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The Ford Bronco was last released 20 years ago in 1996, after having lasted five generations beginning in 1966. Built in Ford’s Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan, the Bronco began as a compact SUV. After 12 years in the compact SUV market, the Bronco underwent a massive change in 1978 when it was upgraded to a large SUV by using a modified F-Series truck chassis. The Ford Bronco II was a smaller version of the Bronco that was produced from 1983 until 1990 and was initially tied to the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger in 1983. The Bronco II was discontinued in 1990; it seems that the full-size Bronco was exactly what people were looking for! The Bronco remained a staple in the SUV world throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. It went through three more generations before appearing in its final incarnation, the 1992 to 1996 series. This fifth and final generation saw the addition of crumple zones, rear shoulder seat belt, driver-side airbags, and a third brake light installed in the top. Since this safety equipment was now integrated into the top of the Bronco, the top was no longer legally allowed to be removed and was secured with “tamper proof” Torx bolts. The Bronco was discontinued after the 1996 model year and replaced with the larger, four-door Expedition. The Bronco maintained a loyal following, and rumors have popped up many times over the past 20 years that the Bronco would make a triumphant return. Well this time, it’s official: the Ford Bronco is coming back! And will return to the US “ no later than 2020.” There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the exact configuration of the Ford Bronco. The version that retired in 1996 was last build on a shortened F-Series chassis, so many believe that the new Ford Bronco will also be based on an F-Series platform. Others maintain that the Bronco will use the chassis from the Ford Ranger, which, although is no longer available in the US, is still produced and sold internationally. If this is the case, the Bronco may well resemble the Ford Everest, which a 4-door SUV built on the Ranger platform and available internationally. An even smaller group of Bronco fans maintains that the Bronco will be based on the upcoming 2017 Ford Raptor. Speculation is equally divided as to whether the Bronco will feature its iconic two-door look, or if it will be a four-door SUV. If the two-door, there is a slight possibility that the new Bronco may resemble the Troller, a Brazilian made SUV currently build on the Ranger platform. At any rate, we know for sure that after more than two decades, the Ford Bronco will finally be coming back! In the meantime, check out some concept art of what the new Ford Bronco might look like and ask your local NH Ford dealer for more information! The most likely configuration of the 2020 Ford Bronco The Ford Bronco as imagined on the 2017 Ford Raptor platform A burly, blacked-out version of the Ford Bronco on a Ford Raptor platform The Ford Bronco as imagined based on the Ford Troller

Ford has moved production of the F-650 and F-750 trucks from Mexico to the United States! The F-650/F-750 production will take place at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio, and will help secure more than 1,000 hourly United Auto Worker jobs as well as a $168 million plant investment in the US. The Ohio Assembly Plant was opened in 1974 and employs more than 1,400 people. “Our investment in Ohio Assembly Plant reinforces our commitment to building vehicles in America and to delivering best-in-class commercial trucks,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Working with our partners in the UAW, we found a way to make the costs competitive enough to bring production of a whole new generation of work trucks to Ohio.” The F-650 and F-750 are both available with either gasoline or diesel engines. Ford is the only automotive manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in the medium-duty truck class. The gasoline engine is a 6.8L V10 that produces 320 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Ford also offers the option of having this engine factory-prepped to convert to either compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas, which will be attractive alternatives when the price of oil rises. For those interested in a diesel engine, Ford offers a 6.7L PowerStroke V8 diesel engine. Ford is also the only automotive manufacturer in the world that designs and builds its diesel engine and transmission combination for the medium-duty truck segment. Ford commercial trucks have been the best-selling commercial trucks in the US for 30 straight years!

SYNC 3 is the all-new communications and entertainment system from Ford that will be launching on the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta. It will provide be faster, more powerful, and easier to use than ever! With such highlights as conversational voice recognition, an intuitive touch screen, and a user-friendly graphical interface, SYNC 3 is poised to raise the bar for in-car communications systems! It is available on either a 6.5-inch or an 8-inch touch screen, depending on your preference. There are three configurable versions of all screens; Daytime, Nighttime, and Auto. Daytime is brighter and more colorful, whereas Nighttime has a darker background to prevent any distracting glare when driving at night. Auto, as its name suggests, will alternate between Daytime and Nighttime based on the light level in the car. SYNC 3 will allow you to check the weather, send text messages, find destinations, play music, adjust the ambient lighting and much more! Be sure to look for SYNC 3 on the 2016 Escape and Fiesta at your local NH Ford dealer!

The completely redesigned and reimagined 2015 Ford F-150 is available for sale at Irwin Ford and it is better than ever. Not convinced? Check out the Top 5 Reasons the 2015 F-150 is the best pickup truck on the market. 1) It is lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient than ever. But shedding nearly 700 pounds of bodyweight, the 2015 F-150 is better able to haul and tow, and spends less energy moving its own weight around. 2) The 2015 Ford F-150 beats the 2015 Silverado 1500 in every single category. Whether you care about horsepower, torque, payload, or fuel economy, the F-150 is the clear winner. 3) The 2015 F-150 dominates the 2015 Ram 1500. Seriously, it's not even a competition. 4) The F-150 has been the best-selling truck on the market for 38 years and counting. There is a reason that so many truck guys and gals out there choose the tried-and-true F-150 time and time again. The F-150 has the proven work ethic to get the job done and stands on its reputation as the premier full-size pickup in the world. 5) Our Presidents' Month Celebration sales event is going on now. With 0% APR for up to 72 months, $1,000 savings voucher, no payments until spring, $0 down payment required, and huge rebates, there is no better time to come to Irwin Ford!

The completely redesigned 2015 Ford F-150 has already made a huge splash in the automotive world, and also already seriously worrying the competition. As the Wall Street Journal reported, "General Motors Co. is accelerating efforts to field a largely aluminum-bodied pickup truck by late 2018, under pressure from federal fuel efficient standards and archrival Ford Motor Co..." As if having fully a 3-year headstart on GM isn't enough, Ford just unveiled its 2015 F-150 Raptor. The new Raptor will be 500 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, and will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission! We will be sure to share more information on the Raptor as it becomes available. In the meantime, check out this picture of the new model!

Ford's all new 2015 F-150 has made a big splash with its aluminum body panels which have reduced the weight by 700 pounds! The bold new redesign has drawn praise for its stylish grille and attractive body lines, but the true test of any truck is what it can actually do. With that in mind, let's compare the 2015 Ford F-150 to the 2015 Ram 1500, both equipped with V8 engines. The F-150's 5.0L V8 produces 387 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the Ram's 355 lb.-ft. So Ford has a clear advantage in the torque department. In terms of pure horsepower, the F-150 has a slight edge over the Ram, producing 385 horsepower compared to the Ram's 383 horsepower. The F-150 runs laps around the Ram when it comes to maximum payload: at a max payload of 3,300 pounds, the F-150 can handle nearly double the 1,800 pounds that the Ram can manage. How much does it cost to run the thing? 2015 The F-150 is rated at 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined whereas the Ram can only manage 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg combined. This means that the F-150 is 20% more efficient in terms of fuel consumption while delivering better torque, more payload, and more horsepower. What's the price difference, you ask? The F-150 has a starting MSRP of $25,420 compared to $25,410 for the Ram. So for $10, you get an extra 32 lb.-ft. of torque, 2 more horsepower, 20% better fuel economy, and an additional 1,500 pounds of payload capability. That is $10 well spent. If you want a truck that works like a truck, your choice is clear: get an F-150. There is a reason that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for 38 years and counting: it is the best truck on the market.

We are thrilled to announce that our very first 2015 Ford F-150 has arrived at our Laconia NH Ford showroom. This completely redesigned model is nearly 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model thanks to Ford's bold decision to use high-strength aerospace aluminum in its body panels. This gorgeous new truck is the end result of Ford's decade-long, multi-billion dollar investment in making the F-150 lighter, tougher, and better on gas. This decision was not undertaken lightly. The F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America every year for the past 37 consecutive years, and is routinely the best-selling model in Ford's entire line-up. In fact, Ford's decision to make such a drastic change to its best-selling model caught the competition so off-guard, that, according to the Wall Street Journal,  GM had to scramble to work a deal with Alcoa to secure a supply of aluminum to try and make trucks that are similarly light. GM's lighter trucks will not be available on the market until 2018 at the earliest, giving Ford at least a three-year head start. So, when our very first 2015 F-150 arrived the other day, we were pretty excited. It is a Crew Cab 4x4 in the XLT trim level, powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost motor. The window sticker boasts an impressive 19 mpg combined, and 23 mpg on the highway. And with a 36-gallon fuel tank, you can do some serious traveling before you have to fill up again. For the sake of comparison, the outgoing 2014 model with the same motor is rated at 17 mpg combined and 21 mpg on the highway. This truck comes with chrome appearance package, chrome step bars, trailer tow package, and all the goodies you would expect in a high-end pickup. Inside the cab, you will find a wealth of amenities, like Sirius XM, Sync with MyFord Touch, Rear Camera, Remote Start, Reverse Sensing and more. We have this beautiful nicely polished and sitting in our showroom; stop in and take a look at it! And from now until December 23rd, we are teamed up with The Laconia Citizen for our Fill Up the Pick Up canned food drive. So when you come to check out our completely redesigned 2015 F-150, please consider bringing a donation of canned or non-perishable food items so we can help our community this winter.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 18 starting at 5 p.m. Irwin Ford Lincoln will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. This will be a night filled with fun, food and prizes. The guest of honor will be long time Laconia resident Walter Ayer, Jr. with his original Mustang purchased for $3,322.35 at Irwin Ford back in 1964. Dave Clark, the sales manager at that time, will also be at this very special event. From the moment the Ford Mustang was introduced 50 years ago, it was destined to be the classic and much-loved American muscle car. Within a year of its introduction, nearly half a million Mustangs were driven off of Ford dealership lots Just like Walter Ayer, Jr. did 50 years ago at Irwin Ford Lincoln All are welcomed to join Irwin Ford Lincoln as they look back to over 50 years and celebrate the all-new 2015 Mustang modernized once again. Since its debut at auto shows around the world, excitement has been building for the all-new 2015 Mustang. The all-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage has evolved to attract a wider array of customers. Mustang is now available with three engines, offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort. All are welcome to this special event whether they previously purchased from Irwin or not. RSVP to betty.ballantyne@irwinzone.com or call 603-581-2968.

The completely re-designed 2015 Ford Mustang has landed at Irwin Ford! Hurry in today to see the new model for yourself! The 2015 re-design of the Ford Mustang marks an important milestone in Ford’s history; it is the 50th anniversary of this iconic muscle car. During the 50 years since the Mustang’s first launch, it has become not just a household name, but an American icon. The designers at Ford had a lot to live up to for the re-design, and they did a great job! The all-new 2015 Mustang has the same sleek, powerful looks that it is known for, along with the sporty performance you would expect from the Mustang nameplate. The 2015 Mustang will have three available engines: a 5.0L V8, a 3.7L V6, and an all-new 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The V8 produce 420 horsepower, gives the throaty rumble that is just as much a part of the Mustang brand as the tri-bar tail lamps. The V6 has 300 horsepower, which delivers terrific get-up-and-go along with nimble handling and great fuel economy. And if you want the sheer good looks of the Mustang along with class-leading fuel efficiency, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine cranks out 305 horsepower and gets the best fuel economy of them all. In addition to great performance, the 2015 Mustang has the great technology that Ford is known for. Every Mustang built comes with SYNC and MyKey. Selectable drive modes mean you can get the most out of your driving experience by tuning the engine response, transmission, and stability control to be perfect for whatever type of road you are driving on. From hills, to twists and turns, to straightaways, there is a setting on your Mustang to deliver the optimal driving experience for the road you are on. And to celebrate the legacy of 50 years as an American icon, every 2015 Mustang will come with a badge that reads, “Mustang – Since 1964.” The Mustang was first released on April 17, 1964 as a 1965 model year car and was an immediate success. Ford’s original sales forecasts counted on selling 100,000 Mustangs in the first year, but the Mustang was so well received that 100,000 Mustangs were sold in the first three months! At the end of the first year, ford had sold 418,000 Mustangs, more than four times the 100,000 they initially hoped to sell during that same time. The Mustang was not just an overnight hit for Ford, it even inspired Ford’s competitors to launch a series of Mustang-inspired vehicles known as “pony cars.” Pony cars are compact, stylish cars with an emphasis on performance and an affordable price tag. Notable pony car competitors that were inspired by the Mustang include the Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro (both launched in 1967) and the pony car version of the Dodge Challenger (launched in 1970).

The completely redesigned 2015 Ford Transit has landed at Irwin Ford! This versatile full-size van is designed with commercial applications in mind, and can be tailored to meet the needs of your business. The Transit does everything from hauling cargo to hauling people, and is available as either a cargo van (that comes with three different body lengths and three different roof heights) or a passenger van that can seat 8, 10, 12, or 15 passengers, depending on the model you choose. Because of the numerous configurations of the Transit, cargo volume can range from a minimum of 246.7 cubic feet to a maximum of 487.3 cubic feet. The 2015 Transit can handle payloads up to 4,650 pounds and up to 420 pounds of weight on the roof. There are also three different engines available in the new Transit: a 3.7L V6, a turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.2L I-5 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel. In terms of construction, the Transit is built using high-strength steel and boron steel to make a unibody construction that is lighter than body-on-frame, while still strong and durable. The Transit may be designed for work, but that does not mean that is just utilitarian. There are a variety of convenient technology features such as hands-free calling, Bluetooth connectivity, and a GPS-enabled “black box” called Crew Chief that allows you to track the location, speed, airbag status, and remaining oil life of your vehicle, all from the comfort of your own computer. To learn more about the right transportation solution for your business, please contact our fleet manager, Steve Pouliot, at 603-581-2945 or steve.pouliot@irwinzone.com.

The recent news that the 2015 Ford F-150 will shed 700 pounds by using high-strength aluminum has got a lot of people talking, and has seriously worried the competition. Following the news that the redesigned 2015 F-150 will be a game changer, an article in the Wall Street Journal announced that GM has partnered with Alcoa to provide aluminum for the GM pickup fleet. However, GM will not be able to bring their re-designed trucks to market until 2018, giving Ford a three year head start in the reduced-weight pickup market. Ford has researched the use of aluminum in body panels for years, a technology that Ford pioneered when it still owned the Jaguar brand. Additionally, Ford can draw on the experience of CEO Alan Mulally, who worked as an airplane engineer at Boeing. Aluminum is used extensively in aerospace design and manufacture, and as such, Mulally is very familiar with the properties and characteristics of the metal, and with the processes necessary to work with it. Even when GM does manage to bring its aluminum-based pickup to market in 2018, it will be three years behind Ford. Ford is doing something truly exceptional in the pickup world, and the competition is struggling to keep up.

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling, most-trusted pickup truck on the road for decades. It is used by more builders, contractors, landscapers, and workers than any other truck, and that's a fact*. It would not be too much of a stretch to call the F-150 and American icon. With all that in mind, there is huge news for the devoted legions of F-150 fans out there: the 2015 Ford F-150 will future a revolutionary redesign that will make it stronger, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than ever before. The 2015 Ford F-150 will be roughly 700 pounds lighter than the 2014 model; that is a weight reduction of about 10-15% depending on whether it is a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab. This reduction in weight is achieved through using a combination of high-strength boron steel for the frame, and high-strength aluminum for the body panels. The addition of high-strength aluminum is the result of more than 25 years of research on Ford's part, as well as billions of dollars in investments for new tools, machines, and processes to work with the new material. High-strength aluminum is not your run-0f-the-mill aluminum found in soda cans: this is a material used in aerospace and military designs due to desriable properties such as  its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. In fact, the aluminum body panels will be much more resistant to rust and corrosion that the current steel panels. The 2015 F-150 will also feature several engine options depending on your specific truck needs. The current 5.0L V8 will still be available in the next generation of the F-150, along with two turbocharged options. The current 3.7L turbocharged V6 will be down-sized to a 3.5L turbocharged V6 that will get even better fuel economy. Then there's the real kicker: a 2.7L turbocharged V6 that is expected to achieve about 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.7L V6 is designed specifically for those whose lifestyle demands a full-size pickup, but who does not need to tow a huge boat, for example. The 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 turbocharged engines will still deliver the same raw power and torque for towing, hauling, and everything else you need a pickup for. But for those who need a pickup bed and less towing capacity in exchange for truly impressive fuel economy, the 2.7L will be a complete game-changer for the full-size pickup class. *Based on Polk survey data for light-duty pickups