From its tailgate step to the LED spotlights found on the side mirrors, the next-generation 2015 Ford F-150’s new features and technologies make it the most patented truck in company history.

Supported by 2,000 new employees and a $1.1 billion investment, the all-new Ford Transit van rolls off the line at Kansas City Assembly Plant today, as Ford aims to strengthen its leadership in the commercial vehicle segment.

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a 2014 first quarter pre-tax profit of $1.4 billion, its 19th consecutive profitable quarter. The company also affirmed its full-year pre-tax profit guidance of $7 billion to $8 billion as it launches 23 new global vehicles, the most in a single year in its history.

The following is a transcript of keynote remarks delivered by Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer, to open the 2014 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

Ford Motor Company will invest $500 million to upgrade its Lima Engine Plant and add 300 new jobs to support production of the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost® specifically engineered for the next-generation 2015 Ford F-150.

Ford Motor Company, the industry’s truck leader, will add 350 new jobs and invest $80 million in its Kentucky Truck Plant to meet growing demand for Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported 2013 full year pre-tax profit of $8.6 billion, one of the company’s best years ever, driven by the highest Automotive pre-tax profit in more than a decade and continued solid profit from Ford Credit.

At Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s sale in Scottsdale, Ariz., a car collector and North Texas Ford dealer, Sam Pack, paid $300,000 to have the first retail production unit of the all-new 2015 Mustang GT when it goes on sale this fall. This purchase helped Ford Motor Company increase its charity vehicle sales to more than $3.5 million for JDRF, the leading diabetes research organization and a Ford partner since 1983.

Ford reigns as America’s best-selling vehicle brand in 2013 for a fourth consecutive year, with annual sales records set for Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Escape, and F-Series continuing as the country’s best-selling truck and vehicle for another straight year according to Ford Sales Analyst, Erich Merkle.