Power Onboard, the 2022 F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid trucks are high-energy power sources on wheels with multiple uses, thanks to their onboard generators and high-capacity battery systems. Now, Ford is offering another unique benefit to that list: vehicle-to-vehicle charging using the Ford-exclusive Pro Power Onboard 240-volt outlet.

“There are hundreds of benefits to Ford Pro Power Onboard – and we’ve added one more,” said Patrick Soderborg, Ford e-powertrain systems engineer. “Taking power on the road or having extra energy at home brings a lot of convenience and security, and using the F-150 Lightning or F-150 hybrid to top off a friend’s electric vehicle or help them during an outage is one of the many new benefits our customers gain from our Built Ford Tough electrified trucks.”

When connected to an F-150 Lightning or F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid with the optional 9.6 or 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard1, the Ford Mobile Power Cord charger can deliver Level-2 charging that’s estimated to add an average range of 20 miles per charging hour on a Mustang Mach-E with extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive2. It will add up to 13 miles of charge per hour on the upcoming F-150 Lightning, and will add an average range of 10 miles per charging hour to a Ford E-Transit low-roof cargo van2.

Customers can easily take advantage of this capability, using a widely available power adaptor to link the Ford Mobile Power Cord to their truck. Once connected to the 240-volt Pro Power Onboard outlet, customers can use the Mobile Power Cord to charge a range of all-electric vehicles that use the SAE J1772 charge port. This includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford E-Transit electric van and the all-new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup, as well as vehicles from other manufacturers3.  

The 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid pickup has an available 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generator that can be used to power tools, accessories and the Ford Mobile Power Cord. This spring, the all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning – the first full-size battery electric pickup from Ford – will debut with the available 9.6 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard power source.

Electric vehicles open doors to new customer benefits

Just as cell phones and the internet changed our way of life, electric vehicles are poised to do the same with a wide range of new services and features. Leveraging the electric power generation and storage available in the new F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, Ford is building in new features that give customers functionality, convenience and capability.

With F-150 Lightning, its power source can even be used to power a home using Ford Intelligent Backup Power. Instead of installing a home generator or battery backup, the truck can be used to power a typical-size home up to three days in the event of a power outage4. The compact electric powertrain also allowed Ford to create the first Mega Power Frunk – a front trunk that not only offers multiple power outlets but also provides up to 14 cu.-ft. of lockable storage.

“There are so many new opportunities to innovate with features and functions made possible only through electrification,” said Soderborg. “This really hit home during the Texas power crisis last February, which left millions in the cold. F-150 Hybrid helped many Texans keep warm and powered up during those difficult times thanks to Pro Power Onboard – and we’re trying to do even more with F-150 Lightning.”

To learn more about how to get your own Ford electric vehicles, visit Planet Ford 635 in Garland at 3601 S. Shiloh or online at PlanetFord635.com. You can also visit Ford.com/electric.

1See owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.

2Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and EPA-estimated range calculation methodology. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Your results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge. Actual vehicle range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age, and state of health.

3See owners manual for important operating instructions.

4When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery.  Your results may vary depending on energy usage.

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Mustang Mach-e News

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Exciting 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E news from Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas. The Mach-E is now available for order with a starting MSRP of $43,895. The 2022 Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 has an EPA estimated-range of 314 miles with an extended range battery and RWD*. The 2022 Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 model is now available with electric all-wheel drive and has standard heated seats and steering wheel. 

Also for 2022 model year, Mustang Mach-E Premium Ice White Edition Appearance Package is now available. The black painted roof is now standard on Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition. Grabber Blue Metallic and Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat are now available on all models and Iced Blue Silver Metallic is new to the 2022 model year. Mustang Mach-E with standard range now has 70 kWh usable energy and available extended range now has 91 kWh usable energy.    

Ready for your own? Let our team at Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas (serving Rockwall, Rowlett, Richardson, Mesquite, Plano, Dallas areas) help you find your ideal ‘Stang. Visit us on 3601 S. Shiloh Road (off Garland and 635) Orr online at PlanetFord635.com.

*Based on full charge.  Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.

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Ford the Planet: 1st to Use 100% Recycled Ocean Plastic for Parts

Posted on December 13, 2021 by admin

Planet Ford news for a better planet! Consumer products made from recycled ocean plastics include everything from sunglasses and T-shirts to running shoes and yarn. Now, Ford is adding to its legacy as a leader in sustainability and is the first automaker to use 100% recycled ocean plastics to produce automotive parts.

Did You Know?

Wiring harness clips in Ford Bronco™ Sport models are made of ocean-harvested plastic – commonly referred to as “ghost gear.” The strength and durability of the nylon material equals that of previously used petroleum-based parts but with a 10 % cost savings and requiring less energy to produce. The small parts represent a large first step in the company’s plans to produce other parts of recycled ocean plastics on other models.

“This is another example of Ford leading the charge on sustainability,” said Jim Buczkowski, vice president of research and Henry Ford technical fellow. “It is a strong example of circular economy, and while these clips are small, they are an important first step in our explorations to use recycled ocean plastics for additional parts in the future.”

Up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean from land each year, threatening marine life and polluting shorelines, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, a global nongovernmental organization. Plastic in the ocean also comes from the fishing industry, which has come to rely on plastic fishing nets and other equipment because of the durability, lightweight, buoyancy, and low cost of the material. Those same qualities contribute to creating ghost nets, a fatal and growing threat to marine life. Ghost gear comprises nearly 10% of all sea-based plastic waste, entangling fish, sharks, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and birds.

Behind the Sea Scenes

Invisible to vehicle occupants, the Bronco Sport’s wiring harness clips, which weigh about five grams, fasten to the sides of the Bronco Sport second-row seats and guide wires that power side-curtain airbags. Despite spending time in saltwater and sunlight, the material is as strong and durable as petroleum-based clips, Ford testing shows.

Spurring jobs creation throughout the development process, the plastic material is collected from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea by DSM Engineering Materials. Items produced using plastics collected from the oceans include a wide range of consumer goods, but not until now have automotive parts been on that list.

The process begins with DSM harvesting discarded nylon fishing nets. The plastic is washed of saltwater, dried, and extruded to form small pellets, which are then injection-molded by supplier HellermannTyton into the desired clip shape. Ford is already planning additional parts using recycled ocean plastics, including transmission brackets, wire shields, and floor side rails – all stationary parts with strength and durability demands that the material can meet or exceed.

“As a global leader in cable management innovation, HellermannTyton strives for eco-friendly ways to pave the path to a more sustainable future,” said Anisia Peterman, HellermannTyton’s automotive product manager. “Developments like this do not come easy, so we are proud to collaborate with Ford in support of a unique product solution that contributes to healthier oceans.”

Long legacy of using recycled plastic

For more than two decades, Ford has used recycled plastics not collected from oceans to produce various parts for automobiles. Most recently, the automaker used recycled water bottles to produce lightweight, aerodynamic-enhancing, noise-reducing underbody shields on the 2020 Ford Escape. The introduction of parts made of recycled ocean plastic opens new opportunities and builds on a global effort to help reduce ocean debris that hampers sea life or, when harvested, further clutters landfills. 

Ready for your own earth-friendly Ford? Let our team at Planet Ford 635 in Garland, TX help. Visit us at 3601 S. Shiloh Road or online at PlanetFord635.com!

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Planet Reuse News: Cardboard to Mega Frunk

Posted on November 29, 2021 by admin

Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas riddle. When does a cardboard box help transform a trunk into a frunk? When Ford gives cardboard a new lease on life after being recruited by Ford to help develop a new feature known as the Mega Power Frunk. The all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup’s new front trunk or, as it’s known in industry-speak “frunk” is the largest in the truck industry – with 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet) of cargo space and maximum payload capacity of 400 pounds.1

“The F-150 Lightning pickup’s Mega Power Frunk is one of those features that reshape what vehicles can provide for customers. Its sheer size, ample power supply, drainable floor and open and close system that opens with the touch of a button make it frunking awesome!” said Linda Zhang, F-150 Lightning Chief Program Engineer.

What many don’t know is this spacious and dynamic space began life as a simple cardboard box with a cutout front door and a liftable hood.

Understanding the Customer’s Needs

It began back in February 2018 with Team Edison – Ford’s dedicated battery electric vehicles incubator that incorporates close collaboration between different teams to find solutions to customer needs. A small group of young user experience designers set out to California, where they sat down with actual Ford truck and fleet customers to talk about how they might use such a feature. The prototype, made of cardboard for simplicity and cost and built-in about a day using scissors and hot glue, was brought to every meeting to help customers visualize the opportunity.

In the studio, Greg Ardisana, design strategy director, passenger vehicles, and other Team Edison research members worked as consultants alongside engineering and design whenever they had customer use questions, which led to a close-knit collaboration between groups.

“Since the frunk was a new space, all the truck customers we interacted with got really excited about what it could be and what use they could get out of it in their daily lives,” said Ardisana. “We needed to take what they wanted and find a way to deliver on it.”

Truck customers imagined fitting not one, but two golf bags, even when it wasn’t a golf day. The additional permanent storage keeps valuables out of sight, is lockable and secure. Fleet owners saw their crews using the space to haul bags of concrete and charge their electric tools at construction sites. Customers also wanted lights to see at night, electric outlets, a work surface, and optimized access height to make the space truly usable. All of these valuable insights were derived from a simple piece of cardboard.

An asymmetrical frunk for two golf bags

There were challenges. Due to cargo volume numbers provided by vehicle architecture engineers, the first was the size of the frunk. It had to fit two golf bags, but this meant sacrificing a symmetrical frunk design.

The team treated it like a cooler box that needed to be durable and easy to clean, and have a rubberized floor with anti-slide properties. Once the frunk fit the main shell, finding ways to add all of the features on the customer wish list was the next hurdle.

Lighting and power

Lighting began as typical trunk lighting. It was functional, but the “wow” factor was missing. So the team pivoted and installed truck bed lamps in the frunk hood. The lamps offered a lighting source on the inner side of the hood, which prevented cargo from blocking lights and did away with unwanted glare and shadowing of the load area.

Four electrical outlets and two USB chargers were added to provide versatility for work and play. 2.4 kilowatts of power are available for everything from TVs to laptops, speakers to crockpots, power tools and other devices.

Accessible, drainable and opening and closing with ease

Lastly, access to lift and remove objects from the frunk had to be waist-height, as customers did not want to have to reach over the truck’s bed rails for their equipment. The waterfall grille was integrated into the hood by the engineering and design teams who were able to create an accessibility height that is similar to the rear cargo area of a Ford Expedition. The Mega Power Frunk has a powered open and close system also with six different ways to open it, including from your phone on the FordPass app as well as through an integrated push button on the grille2.

Once the frunk is open, customers can fill it with ice and drinks to “frunkgate” it, since it’s water-resistant, cleanable and has a drainable floor.

Steve McInally, frunk feature supervisor, said the team explored every detail as an opportunity. “We put the customer first in every decision we made and were able to deliver on a Mega Power Frunk,” he said. “And it’s going to blow people’s minds.” The 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup will be available starting Spring 2022.

To learn more, contact Planet Ford 635 in Garland (serving Rockwall, Mesquite, Rowlett, Dallas, Richardson, Plano areas). We’re located at 3601 S. Shiloh Road off 635 and Garland Road. Shop online at PlanetFord635.com.

1Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.

2FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. 

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