Ford launches F-150 in the Philippines, Reinforces Truck Leadership

Ford Philippines is launching today the internationally-renowned Ford F-150 pickup truck, further expanding its truck portfolio in the country with a tough yet modern full-size truck with a wide range of segment-defining features.

The Ford F-150 sets the global standard in trucks with its standout look and design, powerful performance, class-leading capabilities, and advanced smart and safe technologies. The F-150 is part of Ford's F-Series, America's bestselling truck for the 43 rd straight year and America's bestselling vehicle for the 38th straight year.

In the Philippines, Ford is offering two variants of the F-150, the F-150 4x4 Platinum SuperCrew AT (on the left) and F-150 4x2 Lariat SuperCrew AT (on the right).

"The F-150 is definitely a strong addition to our pickup truck portfolio as we continue to lead the segment with the widest range of trucks, now totaling 15 variants. The F-150 is packed with segment-defining features and capabilities that have made it the truck of choice across America and the world," said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. "We are excited to bring back this legendary Ford truck to Filipino customers who seek next-level power and refinement in their pickup."

Powerful Performance

The F-150 powertrain is equipped with Ford's proven 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine--the same engine in the locally available Expedition full-size SUV--with Auto Start-Stop Technology capable of generating an impressive 375hp (380PS) of power and 637Nm of torque. This is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift to deliver tremendous power for heavy-duty use while staying exceptionally fuel-efficient. An Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) 4x4 System comes equipped on the F-150 Platinum variant. 

Tough Look, Premium Feel

Exclusively on the F-150 4x4 Platinum AT exterior is a silver mesh satin-aluminum grille and tailgate applique, chrome side mirror caps, door and tailgate handles, tail-gate step with tailgate lift assist, bright beltline moldings, high-gloss black B-pillar applique and platinum badge on fender sides, a twin-panel moonroof, as well as power-deployable running boards.

Its interior, on the other hand, features a unique and luxurious leather interior with genuine black ash wood trim accents, aluminum applique in center panel and console, unique instrument cluster gauges, leather-wrapped console lid and shift knob, 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with ActiveMotion massage function, color-coordinated carpet flooring with premium floor mats, and metallic door sill inserts with PLATINUM branding.

Meanwhile, the Philippine-spec F-150 4x2 Lariat AT variant is one step ahead from the standard Lariat variant as it comes with the Sport Appearance package with a body-color grille with black mesh, side mirror caps, door and tailgate handles, magnetic angular step bars, and Sport box decals. The interior also features a unique Lariat finish on the instrument panel, media bin lid and doors, as well as leather seats.

Standard across both F-150 variants are body-color bumpers, 20-inch alloy wheels, high strength aluminum alloy body, daytime running lamps, quad-beam headlamps, LED foglamps and taillamps, a 5.5-inch long box, and front tow hooks.

Smart and Safe Features

The F-150 is also equipped with a host of smart and safe features that enhance the driving experience for both drivers and passengers.

The F-150 features Ford Co-Pilot 360--Ford's safety suite composed of Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Keeping System (LKS) and Auto-High Beam Headlamps.

For convenience, it is equipped with a remote start system, remote tailgate release, eight-inch LCD touchscreen, SYNC 3 with AppLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, two smart-charging USB ports and 12V Powerpoint, navigation system, eight-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster, and a 10-speaker with subwoofer sound system powered by Bang & Olufsen.

The F-150 is also packed with driver-assist technologies (DAT) which include a 360-degree camera with split-view display, Active Park Assist, Curve Control, Hill Start Assist, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, Trailer Sway Control, Rain-Sensing Wipers, and Reverse Sensing System.

Additionally, the F-150 takes safety further through advanced technologies and features such as AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Front-Seat Side Airbags and Safety Canopy System with Side-Curtain Airbags and Rollover Sensor, Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System, SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Perimeter Alarm. The Platinum variant gets a boost with Inflatable Rear Seatbelts.

Availability and Pricing

The F-150 will be available at Ford dealerships nationwide beginning June 25, 2020, with a starting retail price of PHP2.698 million for the F-150 4x2 Lariat SuperCrew AT and PHP2.998 million for the F-150 4x4 Platinum SuperCrew AT.

The F-150 4x4 Platinum comes in four colors including Blue Jeans, Star White, Iconic Silver and Agate Black. The Star White color variant, which is a special color for the F-150 4x4 Platinum, is available for an additional Php15,000.

Meanwhile, the 4x2 Lariat variant also comes in four colors including Rapid Red, Oxford White, Iconic Silver and Agate Black.

As for the Raptor, Ford Philippines' Marketing Director Ryan Lorenzo acknowledge its popularity to Verified-PH.com and said: "We will learn from them and see the market demand, and of course, we will try to give what the market  wants."

Lorenzo also acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the F-150's launch, admitting that  it was supposed to be launched at the now-canceled Manila Internation Auto Show but believed that, since it's a niche-market vehicle, it'll cater to "Someone who needs a bit more power and refinement in their pickup truck and we're hopeful that niche will still be there for our F-150."

On the question that the F-150 variants to be sold here are basically the remaining inventory of the 13th-generation model to make way for the 14th-generation model, Lorenzo belied this claim, saying that, "These vehicles are the current-spec that will still be sold in the US." He also added, "The actual selling of the vehicle (in reference to the next-gen model) will first start in its primary market, the US, most likely toward the end of this year. With export markets like us, it does take time with the homologation and all, localization of the spec, and the shipping."

As for the arrival of the next-generation F-150, which will be launched in the US on Friday, June 26 at 8AM, Philippine-time, Lorenzo admitted that its arrival in the Philippine is still up in the air, telling Verified-PH.com, "I wouldn't have an answer for you. We're still assessing things. We need these two variants to be a hit and we'll be assessing their performance."

To know more about the F-150, visit a Ford dealership nearest you.