Ford F-Series Super Duty® is all about getting the job done, and one of the key people on the team that’s getting the job done is Chris Brewer. As Chief Engineer, he takes the task of meeting customer expectations with the Super Duty seriously.
“Yeah, yeah, I sound like a Super Duty commercial,” said Brewer. “But I really enjoy being part of the Super Duty team. No other Ford vehicle has such a diverse set of customers – retail, ‘fleet-tail,’ fleet and commercial accounts – who buy a wide range of trucks from work trucks to chassis cabs to high-end Lariat and King Ranch pickups.”
By clicking below, you can read the chat that took place on Friday, October 23, at 2:30 p.m. EDT to see how Brewer answered the questions.
Serving all those customers in a challenging economic environment isn’t easy, but Brewer draws on his acumen in engineering and business to help deliver the best Super Duty possible. He started his career at Ford on the business side, working as a product planning analyst between his first and second years in business school. His background includes degrees in engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and business from The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), plus he’s a native of Texas – the epicenter of tough trucks.
“Super Duty customers are diverse and demanding,” Brewer said. “They absolutely depend on them for their livelihood – in many cases it’s literally their office. The 2011 Super Duty has more capability than ever before and is ready to exceed the expectations of our customers.”
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28 Comments
October 19, 2009 at 7:38 pm
October 19, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I will not be able to participate in your live chat, I have to work. I do have a question, though.
The Super Duty is one of Ford's most profitable vehicles, with Ford profit reportedly more than $10,000 per vehicle. Knowing this large profit margin, why is Ford making the new 6.7 diesel engine in Mexico? Isn't it about time Ford stuck by American workers and made the engine in the United States.
October 19, 2009 at 10:05 pm
October 21, 2009 at 9:30 am
October 19, 2009 at 9:42 pm
October 19, 2009 at 11:31 pm
October 19, 2009 at 11:32 pm
October 23, 2009 at 7:16 pm
November 12, 2009 at 7:39 am
Chris Brewer, chief engineer
Ed Waszczenko, diesel durability engineer
Adam Gryglak, chief diesel engineer
Brian Rathsburg, marketing manager
October 22, 2009 at 12:31 am
I am curious as to how you apply your bussiness expertise to the field of engineering? You and your team are constantly givin new challanges by your consumers tastes and overall needs. What do you feel is the best way to deliver on these specifications?
October 22, 2009 at 11:10 am
October 22, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Can you discuss to what degree Ford considers the aftermarket and consumers modifying their pickups when they design a new engine platform/truck design?
October 22, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi, I’m not available to participate in your live chat but here’re a few considerations if you or your designated rep are able to address.
Fixes: 2008 & on, F250/F350’s:
3 categories: Handling, Lighting, Driver convenience
(C-Critical), (S-Significant)
1. (C) Front wheels on un-loaded trucks seem to take even really small potholes with a lot of disturbance and TSB’s address significant wheel shimmy on loaded trucks. Can you expand on the design and overall issue and potential fixes?
2. (C) Please issue a mod to retrofit all headlights to HIDs. The 2008 style is right on the mark but HID technology and benefit seem to far outweigh the expense. Options could include:
a. Change the upper headlight to the high beam.
b. Make the middle marker light also the turn signal indicator. Works for opposing traffic since high beams will be off
3. (C) Could you also make available a vertical and tilt capable headrests for front seats. Functional and very capable designs have been around since the days of 80’s Recaros without incorporating the two-pronged “projectile” types. Its surprising current design is not considered such a significant issue that Ford’s lawyers haven’t already addressed. Currently, you tilt your head so far back it becomes uncomfortable and appears to be a significant whiplash potential.
4. (S) Please put Glove box lights back in the glovebox
5. (S) Please make available, brighter cargo box lights w/a separate Cargo box light switch back up on the piller between driver and rear passenger.
6. (S) Please retrofit the very small almost tiny vanity mirrors with full length ones with better lighting on the visors.
Driver ergonomics could use just a bit more effort. I’m 6’1 tall, 180#, & a standard American male…BTW, my wife really wanted the “Toyota Highlander”… Please help her understand Ford has her interests at heart too.
Sincerely,
Martin
October 22, 2009 at 5:02 pm
#2 - Is there an approximate date when horse power & torque ratings will be published?
#3 - Is there an approximate date when 5th wheel/conventional tow ratings will be published?
October 26, 2009 at 3:53 am
November 12, 2009 at 7:41 am
Chris Brewer, chief engineer
Ed Waszczenko, diesel durability engineer
Adam Gryglak, chief diesel engineer
Brian Rathsburg, marketing manager
October 22, 2009 at 8:43 pm
We are a new startup renewable energy company that is producing algae oil for biodiesel. I am interested in buying a truck with a diesel engine to support our cause, and I also want a pickup truck. I like the styling and smoother ride of the F-150, but to date I can't get it with a diesel engine.
- Will a diesel engine ever be offered in the F-150?
October 23, 2009 at 12:47 pm
November 12, 2009 at 7:42 am
Chris Brewer, chief engineer
Ed Waszczenko, diesel durability engineer
Adam Gryglak, chief diesel engineer
Brian Rathsburg, marketing manager
October 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I predicted the V10 should be used in an ambulance package many years ago. Many advances in technology has made this possible. Power figures, economy and fuel costs make the V10 a viable option in the ambulance business. The days of the 1980's gas engines are long over.
October 23, 2009 at 2:34 pm
October 23, 2009 at 4:07 pm
October 23, 2009 at 7:56 pm
All I can do is beg you to please bring back the Ford Excursion. I own a 2004 Excursion and it is my favorite vehicle of all time. I have 4 kids and there is nothing else on the market that will tow my trailer and hold my family too! I have been thinking about what I will do when it's time to look for another SUV Diesel that can tow, but there are none out there. This is forcing me to keep my current Excursion for who knows how long?? I am no automotive business man but I do know that if Ford does bring the Excursion back that it will be the only SUV on the market capable of towing 11K pounds and carrying 9 people, which is what I need! I just wanted to let you know that I am a Ford guy and want to continue purchasing Ford vehicles into the future, but if Ford does not answer the call on the Excursion I will be forced to make my next purchase be a Chevy Suburban 3/4 ton with a gas motor, which just makes me sick to even consider that alternative! The Chevy Suburban isn't even rated to safely tow our toy hauler! Please consider bringing back the Diesel Excursion for all of us families that camp, tow trailers, haul kids around town etc.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this!
October 23, 2009 at 11:05 pm
October 24, 2009 at 1:04 am
October 26, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Thanks Larry H
November 2, 2009 at 3:38 pm
November 30, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I currently drive a '99.5 F350 Dually with the 6sp ZF. I used to own a '95 SHO and decided against a new SHO when they dropped the stick. I now drive an '08 BMW M5, and almost didn't go BMW because they wouldn't offer a stick in the E60. Fortunately, BMW reconsidered, and I was able to order with the 6sp Getrag.
I may be an anachronism, but I strongly prefer the manual. Can I get used to your auto? Sure, but I have learned to adjust to many unpleasant, or at least unsatisfying compromises. I'm not going to rant and rave about buying Dodge/Cummins, but Ford does make it more difficult to choose their product IMHO. At the time ('98) when the new Super Duties were released to market, Ford rightly bragged about the number of choices available to buyers, and the fact that they allowed more tailoring to individual preferences than any other manufacturer. Unfortunately, you seem to have lost that mindset, and in the process lowered the utility of an otherwise fine product to a number of potential customers.
I would hope that Ford would reconsider and offer a manual transmission as an option. At a minimum, Ford could open a window for MT orders, and then if demand warrants, open another window. I'm in materials management as a professional, and know that ERP and MRP manufacturing software packages allow for a high degree configure to order customization. You should consider taking advantage of the capability of your system.
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