Ford Motor Company and Utilimaster Deliver For the United States Postal Service
23 July 1999
Ford Motor Company and Utilimaster Deliver For the United States Postal Service WASHINGTON, July 22 -- One of the most familiar sights on the
streets of America is about to change. Starting this fall, the first of
10,000 Ford Motor Company-powered postal delivery trucks will be
delivered to the United States Postal Service (USPS). These vehicles will be
newly styled, more efficient and environmentally friendlier than the vehicles
presently delivering the nation's mail.
The all-new vehicle is the result of a joint engineering and development
program between Ford and Utilimaster to design and manufacture a vehicle to
meet the government's changing requirements for a postal delivery truck. The
trucks are based on the Ford Explorer and are flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs),
capable of running on E85 ethanol, unleaded gasoline or any combination of the
two fuels in the same tank.
"We have worked very closely with the Postal Service during the
development of this vehicle," said Mike Pepin, Ford Motor Company Project
Manager for the project. "Ford and the USPS both have a tremendous commitment
to taking significant actions with positive environmental benefits. Placing
10,000 vehicles on the road capable of running on an alternative fuel is a
shared example."
"Going forward, with the help of companies like Ford, the Postal Service
will continue to deliver the mail and a clean and safe environment for the
American public," said Einar Dyhrkopp, chairman, USPS Board of Governors.
The modified Explorer sport utility vehicle chassis is powered by a
flexible fuel version of Ford's 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine. The new vehicles
combine the tough running gear of a Ford with a specially designed durable
aluminum body from Utilimaster. The result is the first new postal delivery
vehicle in 14 years.
Ethanol results in 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases when compared to
gasoline, is a renewable energy source that is domestically produced and,
because of higher octane ratings, results in improved performance.
"The tough Explorer platform was ideal to start from and we had the added
bonus that it was already engineered for right-hand drive," said Pepin.
Building on the Explorer platform has allowed Utilimaster to design a
larger cargo area, compared to previous carrier route vehicles. Based on
feedback from the USPS, the vehicle also has been designed with enhanced
driver visibility and ergonomics. In addition, the tilt forward front end
offers better access for vehicle maintenance.
"Utilimaster is proud to be partnering with Ford to supply a truly
superior vehicle," said Kevin Page, Utilimaster vice president of Sales and
Marketing. "As the largest manufacturer of walk-in vehicles in the country,
we are pleased to build on the existing success of our relationship with the
USPS."
The starting point for the new vehicle is the chassis from a right-hand
drive Ford Explorer, similar to that engineered for export to Australia, Japan
and the United Kingdom. The chassis is a C-channel, six cross member design
made from low-carbon steel. The suspension system for the delivery vehicles
has been specially adapted for the unique requirements of this vehicle.
The new Postal Service vehicles will be powered exclusively with Ford's
renowned 4.0-liter SOHC V6, which has been adapted to run on either gasoline
or E85 ethanol. The SOHC engine develops 160 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and peak
torque of 225 ft.-lbs. at 2,750 rpm. The engine is mated to Ford's 5R55E
five-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels via a unique 3:55
limited slip rear axle. The steering system for the vehicle is the power
rack-and-pinion set-up taken from the right hand drive Explorer. It is
equipped with 15" steel wheels and LT195/75R15C tires.
The chassis is built at Ford's St. Louis assembly plant, home to the Ford
Explorer. In addition to the chassis, suspension and powertrain components,
St. Louis also adds front structure, including an aluminum dash panel. The
units are shipped to Utilimaster's plant in Wakarusa, Indiana for final
assembly.
The specially adapted Ford chassis and powertrains start production at St.
Louis this fall. Ford will provide convenient access to service through its
dealer network.
