Ford is adding new engines, greater connectivity and smart new driver-assist technology across its commercial vehicle lineup — on everything from the plows that clear streets to the utility trucks that restore power after a storm.
First, Ford has introduced the F-600 Super Duty chassis cab medium-duty truck.
The F-600 delivers the capability of a Class 6 truck —including a maximum GVWR of 9,980 kg — in a Class 5 Super Duty package.
With the F-600, Ford aims to ensure its customers no longer have to choose between a truck that doesn’t have enough payload to carry all the tools they need to a jobsite and a truck that’s too big.
Updates to Transit, Super Duty chassis cab, medium duty trucks, E-Series and stripped chassis complete the refresh of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle lineup that began 13 months ago with the introduction of the 2019 Transit Connect.
The new vehicles debuted at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis in early March.
“For 34 years, Ford has consistently sold more commercial vehicles every year than any other manufacturer because we listen to our customers then get to work developing the products and technologies they need,” said Mark Buzzell, Ford’s director of fleet, lease and remarketing operations.
“The updates we’re announcing were driven by our customers’ focus on improving safety, reducing cost and increasing uptime and productivity. Giving our customers the freshest lineup plus driver-assist technologies and connectivity is a great example of Ford delivering smart vehicles for a smart world.”
Ford connected
All Ford commercial vehicle product lines have been updated with standard modems with 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices to help keep drivers and crews connected while on the job or on the road.
The new Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are available across the lineup to help commercial customers operate their fleets more efficiently.
Ford Telematics and Data Services enable fleet managers to enhance uptime and asset utilization, optimize running costs, improve driver behaviour and protect their fleets using Ford OEM-grade telematics software, integrating with the company’s existing telematics service provider or taking vehicle data directly into their own IT systems.
Smart driver-assist
A single traffic accident can have a serious impact not just on the drivers and passengers involved, but on a fleet’s bottom line. Automatic emergency braking can help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions in some cases. It is standard on 2020 Transit and 2019 Transit Connect and available across the rest of Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup.
As well, additional elements of Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies will become available on Ford commercial vehicles for the new model year.
For F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks, plus E-Series and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis, traction control, hill start assist and auto headlamps are standard. Optional elements on these lines include adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, Driver Alert System and auto high-beam headlamps. Super Duty chassis cab adds standard auto high-beam headlamps and available lane departure warning.
The new Ford 7.3-litre V8 engine
Ford’s all-new 7.3-litre V8 gasoline engine, which debuted last month in F-Series Super Duty pickups, is also available in Super Duty chassis cab, F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks, E-Series and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis.
The V8 engine generates more torque and power than the 6.8-litre V10 engine it replaces.
Its compact package provides greater maintenance access for technicians and because it has two fewer cylinders, it also uses fewer parts than the outgoing V10, resulting in less downtime at the shop and lower long-term ownership costs, according to Ford.
Based on decades of commercial engine experience, the engine uses a new cam-in-block, overhead-valve architecture with cast iron block and forged steel crankshaft for durability. Port injection with variable-valve timing optimizes the intake and exhaust to match performance with workload. As well, oil jets cool the pistons under heavy loads.
A proven platform
For customers that need additional payload or need to mount heavier upfits, but don’t want to move into a larger truck, the all-new Ford F-600 chassis cab fills the sweet spot between the F-550 and F-650. Although the overall vehicle is the same size as an F-550, the F-600 uses an upgraded driveline and chassis components, as well as higher-weight rated 19.5-inch tires and wheels to help achieve a higher GVWR. With Ford’s choice of gasoline or diesel powertrains and 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, the F-600 lets fleets spec the truck they want.
The F-600 will hit the market in early 2020 and will be available in mid 2020.
F-600 customers can choose from two engines — the 7.3-litre gas V8 or the third-generation 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel.
An all-new 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission is available across all engines with available live-drive power takeoff provision with up to 300 foot-pounds of torque.
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Transit is significantly updated for 2020 to make it more capable and easy to drive. Upgrades include two all-new engines with a new standard 10-speed transmission.
Exterior updates include an available power sliding door for Transit cargo van and passenger van, as well as three new grilles. Interior accommodations are upgraded with new fabrics, a new instrument panel and available 20 cm touchscreen with SYNC 3.
F-650 and F-750
Offering a choice between the new 7.3-litre gas engine and 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 diesel allows customers to spec the performance, efficiency and cost benefits based on their needs. Both engines are paired to Ford’s six-speed TorqShift heavy-duty automatic transmission.
An updated instrument panel includes a new steering column, wheel and cluster, while new standard AM/FM stereo radio with Bluetooth functionality and USB ports makes getting in the cab and driving the new F-650 or F-750 as familiar as driving a Super Duty pickup.
Production of model year 2021 F-650 and F-750 begins in early January 2020.
E-Series evolution
Available in cutaway and stripped chassis models, E-Series is getting an update with new content for 2021. An updated interior features a refreshed instrument panel including new cluster, steering wheel and standard AM/FM stereo radio with Bluetooth functionality and USB ports. A new upfitter interface module provides a more seamless experience with installed equipment.
Two engine calibrations for the all-new 7.3-litre V8 engine lets E-Series customers choose the ideal horsepower and torque application for their needs.
