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2016 Ford F-150 gets Sync 3, appearance packs

After the groundbreaking move to aluminum for the bodywork of the 2015 Ford F-150, it's easy to understand Ford keeping the updates light for the 2016 model. However, while there are no drastic changes for the upcoming model year, customers will benefit from a few tiny tweaks. Among the biggest improvement to the truck's usability is the move to the Blue Oval's latest Sync 3 infotainment system to replace Sync with MyFord Touch. Now running on Blackberry's QNX, the software claims to be faster and more intuitive. It also means a redesigned screen layout. As a pickup, the F-150 is meant to work, and Ford's trying to make that a little easier with the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist. When activated, drivers turn a knob in the direction they want the trailer to go. From there, the truck makes the necessary steering changes and limits the speed. Finally, for buyers wanting some extra style, Ford is bringing some updates to the exterior. Shadow Black and Lithium Gray are new colors that replace Tuxedo Black and Guard Metallic, respectively. There are also now brawny looking Special Edition Appearance Packages for the XLT and Lariat (pictured above) that include 20-inch anodized aluminum wheels, black running boards, smoked headlights, and side graphics. Both have a dark grille but with red accents on the Lariat and black mesh on the XLT. Inside, the seats feature Alcantara inserts with red bolsters, and crimson accent stitching is throughout the cabin. Finally, there is also the previously announced compressed natural gas prep pack. Feel free to read all about the new 2016 F-150 in the press release below. 2016 F-150 CONTINUES TO INNOVATE WITH AVAILABLE PRO TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST, ALTERNATIVE FUEL CAPABILITY AND SYNC 3 Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob New Special Edition Appearance Packages available on XLT and Lariat with unique wheels, graphics and finishes Compressed Natural Gas/Propane gaseous fuel prep package available for 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150s, helping reduce operating costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America's best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability. All-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway.

Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra flunk IIHS headlight test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put pickup truck headlights to the test and found that the majority of them were equipped with subpar units. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was the only truck to earn a rating of "good." The large pickup truck test was comprised of the: 2016 to 2017 GMC Sierra, 2017 Nissan Titan, 2016 Ram 1500, 2016 to 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, 2016 to 2017 Ford F-150, and 2016 to 2017 Toyota Tundra. The Sierra's headlights earned a rating of "acceptable," the headlights found on the Titan and Ram 1500 were found to be "marginal," and the ones on the Silverado, F-150, and Tundra were rated as "poor." IIHS claims the F-150 was the most disappointing out of the large pickup trucks as both its halogen and optional LED headlights failed to provide adequate visibility during testing. The Ridgeline (which earned a "good rating"), is usually considered a midsize or small truck, though IIHS included it in the field of large pickups. The headlights on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 2016 GMC Canyon, 2016 Nissan Frontier, and 2016 to 2017 Toyota Tacoma, which made up the small pickup truck group, all earned a rating of "poor." The IIHS claimed the Colorado had the worst headlights of any truck that was tested, as the base vehicle's units were only able to illuminate up to 123 feet in front of the car. The Ridgeline's headlights, for reference, were able to illuminate up to 358 feet in front of the vehicle. To conduct its test, the IIHS utilizes a special tool to measure how far light is projected out of the headlights in different driving situations. The trucks' headlights were tested in a straight line and in corners, while vehicles with high-beam assist were given extra praise. The headlights on the pickup trucks also mimic the testing that was done on small SUVs and cars earlier this year. Next year, automakers will need to fit their vehicles with headlights that earn a rating of either good or acceptable to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Related Video:

Ford posts decade-best $2.1B profit in Q1 2013

As predicted, Ford has reported that its first quarter of 2013 was a resounding success overall, with a pretax profit of $2.1 billion ($0.41 per share), and a net income of $1.6 billion ($0.40 per share). In fact, Ford made a pretax profit of some $2.4 billion in its home North American market, with that total number being pulled down by losses in South America and Europe. That gaudy North American profit is the strongest result by the automaker since 2000.
Ford's companywide profit for Q1 was down $147 million from one year ago, while the net income number marked an increase of $215 million year over year. Overall, this is Ford's 15th-consecutive profitable quarter.
The bad news from the European market was even worst in Q1 2013 than it was last year. Pretax losses of $462 million - on revenue of $6.7 billion - represented a year-over-year change of -$313 million. In South American, the company reported a loss of $218 million, down from a slim profit of $54 million in Q1 2012. The news was better for Ford Asia Pacific Africa, where a $6 million pretax profit in 2013 showed a year-over-year gain of some $101 million when compared to losses in 2012. Scroll down to read Ford's full press release.