Ford is expanding its commercial vehicle lineup for 2014 and is offering new information sources. The truck maker has set its commercial lineup for 2014 and among the announcements from the OEM is a new CNG/LPG-prepped engine for the F-150 half-ton pickup. Beginning last fall, the 2014 Ford F-150 equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine is available with a factory-installed CNG/LPG Gaseous-Fuel Prep Package. The package includes hardened engine intake and exhaust valves, as well as upgraded pistons and piston rings so the engine can operate on compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

Ford will actually offer a number of vehicle groups with a gaseous-prep option in 2014 models, including the Transit Connect Van and Wagon; Transit Van, Wagon, Cutaway and Chassis Cab; E-Series Van, Wagon, Cutaway and Stripped Chassis; F-Series Super Duty Pickup and F-350 Chassis Cab; F-Series Super Duty Chassis Cab (F-450, F-550 models); F-650 medium-duty truck; and the F53 and F59 Stripped Chassis.

2014 Ford F-Series Super Duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks now have higher maximum payload and towing ratings. To accommodate the higher loads, the OEM increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4% in front and 14.5% in the rear to help dissipate heat and increased brake rotor thermal mass.

Power for the Super Duty comes from a choice of a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel, rated at 400 HP and 800 lb./ft. of torque, or a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine with a 385 HP, 405 lb./ft. rating. The standard transmission in the trucks is a TorqShift six-speed automatic with SelectShift. Available are a range of axle ratios and a variety of steel or aluminum 17-, 18-, or 20-in. wheels depending on the model.

2014 F-150 models are equipped with a choice of engines, including a 3.7-liter V6 rated at 302 HP and 278 lb./ft., a 5.0-liter V8 at 360 HP and 380 lb./ft., a 6.2-liter V8 at 411 HP and 434 lb./ft., and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost model with a 365 HP and 420 lb./ft. torque rating. All F-150 models for 2014 are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Looking ahead, Ford released preliminary details of its Atlas Concept truck. Powered by a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine mated to an advanced automatic transmission, Atlas employs Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology for efficiency in stop-and-go driving conditions. The system designed specifically for trucks, pauses when the vehicle is towing.

The Atlas Concept truck also features Trailer Backup Assist, an innovation that lets the driver back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Together with Dynamic Hitch Assist, a 360º camera that lets the driver see all around the truck on a center dash screen, the systems help with towing and trailer handling.

On the concept model as well are side view mirror-mounted LED spotlights capable of illuminating a worksite, a cargo box with its own LED lighting, tie downs and hidden cargo ramps stowed under the bed. There is also a tailgate step that serves as a cradle for an integrated roof carrier.

To enable commercial, government and rental fleets to work more closely with Ford, the OEM has introduced the new Ford Fleet app for iPad. The app includes the manufacturer’s complete vehicle catalog and is automatically updated as vehicle information and the lineup changes.

The Ford Fleet app (available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store) includes information about Ford commercial vehicles, including Transit Connect Taxi, Police Interceptor, trucks and vans, chassis and cutaways. Also included is information about commercial lending, quality fleet care, Ford’s Business Preferred Network and a list of Ford fleet contacts.

“Fleet managers have very different needs from retail customers,” said Kevin Koswick, Ford director of North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations. “In speaking with our commercial, government and daily rental fleet customers, they asked for a fleet-specific app that has more information than our printed pieces, is easily updatable and is something they can take with them on the go.”