The 27th Chengdu Motor Show began on August 30, 2024. Ford Motor Company held a press conference with the theme "Outdoor Adventure with Ford", highlighting its extensive outdoor ecosystem experience, adaptable product lineup, and century-long outdoor heritage. It seeks to encourage car owners to adopt a carefree, "Go into the Wild" lifestyle and turn them into outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor activities such as cycling, camping, mountaineering, skiing, and other sports have seen a surge in popularity in China in recent years. A vital component of enjoying the outdoors to the fullest is now self-driving trips. "For many automakers, meeting the growing needs of Chinese consumers for outdoor travel lifestyles has become a crucial task," stated Sam Wu, President and CEO, Ford China. "In this regard, Ford has an inherent edge. It is safe to say that Ford is a brand you can't miss if you want to enjoy outdoor lifestyles with a self-driving experience.
Henry Ford, Founder of Ford Motor Company, also one of the first proponents of the outdoor self-driving camping lifestyle, frequently invited well-known friends, such as writer John Burroughs, tire tycoon Harvey Firestone, and inventor Thomas Edison, for multi-week self-driving camping excursions in the outdoors. Henry Ford, who is credited with popularizing automobiles and being the man who "put wheels on the world," was a "mechanic" as well as an "equipment sponsor," bringing new car models such as "dining cars" and "recreational vehicles" to this elite camping crew. This has a direct impact on future developments in outdoor camping vehicles.
This outdoor lifestyle has gained popularity throughout time and has had a profound impact on American society in addition to encouraging an increasing number of people all over the world to get outside and appreciate nature.
This tradition has been carried on by Ford's range of SUVs and pickup trucks, which have progressively come to be associated with outdoor living and have developed a strong global brand. Ford Explorer, Bronco, and Ranger are just a few of the vehicles that have gained a lot of positive feedback from Chinese consumers and a solid reputation in the outdoor adventure community.
The New Ford Explorer Timberline
At this Chengdu Auto Show, Ford's entire lineup is on display, showcasing a rich variety of outdoor lifestyle experiences for viewers and consumers.
The New Ford Explorer
The unveil of the new Ford Explorer inherits the family's longitudinal rear-wheel-drive luxury SUV platform. The entire lineup has been upgraded with a 2.3T EcoBoost® engine and an optimized 10-speed auto transmission, achieving the strongest torque in its class. While delivering significantly enhanced power output compared to the previous model, it also boasts smoother shifting and better fuel economy. The fuel tank has been increased to 81 liters across the entire lineup, giving adventurers the extra milage.
The New Ford Explorer is equipped with intelligent four-wheel-drive technology – the TMS Terrain Management System – to cover all driving scenarios from urban to outdoor. Among them, the Explorer Timberline introduces multiple configurations tailored to outdoor driving scenarios, adding a factory-installed towing system, the only one in its class with trailer sway control and BLIS blind-spot monitoring, with a total towing capacity of 2.1 tons, allowing users to better enjoy enhanced outdoor experiences.
The entire lineup adopts Ford's most advanced FNV3 electronic and electrical architecture for the first time, upgrading to an 8155 chip and 5G network, equipped with the SYNC+3.0 intelligent infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, providing a more enjoyable interactive experience. The Titanium Edition and above models come standard with BlueCruise active driving assistance, capable of achieving L2+ level "active driving assistance" on specific sections of highways and urban expressways.
The New Ford Explorer Titanium Plus
The new Ford Explorer elevates the driving experience with a premium sound system. Five-layer acoustic glass and active noise cancellation ensure a quiet cabin, allowing driver and passengers to fully enjoy the B&O audio system and experience concert-hall-quality sound.
The Explorer Titanium Plus Edition's seats are crafted from Savannah full-grain semi-aniline leather, the same material used in luxury vehicles, featuring an ergonomic design for enhanced seat wrapping, combined with a 3D headrest and neck pillow, providing better support for long-distance travel.
Ford Bronco Outer Banks in Cyber Orange
Ford Bronco Now Available in A Striking Cyber Orange Color
The Ford Bronco, a totem for hardcore off-road enthusiasts worldwide, embodies the wild spirit and practicality of its legendary predecessor. With its formidable off-road performance and the unique distinction of being the only factory-legal model on road equipped with the 35-inch Sasquatch off-road package, Ford Bronco delivers an unparalleled off-road experience. The newly launched Outer Banks model, now available in a striking Cyber Orange color, draws inspiration from the breathtaking Danxia Landform, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vibrant color perfectly embodies the Bronco's bold and unrestrained brand personality, conveying a spirit of uncompromising adventure and individuality.
Beyond its captivating color, the new Cyber Orange Outer Banks model further expands user choices and creative potential. Ford Bronco's innovative modular body design empowers every off-road enthusiast with endless creative space, bringing unprecedented "playability."
Ford Bronco is taking off-roading to the next level at this year's Chengdu Motor Show. The latest software update introduces intelligent off-road route planning, in-car karaoke, and drone connectivity, transforming the Bronco into a more engaging and fun-filled companion for outdoor adventures.
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger, showcased at the motor show, is the perfect vehicle for those who love combining their four-wheeled adventures with two-wheeled pursuits. Specifically designed for lure fishing and cycling enthusiasts, the Ranger embodies Ford's "Built Ford Tough" legacy with its robust design and customization potential, making it ideal for off-road and outdoor adventures.
Ford Ranger recently introduced a dedicated "Electric Tailgate Roller Shutter Kit" for the Wildtrak Edition. Additionally, OTA upgrades for various models have been launched, adding numerous cutting-edge features such as L2.9 intelligent driving and wireless CarPlay, providing users with a more practical and intelligent driving experience.
Furthermore, the high-performance off-road pickup truck, Ford F-150 Raptor, and the legendary American performance car, the all-new Ford Mustang 2.3T Convertible were both showcased. Meanwhile, equipped with Ford's powerful E-hybrid system, the Mondeo FHEV Sport underscores the brand's determination to lead in the hybrid vehicle market.
“Playmates”, Worry-Free Services, Ford Provides Its Owners with All-Round Outdoor Adventure Ecosystem
Beyond its century-old outdoor heritage and versatile product lineup, Ford is making it easier than ever to enjoy the outdoors. With engaging events, comprehensive services, and a focus on supporting both families and adventurers, Ford is creating a worry-free outdoor lifestyle.
Ford has created the "Ford Explorer Club," an exclusive user community and co-creation experience platform for Explorer owners. In 2023, the "Ford Explorer Club" organized nearly 100 public service activities. At the show, Ford officially issued a "Return to Kunlun" call to action, inviting all owners and "Explorers" to join theme in September to witness the launch of the All-New Ford Explorer at the foot of Muztagh Ata, one of the three peaks of the Kunlun Mountain. Simultaneously, the "Ford Explorer Kunlun Mountain Region" and "Journey to the Dunhuang Devil City " are opening registration, leading all Ford Explorers on exciting new expeditions.
Besides the Explorer Club, Ford has also established the one-stop platform “Ford Beyond Trips”, organizing nationwide high-end outdoor off-road activities. Since its launch in March 2024, the platform has organized nearly 500 high-quality outdoor off-road community events, covering 314 routes and 37 popular off-road landmarks across the country as of July. It has also successfully organized the first travel pilot project overseas in the Laos.