Bangkok--Feb 1--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
2006 F-250 Super Chief Concept is the world’s first Tri-flex fuel engine truck, offering 12 percent better fuel economy, 99 percent less CO2 emission and can run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline.
F250 Super Chief concept reaffirms Ford’s commitment to the strong “Built Ford Tough” truck heritage and expertise in flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) technology for building sustainable vehicles for a better tomorrow
Ford is a global leader in trucks with its F-series and Ranger being the most successful products in the truck portfolio
Ford Ranger is an innovative leader in the Thai truck market through its world-class quality and safety standards
Ford again brings its truck leadership to the forefront through the bold and powerful Ford F-250 Super Chief which made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Detroit on January 8th, 2006. Another revolutionary concept vehicle from Ford, the F-250 Super Chief boasts the world’s first tri-flex fuel supercharged V-10 engine that can run for 500 miles (over 800 kilometers) between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline. It is a truck that commands attention with a tough bold design characteristic of Ford’s renowned Built Ford Tough truck heritage that dates back almost 90 years.
Definitely the truck for the 21st century, offering 12 percent better fuel economy and 99 percent less CO2 emission, the F-250 Super Chief takes Ford’s global truck leadership to another level, as the Super Chief concept points towards the future of truck design, combined with alternative fuel powertrain choice that addresses today's issues of rising fuel prices and environmental sustainability.
Since 1948, the Ford F-series has consistently brought the global definition of trucks way beyond the expectation of our customers. Here in Thailand, the one-tonne Ford Ranger, which shares the same legendary ‘bold and tough” heritage with the F-150, has established itself as a frontrunner, pulling ahead of the pack with world-class comfort and safety standards that had set an industry-first benchmark in Thailand. Sporting the characteristic Built Ford Tough boldness and toughness in design and capability, the Ford Ranger produced in Thailand is exported to 130 countries worldwide, making Ford an important player in Thailand's effort to become the "Detroit of Asia".
John Fink, Ford Thailand’s Executive Vice President, said, “As the leader in building the best-selling truck over the past 29 years, we have the Built Ford Tough ingrained in our company's heritage. We know trucks better than anyone else. Through continued innovation, we build trucks that our customers desire and can rely on. This is what inspires us, and compels us to continue building better trucks that excite our customers.
Here in Thailand, Ford has established a reputation for establishing industry firsts. We began with the introduction of the Ranger pick-up truck equipped with safety features like airbags, ABS and side protection, followed by the first Open cab design, then the first E20-capable car available for sale in Thailand, the Ford Focus sedan, and more recently the successful debut of the rescue-themed 4-Trac concept Truck, Ford continues to make great strides in bringing innovation to our customers.”
The tri-fuel flex Ford F-250 Super Chief is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles. Super Chief, whose name is inspired by the American Super Chief trains of the past, is Ford's most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever — designed to build on the standard for interior excellence established by the new F-150.
Running on hydrogen, the supercharged V-10 engine provides up to 12 percent fuel economy improvement on an energy equivalent basis versus a non-supercharged gasoline V-10 — and nearly 500 miles per fill-up. In addition, when operating on hydrogen, the Tri-Flex V-10 generates 99 percent less CO2 emissions than when running on gasoline.
"The Tri-Flex fuel engine encourages the development of the hydrogen fuel infrastructure for the best future mobility solution," says Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Vice President, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "It also drives the expansion of the ethanol E85 fuel production and availability and, of course, provides our customers the convenience of gasoline until these other fuels become more readily available."
The Tri-Flex system leverages existing powertrain technologies in which Ford has long held leadership. Since 1996, Ford has led in production and sales of flex-fuel E85 ethanol/gasoline vehicles. Ford has built more than 1.6 million flex-fuel vehicles that operate on any mix of E85 and gasoline.
In December 2005, a flex-fuel capable version of the F-150 pickup went into production in North America. Ford has committed to building more than 250,000 flex-fuel vehicles in 2006 for the American market. Ford flex-fuel vehicles offer the customer convenience of filling one tank with E85 and/or gasoline.
While the F-250 Super Chief has plenty of innovative tricks under its hood, it embraces several of Ford Motor Company's advanced safety technologies to help ensure that occupants' travels are not only comfortable, but also safe.
Safety technology such as BeltMinder and BlockerBeam are among the innovative features on the F-250 Super Chief. BlockerBeam provides enhanced frontal crash compatibility with cars on the road, and Ford's patented BeltMinder technology will alert the driver when occupants are not buckled up.
With respect to the exteriors, the Ford F-250 Super Chief concept projects the next level of rugged elegance for full-size pickups. Its locomotive-inspired front-end appearance sets the tone, complemented by its bold, imposing grille. The substantial cabin offers more space in the passenger compartment, which is accessible through center-opening doors. There's an under-bed storage tray, which can be accessed even when the cargo bed is full.
Looking at the vehicle from inside, the F-250 Super Chief concept delivers rugged as well as elegant interior in three materials: American walnut, brushed aluminum and rich brown leather. The entire roof of the Concept is made of glass. Viewed from above, through the glass roof, the floor is smooth and integrated from cabin to the bed. Rear seats allow for relaxation aided by ottomans that deploy from the floor space. The seats have separate cushions, as well as individual integrated armrests.
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