If you're one of those who thinks it's just as important to get down as to get up a hill, you'll like Ford's new Tow/Haul feature, a transmission brake activated with a button on the stalk to the right of the steering column, just below the steering wheel. It works like an engine break, using engine horsepower to slow the vehicle without the foot brakes. It provides stability and safety on downhills when the weight of your vehicle and load need to be controlled.
In the ever-popular F-Series Super Duty line, Ford has created some high- end options indeed. It's brought the luxurious King Ranch edition over from the F-150 into the 250 and 350 Crew Cabs in single and dual rear-wheel applications. A new XLT Sport Crew Cab and FX4 off- road packages also have been added. The FX4 off-road package for F-250 and F-350 sports rancho shocks and skidplates.
Ford's aggressive marketing, flexible product line, and flood of new products and options are best typified by its new joint venture with Navistar. The Blue Diamond Corporation will produce 650s and 750s at Navistar's plant in Escobedo, Mexico. Dave Tarrant, chief nameplate engineer at Ford Medium Truck and Joint Venture Products, says, "You'll see many new offerings in the years ahead." To judge by Ford's current crop, the future can only bring higher value in a market that craves speed, power, comfort, and as many options as possible.