Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring, Texas presented the surprise of a lifetime for two Spring Independent School District Teachers May 11, during the Spring ISD Employee Recognition Banquet held at Planet Ford Stadium. The family-owned Ford dealership helped honor the top two educators in the district. One teacher was handed the keys to a new Ford donated by Randall, Sherry, and Shelby Reed, and Planet Ford on I-45. Another award-winning teacher was presented with an all-inclusive vacation for two, also provided by the Reeds and Planet Ford.
Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner of Planet Ford was privileged to make both big announcements of the evening. The District Elementary Teacher of the Year and recipient of the new Ford courtesy of Planet Ford in Spring and the Reed family is “Drum roll,” said Mr. Burns. “The winner is Olivia Ruiz!” The Northgate Crossing Elementary School educator was moved to tears of joy hearing her name.
Teaching since 1994, Mrs. Ruiz is a third-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies, and a highly involved mother of four children. “It’s not easy. The road is rigorous,” she shared in her essay. “Often our students take priority… there are times during a school year one feels like giving up. That’s why teaching isn’t a job. It is a calling.” She says that her background as an emergent bilingual student also helps her relate to her students, their struggles, and wants to inspire all of her scholars. “I desire that my students will one day think back and realize that there was someone in their lives who pushed them to be better, who identified with them on a personal level, who gave them tools to learn, and awoke something in them to take them beyond the mere walls of their school.”
The next amazing educator announced by Mr. Burns was Anita Foreman as Spring ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. On behalf of Planet Ford, Mr. Burns presented her with an all-inclusive vacation for two. Mrs. Foreman is a sixth-grade Reading Language Arts teacher at Wells Middle School. Teaching since 2015, she was inspired by seeing the impact her grandmother and aunts made on students they taught and the community. “I teach to unlock hidden treasures that exist in my students,” she said. “My WHY is my passion for education and love of students. It is the fuel that helps you stay up late grading papers, attend weekend professional development sessions on your days off, and plan lessons during your holiday breaks. I am forever grateful to all the teachers who inspired me and created the passion to create a better community, state, country and ultimately, a better world through teaching.”
The Reed family and Planet Ford team share that passion for education and community. “The past couple of years have been extra challenging for everyone, especially for our amazing educators,” said Randall Reed, owner of World Class Automotive Group and Planet Ford. “In the face of it all, they continue to rise above and beyond not only in teaching the required curriculum, but in helping to shape the lives of our young peoples’ futures and our community.” Shelby Reed, President of World Class Automotive Group, agrees. “With all they are charged with and opt-in to do on top of that, we’re thankful we can be part of recognizing our educators’ outstanding work with the gift of a new Ford and a much-deserved dream getaway.”
Spring ISD’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators for their passion and commitment to excellence in education. Each Spring ISD school selects a campus Teacher of the Year, who is invited to submit written materials to be considered as a finalist for the district’s Teacher of the Year. A selection committee chooses an Elementary and a Secondary Teacher of the Year to represent the district.
“We’re excited to be part of celebrating all of the dedicated teachers, again,” said Mr. Burns. “Since 2014, this is one special way we can show our Planet Ford family cares about their never-ending hard work.”
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas has exciting news. This week Ford launched the all-new, electric F-150 Lightning pickup – a milestone moment in America’s shift to electric vehicles.
F-150 Lightning trucks are now being built for customers across America. F-150 Lightning is the fastest-accelerating F-150 yet and the only full-size electric pickup available now with a starting price less than $40,000.
Built at the ultra-modern Rouge Electric Vehicle Center within Ford’s historic Rouge Complex, F-150 Lightning is the only electric vehicle that is Built Ford Tough. Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 45 years in a row[1] and is second only to the iPhone in revenue among all American consumer products, according to a 2020 study.
“Today we celebrate the Model T moment for the 21st Century at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. “The Rouge is where Ford perfected the moving assembly line, making it a fitting backdrop as we make history again. The stunning anticipation for F-150 Lightning is a credit to the work of our Ford engineers and designers, and the UAW team members who are building these trucks with pride.”
Ford has unprecedented demand for F-150 Lightning with 200,000 reservations and is expanding the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to ramp up production to a planned annual run rate of 150,000 in 2023. The company has invested a total of $950 million and created 750 jobs at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Ford’s investment in Michigan for F-150 Lightning alone now totals more than $1 billion, with 1,700 recently created jobs spread among five Ford plants in the state, including Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center, where Lightning electric motors and electric transaxles are assembled, and Rawsonville Components Plant, where Lightning batteries are assembled.
“America’s real transition to electric vehicles starts now,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “F-150 Lightning is just the beginning of our ambitions for growth and leadership in digital, electric vehicles. We continue to expand our EV manufacturing footprint across the U.S., including the start of site preparation at BlueOval City, which will enable us to meet the ever-increasing customer demand for our exciting EV line-up.”
Ford is on track to deliver more than 2 million electric vehicles annually by 2026, equal to about one-third of the company’s global volume, on the way to 50% by 2030.
With acceleration from zero to 60 mph in the mid-4 second range with the extended-range battery, the freedom of a 10-kilowatt smart power plant on wheels, a starting price less than $40,000 before available tax credits and software updates that will make it even better over time, F-150 Lightning is attracting new customers to Ford. A full three-quarters of reservation holders do not currently own or lease a Ford vehicle. F-150 Lightning is also converting many of them to first-time truck or electric vehicle buyers.
Harnessing a century of manufacturing mastery for an electric pickup Ford announced its intention to build the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center at its historic Rouge complex 19 months ago, in September 2020, and has since created an ultra-modern site leveraging more than 118 years of expertise in manufacturing at scale.
Ford remains the top automaker in America in terms of U.S. production, sales of U.S.-made vehicles and employment of hourly autoworkers.[2]
“For UAW Ford members, the launch of the Lightning F-150 is an example that when electric vehicle expansion is done right, it can create good paying union jobs and opportunities,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “Today’s launch demonstrates that we can create a win-win for UAW families and communities as we build EV products for decades to come.”
The manufacturing technology in the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is just as innovative as the F-150 Lightning. It is the first Ford plant without traditional in-floor conveyor lines and instead uses robotic Autonomous Guided Vehicles to move F-150 Lightning trucks from workstation to station in the plant.
These Autonomous Guided Vehicles create more flexibility in the plant for additional production output, quality checks and product customizations, among other benefits. And changes can be made quickly without the constraints of a typical line that requires the installation of floor chains, moving mats, conveyors and overhead cranes. The plant also uses cobots, or collaborative robots, that work side-by-side with people without any safety cages needed. These cobots help with tasks that would be ergonomically challenging for employees, while also keeping employees safe.
“Today UAW members begin a new generation of building the iconic F-150, crafting a game-changing electric vehicle backed by our UAW craftsmanship and quality assembly,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president, director, Ford Department. “Our members are proud of building Ford Tough and are excited to build this new Lightning EV with the same UAW care and legendary performance Ford customers have grown to expect.”
The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is a zero-waste-to-landfill site, meaning none of the material generated as a by-product of the manufacturing process will go to landfills. The plant was built on the former Dearborn Assembly Plant site, using materials from the prior plant in the foundation.
Ford is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and to using 100% local, renewable electricity in all of its manufacturing operations by 2035.
The smartest, most innovative F-150 that Ford has ever built America’s favorite vehicle for 36 years straight is revolutionizing what it means to go electric.
For the first time, a full-size pickup provides cavernous lockable storage to store 400 liters of cargo out of sight. This Mega Power Frunk doubles as a cooler – washable and drainable – with lighting to see in the dark. It also has 2.4 kW of exportable power. Combined with the power available from the 5.5-foot bed and cab, it brings the truck’s Pro Power Onboard total to up to 9.6 kW from 11 power points.
At home, F-150 Lightning, together with a home integration system, can power a house during an outage for three days[3] and in time will be able to offer power back to the grid. It can charge other electric vehicles so no one is left stranded.
“It’s not every day that you get to launch a truck that will change the way Americans feel about electric vehicles,” said Linda Zhang, F-150 Lightning chief program engineer. “The team has done a phenomenal job ensuring we are offering customers unique features only made possible by the electric power unit. But it’s the drive experience that will blow people’s minds. It is simply effortless.”
F-150 Lightning accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range with the extended-range battery, making it the fastest-accelerating F-150 yet. Its planted ride ensures a ride and handling experience not usually felt by a truck driver. It also has the most torque of any F-150 ever (at 775 lbs.-ft.) and because it’s almost instantaneous, offers effortless towing.
Ford offers F-150 Lightning owners an optional BlueCruise hands-free driving experience on more than 130,000 miles of prequalified divided highways across the U.S. and Canada. F-150 Lightning will stay up to date and constantly improve through over-the-air software updates, called Ford Power-Ups.
F-150 Lightning is a zero-emissions vehicle with as much as 320 EPA-estimated miles of range. Lightning customers have access to the BlueOval Charge Network, the largest public charging network in North America offered by automotive manufacturers.
Home charging is straightforward with installation partner Sunrun. Extended-range battery customers with an 80 amp Connected Charge Station Pro can get a full charge overnight on AC power with dual on-board chargers. Customers may also have the opportunity to install solar energy – enabling them to power both their home and charge their truck with clean, renewable energy.
F-150 Lightning Pro is the first electric F-Series truck purpose-built specifically for commercial customers. F-150 Lightning Pro is offered through Ford Pro, a one-stop shop for commercial and government customers with a range of conventional and electric vehicles and a full suite of software, charging, financing, services and support on Ford and non-Ford products. F-150 Lightning Pro is backed with turnkey solutions for commercial operations, and Ford predicts commercial customers’ cost savings will begin from day one.
Click here to learn more about the electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup.
[1] Based on 1977-2021 calendar year total sales
[2] Ford assembles more vehicles in the U.S. than any other manufacturer based on S&P Global Mobility CYE 2021 US Light Vehicle Production data. Ford is No. 1 among high-volume automakers in American-assembled percent of American sales based on Ford’s analysis of S&P Global Mobility CYE 2021 Light Vehicle Production data. High volume manufacturers produce 500,000 units or more in a calendar year. Ford employs about 56,000 hourly workers in the U.S., more than any other automaker, based on Center for Automotive Research data.
[3] When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery. Results may vary depending on energy usage.
History has been repeated! For the sixth time, Planet Ford in Spring on I-45 has earned Ford’s highest honor, the Triple Crown, among other elite awards for 2021. In addition, Ford Motor Company announced that the Planet Ford dealership family has repeated a historic winning year — every Planet Ford location in Texas has earned the manufacturer’s top honor.
The first time it was announced in 2018, it was an unprecedented event for an independent Ford dealer to earn this award at every single location within the same year. After earning it four times over for 2017, the Reed family of dealerships earned quadruple triple crowns, again, for 2021.
According to Ford, only 1 percent of dealerships nationwide win the Ford Triple Crown. Randall Reed’s family of Ford dealership won four in a single year out of approximately 3,000 Ford dealerships.
“When our amazing team first achieved this accomplishment, it was said to be a billion to one odds chance of it happening. Now, our Planet Ford locations have done it twice,” said Randall Reed, owner of World Class Automotive Group.
Ford’s Triple Crown recognizes the best of the best. To receive the highly sought-after Triple Crown, each dealership had to receive all of Ford’s top awards, which include the President’s Award for customer service; One Ford Elite for excellence in Sales, Service or Parts; and the Ford Customer Service Premier Club. All of the World Class Automotive dealerships, including Bill Fick Ford in Huntsville, Texas, have garnered the Ford President’s Award, year after year.
“For over 30 years, our family has proudly served our community always treating our customers like one of our own family members,” said Shelby Reed, President of World Class Automotive Group. “Our team not only works hard to meet our customers every auto need, they care that our customers are happy and totally satisfied.”
While this is the second time the dealerships have won the honor simultaneously, it’s the 10th consecutive Triple Crown for Planet Ford in Humble, the ninth honor for Planet Ford 635 in Garland, sixth for Planet Ford in Spring, and the third for Planet Ford Dallas Love Field.
Sherry Reed, co-owner of World Class Automotive Group agrees, “We’re thankful that our customers trust us with their auto needs. Helping people and making them happy is what our dealerships are all about.”
Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houston, Tomball, The Woodland Conroe) is thrilled to be an official co-sponsor of the new Texas Legacy Volleyball Complex in Tomball, Texas. The building opened in February on Theis Lane.
Texas Legacy Volleyball Club has several different levels of teams. Depending on the skills and abilities of the player displayed at tryouts, they may be placed on a local team, a regional team, or a national team. There are different options based on practices, strength training, uniforms, coaching, and the number and location of tournaments.
We are excited to be part of supporting our young people in the community and all who love great volleyball! Learn more at Texas Legacy Volleyball Club.
Planet Ford in Spring was proud to be part of an early-reading initiative. The dealership donated $2,000 worth of books to Anderson Elementary of Spring ISD. In 2015, Ford joined First Book, a nonprofit organization, which provides brand-new books and school supplies to young students. In collaboration with First Book, Ford Motor Company Fund and Elena Ford have distributed more than 100,000 books to young readers.
“It means the world to us,” said Anderson principal Kristin Falcon. “It gives us an opportunity to not just have the kids exposed to books in their classrooms as an instructional tool, but to actually give them books to read for enjoyment, and to take that love of literacy home to share with their families.”
This week’s donation was comprised of hundreds of grade-appropriate books for all first-, second- and fifth-graders at Anderson –– which the students can use in class and also take home to keep and share with their families and friends.
Planet Ford has been a longtime partner with Spring ISD, sponsoring prize giveaways for district Teacher of the Year award winners, and in 2019 entering into a naming-rights agreement that helps support operations at the district’s Planet Ford Stadium and the adjacent Randall Reed Community Center, both built as part of Spring ISD’s 2016 bond program.
When the dealership began learning more about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on literacy and educational development, they joined forces with Ford Fund and First Book to help Title 1 schools combat pandemic learning losses. Planet Ford sponsored a book donation at Anderson last spring for select grades, followed up by this week’s donation to reach even more students.
“We believe in pouring back into our future, and these kids are our future,” said Planet Ford Community Relations Director Lauren Lothringer during her visit to Anderson on Wednesday to help hand out bags of books to students. “So any opportunity that we have to give back and really promote growth and learning, we’re all over it.”
“The partnership between Randall Reed’s Planet Ford and Spring ISD is long-running, which is why it was a no-brainer when selecting Anderson Elementary,” Lothringer said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be returning again this year and blessing the Gators with more books!”
Read more at https://news.springisd.org/2022/01/anderson-elementary-receives-book-donation-from-planet-ford-and-first-book/
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving The Woodlands, Houston, Aldine, Conroe areas) is pleased to share that once again Ford Credit ranked highest in the mass market segment of the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study.
“This is Ford Credit’s fifth top ranking since 2015,” said Craig Carrington, Ford Credit executive vice president of U.S., Canada and International. “We’re proud of this record, and we’re even prouder of the way our team continues to treat customers like family and do the right thing every day.”
Ford Credit led in overall satisfaction in the study. The American automaker had a score of 867 on J.D. Power’s 1,000-point scale; the score was 22 points above the segment average. Ford Credit also scored highest in account management and communication, and in billing and payment process.
Ford Credit ranks No. 11 among mass-market brands consumer financing study for 2021
Ford Credit scores highest in account management and communication, as well as billing and payment process
2021 is Ford Credit’s fifth year with the top-ranking since 20152
– Ford Motor Company
“The results show our efforts to improve our digital experiences, including adding flexibility for customers to manage their accounts and make payments, are delivering the ownership experience our customers want,” Carrington said.
Ford Credit also has made concentrated efforts to improve service consistently, even though the pandemic and semiconductor chip shortages that are affecting the auto industry and its customers.
“We are investing heavily in changes across our processes and technologies to deliver leading, differentiating customer experiences,” said Sylvia Veitia, Ford Credit executive vice president of Operations. “These investments also benefit our agents, making it easier for them to do their jobs and be of service to our customers.”
Over the past year, the company has continued to improve its digital services, launched programs to support customers affected by the pandemic and semiconductor chip shortage that reduced vehicle inventories, and established a product organization with a unit focused solely on the customer experience.
“Our teams never quit working to serve and be always on for our customers, including through life’s challenges,” Carrington said. “Our goal is to be a reason people choose and stay with Ford Motor Company, and that’s the lens for everything we do.”
When you’re looking for finance options for your new vehicle, Planet Ford in Spring on I-45 can help. Visit us at PlanetFord45.com.
Planet Ford in Spring, TX on I-45 (serving greater Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Aldine) has some Ford’tastic news. Ford has announced the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup – the first standard hybrid pickup in America – is America’s most fuel-efficient hybrid pickup with an EPA-estimated rating of 42 mpg city.1
The 2.5-liter hybrid has an EPA-estimated rating of 37 mpg combined, 33 mpg highway and an EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas.2
“Our team set out to redefine what a truck could be with Maverick, and we’ve done that with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city that beats the 2022 Honda Civic 1.5-liter 4-cylinder automatic (variable gear ratio) gasoline engine. At the same time, Maverick offers room for five and plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects,” said Chris Mazur, Ford Maverick chief engineer.3
Maverick uses Ford’s innovative fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes an all-new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission. Its briefcase-size, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is packaged smartly below the second-row seats rather than occupying a significant portion of the cargo area.
Maverick Hybrid is expected to start shipping in December with the first customer deliveries expected in January 2022 so required state and federal emissions certification can be completed.
Due to high demand, all Maverick Hybrid production for the 2022 model year is expected to be fully reserved by early November. Once all 2022 Maverick Hybrids have been reserved, ordering for Maverick Hybrid will close until reopening next summer.
Customers are still able to place orders for Maverick with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which is already on sale and off to a fast start with more on their way. Ready for your own new Ford Maverick, visit Planet Ford on I-45 off the Louetta exit in Spring, Texas. Shop online anytime at PlanetFord45.com.
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1Actual mileage will vary.
2Range calculation based on 13.8-gallon tank and EPA-estimated rating of 37 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.
3Payload, towing, and EPA-estimated Fuel Economy Ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
Planet Ford http://www.PlanetFord.com on I-45 in Spring, Texas has some exciting Ford news. The new Ford Bronco Sport and Mustang Mach-E have earned top spots in their respective segments of the J.D. Power 2021 APEAL Study, and Ford also received recognition from the group for its young lineup and significant launches.
J.D. Power’s 2021 APEAL study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across 37 attributes, ranging from the power they feel when they step on the accelerator to the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat.
The Ford Bronco Sport took first place in the Small SUV category, while Mustang Mach-E was voted top Compact SUV. Both models beat their segment competition in nearly every category, from exterior to powertrain to driving comfort.
The study also noted that most Ford models match or exceed their segment average.
“Ford very much believes in listening to its customers,” said Chris Brewer, executive director, quality, Ford Motor Company. “These vehicles were created to delight and impress them every time they get behind the wheel. We’re honored by this award. It tells us we’re delivering on their wants and needs.”
Ford also was recognized for having one of the youngest portfolios in the industry, with an average vehicle age of 1.5 years versus the mass market age of 3.1.
In addition, the study showed the Ford brand improved by five index points, maintaining its historic lead over the mass market average. Judges noted the brand score was helped by the company’s emphasis on higher-performing vehicles like Super Duty, F-150 and Bronco Sport.
Ready for your own “APEALing” new Ford, visit PlanetFord45.com? For more information about J.D. Power’s APEAL survey for 2021, please click here.
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving Houston, The Woodlands, Aldine, Cypress, Conroe) has some enlightening news you can use! A year after Ford confirmed building the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, the first Ford F-150 Lightning pre-production unit is leaving the factory. Demand is already soaring, so Ford is increasing its investment and adding jobs to boost production.
Ford is investing an additional $250 million and adding 450 more direct jobs across the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center and Rawsonville Components Plant. The investment and added jobs will help increase production capacity to 80,000 trucks a year.
“We knew the F-150 Lightning was special, but the interest from the public has surpassed our highest expectations and changed the conversation around electric vehicles. So we are doubling down, adding jobs and investment to increase production,” said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company. “This truck and the Ford-UAW workers who are assembling it in Michigan have a chance to make history and lead the electric vehicle movement in America.”
F-150 Lightning, with a starting MSRP of $40,000 and targeted EPA-estimated driving range of 300 miles with the extended range battery1, is aimed at the heart of the U.S. auto market. Ford has taken more than 150,000 reservations for the trucks to date.
“Electrifying the F-Series – America’s best-selling truck for 44 years – and assembling it at this high-tech facility in Michigan – represents a significant step toward mass adoption of electric vehicles in America,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president of The Americas and International Markets Group. “F-150 Lightning is intended to be more than a no-compromise zero tailpipe-emissions truck. It’s packed with ingenious features and technology that will improve over time, it’s exhilarating to drive and it can power your home and worksite.”
The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is part of an initial $700 million investment in the historic Ford Rouge Center, creating a manufacturing home for the F-150 Lightning. Now Ford’s pre-production F-150 Lightning trucks are leaving the factory for real-world testing, with the truck available to customers next spring.
Ford’s $250 million additional investment will create 450 additional hourly direct jobs, with most of those workers assembling the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Workers at Rawsonville Components Plant will assemble the batteries and Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center will increase its capacity to supply electric motors and electric transaxles for the F-150 Lightning.
This is the latest in Ford’s continuing investment in Michigan. Ford has invested $7.7 billion in the state and created and retained 7,000 Michigan jobs since 2016, including bringing the new Bronco SUV and Ranger pickup production to Michigan, refurbishing Michigan Central Station, developing a new Ford Research and Engineering Campus in Dearborn, creating Ford’s Ion Park in Romulus and more. Michigan has been the home of Ford since its founding in 1903 and these sites represent a growing network across southeast Michigan that will support the next generation of Ford’s battery electric, connected and autonomous vehicles.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of the right way to navigate the transition to tomorrow’s vehicles by ensuring good-paying jobs of the future – investing in building vehicles in the United States, with the hard-working men and women of the UAW,” said Laura Dickerson, UAW Region 1A Director. “Investments like this can pave the way to a future that protects our families, our communities and our middle class. Ford is doing this the right way with the F-150 Lightning – creating 450 additional UAW-represented jobs. Ford is investing in this all-electric F-150 Lightning, as well as hybrid and gas F-150 versions, as consumer demands shift. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Ford hosted government officials including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to celebrate Ford’s commitment to Michigan and assembling electric vehicles in Michigan as the first pre-production F-150 Lightning trucks start to leave the factory.
“We’re standing on the edge of an era of electrification that will be built in factories like this one by hardworking UAW members and the innovative minds at Ford,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am proud of Ford for committing to invest $30 billion in electrification through 2025, including this additional $250 million today to create 450 jobs in Dearborn, Ypsilanti and Sterling Heights supporting the production of the new F-150 Lightning. I will stay laser-focused at the state level on making investments in the future of mobility and electrification too, and together, we can create good-paying, high-skill union jobs and lead the world in electric vehicle development and manufacturing.”
“Michigan is the heart of the auto industry and we need to work across all sectors every single day to keep it that way,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “Building the vehicles of the future here at home while maintaining good-paying, union jobs will help the United States lead on mobility technology and innovation and stay ahead of our global competitors. I’ve been working day in and day out in legislative markups and discussions to ensure strong support for domestic manufacturing and electric vehicle infrastructure. I’m thankful for Ford’s partnership in this goal as we work together to protect jobs and keep the supply chain here in the United States, while also combatting the climate crisis and strengthening our economy.”
The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is in the Ford Rouge Center, which sets the benchmark for sustainable automotive assembly. This new center supports Ford’s vision of sustainable production as a zero-waste-to-landfill site.
The center uses natural lighting, as well as LED lighting and the primary forklift fleet will use hydrogen fuel cells with a zero-emission profile. The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is built on the site of the old Dearborn Assembly Plant, using its recycled foundation and construction materials. To learn more about getting your own, visit PlanetFord45.com.
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas has a lot of Ford Transit customers. The vehicles are ideal for so many needs, especially for our commercial clients. They help businesses really move! So, it comes as no surprise that so many have been produced and well used over the years.
Ford and the UAW workers at Kansas City Assembly Plant are celebrating producing one million Transit vans in North America since production began in 2014. Ford Transit is America’s best-selling van*, and Ford has been the commercial van leader for 42 years**. Kansas City Assembly Plant will also produce Ford’s first all-electric van, the E-Transit, coming later this year.
The one-millionth Transit rolled off the line June 29. It is an ingot silver, high-roof, extended wheelbase cargo van with rear-wheel drive. A Ford dealer in California ordered it.
Ready for your own Ford Transit? Our team at Planet Ford in Humble on Interstate (serving Houston, The Woodlands, Aldine, Cypress, Conroe) is here to help. Get started at PlanetFord45.com.
*Based on total U.S. reported sales (2020 calendar year). ** Based on total U.S. reported sales (1979-2020 calendar year). Includes Ford E-Series, formerly called Econoline, van and chassis; Club Wagon; Transit Connect cargo van and passenger wagon; Transit cargo van, passenger van and chassis
