DR. FRUNKENSTEIN: F-150 LIGHTNING TRANSFORMED INTO ‘MONSTER TRUCK’ FOR HALLOWEEN
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov 1, 2023 – A year after transforming the frunk of his Mustang Mach-E into an intimidating Halloween candy dispensary, Product Design Director Ryan McManus is stepping things up this year with his new F-150 Lightning.
McManus is making full use of Pro Power Onboard, as well as all of the available outlets in the pickup’s Mega Power Frunk, for a new spooktacular Halloween creation. While he repurposed the teeth he made last year, McManus is also powering a TV that shows an “otherworldly” video loop of swirling mist and a red lightning storm. Smoke, enhanced by a strobe light, pours out of the frunk while eight-foot-long inflatable tentacles are sprawling out of the side and rear windows. McManus has even added lighting effects to the underbody of the truck that will flicker along to the music he plays inside the truck.
“Canada and the Oakville complex will play a vital role in our Ford+ transformation. It will be a modern, super-efficient, vertically integrated site for battery and vehicle assembly. I’m most excited for the world to see the incredible next-generation electric and fully digitally connected vehicles produced in Oakville.”
-Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO
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*Survey conducted on behalf of Ford Pro by PSB, a modern global research insights consultancy, in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany among 1,250 corporate fleet decision makers from Dec. 14-23, 2021.
**Ford Pro Charging depot software subscription and Ford Telematics subscription required. Chargers must conform to Open Charge Point Protocol 1.6-J industry standard and be internet-connected. Ford Telematics requires modem activation or plug-in device purchase and activation for non-Ford electric vehicles. Ford Pro Charging depot software, Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription service subject to agreement to Ford Smart Mobility terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle and charger data depend on subscription and compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle and charger capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
†Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Go to Fordpro.com or call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
The investment allows Ford to repurpose and transform existing buildings into a state-of-the-art facility that leverages Ford of Canada’s skilled and experienced workforce. Ford is taking a diverse strategic approach to transforming its industrial system to expand EV production: building new greenfield sites and also transforming existing manufacturing sites like in Oakville and Cologne, Germany.
“Ford’s commitment to invest in OAC retooling and upskilling signals a bright future for Canadian EV production and for Canadian auto sector employment,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The transformation of the Oakville plant is an important step towards a stronger industry and testament to the hard work, skills and dedication of our Unifor Oakville Assembly Complex members.”
“Ford of Canada has been a leader in the country’s auto industry since it was founded 119 years ago, driven by hard-working, dedicated employees,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “As the top-selling auto brand in Canada for 14 straight years, the successful transition to EV production in Oakville will help deliver stable Canadian employment with the opportunity to build the new skills and expertise to drive Ford and the industry forward.”
The current 487-acre Oakville site includes three body shops, one paint building, one assembly building. The transformed campus will feature a new 407,000 square-foot on-site battery plant that will utilize cells and arrays from BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky. Oakville workers will take these components and assemble battery packs that will then be installed in vehicles assembled on-site.
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Note: IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports cars, as defined by IHS Markit, include all vehicles in the IHS Markit Global Sports Car segment. Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car over the last 50 years, based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit.
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*Survey conducted on behalf of Ford Pro by PSB, a modern global research insights consultancy, in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany among 1,250 corporate fleet decision makers from Dec. 14-23, 2021.
**Ford Pro Charging depot software subscription and Ford Telematics subscription required. Chargers must conform to Open Charge Point Protocol 1.6-J industry standard and be internet-connected. Ford Telematics requires modem activation or plug-in device purchase and activation for non-Ford electric vehicles. Ford Pro Charging depot software, Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription service subject to agreement to Ford Smart Mobility terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle and charger data depend on subscription and compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle and charger capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
†Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Go to Fordpro.com or call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
# # #
Note: IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports cars, as defined by IHS Markit, include all vehicles in the IHS Markit Global Sports Car segment. Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car over the last 50 years, based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit.
LFP Battery Chemistry to Benefit Ford Customers
Offering LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) – allows Ford customers to choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.
LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. This lower-cost battery, at scale, will help Ford contain or even further reduce EV prices for customers. These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development, most of which will be assembled in the U.S.
“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”
Even before the new battery plant opens, Ford will introduce LFP batteries on Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 to increase production capacity, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.
“The thing I loved about it was that (the truck) basically became a canvas for creativity,” McManus said. “I knew I could do a lot of different things I wouldn’t be able to do if I just opened the trunk (of another vehicle). It’s the platform of the truck that just allows that ability.”
His Second Rodeo
Like last year’s creation, McManus wanted to transform the face of the F-150 Lightning into a mouth, but he wanted his latest iteration to look more like a creature. That will help set his truck apart from the more traditional decorations he sees in his Halloween-crazed neighborhood.
“I wanted to do something a little bit like science fiction and otherworldly, especially with the amount of power I can get from the front and the back of the truck,” McManus said. “I’m using the F-150 Lightning and special effects in this way to make it feel very living and not static – it’s a monster truck.”
The creation made its debut at a trunk-or-treat event at the Massachusetts school where McManus’ wife teaches. He plans to use a slightly modified version in his Halloween-crazed neighborhood Oct. 31. Halloween gatherings also offer McManus a chance to discuss Ford products with friends and neighbors.
- It is creating an all-new EV manufacturing ecosystem in West Tennessee – called BlueOval City – the home of a battery plant and the future home of Ford’s next-generation EV pickup. Together with two battery plants in Kentucky, which are part of a joint venture with SK On, these sites will create 11,000 new U.S. jobs and expected to begin production in 2025.
- Through a wholly owned subsidiary, Ford is building a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Mich. Production is slated to begin in 2026, with 2,500 employees. Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both lithium iron phosphate and nickel cobalt manganese batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 diversify its U.S. supply chain.
- It is modernizing its vehicle assembly campus in Cologne, Germany, transforming it to become the Ford Cologne Electrification Center – the company’s first EV center of excellence in Europe. This site will be the production home of the electric Ford Explorer for European customers; production begins later this year.
- Ford, LG Energy Solution and Koç Holding have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to build one of the largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell production facilities in the European region. The project is on track to break ground near Ankara, Turkey, later this year, with production to start in 2026.
- Ford this year is expanding production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn and the Mustang Mach-E at its Cuautitlan facility on Mexico.
"Ford’s investment in retooling its Oakville plant will support thousands of good paying jobs and is an important milestone in our plan to become a leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together, with our industry and union partners, we’re building up a world class, home grown electric vehicle supply chain, from mining to manufacturing, so that the vehicles of the future are built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”
Added Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade:“Ford’s investment to transform its Oakville facility to manufacture passenger electric vehicles will strengthen our end-to-end EV supply chain and help ensure that the vehicles of the future are built here in Ontario. With our plan to build a strong Ontario, we continue to create the right conditions for businesses and workers to succeed now and for generations to come.”
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- It is creating an all-new EV manufacturing ecosystem in West Tennessee – called BlueOval City – the home of a battery plant and the future home of Ford’s next-generation EV pickup. Together with two battery plants in Kentucky, which are part of a joint venture with SK On, these sites will create 11,000 new U.S. jobs and expected to begin production in 2025.
- Through a wholly owned subsidiary, Ford is building a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Mich. Production is slated to begin in 2026, with 2,500 employees. Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both lithium iron phosphate and nickel cobalt manganese batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 diversify its U.S. supply chain.
- It is modernizing its vehicle assembly campus in Cologne, Germany, transforming it to become the Ford Cologne Electrification Center – the company’s first EV center of excellence in Europe. This site will be the production home of the electric Ford Explorer for European customers; production begins later this year.
- Ford, LG Energy Solution and Koç Holding have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to build one of the largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell production facilities in the European region. The project is on track to break ground near Ankara, Turkey, later this year, with production to start in 2026.
- Ford this year is expanding production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn and the Mustang Mach-E at its Cuautitlan facility on Mexico.
"Ford’s investment in retooling its Oakville plant will support thousands of good paying jobs and is an important milestone in our plan to become a leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together, with our industry and union partners, we’re building up a world class, home grown electric vehicle supply chain, from mining to manufacturing, so that the vehicles of the future are built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”
Added Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade:“Ford’s investment to transform its Oakville facility to manufacture passenger electric vehicles will strengthen our end-to-end EV supply chain and help ensure that the vehicles of the future are built here in Ontario. With our plan to build a strong Ontario, we continue to create the right conditions for businesses and workers to succeed now and for generations to come.”
“I love getting to show off Ford stuff,” he said. “It’s part of the joy of the job. Besides the fun of a trunk or treat, I’ll be getting to talk to the parents about the truck. A lot of parents have not seen an electric truck before, and some people may not recognize it when they see it on the street. This will definitely open up a lot of conversations. I’ll get to talk about what we’re doing at Ford and why we’re so excited about these things.”
Last year was McManus’ first time participating at a trunk-or-treat event, and the frunk on his Mach-E was a conversation starter. He expects his new display will get others thinking about the myriad of ways they could utilize an F-150 Lightning. And to make it all even more authentic, he even created a fake patent application for his concept.
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- It is creating an all-new EV manufacturing ecosystem in West Tennessee – called BlueOval City – the home of a battery plant and the future home of Ford’s next-generation EV pickup. Together with two battery plants in Kentucky, which are part of a joint venture with SK On, these sites will create 11,000 new U.S. jobs and expected to begin production in 2025.
- Through a wholly owned subsidiary, Ford is building a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Mich. Production is slated to begin in 2026, with 2,500 employees. Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both lithium iron phosphate and nickel cobalt manganese batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 diversify its U.S. supply chain.
- It is modernizing its vehicle assembly campus in Cologne, Germany, transforming it to become the Ford Cologne Electrification Center – the company’s first EV center of excellence in Europe. This site will be the production home of the electric Ford Explorer for European customers; production begins later this year.
- Ford, LG Energy Solution and Koç Holding have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to build one of the largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell production facilities in the European region. The project is on track to break ground near Ankara, Turkey, later this year, with production to start in 2026.
- Ford this year is expanding production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn and the Mustang Mach-E at its Cuautitlan facility on Mexico.
"Ford’s investment in retooling its Oakville plant will support thousands of good paying jobs and is an important milestone in our plan to become a leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together, with our industry and union partners, we’re building up a world class, home grown electric vehicle supply chain, from mining to manufacturing, so that the vehicles of the future are built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”
Added Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade:“Ford’s investment to transform its Oakville facility to manufacture passenger electric vehicles will strengthen our end-to-end EV supply chain and help ensure that the vehicles of the future are built here in Ontario. With our plan to build a strong Ontario, we continue to create the right conditions for businesses and workers to succeed now and for generations to come.”
Typically, McManus and his family utilize the frunk to carry their kids’ sports equipment and for groceries. The truck’s Zone Lighting also comes in handy when soccer fields need a little extra light to continue practice after sunset. He also makes use of Pro Power Onboard to power lawn-care equipment and to charge his son’s go-kart. The USB ports in the frunk also lend themselves to emergency phone charging.
“There’s all these little features that we designed and built into it,” said McManus, who has had the truck, his first pickup, since July. “We’re still just scratching the surface.”
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