Don’t blink! Planet This Planet Ford news is not only powerful; it’s fast! According to Ford (as of Sept. 2024), the all-new 2025 Mustang GTD – the apex of any Mustang ever engineered by Ford – sets a new performance bar with 815 horsepower, 664 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 202 miles per hour, the most of any street-legal Mustang ever.
The certified horsepower and torque, along with the Mustang GTD’s cutting-edge active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes, and inboard-rear suspension with semi-active dampers are key elements as Mustang GTD prepares to deliver on the promise of an official sub-seven-minute lap of the Nürburgring.
“We’ve been laser focused since day 1 to make Mustang GTD the first-ever supercar with world-class performance and the soul of a Mustang,” said Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall. “GTD’s heart is its supercharged 5.2-liter V8, packing more horsepower per liter than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.”
The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 improves on previous Mustang engines, benefiting from Mustang’s first-ever dry-sump oil system that can help keep the engine lubricated through sustained and demanding cornering.
That dry-sump oil system also enables a slightly elevated maximum engine speed of 7,650 rpm, up 100 rpm from the previous 5.2-liter V8 maximum. Revised intake and exhaust, a standard titanium exhaust, and a smaller supercharger pulley help achieve the engine output ratings.
Beyond the power needed to achieve its 202 mph top speed, Mustang GTD also features a Drag Reduction System that can change the angle of the rear wing and activate flaps under the front of the car to find exactly the right balance between airflow for speed and downforce for grip, depending on performance conditions.
“We’ve combined the work of talented engineers and designers, as well as an extremely capable driver, with Mustang GTD technology, power and aerodynamics,” said Goodall. “We can’t wait to deliver on our sub-7-minute promise to GTD customers.”
Looking to find your own Ford Mustang, visit Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houstons) on I-45 off the Loretta exit or shop online anytime at PlanetFord45.com!
Want more Raptor power? Great news from Planet Ford! Ford engineers have delivered significant low-end torque and horsepower improvements to the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor thanks to a new software calibration from Ford Performance Parts.
Ranger Raptor: Torque jumps from 430 to 536 lb.-ft., while horsepower increases from 405 to 455
Bronco Raptor: Torque increases from 440 to 536 lb.-ft. and horsepower climbs from 418 to 455
These upgrades are available for 2024 Ranger Raptor and 2022-2024 Bronco Raptors and allow for improved throttle response and an optimized shift schedule, resulting in a more powerful driving experience. The MSRP is listed at $825 and can be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points.
Anyone who registers their vehicle and attends Raptor Rally, an exclusive one-day event near the Ford Performance Racing School in Fairfield, Utah, on Sept. 21, will receive a 20% off coupon good for the calibration tool and other eligible accessories at performanceparts.ford.com. Terms and conditions apply.
Raptor Rally costs $500, which includes the vehicle, the owner, and one guest for a day of off-road drive experiences, trail rides, expert workshops, meet and greets with pro off-road racers, hot lap opportunities, Ford news, exclusive giveaways, meals, and more. Register at http://www.fordraptorrally.com .
The calibration can be purchased online (Bronco Raptor Calibration,Ranger Raptor Calibration) to be installed at a local dealer. These calibrations meet Ford durability standards and are covered by the vehicle’s three-year, 36,000-mile Ford Performance parts warranty.
Ready to upgrade or have questions? Visit Planet Ford on I-45 of the Loretta exit in Spring, TX (serving The Woodlands, Cypress, Spring, Greater Houston) or PlanetFord45.com!
If there is one thing our team knows at Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving great Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe), the Ford Mustang GT goes fast. So, you’ll need to move faster, if you want a chance to buy a limited-edition Mustang 60th Anniversary package in classic Brittany Blue before the special color is gone again.
The Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package remains a limited-production model, with only 1,965 total being made available as a nod to 1965, the first model year of the car.
First offered in 1967, Brittany Blue joins the Mustang 60th Anniversary Package’s previously announced colors: Wimbledon White, Race Red, and Vapor Blue – but only as a small batch.
“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners.”-Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager
Check this out this powerful Pony! It’s available exclusively with the Fastback body and 10-speed automatic transmissions, the 60th Anniversary Brittany Blue also includes the 401A package, Active-Valve Performance Exhaust, Brembo brakes, 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, 12-speaker B&O sound system, and Space Gray upholstery.
Key features of the Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package include:
Exclusive 60th Anniversary badges on the fenders and trunk lid are a modern take on the 1965 Mustang cloisonné badges
A unique 20-inch wheels finished in Dark Gravity Gray with bright machined details featuring a Vermillion Red, retro-themed stamped aluminum center cap inspired by the 1965 Mustang
Exclusive side graphics which can be optioned in either Iconic Silver or Vermillion Red and are reminiscent of Mustang’s original rocker panel stripes
New grille with a unique mesh design as a callback to the 1964 original made modern with silver-accented nostrils that are also functional air intakes for the 5.0-liter V8
Smoked housing of standard Mustang Nite Pony headlights so silver-accented nostrils to stand out
Available in classic Wimbledon White, Race Red & Vapor Blue colors & exclusive Brittany Blue
Iconic Silver mirror caps on Race Red, Vapor Blue, and Brittany Blue cars callback to chrome mirrors of old, while Wimbledon White cars adopt body-color mirror caps
Ford is continuing the celebration of 60 years of Mustang with another new digital instrument cluster design. Inspired by the 1999 to 2001 Mustang SVT Cobra, it shows the classic white dials during the day and then backlights the cluster details in icy blue at night.
This cluster was delivered as part of the software update that introduced the 1967-68 digital gauge cluster on Mustang’s 60th birthday on April 17, 2024. It was activated on August 17 for all 2024 Mustang customers with Automatic Software Updates turned ‘On’ and set for a recurring schedule in the Software Updates Settings menu.
Ready for your own Mustang GT? Shop Planet Ford on I-45 off Loretta in Spring, TX or PlanetFord45.com!
Our team at Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe) could have already told you the Ford Super Duty is highly appealing for its styling, comfort and performance. Now, that has been backed up by owners. The 2024 Ford F-Series Super Duty has been named the most appealing large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
The J.D. Power APEAL study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle.
“For the people, businesses, first responders and communities that build America, Super Duty is more than a truck. It’s a tool they rely on to get the job done,” said Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty chief program engineer. “There’s no better recognition than one that comes from the people using the truck every day. We are honored and proud to serve our Ford Pro customers with a Built Ford Tough truck that helps to keep our country moving forward.”
“The Ford Super Duty ranking as the most appealing Large Heavy-Duty Pickup shows Ford’s commitment to building vehicles that go above and beyond their customers’ expectations,” said Frank Hanley, Senior Director Auto Benchmarking at JD Power.
The 2024 Super Duty was named 2024 North American Truck of the Year™️ by the North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle of the Year jury in January and J.D. Power recently named 2021 Super Duty the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup.
Ready to get your own Ford Super Duty, from F-250, F-350, and beyond? Planet Ford o I-45 in Spring is your hometown headquarters for your new Ford truck! Visit us at the dealership or PlanetFord45.com!
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas is proud to congratulation Liam McCarthy, Frassati Catholic High School, for being named the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week! Shawn Burns, GM/OP & Brad Stapp, Dir. Of Operations, presented the prestigious trophy to Liam McCarthy at Frassati Catholic High School.
According to head coach, Calvin Lafiton, Liam is a once in a generation player who is only going to improve. The Sophomore linebacker lived up to his coach’s expectations with a dominating defensive performance last week as the Falcons defeated the Wildcats 55-6.
McCarthy made 23 tackles (15 solo and 8 for a loss), secured 4 sacks, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. The 5-1 Falcons look to extend their win streak to 5 games against All Saints Episcopal on Friday, 10/13.
Our Planet Ford in Spring team is looking forward to watching Liam and the entire team go far this season.
Planet Ford in Spring is proud to be a supporter and be part of encouraging the automotive talent showcased at the Student Automotive Tech Competition. The Marshall Center for Advanced Careers of Alief ISD emerged victorious as the winners of the highly competitive Student Automotive Tech Competition, earning the honor of representing their school at the North Texas Automobile Dealers Auto Tech Competition 2023 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on December 1 and 2, 2023. The three senior students, Jose Vera, Juan Gomez, and Kevin Alviter demonstrated skill, teamwork, and automotive expertise. They won trophies, $500 cash prize donated by Peak Old World Industries, tools from Matco, and a $100 bonus from ASE Foundation. The school instructor, Julian Mendoza, was awarded $250 from SPD Construction for his instructional excellence.
Third Place: Klein Collins High School. Team: Calvin, Grason, Jason with Joseph Philbrick, Instructor
The team from Clear Spring High School won second place. Klein Collins High School, sponsored by Planet Ford in Spring, took home the third-place awards. The students from Klein Oak High School, also sponsored by Planet Ford did a great job. Student Automotive Tech Competition provides an invaluable opportunity for these young talents to showcase their skills and fosters a connection between the automotive industry and the next generation of technicians.
Klein Oak High School Team left to right: Blake, Victor, Max
This premier event, presented by the ASE Education Foundation and the Houston Automobile Dealers Association, saw ten high school teams from across Houston competing in various automotive disciplines, including Preventative Maintenance Inspection and Repairs, Location of Fuse Panels and Relays, Navigating Service Information and Reading Wiring Schematics, Documenting/Typing/Writing on Repair Orders, and Navigating and Using Factory Scan Tools.
“We were honored to partner with the Houston Automobile Dealers Association to present this prestigious competition,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “As the industry leader in providing solutions to the technician shortage, we always look to support events that inspire and connect the next generation of automotive service professionals with employers.”
“We congratulate the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers and Sterling McCall Nissan on their remarkable success and wish them the best of luck as they advance to the next level of competition,” said Wyatt Wainwright, president of Houston Automobile Dealers Association. “Their hard work and dedication serve as a testament to the future of the automotive industry and the promise of these young talents.”
Electrifying Ford news! The American automakers is introducing a new F-150 Lightning model – F-150® Lightning® Flash™ – a tech-forward offering that brings together most of current customers’ favorite features under $70,000.
The F-150 Lightning Flash expands on the XLT model line by adding in-demand tech capabilities, including an extended-range battery, which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise1 hands-free highway driving, and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for seamless interactions and navigation. The F-150 Lightning Flash customer values an EV powertrain and advanced tech features paired with a more accessible price point and the F-150’s proven ability to handle anything, whether people, pets, or gear.
“The F-150 Lightning Flash is a direct outcome of engaging with and learning from our customers. This truck combines many of the technology-forward features our customers love in our EV lineup, at a more accessible price. With an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range, the Lightning Flash is another example of the speed at which we are adapting to grow our EV business.” Marin Gjaja, Chief Operating Officer at Ford Model e.
NewFord BlueCruise
Ford’s available hands-free highway driving technology, Ford BlueCruise,2 can assist in making driving less stressful and more enjoyable.
The F-150 Lightning Flash comes with version 1.2, which includes Lane Change Assist, allowing the driver to change lanes hands-free by tapping the turn signal once the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning to help to keep the vehicle in its lane while subtly shifting position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. It will also improve over time with software updates.
And, with a new flexible option, customers can choose to activate BlueCruise at any point during their vehicle ownership journey – at purchase, annually or even monthly – and use it when they need it. Customers can also try BlueCruise for 90 days from vehicle purchase during a complimentary trial.
Step Inside the F-150 Lightning Flash
– 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Swipe Capability
– B&O® Sound System with HD Radio™ includes 8 speakers and subwoofer
– Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start includes Approach Detection and SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad, Driver’s Side
– Wireless Charging Pad
Charging: Home & On The Go!
F-150 Lightning drivers can access the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest public charging network5 with over 84,000 chargers.
Starting spring 2024, F-150 Lightning drivers also will have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers, making it the largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Ford EV dealers are also adding public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network.
Charging a vehicle at home is as simple as charging a phone. F-150 Lightning owners can charge overnight with the available Ford Charge Station Pro on a 240V wall outlet. To maximize home charging speed and connected features at home, they can purchase the Ford Connected Charge Station and its on-demand 80 amps of power.
1 Ford BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan that provides regular map updates, FordPass® App, and modem activation. Ford BlueCruise-equipped vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 3-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See ford.com/bluecruise for BlueCruise availability and version details. See the Connected Services section of your Ford Account for your BlueCruise Connected Service plan status and available plan options. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. 2 Available Feature. Ford BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan, FordPass® App, and modem activation. Equipped Ford vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 3-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See ford.com/bluecruise for more details. BlueCruise driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. 3 Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, high-voltage battery age and state of health. 4 Current MSRP excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. 5 Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have active charging networks. Department of Energy data as of May 31, 2023 used. Numbers subject to change. FordPass,® compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
Owners of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will be able to enjoy a range of new experiences in 2024, from on-track driving courses led by some of the world’s best high-performance driving instructors to new lifestyle events and an online portal to connect with Mustang owners from across the country.
“The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We’re combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year,” said Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles. “And they’ll do so alongside their fellow enthusiasts.”
Mustang Dark Horse Track Attack at Charlotte Motor Speedway leads the charge for owners of Mustang Dark Horse – the most track-capable and powerful 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever.
Boasting a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio, Mustang Dark Horse owners will receive personal attention on the skid pad, autocross, and Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. This experience comes included with the purchase of the Mustang Dark Horse (not including transportation and lodging).
This event starts with an evening reception at the CMS Champion’s Club, overlooking the track, and then the next day expands into classroom and on-track instruction. This includes learning how to utilize the Dark Horse’s no-lift-shift system and taking to the skid pad and autocross. Owners will then put their newfound skills to the test in lead-follow lapping on the fearsome Charlotte Roval with three 20-minute sessions, followed by a hot lap with the instructors in the driver’s seat.
Dark Horse Track Attack customers can register for this program starting in January 2024.
New Ownership Experiences to Grow The Mustang Community
Owning a Ford Mustang has always been a gateway to a larger world that draws on nearly 60 years of unparalleled history, passion, style, and performance. And Ford is growing that world in 2024, giving Mustang owners new in-person, on-track, local events and online activities and tools to experience and share their Mustang.
A destination driving event at the Ford Performance Racing School at Charlotte Motor Speedway will give Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners similar track instruction to the Track Attack program for the first time. Mustang owners are not a monolith, and this new brand immersive driving program recognizes that with a choose-your-own-adventure format, where owners can select from drift instruction, track driving, line-lock burnout classes, and more.
A new digital portal creates an online point of entry to the Mustang fandom, allowing owners to learn, engage, and interact with fellow fans. A series of roving, cross-country events in 10 U.S. markets will include on major automotive, lifestyle and motorsports events. This will provide owners with an in-person opportunity to interact with other Mustang fans.
“Ford Mustang fans make this car what it is – a global icon for performance and excitement. And now, we’re giving owners a chance to connect regardless of distance and share their passion,” Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino said.
EV (electric vehicles) Commercial news you can use. Ford Pro, the commercial division of Ford, has revealed new charging hardware added to its suite of end-to-end solutions to help make it easier for commercial customers to transition their fleets to electric.
The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp and expanded DC Fast Charger options are designed for commercial vehicle use and packed with new features. Coupled with Ford Pro’s charging management software, the company provides a fully integrated solution that simplifies EV charging for both Ford and non-Ford electric vehicles.
“We’re committed to helping businesses make the transition to electric easy with a single-minded focus on curated commercial charging solutions,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “With our tailored EV consulting and portfolio of charging hardware and software solutions, we can design, implement and operate solutions for Ford and other brands that will last for many years to come. And we are not afraid to tell customers when electrification is not yet a good fit and support them with other solutions.”
Ford Pro’s BEV Fit team offers available complimentary consulting to customers to help identify available incentives, consult on charging site design and construction, and collaborate with local utilities on energy needs.
Now available for pre-order, the Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp comes with features that simplify and help improve the charging experience at the workplace for fleet operators and their drivers including:
Enhanced security with RFID that limits unwanted charger access. Fleet operators can issue a unique Ford Pro RFID card1 to control access to chargers enabling charging sessions to be limited to specific individuals or vehicles, by specifying day and times for access. The new RFID software also supports Ford and non-Ford vehicles unlocking the ability for fleet operators to track energy reports through Ford Pro’s charging management software.
Improved detachable cable and connector reduces time and expense of charger repairs avoiding replacement of the entire charging station if a cable or connector is damaged.
Wide range of connectivity options with cellular pre-configured and optional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for locations with restricted cellular coverage.
The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 Amp will be ISO-15118 ready and equipped to enable future functionality over the air such as advanced vehicle to charger communications that can identify and log when a specific vehicle connects. Ford Pro designed the new hardware to be ready for the future, so customers are better prepared for new electric vehicles and capabilities to come.
New LCD screen on the Series 2 charger displays step-by-step instructions to initiate charging and important information including charge duration, fault alerts, energy usage, and more.
Temperature sensors to monitor and alert for overheating by derating the charger automatically.
Extended operating temperature range of -40C (-40F) to 50C (122F) and operating altitude of up to 3500m to serve the needs of customers in more places.
The new Ford Pro charging hardware is backed by a 3-year warranty on charger parts and labor and continues to provide around-the-clock tech support to help increase uptime and productivity for customers.
Ford Pro Telematics, chargers, software and service work seamlessly to provide fleet operators and managers with a single solution to monitor their vehicle network 24/7.
Ford Pro is also revealing extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and shortened charge times. Aluminum pedestals feature an improved cable retractor and a sleeker look. The new Ford Pro DC Fast Chargers are available for pre-order now at ford.to/Series2ChargerPreorder.
Ford Pro Chargers work with Ford Pro’s smart charging software to help ensure vehicles are charged when customers need them. The integrated software and hardware solution helps fleet managers optimize how, when and where EVs are charged along with utility reimbursement reporting, important for home-based drivers.
Using Ford Pro Charging solutions can also allow customers to charge more vehicles at a given time. Customers can deploy more EVs without necessarily needing to wait for an infrastructure upgrade. The software also tracks performance and provides fleet managers with insights like kWh consumption, charge speed and distance to empty, and helps optimize total cost of ownership.
Businesses can also help lower their total cost of ownership through understanding the various incentives available to them. To help ease confusion, Ford Pro has compiled commercial incentives to make it easy to find available tax credits on EV, charging equipment and charging installation costs at https://www.fordpro.com/en-us/incentives/. The company also launched a program with professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) to help give customers no-cost information to learn about IRA tax credits for which they may qualify. Available incentives include:
Up to a 30% federal tax credit on charging and installation costs2
Up to $7,500 back on each new qualified EV purchased in 20232
Hundreds of federal, state, and local EV incentives and rebates2
Ford Pro delivers an always-on, connected customer experience through a comprehensive solution of vehicles, charging, software, financing and service for all commercial and government customers. Ford Pro has nearly 125,000 fleet customers across the U.S. and 140,000 across Europe.
Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand and America’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles for 38 consecutive years3, featuring BUILT FORD TOUGH® commercial trucks and vans integrated with software and services such as Ford Pro™ Telematics. With more than 3,000 physical authorized service locations, Ford has an impressive support/service network among commercial vehicle manufacturers.
1RFID cards sold separately.
2Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.
3Based on S&P Global Mobility CY1985-2022 U.S. TIPNet registrations excluding registrations to individuals. TIP registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles.
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas has exciting hands-free tech news! Ford is continuing to evolve how the American automaker offers products and services, including the way customers access BlueCruise. This is Ford’s enhanced hands-free highway driving technology.Plus, Ford is now including BlueCruise hardware standard from the factory to provide flexibility and choices to more customers.
Customers with equipped vehicles can now choose to activate BlueCruise at any point during their Ford ownership journey – at purchase, annually or even monthly – as well as have the opportunity to experience it through a complimentary trial if they choose not to activate at purchase. Ford is projected to install BlueCruise hardware on 500,000 vehicles for the 2024 model year in North America across Ford and Lincoln – expanding the availability onto more electric and gas-powered vehicles.
“BlueCruise is an experience-it-to-believe-it technology, and people are amazed at how BlueCruise can help make driving less stressful and more enjoyable – especially in traffic or on long drives,” said Ashley Lambrix, Head of Commercial Acceleration – Ford Model e. “We believe in this technology and how it can help transform the highway driving experience and want to give more customers the opportunity to try it and provide flexibility for them to activate it when they want to use it.”
Ford customers who know and love BlueCruise can choose to order or purchase a vehicle with BlueCruise already activated for three years. It can be rolled into the financing as part of the vehicle purchase. For customers who want to try out BlueCruise first, they can use BlueCruise for 90 days from vehicle purchase during a complimentary trial. At the end of the trial or at any point during their vehicle ownership, customers can activate it on an annual or monthly basis. Plus, to meet the needs of active or occasional users, there is no minimum length commitment required to activate it. For example, a customer could activate the service for one month for a road trip and not activate it again for another year.
Previously, customers would have to decide when ordering the vehicle if they wanted BlueCruise so the hardware could be installed. Now, Ford is removing this burden from customers, not forcing them to decide upfront if they might want access to this technology.
Expanding BlueCruise Flexible Offering to Additional Vehicle Lines
According to the results of an S&P Global Mobility study from March, consumers are willing to activate connected-car services that add value if they have the chance to try them first. In fact, 82% of respondents who had experienced a free trial or an existing connected service plan said they would “definitely” or “probably” consider purchasing a connected service on a future new vehicle purchase.
Ford first applied this approach on the Mustang Mach-E, and the company now is expanding this flexibility on all 2024 model year vehicles where BlueCruise is available – F-150 Lightning, Ford F-150 and Ford Expedition.*
BlueCruise activation for Ford customers costs $2,100 for three years at time of order or vehicle purchase. If a customer chooses not to activate upfront, after their complimentary trial they can choose an annual plan for $800 or a monthly plan for $75. If a customer chooses to forego activating BlueCruise, they can continue to experience Adaptive Cruise Control, which lets the driver set a cruising speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, including in stop-and-go traffic.
Expanding BlueCruise Offering for Lincoln Vehicles
The company also is expanding the BlueCruise offering for Lincoln customers. Now, all series of the 2024 Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Nautilus and select trims of Lincoln Corsair will come equipped with BlueCruise hardware.** BlueCruise will also be available for the first time on the all-new Nautilus when it launches early next year.
Based on the vehicle trim, Navigator and Nautilus customers will receive either four years of BlueCruise access included at purchase or a 90-day complimentary trial with the option to choose an annual plan for $800 or a monthly plan for $75 and activate it at any point during the vehicle ownership. Corsair trims built with the BlueCruise hardware, will receive four years of access included at purchase.
BlueCruise Will Continue to Improve
BlueCruise can add value to highway driving time, helping make stop-and-go traffic for a daily commute or a long road trip easier and more enjoyable.† Customers have spent 1.4 million hours enjoying BlueCruise to date, and the number of miles driven has grown by more than 40% since the end the first quarter, reaching more than 100 million miles and counting.
Ford is continuing to improve BlueCruise with a dedicated in-house team of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) engineers. There are currently 225,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with BlueCruise hardware on the road today globally. By adding additional BlueCruise-equipped vehicles, Ford’s ADAS team can continue to use the power of large-scale data, which customers have agreed and opted-in to share with Ford, to deploy improvements and features to vehicles through software updates.
Earlier this year, Ford rolled out BlueCruise 1.2 and will soon be rolling out BlueCruise 1.3, first to 2021-2023 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with BlueCruise hardware. The latest generation of BlueCruise software makes hands-free highway driving even better. It has improved performance when driving around curves and in narrow lanes. For example, based on our internal testing, BlueCruise 1.3 stayed engaged in hands-free mode for an average of 5X longer compared to BlueCruise 1.0, the first version of BlueCruise.
Customers can verify their BlueCruise access and status as well as renew the service via the FordPass App and Ford Account under Connected Services. If the vehicle has Ford BlueCruise capabilities, it will appear under Connected Services and include the status as well as the date the BlueCruise active service plan began.
Ready for your new Ford car, Ford truck or Ford SUV, visait Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas or PlanetFord45.com. For more info on BlueCruise, visit ford.com/bluecruise.
*Ford BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan that provides regular map updates, FordPass® App, and modem activation. Ford BlueCruise-equipped vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 3-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See ford.com/bluecruise for BlueCruise availability and version details. See the Connected Services section of your Ford Account for your BlueCruise Connected Service plan status and available plan options.
**Lincoln BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan that provides regular map updates, Lincoln Way® App and modem activation. Lincoln BlueCruise-equipped vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 2 or 4-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See your retailer to confirm BlueCruise Connected Service plan options for your vehicle. Owners, see the Connected Services section of your Lincoln Account for your BlueCruise Connected Service plan status.
†Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
