2013 Ford F-150 Adds Special Service Vehicle Package

When it comes to sales of the Ford F-Series pickup truck, government and commercial customers have played a significant role in making it the best-selling pickup truck for more than three decades, and the 2013 Ford F-150 will continue to offer class-leading features with a new Special Service Vehicle package. The no-cost SSV Package helps make it easier for agencies such as police and fire departments configure a vehicle to their specific needs. These needs include more rugged interior, beefed up electrical systems or highly customizable option packaging, and the 2013 Ford F-150 SSV will deliver all of the above.

In terms of equipment, the only difference between a standard F-150 and the F-150 SSV Package is that the latter adds a more powerful 22-amp alternator to accommodate emergency lights and computer equipment, but the true advantage of this package is that F-150 SSV buyers are able to pick and choose which options to get - unlike most cars where options are automatically packaged together. These include features such as heavy-duty tires or skid plates, and fleet buyers can also opt for a unique SSV seating package that deletes the center seat and armrest from the 40/20/40 bench seat leaving a space big enough for aftermarket console to house communications equipment and even firearms.

Also recognizing that the needs for such a vehicle are specific, there are limitations as to which models the SSV Package will be offered. Both images Ford supplied for this article, depict the SSV Package on F-150 XL SuperCrew models, but it will also be offered on the SuperCab body style. While it sounds like the aforementioned SSV seating package is one of the truck's options, all trucks will receive the same rear seat - a three-passenger, vinyl wrapped bench seat. Aside from not being available on the regular cab F-150, the only other limiting factor on vehicles with the SSV Package is that these trucks can only be equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the 5.0-liter V-8 and both of these engines are equipped with the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. These powertrain combinations provide hauling and towing capabilities at the top of the pickup truck class, and while the EcoBoost delivers best-in-class fuel economy, the 5.0-liter V-8 is E85 capable; the package is offered on both two- and four-wheel drive models.

“Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks,” said Ford Government Sales Manager Tony Gratson. “We’re confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols.”

On the opposite extreme of the SSV Package, the 2013 Ford F-150 will also be adding the more luxurious F-150 Limited trim level and getting a sportier styling thanks to the FX Appearance Package. Pricing and sale dates have yet to be announced on the 2013 Ford F-150, but it will most likely go on sale later this summer or in the early fall.