Ford has jumped to No. 2 of all non-premium brands in J.D. Power’s 2017 Initial Quality Study – the brand’s best-ever ranking in the annual study now in its 31st year.

Ford today announced manufacturing actions centered on improving the company’s operational fitness and building vehicles that excite customers around the world.

Lightweight advanced materials, plus new engines and a newly available 10-speed transmission bring new 2018 Ford F-150 and all-new 2018 Ford Expedition customers even better performance, capability and efficiency.

For the more than 20 percent of Expedition owners that use their SUV for off-road adventure, Ford introduces the all-new 2018 Expedition FX4 Off-Road Package, making this the most off-road-capable Expedition ever.

If you’re launching a boat or towing a large load, the all-new Ford Expedition featuring class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ makes it easier than ever to perform such tasks with confidence.

Ford is making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software support available to model-year 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3. Customers with model-year 2016 Ford vehicles can update to the new SYNC 3 version 2.2 by downloading to a USB drive, visiting a dealership or automatically through a Wi-Fi connection.

Ford is investing $350 million in its Livonia Transmission Plant, adding a new transmission to expand its lineup of fuel-efficient powertrains as part of the company’s plan to fortify its core automotive business.

In creating the all-new high-performance Ford GT, the pioneers behind the supercar designed it not only to win races but also to serve as a test bed for new technologies and ideas for future vehicles across Ford’s vehicle lineup.

Ford sees the SUV segment growing further – accounting for more than 45 percent of the non-premium U.S. retail auto industry in the next five to seven years. Ford is well-positioned for this growth, with plans to add five all-new SUVs to its lineup in North America by 2020.

They might be the only new vehicles sold in the United States with high-strength aluminum-alloy bodies, vinyl seats and 10-speed column-mounted shifters – just the way their customers want them. For its law enforcement, government and fleet customers, Ford is unveiling its new 2018 F-150 Special Service Vehicle and all-new 2018 Expedition Special Service Vehicle designed to meet their very specific needs.