Forbes: 2015 Ford Edge Rivals Luxury Vehicles

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! See why Forbes is really excited about the 2015 Ford Edge. And they're not the only ones...

The 2015 Ford Edge Pushes Into Premium-Car Territory With Major Upgrades

Written by Matthew De Paula for Forbes, 6.30.14

Cars like the 2015 Ford Edge will make it harder for some to justify shelling out big bucks on luxury vehicles. A comprehensive makeover to this midsize crossover promises to bring refinement, comfort and technology normally only seen on cars costing thousands more.

Ford chose a good foundation on which to re-engineer the Edge: It is now based on the same platform as the current Ford Fusion sedan, which debuted in 2012 and has excellent handling dynamics. 

The new chassis uses more high-strength steel to make it stiffer, which, in turn, helps the redesigned suspension better absorb bumps and potholes. The end result should be a smoother ride and more agile handling.

The interior should be noticeably quieter, too. Ford better isolated the cabin from road, wind and engine noise by adding more insulation and a thicker, laminated windshield, among other improvements. Some upper trim levels also get thicker laminated front side windows and noise-cancellation technology to neutralize certain sounds associated with road or engine noise. Both features are found on many luxury cars.

Inside, the 2015 Ford Edge has better fitting panels with fewer seams and tighter gaps. That might not sound like a big deal, but in terms of perceived quality, it is. Leg-room is more generous than before, not only because the 2015 Edge is slightly longer than the previous model.

Optional features that you’d find on luxury vehicles include a heated steering wheel and cooled seats. There are even some things most luxury vehicles don’t have, such as inflatable safety belts for second-row occupants. These seat belts help reduce injuries from frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy over five times more surface area of the torso than a traditional seat belt.

Another feature normally found only on luxury vehicles is adaptive steering. It makes it easier to The new Edge is also the first Ford to come standard with a turbocharged EcoBoost engine, which was optional on the outgoing 2014 model.
steer at low speeds and keeps the car more stable at high speeds. The 2015 Edge is the first Ford to get adaptive steering, but the automaker plans to introduce the technology on other models.

A “significantly improved” 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine produces 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Though torque remains the same and horsepower only goes up by five, compared to the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost, a redesigned turbocharger should make the engine feel more responsive.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is also lighter and more efficient, aided by a stop/start function that shuts the engine off during temporary stops. Ford has not released fuel economy estimates, but this new engine should do slightly better than the outgoing 2.0-liter EcoBoost, which got an estimated 24 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.

A second new EcoBoost engine will be the most powerful engine offered on the 2015 Edge. This new 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 replaces last year’s 3.7-liter V6 on the Edge Sport. It produces 300 horsepower—5 horsepower less than the outgoing 3.7-liter V6—but Ford says it is designed to offer the power of a V8 engine in a smaller, lighter and more efficient package. The Edge Sport also gets a tighter suspension that offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability.

A raft of advanced safety features mimic those found on luxury cars, including cameras and radar that give a 360-degree view and help the 2015 Edge warn drivers of impending collisions and even help avoid them by applying the brakes, if necessary.

As before, the Edge has seating for five and will not offer the option of a third row. Ford is aiming the Edge at young parents seeking something sportier and hipper than the larger Explorer and Flex, which offer third-row seating.

The 2015 Ford Edge goes on sale early next year. Ford has not announced pricing, but it should be close to that of the current model.

Ford F-150 Tops 2014 American-Made Index List

Just in time for National “Made in the USA Day," Cars.com just unveiled its annual American-Made Index, and guess which Built-Tough pickup truck from Detroit was named leader of the pack?

That’s right! Ford's F-150 topped Toyota Camry and every other vehicle this year in Cars.com's most "American-made" vehicles ranking. It doesn't hurt that Ford's F-150 and its heavy-duty variants are, together, the nation's top-selling vehicle of any sort.

The American-Made Index, in its ninth year, rates cars based on two key pieces of information that can be found on the window stickers of every new car: final assembly point and domestic-parts content.

The labels show the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts. In addition to showing where the car was built, the label will tell you where its engine and transmission were made, as well.

The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling AND “Most American” vehicle, with a vast majority of its parts and assembly hailing from Ford headquarters in Dearborn, MI, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO, which specializes in the F-150 Regular, Super & Crew Cab models.

And the F-150 isn't the only thing that makes Ford truly #AmericanMade. In fact, Ford is America's #1 selling brand! On top of industry-leading innovation, design and commitment to sustainability, the Ford Motor Company employs an estimated 60,000 people in the U.S. alone, most of whom work throughout the company's numerous U.S. plants.

To us, though, it's not surprising at all. Because on top of practically sparking the American industrial revolution, Henry Ford is credited with CREATING the American Middle Class when he decided in 1914 to increase Ford employee wages to $5 per day -- more than DOUBLE what other industrialists were paying their workers.

Although it astonished and angered his peers, Ford calculated that paying so much would allow his workers to buy their own Ford cars, reducing the industry-typical high turnover levels and ultimately inventing the concept of employees as "brand ambassadors." It would create a loyal workforce that would boost productivity, employee morale, satisfaction and profits to new heights.

The new wage rate set off seismic shifts in American society. A tidal influx of job candidates from the South and around the world flowed into Detroit. Factory jobs became prized, helping turn America into the world’s industrial colossus. Detroit and America were never the same.

Celebrate Made in the USA Day and every other day with Ford! In the greater-Charlotte, NC region? Stop by Hilbish Ford for test drive today! And if you need a tune-up, our service team welcomes all makes and models, and there are always great offers guaranteed to save you time and money!

Ford Tops Ranking of Best Global Green Brands

Ford Motor Company Tops Interbrand's 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands

Excerpts taken from Ford Motor Company official press release on Ford.com and official Best Global Green Brands List page on Intebrand.com.

Ford Motor Company was recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ranking No. 1 on Interbrand’s 2014 list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands. The automaker beat out last year’s winner – Toyota – along with corporate heavy-weights Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.

Ford claimed the top spot for its forward-thinking approach to environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, greater transparency about its business operations, and for disclosure of information, particularly in the area of manufacturing.

Ford’s focus on water, highlighted in the company’s recently released 15th annual Sustainability Report, as well as its waste-reduction and green building efforts, contributed to the company’s rise to the top.

• Ford scored high marks for transparency about its business operations and disclosure of performance information, particularly in the area of manufacturing

• 90% of Ford’s vehicles now offer EcoBoost® engines, which use turbocharging and direct injection to deliver up to 20% better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

• More than 2 million EcoBoost® engines have been built to date.

• In 2013, Ford introduced a new plan to reduce waste sent to landfill by 40% per-vehicle between 2011-2016, globally. The company has already reduced global per-vehicle waste to landfill by 40% from 2007 to 2011. In 2012, Ford facilities sent approximately 50.6 metric tons of waste globally to landfill, a reduction of 17.4% from 2011.

LINKS

• Ford Motor Company's Sustainability Chief Talks Innovation, Progress and a Vision for the Future 
• How Ford Integrates Sustainability into the Company
• Ford Cuts Water Use Two Years Ahead of Schedule; 2013-2014 Sustainability Report Highlights Future Initiatives 
• Ford was recognized in 2014 as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute
• Ford reduces water and oil use in plants globally
• Ford partnerships and collaboration

Henry Ford -- Words to Live By

Henry Ford's innovative spirit, creativity and dedication to his employees and customers built a brand that today remains America's best-selling brand. Here are a few of our favorite Henry Ford words to live by. 

Find more great quotes, fun trivia and tons of Ford fun on our Pinterest page. And be sure to stop by www.hilbishford.com to see the latest and hottest vehicles in the Ford lineup!

5 Tips to Get Your Vehicle Summer-Ready

Maybe you live in a place where the seasons don’t really change. But for the rest of us, this is a really invigorating time. And we're day-dreaming about the experiences the coming weeks will bring.

But with better weather come different responsibilities and opportunities. The dormancy of winter gives way to the excitement and possibility of summer. Maybe you’re ready to tackle that backyard project. Or you're planning that big road trip. Is your Ford vehicle ready for everything you throw at it this summer?

Thanks to Ford Social, we've got five must-have tips for getting your Ford Summer-ready.

5 tips to get your car ready for summer:

• Shake Off the Salt – Just about everything that helps melt ice and snow on roadways is bad for your vehicle. Give your Ford a thorough wash, especially the undercarriage, to make sure the salts, sands and anything else that made traction on ice-covered streets possible is off of your car for good.

• Check and Recheck – Pop the hood and take some time to perform a thorough inspection. How are the hoses? Are your fluid levels good? Look for signs of loose nuts and bolts. The harsh winter and potholes may have taken a toll on your vehicle and all of those bangs and scrapes can jog stuff loose and require a trip to your local Ford service department.

• Air Time – Take this opportunity to clear the air; your air filter, that is. Do some spring cleaning in the engine bay and replace your air filter after the harsh winter. Tiny particulates could be choking off the air supply to your motor. Speaking of air, make sure your tires are properly inflated too.

• Ready for Road Trips – If you’re going to be spending time driving to and from those places you love, make sure to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning before you leave. Vacuum out all of the excess salt and debris, replace your air fresheners and wipe down the interior trim and glass. Spending hours in your vehicle during that upcoming family vacation won’t be so bad if your ride is looking and smelling fresh.

• Time to Tow – Whether you’re bringing supplies to the cottage or getting your boat into the water, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top towing condition. A spring safety walk around your vehicle and trailer is a great idea this time of the year. Before you load up your trailer, check the lights, connections and trailer tires to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re hauling something big and have a plus-sized trailer, make sure your side mirrors extend out far enough to see everything. If you’re heading across state lines, make sure your trailer and towing system are in compliance with the laws of the state you’re visiting. You don’t want to start off your weekend at the lake with a traffic citation. Also be sure to check out our handy hauling 101 guide!

It doesn’t take much time or effort to make sure your Ford vehicle is ready for a summer of fun. Do you have any vehicle preparation tips that you’d like to share? Tell us how you get your vehicle ready for warmer weather by leaving a comment below or submitting a story of your own. If you submit a story on Ford Social, please be sure to share with us on Facebook (or below) and use our hashtags! #hilbishford #FordSummer

Realizing you have a bit of maintenance to do before June 21?? Come by today -- no matter the make or model, our service team offers FREE brake & tire inspections year-round! Plus, there's always a great special happening -- Visit us at www.hilbishford.com to view our current offers.

Celebrities Love Fords!

Teenage hearts around the world melt when they see Liam Hemsworth - especially when he takes a spin in his 1969 Ford Mustang.

There's no denying Amber Heard has impeccable taste - she is after all engaged to Johnny Depp. So naturally, she loves to drive around in her vintage Ford Mustang.

Colin Farrell holds onto the things he loves. His Ford Bronco is practically the only thing he drives, and he certainly puts it to good use!

Though often seen walking around cities with Angie and the kids, Brad Pitt is a known Ford-lover - here he is getting into his Ford Explorer.

Kellan Lutz has captured the hearts of teenage girls around the globe, but it's this stunning vintage Ford Mustang that has his heart.

Jerry Bruckheimer has a lot to be proud of. After all,CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is one of the most watched shows in the entire world. But it's his Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor - 1967 that truly makes him smile.

...and finally...it doesn't get any cooler than Frank Sinatra. So when the time came for the king of cool to buy a car, he went for the timeless, perfect 1955 Ford Thunderbird.


See more celebrities who love Ford on our Pinterest Board. Then come by and see our unbeatable pre-owned Fords and brand new styles at Hilbish Ford today!

2014 Ford Fusion Game On Giveaway

Who wouldn't love a beautiful, brand new 2014 Ford Fusion?? Well, thanks to Ford's Game On Giveaway, you could WIN one! It's simple -- Follow the link below to the Hilbish Ford contest page on Facebook and enter to win. No purchase necessary at all!

Join the fun TODAY -- CLICK HERE to enter to win a new 2014 Ford Fusion.

Learn more about the Ford Fusion and why everyone's talking about it. Like did you know the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets better combined MPG than the Toyota hybrid competitor??