Ford announced today it is returning to one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world with its new Ford GT race car, based on the all-new ultra-high-performance supercar that goes on sale next year.

Ford employees at Chicago Assembly Plant officially welcomed the new 2016 Ford Explorer today, with Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas, and Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president and director, National Ford Department, also on hand. Since launch in 1990, more than 7 million Explorers have been sold, making it the best-selling SUV in America over the last 25 years.

Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 6 AdvoCare Fusion, is making his first appearance at Pocono Raceway this weekend. He spoke with Ford Performance before today’s first practice session to talk about the track and how he’s seeing signs of progress with his team.

Ford announced today the most powerful naturally aspirated road-going engine in its history. The all-new Ford 5.2-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8 will produce 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque in Shelby GT350 Mustang and Shelby GT350R Mustang – an engine unique to the two models set to go on sale this fall.

Ford is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Four minor accidents and no injuries are attributed to one of these conditions.

New England Motor Press Association has named the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 its Official Winter Vehicle of New England. This marks the first time F-150 has captured this coveted award.

Building on 25 years of innovation and sales leadership, a new Ford Explorer is on its way with even more smart technology, a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and a new Platinum series. The new Ford Explorer arrives early this summer.

Ford Motor Company is accelerating efforts to train future engineering, manufacturing and IT professionals by adding four career academies in Detroit that will serve 1,400 students.

Ford, America’s truck leader, will offer the 2016 F-150 with an available gaseous-fuel prep package that enables 5.0-liter V8-powered models to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas or propane, making Ford the only manufacturer of a CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup.

Strong consumer demand for its new products drove Ford Motor Company to a 5 percent increase in total U.S. sales in April with 222,498 vehicles sold.