Hybrid F-150 and Mustang to Be Added to Ford's Lineup

WESTLAND, Mich.––We heard the news, just about a year ago, that Ford would be pushing to add 13 EVs or Electric Vehicles to its lineup by 2020. This week an announcement was made that verified seven of the 13 vehicles to be added. The most exciting part of this announcement was that two of Ford's most popular models will be electrified. The hybrid F-150 and Mustang will be added to Ford's lineup within the next five years.

Ford has been studying electrified vehicles and the way customers or drivers use their vehicles extensively to bring the best product lineup. Since 2005, Ford has sold more than 520,000 in the United States. Through 30,000 Ford EV owners, Ford has learned 88% of drivers daily distance is 60 miles or less.

The electrified Ford F-150 pickup truck may seem silly to those who believe in a powerful V8 truck, but it will really benefit owners in multiple ways. The new hybrid truck will deliver the same powerful towing and payload capacity you would expect from a non-hybrid, can act as a mobile generator, and will obviously save drivers a ton at the gas pump by utilizing hybrid technologies. It's still in development for now, but the F-150 Hybrid will be produced at Ford's Dearborn Plant right here in Michigan and will be an addition to the lineup so buyers will have the option.

A hybrid pony will also join the herd by 2020. The hybrid Mustang is promised to deliver the same V8 power you would expect from a regular pony, and even more low-end torque. The new, more green Mustang is still in development as well, but will be produced in the Flat Rock Plant. When it goes on sale, it will be exclusive to the U.S. to begin with.

Ford has also announced a small electric SUV with a range of about 300 miles to be available by 2020. This EV SUV will be produced along with the hybrid Mustang in the Flat Rock Plant. Ford had previously talked about building a plant in Mexico; however, this is now cancelled and the money will go to investing in the Flat Rock Plant with about 700 jobs and $700 million. The new Manufacturing Innovation Center to be responsible for building the EV SUV, will also take on autonomous vehicle development for ride sharing.

With the hybrid F-150 and Mustang to be added to Ford's lineup in the next five years, there's plenty for drivers to look forward to! If you're holding out for a hybrid or more green version of your favorite Ford vehicle to come to the market, stay tuned because Ford is making moves to do so with many of its popular models. If you're in need of a new vehicle now, we'd love to help you buy or lease one at North Brothers Ford!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Goes the Distance

WESTLAND, Mich.––There is a large number of drivers that are unsatisfied with their vehicle's range. Are you one of the 40% that wish their vehicle could take them further? If so, you'll want to hear this. The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi gets an EPA-estimated 610 miles on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery. You read that right, a 610 mile-range, which makes this sedan the highest combined range on the market in America. The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi goes the distance with the newest and highest mile range, taking Ford's electrified vehicle (EV) lineup to the next level.

Ford had announced earlier this year they would be investing $4.5 billion towards 13 new nameplates/products to its EV lineup by 2020, and this 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is an incredible move forward. By the year 2020, 40% of Fords product offering will be electrified which means you can go further and run on cleaner energy. This is a smart plan Ford has begun because of the recent data that's been found on consumers's perception of vehicle range.

Earlier this year, the online Harris Poll found that 40% of Americans are unsatisfied with their vehicle's range and that they perceive vehicle range to be much lower than reality. The poll found 1,000 Americans believe the longest range hybrid can go 261 miles. This number is much lower than the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi's range. This could be from the standpoint of not understanding what a plug-in hybrid vehicle truly is.

“Plug-in hybrids are electric vehicles until you run down the battery,” said Wade Jackson, marketing manager for Ford Fusion, “then they work exactly like a conventional hybrid. Fusion Energi – with a full battery and a full tank of gas – can go from San Diego, through Los Angeles and all the way up to San Francisco, and still have up to 110 miles of range remaining.”

The changes made to the Ford Fusion Energi were in the regenerative braking and hybrid powertrain software. The regenerative braking allows for energy typically lost when braking to be cycled back to the battery. This allows for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi to go further than the 2016 model, 60 miles to be exact. The break-down of how the engine uses energy is as follows: the car will run for about 21 miles on battery only, when there is gas in the tank the car will then run on battery and gas for about a mile, then the car will run fully on gas. Again, that's 610 miles of range, which is nearly triple the Tesla Model 3's range. 

Are you interested in this Electrified Vehicle (EV)? You now know the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi goes the distance, but you might not know just how it feels to drive one. That's where we come in. Stop by our dealership to take a test drive of the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi before the 2017 model hits the market. During the month of June, you can score a free $25 BP gas gift card just by taking a test drive on a Saturday at North Brothers Ford. You can also stop by our showroom to enter our 75th anniversary 2-year 2016 Ford F-150 lease giveaway. 

Thinking about Buying or Leasing a vehicle, but don't know where to start in making that decision? We can help get you started with our new  Buying Vs. Leasing page on our website which shows a side-by-side comparison of each option. Plus our How to Buy a Vehicle and How to Lease a Vehicle pages detail what happens during each process, what you'll need to consider, and common financing terms so you can feel confident at the dealership with whatever decision you make! 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+