Ford introduces new medium-duty cab forward model

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Ford Motor Company introduced the 2006 Ford LCF (Low Cab Forward) at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Company officials called the new LCF Ford’s response to customer demands for a differentiated alternative in the growing tilt cab segment. The current Class 3-5 cab forward segment comprises annual sales of about 24,000 units, but growth projections show sales of 40,000 units by 2010, said Ford officials, adding 76 per cent of tilt cab customers’ second choice is another tilt cab.

“The low cab forward segment is one of the fastest-growing niches in the commercial truck industry, with sales up almost 50 per cent in the last decade,” said Joe Castelli, Ford Division Commercial Truck director. “With the ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage, the Ford LCF is designed to answer an unmet customer need with a viable, new alternative in what for Ford is a highly incremental segment.”

Built in and for North America, the Ford LCF offers maneuverability and a segment-exclusive V-6 diesel engine, said Castelli. The LCF also has frame in a U.S. industry standard 34-inch width and a range of configurations for vocational conversion compatibility.

The new trucks go into production early next year as 2006 models, said Castelli. Class 4 and 5 configurations, with GVWRs of 16,000, 17,999 and 19,500 pounds, may be ordered later this year.

Led by its F-350 though F-550 conventional cab models, Ford holds more than 40 per cent of the total commercial truck market, said Castelli. Ford’s commercial truck line includes F-250 through F-750 pickups and chassis cabs, and E-Series van, wagon and cutaway models.

Configurations

The Ford LCF is designed for a wide range of uses, from pickup and delivery to leasing and rental companies, towing and recovery, landscapers and urban service providers.

“It offers exceptional maneuverability through dense traffic and the agility to park and load in confined areas,” said Frank Davis, vehicle program director, Pickup Trucks and Commercial Vehicles.

The LCF will be assembled in Escobedo, Mexico. For more information visit http://media.ford.com

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