Ford Super Duty's Tech Boosts Sales

Just three months into its launch, the 2017 Ford Super Duty's "smart technology" features have driven total nameplate sales up 24% in for November. Contributing to the growth is the desire for high-tech features, some of which had never been offered on a Super Duty in the past, according to Ford.

With the first redesign since being introduced in 1999, the 2017 Super Duty features 925 lb.-ft. of torque, a 7,630-pound payload, and 32,500 pounds of gooseneck towing capacity. 

Ford notes that demand is especially strong for Crew Cab, 4x4, and 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 diesel-equipped Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trucks, which accounted for 71% percent of Super Duty retail sales.

Texas, which is home to Ford’s two largest truck regions. saw Super Duty sales rise 45% in Dallas and 38% in Houston. More than 81% of these sales include Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum series trucks, with demand for 4x4 and Crew Cab configurations outpacing the rest of the country by 97%, according to Ford.

According to the automaker, the top five class-exclusive technologies customers are choosing include:

1. Adaptive steering: Makes backing a trailer into a parking area or navigating tight, low-speed maneuvers easier and reduces steering effort required by up to one-third.
2. Trailer reverse guidance: Enables drivers using their truck for towing to view trailers on Ford SYNC screen and monitor trailer status on the road.
3. Adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation: Using the engine brake to smartly assist customers towing heavy trailers, which helps avoid accidents.
4. BLIS with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow: Helps increase driver awareness of obstacles and traffic, especially in tight spaces and parking lots.
5. Lane-keeping alert: Uses a camera mounted between windshield and rearview mirror to detect unintentional drifting of the truck outside the intended driving lane.