Ford announced today that it will introduce the dual-clutch PowerShift 6-speed seen on the Lincoln C Concept in its 2010 small-cars. Weighing in less than 30 pounds than the 4-speed automatic currently seen on the Focus, the PowerShift 6-speed automatic will deliver the fuel-efficiency of a manual gearbox.
Ford currently offers a PowerShift transmission on the European Ford Focus. The 2.0L TDCI Focus uses a twin wet-clutch system; however, the new PowerShift that will debut on the 2010 Ford Fiesta will be a dry-clutch system that will be more efficient.
Ford said that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will have advanced 6-speed gearboxes by 2013.
Press Release:
FORD TO INTRODUCE FUEL-EFFICIENT DUAL-CLUTCH POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION IN NORTH AMERICA IN 2010
DETROIT, Jan. 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company announced today it will introduce an advanced dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission in North America in 2010 for the small-car segment.
PowerShift will deliver the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience and ease of a premium automatic transmission – making it a key enabling technology as Ford targets best-in-class or among-the-best fuel economy with every new vehicle it introduces in North America.
“PowerShift represents a true competitive advantage for Ford and is one of the many technologies that will help our global small-car platforms set a new world standard for efficiency and drive quality,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering, who announced PowerShift’s production timing at the 2009 Automotive News World Congress. “This advanced six-speed is an improvement over today’s automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy, while providing customers an even more fun-to-drive experience.”
Overall, Ford has committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013. Six-speed transmissions already have helped vehicles such as the 2010 Ford Fusion achieve best-in-class fuel economy, while at the same time allowing the Ford Flex and Ford Escape to achieve unsurpassed fuel economy in their respective segments.
Ford is leveraging six-speed transmissions, advanced internal combustion engines such as EcoBoost, hybrids, full electric vehicles, vehicle weight reduction and electric power-assisted steering to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions fleet-wide by 30 percent by 2020.
Automatic Comfort
Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent depending on the application.
PowerShift provides the full comfort of an automatic with a more sophisticated driving dynamic, thanks to uninterrupted torque from the dual-clutch technology, which consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears – 1, 3 and 5 – while the other the even gears – 2, 4 and 6. Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels.
In Europe, Ford currently offers a PowerShift transmission in the Ford Focus. This PowerShift uses a twin wet-clutch system to handle the higher torque levels of the 2.0-liter TDCI engine available in the Focus.
In North America, a dry-clutch derivative of Ford’s PowerShift transmission will be used for added efficiency and durability. A dry clutch transmits power and torque through manual transmission clutch facings, while most automatic transmissions utilize wet clutch plates submerged in oil. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission does not require an oil pump or torque converter, providing superior mechanical efficiency.
“A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,” said Piero Aversa, manager, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. “PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance.”
PowerShift, unlike conventional automatic transmissions, does not need the heavier torque converter or planetary gears. In addition, the dry-clutch derivative eliminates the need for the weighty pumps, hydraulic fluids, cooling lines and external coolers that wet clutch transmissions require. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission can weigh nearly 30 pounds less than, for example, the four-speed automatic transmission featured on today’s Ford Focus.
Differentiating PowerShift even further in terms of its customer appeal is its shift quality, launch feel and overall drive dynamic, which are all facilitated by an expert blend of Ford-exclusive electro-mechanical systems, software features, calibrations and controls. These unique driving features include:
• Neutral coast down – The clutches will disengage when the brakes are applied, improving coasting downshifts and clutch robustness as well as reducing parasitic losses for increased fuel economy.
• Precise clutch control in the form of a clutch slip to provide torsional damping of the engine vibration – This function improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at low engine speeds and enables lower lugging limits for improved fuel economy.
• Low-speed driving or creep mode with integrated brake pressure – This function simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed to from an automatic transmission. The amount of rolling torque in Drive and Reverse is precisely controlled, gradually building as brake pressure is released.
• Hill mode or launch assist – Prevents a vehicle from rolling back on a grade by maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill, providing improved driver confidence, comfort, safety and clutch robustness.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Ford Motor Company has recently unveiled its new 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The car is powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine with output up to 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The 2010 model will get a 10 percent improvement in highway fuel economy thanks to taller 5th and 6th gear ratios in its six-speed manual transmission. In all, Ford will offer five different stripe packages, including striped leather seats and a striped cue-ball shift knob.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A fusion of new ideals: The 2010 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is set to turn the sedan world upside down.
In face, the 2010 edition is arguably the most complete midsize passenger car on the planet. With four different powertrains - including gasolin-electric hybrid propulsion - all-wheel-drive availability and exclsive features and options, the Fusion has become the automotive equivalent of a full course buffet.
In the three years since the Fusion, along with its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ sister ships were launched, Ford has continued to benchmark the leading sedan contenders, including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima. Ford's engineers have focused on moving the Fusion several notches ahead of the competition in driveability, fuel economy and overall passenger comfort.
the outgoing Fusion was certainly a fashionable piece, but the incumbent, due to arrive this spring, ratchets things up with a bolder and a more aggressive attitude. The grille's three horizontal bars have been enlarged and a more prominently bulging hood hints that this car has what it takes in the performance department.
The Fusion is actually a less than completely new since it continues to employ a modified Mazda 6-based platform (Ford owns part of Mazda). However, considerable work has been done to the suspension, braking and steering systems to improve ride and handling. In addition, thicker glass, extra sound-deadening material and improved door sealing helps reduce wind and road noise. Ford claims these changes now make the Fusion a quieter-riding car than the league-leading four-cylinder Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Similarly, the cabin has also been upgraded. Hard-plastic dashboard, console and side-panel surfaces have become industry no-no's and Ford has covered as much of these areas as possible with a soft-touch "skin" that looks and feels more upscale. The seats get added side support and the coverings are also richer in appearance. Finally, the revised gauges are better lit using an easier-to-read three-dimensional effect and new ambient lighting now brightens up the footwells and the floor-console cupholders.
The starting-point 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder represents a gain of 15 ponies from the previous 160-horse 2.3-liter base powerplant. Although final numbers have not yet been released, Ford expects to lop one second off the four-cylinder's zero-to-60-mph time while improving highway fuel economy by at least six mpg.
The previously optional 3.0-liter V6 returns, but significant retuning has improved output to 240 horsepower from 221.
For perkier performance, the new Sport model has been added to the mix for 2010 and features a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 2.5, while a six-speed automatic is optional, but standard on both V6s.
As is the case for the current model, the 2010 V6-powered Fusions can also be had with all-wheel-drive, a feature not currently offered on any of the company's direct competitors.
The new Hybrid combines a 156-horsepower 205-liter four-cylinder engine with a 106-horsepower electric motor for a net output of 191 horses. The Hybrid combo is mated to a continuously variable transmission and can travel up to 47 mph on battery power alone. That's far better than every other hybrid on the road by a wide margin. For claims the Fusion Hybrid can travel up to 700 miles on a single 17 gallon fill-up, or the equivalent of 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway. Not bad for the Hybrid's $28,000 base price that includes delivery.
Expect the usual standard amenities on all Fusion models plus some exclusive content. Most unique is a capless fuel-filler system that automatic opens and closes when you insert and then remove the pump nozzle. The optional blind-spot warning system puts lights in the side mirrors to warn of approaching traffic, while SYNC, Ford's voice-activated communications system, operates cell phones, audio programming, vehicle diagnostics and emergency-call placement.
Impressive, indeed. For 2010, the Fusion buffet is expansive with all the right side dishes to make it a healthy choice, for your wallet, the environment and even your sporting fliar. The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 23/35 (I4, MT (est.); Base price: $20,000 (est., incl. destination)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2009 Ford F-150 Becomes America's Safest Full-Size Pickup by Earning Top 5-Star Crash Ratings
- The 2009 Ford F-150 is the only pickup to earn both the government's top 5-star crash-test ratings and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick award". - Ford has more U.S. government 5-star safety-rated vehicles than any other brand and more IIHS "Top Safety Picks" than any other automaker. - The 2009 Ford F-150 features more standard safety features - including standard Safety Canopy(R) side curtain air bags, AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) (Roll Stability Control(TM)) and a patented "K-bag" seat-mounted air bag - than any other half-ton truck. - The 2009 Ford F-150 powers the F-Series lineup to 32 consecutive years of truck sales leadership and continues picking up awards, including Motor Trend "Truck of the Year(TM)".
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The all-new 2009 Ford (NYSE: F - News) F-150 became America's safest full-size pickup by earning 5-star ratings in both government crash tests, in addition to the "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an unmatched list of advanced standard safety features.
The 2009 F-150 - the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year(TM) - recently earned 5-star frontal- and 5-star side-impact crash-test ratings, the highest possible scores in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.
"The new F-150's leading 5-star crash ratings and 'Top Safety Pick' award further demonstrate Ford's commitment to safety as we have more top government ratings than any other brand," said Susan Cischke, Ford's group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "The new 2009 F-150 also offers more advanced safety features as standard equipment than any other half-ton truck, part of our aggressive roll-out of safety for millions of customers."
The new F-150 led Ford's F-Series lineup to a 32nd straight year of truck sales leadership, in 2008. Ford F-Series finished the year with 50,448 more unit sales than its nearest competitor. In addition, for the 27th year in a row, F-Series is once again America's best-selling vehicle of any type - car, crossover, SUV, truck or van. Since the all-new 2009 F-150 went on sale in October 2008, Ford F-Series has gained market share, increasing from 31 percent of the full-size truck market in the first nine months to 37 percent in the fourth quarter.
"Ford's F-Series sales have picked up pace since the launch of the new F-150," said Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. "Purpose-made 'Built Ford Tough' trucks helped lay the foundation of this great country and growing F-Series sales will be one of the early indicators of an economic recovery as the country begins rebuilding."
The Toughest Truck
The F-150's safety leadership is built on the solid structure that underpins the truck's legendary "Built Ford Tough" durability and capability. The new truck has an all-new hydroformed steel front end - including use of tubular ultra-high-strength lighter weight steel that contributes to its unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size pickup truck segment.
"The all-new 2009 Ford F-150's leading crash-safety ratings add to its capability, fuel economy and technological leadership," said Steve Kozak, Ford's chief engineer for safety systems. "We achieved top safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy at the same time by using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in key areas of the new F-150's structure."
New to the 2009 F-150 is Ford's standard Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system, which helps protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side-impact crashes. The air bag is designed to stay inflated for several seconds for additional protection in rollover crashes, which often last longer than side-impact crashes.
Ford's Personal Safety System is made up of a suite of protection technologies, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant weight classification, working together to help protect occupants. Added to this is a Ford first - the new "K-bag," a front seat dual-chamber side air bag named for its unique shape, which is designed to help protect the rib cage from excessive crash forces during a side impact.
Ford expects the 2009 F-150's appeal to be even stronger for "core truckers," who list safety as a top purchase consideration and are a growing part of today's full size pickup market. According to recent Ford customer research, 83 percent of F-150 buyers consider safety a leading purchase reason - more than buyers of five of the six competitive trucks.
"Our customers buy the F-150 because it is a no-compromise solution which addresses their needs - work or play. So whether they're towing a construction trailer to the job site or hauling the family and towing a boat to the lake, the 2009 F-150 provides unmatched capability, unsurpassed fuel economy, and unrivaled safety," Scott said.
Towing Safety and Convenience
The new F-150 has standard safety and towing aid technologies - including AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control(TM) (RSC®), a first for the F-150 - that help customers more confidently use the truck's segment-leading towing and hauling capability. The Ford-exclusive stability control system uses a gyroscopic sensor that uniquely helps detect and prevent both skidding and rollovers.
The system offers as standard integrated Trailer Sway Control technology, which helps determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and takes measures to help bring it under control. An available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller technology allows direct operation of the trailer's electronic brakes with more confidence than typical aftermarket systems.
Tow Haul Mode changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range to improve the towing experience by avoiding unnecessary shifts in rolling terrain. The technology also prevents the transmission from shifting up in gear when the vehicle crests a hill, and provides downhill brake support that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed.
The new 2009 F-150 is built at Ford's Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant. The 2009 new truck has won the following awards and accolades:
-- Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award(TM)
-- Top honors as "Truck of Texas" as well as "Best Luxury Pickup" for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from the Texas Auto Writers Association
-- Finalist 2009 North American Truck of the Year. The winner will be announced Sunday at the North American International Auto Show.
-- 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
-- "Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup" from PickupTrucks.com
-- "Automotive Excellence" award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
-- Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
-- Detroit News Truck of the Year
-- "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
-- "Residual Value" award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG)
-- Motor Trend's Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
-- "Accessory-Friendly Truck" Design Award from SEMA
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The all-new 2009 Ford (NYSE: F - News) F-150 became America's safest full-size pickup by earning 5-star ratings in both government crash tests, in addition to the "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an unmatched list of advanced standard safety features.
The 2009 F-150 - the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year(TM) - recently earned 5-star frontal- and 5-star side-impact crash-test ratings, the highest possible scores in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.
"The new F-150's leading 5-star crash ratings and 'Top Safety Pick' award further demonstrate Ford's commitment to safety as we have more top government ratings than any other brand," said Susan Cischke, Ford's group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "The new 2009 F-150 also offers more advanced safety features as standard equipment than any other half-ton truck, part of our aggressive roll-out of safety for millions of customers."
The new F-150 led Ford's F-Series lineup to a 32nd straight year of truck sales leadership, in 2008. Ford F-Series finished the year with 50,448 more unit sales than its nearest competitor. In addition, for the 27th year in a row, F-Series is once again America's best-selling vehicle of any type - car, crossover, SUV, truck or van. Since the all-new 2009 F-150 went on sale in October 2008, Ford F-Series has gained market share, increasing from 31 percent of the full-size truck market in the first nine months to 37 percent in the fourth quarter.
"Ford's F-Series sales have picked up pace since the launch of the new F-150," said Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. "Purpose-made 'Built Ford Tough' trucks helped lay the foundation of this great country and growing F-Series sales will be one of the early indicators of an economic recovery as the country begins rebuilding."
The Toughest Truck
The F-150's safety leadership is built on the solid structure that underpins the truck's legendary "Built Ford Tough" durability and capability. The new truck has an all-new hydroformed steel front end - including use of tubular ultra-high-strength lighter weight steel that contributes to its unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size pickup truck segment.
"The all-new 2009 Ford F-150's leading crash-safety ratings add to its capability, fuel economy and technological leadership," said Steve Kozak, Ford's chief engineer for safety systems. "We achieved top safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy at the same time by using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in key areas of the new F-150's structure."
New to the 2009 F-150 is Ford's standard Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system, which helps protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side-impact crashes. The air bag is designed to stay inflated for several seconds for additional protection in rollover crashes, which often last longer than side-impact crashes.
Ford's Personal Safety System is made up of a suite of protection technologies, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant weight classification, working together to help protect occupants. Added to this is a Ford first - the new "K-bag," a front seat dual-chamber side air bag named for its unique shape, which is designed to help protect the rib cage from excessive crash forces during a side impact.
Ford expects the 2009 F-150's appeal to be even stronger for "core truckers," who list safety as a top purchase consideration and are a growing part of today's full size pickup market. According to recent Ford customer research, 83 percent of F-150 buyers consider safety a leading purchase reason - more than buyers of five of the six competitive trucks.
"Our customers buy the F-150 because it is a no-compromise solution which addresses their needs - work or play. So whether they're towing a construction trailer to the job site or hauling the family and towing a boat to the lake, the 2009 F-150 provides unmatched capability, unsurpassed fuel economy, and unrivaled safety," Scott said.
Towing Safety and Convenience
The new F-150 has standard safety and towing aid technologies - including AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control(TM) (RSC®), a first for the F-150 - that help customers more confidently use the truck's segment-leading towing and hauling capability. The Ford-exclusive stability control system uses a gyroscopic sensor that uniquely helps detect and prevent both skidding and rollovers.
The system offers as standard integrated Trailer Sway Control technology, which helps determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and takes measures to help bring it under control. An available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller technology allows direct operation of the trailer's electronic brakes with more confidence than typical aftermarket systems.
Tow Haul Mode changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range to improve the towing experience by avoiding unnecessary shifts in rolling terrain. The technology also prevents the transmission from shifting up in gear when the vehicle crests a hill, and provides downhill brake support that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed.
The new 2009 F-150 is built at Ford's Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant. The 2009 new truck has won the following awards and accolades:
-- Motor Trend 2009 Truck of the Year Award(TM)
-- Top honors as "Truck of Texas" as well as "Best Luxury Pickup" for the 2009 F-150 King Ranch from the Texas Auto Writers Association
-- Finalist 2009 North American Truck of the Year. The winner will be announced Sunday at the North American International Auto Show.
-- 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
-- "Best Overall Half-Ton Pickup" from PickupTrucks.com
-- "Automotive Excellence" award in the Workhorse Category from Popular Mechanics
-- Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
-- Detroit News Truck of the Year
-- "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
-- "Residual Value" award from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG)
-- Motor Trend's Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept
-- "Accessory-Friendly Truck" Design Award from SEMA
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
F-Series Leadership
I am happy to announce the F-Series maintained its dominate position as the best selling truck for 32 years (best selling vehicle for 27 years), outselling the Silverado by 50,448 units and the Camry by 78,896 units!
Other Industry Segment Leaders include:
* Econoline with 30 years
* Mustang with 23 years
* Edge with 2 years
* Explorer with 3 years in a row and 17 of the last 18 years
Regionally, we outperformed the country for the year on Ford Car, Ford Truck, Total Ford Car and Truck, LM Car, LM Truck and Total LM Car and Truck. In fact our sales were up YOY on Ford Car 1% in an industry that is down about 30% (driven largely by Focus being up 38% YOY).
Other Industry Segment Leaders include:
* Econoline with 30 years
* Mustang with 23 years
* Edge with 2 years
* Explorer with 3 years in a row and 17 of the last 18 years
Regionally, we outperformed the country for the year on Ford Car, Ford Truck, Total Ford Car and Truck, LM Car, LM Truck and Total LM Car and Truck. In fact our sales were up YOY on Ford Car 1% in an industry that is down about 30% (driven largely by Focus being up 38% YOY).
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Lincolns will park themselves
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co. said Monday that it will introduce a new automatic parallel parking system as an option on some Lincoln models next year, aiming to match rival offerings from Lexus and other luxury brands.
Ford's system, called Active Park Assist, would be the first such offering from a domestic manufacturer.
It is slated to debut on the Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover next year, and will be introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January.
Unlike the Lexus system, which uses cameras, the Lincoln system uses sensors mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide it into a parking space. Ford claims its technology leapfrogs its competitors' because it does not require the driver to select the parking space manually.
On the Lexus system, drivers must first line their car up with the vehicle in front of the place they want to park. They must then push a button to activate the system and use a touch-screen display to select the parking space. Once they have done that, the car steers itself into that space while they control the gas pedal and brakes.
Ford's system eliminates several of those steps. When drivers wish to park, they simply push a button to activate the system and cruise the street until their car finds a suitable parking space. When it does, the system tells them to stop, asks them to confirm that they wish to park in that space and then uses the vehicle's electronic power steering to guide it in as they control the gas pedal and brakes.
It works on hills
"It's fast and simple to use and more accurate," said Ali Jammoul, chief engineer of chassis and steering systems for Ford North America. "There is no driver interface. It does it automatically."
The Ford system prevents drivers from trying to park in spaces that are too tight for their vehicle. And, unlike rival offerings, it will work on hills.
Analyst Erich Merkle of Crowe Horwath LLP said parallel parking systems are fast becoming a requirement for luxury brands.
"You're going to see it become more prevalent on luxury vehicles," he said, adding that he expects Cadillac and others to introduce similar systems soon. "It's an incredibly competitive market, and consumers are asking for more and more -- and this is one of those features consumers are going to want to see. You can never have too much anymore."
The Lexus system debuted in 2006 on the Lexus LS460 L and is still available only on that model. The car carries a base price of $73,585, and the parking system is part of an $8,530 option package.
Ford has not yet announced pricing for its system.
The Dearborn automaker is devoting considerable resources to bolstering the Lincoln brand, which it sees as critical to its success in the U.S. market. Once Lincolns were just rebadged Ford cars and light trucks, but newer Lincolns now boast unique styling and features. Cutting-edge technology is a big part of the Lincoln equation, Ford said.
Debut set for next year
It began working on the parking assist system with supplier partner Valeo SA about 18 months ago.
"We think it is best in class," Jammoul said, noting that the system can fit into any space that is at least 20 percent larger than the vehicle itself, while Lexus' system requires a space that is more than 50 percent larger. "We find tighter spots, and we also park closer to the curb and at less of an angle. The system has to do it better than you can. That was our objective."
Ford Motor Co. said Monday that it will introduce a new automatic parallel parking system as an option on some Lincoln models next year, aiming to match rival offerings from Lexus and other luxury brands.
Ford's system, called Active Park Assist, would be the first such offering from a domestic manufacturer.
It is slated to debut on the Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover next year, and will be introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January.
Unlike the Lexus system, which uses cameras, the Lincoln system uses sensors mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide it into a parking space. Ford claims its technology leapfrogs its competitors' because it does not require the driver to select the parking space manually.
On the Lexus system, drivers must first line their car up with the vehicle in front of the place they want to park. They must then push a button to activate the system and use a touch-screen display to select the parking space. Once they have done that, the car steers itself into that space while they control the gas pedal and brakes.
Ford's system eliminates several of those steps. When drivers wish to park, they simply push a button to activate the system and cruise the street until their car finds a suitable parking space. When it does, the system tells them to stop, asks them to confirm that they wish to park in that space and then uses the vehicle's electronic power steering to guide it in as they control the gas pedal and brakes.
It works on hills
"It's fast and simple to use and more accurate," said Ali Jammoul, chief engineer of chassis and steering systems for Ford North America. "There is no driver interface. It does it automatically."
The Ford system prevents drivers from trying to park in spaces that are too tight for their vehicle. And, unlike rival offerings, it will work on hills.
Analyst Erich Merkle of Crowe Horwath LLP said parallel parking systems are fast becoming a requirement for luxury brands.
"You're going to see it become more prevalent on luxury vehicles," he said, adding that he expects Cadillac and others to introduce similar systems soon. "It's an incredibly competitive market, and consumers are asking for more and more -- and this is one of those features consumers are going to want to see. You can never have too much anymore."
The Lexus system debuted in 2006 on the Lexus LS460 L and is still available only on that model. The car carries a base price of $73,585, and the parking system is part of an $8,530 option package.
Ford has not yet announced pricing for its system.
The Dearborn automaker is devoting considerable resources to bolstering the Lincoln brand, which it sees as critical to its success in the U.S. market. Once Lincolns were just rebadged Ford cars and light trucks, but newer Lincolns now boast unique styling and features. Cutting-edge technology is a big part of the Lincoln equation, Ford said.
Debut set for next year
It began working on the parking assist system with supplier partner Valeo SA about 18 months ago.
"We think it is best in class," Jammoul said, noting that the system can fit into any space that is at least 20 percent larger than the vehicle itself, while Lexus' system requires a space that is more than 50 percent larger. "We find tighter spots, and we also park closer to the curb and at less of an angle. The system has to do it better than you can. That was our objective."
Fusion hybrid proves Big 3 can compete
Well how about that? Ford's new Fusion gasoline-electric hybrid will debut as the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class, posting 41 miles per gallon in the city.
The mid-size sedan wasn't just snapped out of Ford's research and development department because members of Congress called the domestic automakers "dinosaurs."
Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally says Ford has been working to become the fuel efficiency leader for two years, following a mandate from Chairman Bill Ford Jr. That effort -- often overlooked in the congressional hearings that eventually led to President Bush's loans to General Motors and Chrysler -- contradicts President-elect Barack Obama's contention that Detroit has its "head in the sand" when it comes to meeting future vehicle needs.
Throughout Washington's deliberations on aid for the domestic automakers, Big Three executives were berated for missing the mark on fuel efficiency. The Big Three had problems on this issue before. But Detroit now spends $12 billion a year on alternative vehicle research. And General Motors has more models in showrooms this year that get 30 miles per gallon or better than any other carmaker in the world.
The investment Detroit is making in fuel efficiency is paying off with the Fusion hybrid, which went into development three years ago -- long before gasoline prices soared and before Obama came to Detroit to lecture us about making small cars.
The Fusion will best the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 miles per gallon in the city. The Fusion is projected to get the second best fuel economy behind the current Toyota Prius, which is much smaller. Toyota has not released gas mileage figures on the 2010 update of the Prius.
It would have been nice if the Fusion hybrid's gas mileage announcement had arrived in time to inform Washington's representatives and senators, who persist in defining Detroit's automakers as being stuck in the world of muscle cars and big trucks. It is often forgotten that Toyota and Honda build big trucks, sports cars and SUVs, too, along with their hybrids.
Perhaps had members of Congress come to Detroit and looked inside the research labs of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, they would have seen the real story. Unfortunately, the politicians seemed to have their minds made up about the Big Three.
The Fusion isn't the end of the road for Detroit's fuel efficiency innovations. The Chevy Volt promises to be the first marketable electric vehicle when it is scheduled to debut in 2010.
All three automakers are working on technology that may revolutionize the internal combustion engine. This work has been underway for years, and the fruit will arrive on the market just as consumer tastes are shifting in response to uncertain gasoline prices.
The new Fusion hybrid is a real success story of Detroit. Too bad it never got told in Washington.
The mid-size sedan wasn't just snapped out of Ford's research and development department because members of Congress called the domestic automakers "dinosaurs."
Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally says Ford has been working to become the fuel efficiency leader for two years, following a mandate from Chairman Bill Ford Jr. That effort -- often overlooked in the congressional hearings that eventually led to President Bush's loans to General Motors and Chrysler -- contradicts President-elect Barack Obama's contention that Detroit has its "head in the sand" when it comes to meeting future vehicle needs.
Throughout Washington's deliberations on aid for the domestic automakers, Big Three executives were berated for missing the mark on fuel efficiency. The Big Three had problems on this issue before. But Detroit now spends $12 billion a year on alternative vehicle research. And General Motors has more models in showrooms this year that get 30 miles per gallon or better than any other carmaker in the world.
The investment Detroit is making in fuel efficiency is paying off with the Fusion hybrid, which went into development three years ago -- long before gasoline prices soared and before Obama came to Detroit to lecture us about making small cars.
The Fusion will best the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 miles per gallon in the city. The Fusion is projected to get the second best fuel economy behind the current Toyota Prius, which is much smaller. Toyota has not released gas mileage figures on the 2010 update of the Prius.
It would have been nice if the Fusion hybrid's gas mileage announcement had arrived in time to inform Washington's representatives and senators, who persist in defining Detroit's automakers as being stuck in the world of muscle cars and big trucks. It is often forgotten that Toyota and Honda build big trucks, sports cars and SUVs, too, along with their hybrids.
Perhaps had members of Congress come to Detroit and looked inside the research labs of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, they would have seen the real story. Unfortunately, the politicians seemed to have their minds made up about the Big Three.
The Fusion isn't the end of the road for Detroit's fuel efficiency innovations. The Chevy Volt promises to be the first marketable electric vehicle when it is scheduled to debut in 2010.
All three automakers are working on technology that may revolutionize the internal combustion engine. This work has been underway for years, and the fruit will arrive on the market just as consumer tastes are shifting in response to uncertain gasoline prices.
The new Fusion hybrid is a real success story of Detroit. Too bad it never got told in Washington.
Motor Trend: Ford F-150 is top truck
LOS ANGELES -- Motor Trend said Tuesday it has voted Ford Motor Co.'s F-150 model truck as its 2009 Truck of the Year, the third time in its production history that the half-ton pickup has taken top billing.
In 2008, Toyota Motor Co.'s Tundra pickup truck took the prize.
"The stakes were high and the field of contenders was among the best yet for this year's voting," said Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend. "Despite the downturn in the economy, the pickup truck remains the automotive backbone of America, providing a tough, durable workhorse for business and recreational users alike. No matter what shape the American auto industry emerges from the current crisis, the pickup truck will remain a key part of the American automotive landscape."
Motor Trend, a unit of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Cos. Inc., said the report will be published in the magazine's February issue, available on newsstands Jan. 6.
The Ford F-150 was one of four trucks eligible for the Truck of the Year title. The other contenders were the Dodge Ram 1500, Suzuki Equator and the Hummer H3T. To be eligible, a vehicle must be totally new or redesigned, and released in the 12 months before Jan. 1, 2009.
Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors, and the company predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. The automaker is struggling, however, amid the continued rapid deceleration in the nation's car market and as the housing downturn hurts construction activity.
The company's U.S. sales tumbled 30 percent in November, as the iconic Detroit automaker submitted a transformation plan to Congress, cancelling 2009 bonuses for most workers and requesting a $9 billion bridge financing loan.
Ford sold 118,818 vehicles last month, down from 169,258 vehicles in the same month last year. Sales of Ford brand cars and trucks plunged 30 percent, with total truck sales falling 29 percent to 81,546 vehicles in November.
So far this year, Ford Motor Co. sales are down 19.2 percent to 1.8 million vehicles, compared with 2.2 million sold in the first 11 months of 2007.
Founded in 1949, Motor Trend has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7.1 million.
In 2008, Toyota Motor Co.'s Tundra pickup truck took the prize.
"The stakes were high and the field of contenders was among the best yet for this year's voting," said Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend. "Despite the downturn in the economy, the pickup truck remains the automotive backbone of America, providing a tough, durable workhorse for business and recreational users alike. No matter what shape the American auto industry emerges from the current crisis, the pickup truck will remain a key part of the American automotive landscape."
Motor Trend, a unit of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Cos. Inc., said the report will be published in the magazine's February issue, available on newsstands Jan. 6.
The Ford F-150 was one of four trucks eligible for the Truck of the Year title. The other contenders were the Dodge Ram 1500, Suzuki Equator and the Hummer H3T. To be eligible, a vehicle must be totally new or redesigned, and released in the 12 months before Jan. 1, 2009.
Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors, and the company predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. The automaker is struggling, however, amid the continued rapid deceleration in the nation's car market and as the housing downturn hurts construction activity.
The company's U.S. sales tumbled 30 percent in November, as the iconic Detroit automaker submitted a transformation plan to Congress, cancelling 2009 bonuses for most workers and requesting a $9 billion bridge financing loan.
Ford sold 118,818 vehicles last month, down from 169,258 vehicles in the same month last year. Sales of Ford brand cars and trucks plunged 30 percent, with total truck sales falling 29 percent to 81,546 vehicles in November.
So far this year, Ford Motor Co. sales are down 19.2 percent to 1.8 million vehicles, compared with 2.2 million sold in the first 11 months of 2007.
Founded in 1949, Motor Trend has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7.1 million.
Fusion receives a major upgrade
LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Co. thinks its 2010 Fusion has the makings of a contender in the cut-throat midsize car market segment.
The Fusion, which debuted in 2006, underwent a major refresh for the 2010 model year. Ford changed powertrains -- adding more efficient (and powerful) four- and six-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions -- as well as introducing two new models to the Fusion family: The Fusion Sport with a 3.5-liter V-6 and the Fusion hybrid, which hits at least 39 mpg in city driving.
"We knew going into the refresh that it would be a major reworking," said Frank Davis, executive director of North American product development for Ford. "We have a great fuel economy story to tell and believe that when the new Fusion arrives we'll be able to gain market share at our Japanese competitors' expense."
That's a tall order. Through November, Ford has sold 137,295 Fusions compared with sales of 411,342 for the Toyota Camry, 350,441 for the Honda Accord and 252,357 for the Nissan Altima, according to Autodata Corp. Even adding in sales of 29,174 for the Mercury Milan, the Fusion's sister vehicle, Ford's figures pale in comparison.
Ford banked on the original Fusion, and the short-lived Five Hundred sedan, renamed the Taurus, to spark a revival in its mid-size car sales.
"It's going to be difficult for any American company in this current climate," said Jack Nerad, a Kelley Blue Book industry analyst. "There are so many questions about the ongoing viability of any of the domestic companies."
Jim Hall, director of analysis for 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham, however, said the Fusion just might grab a few of those customers.
"They have a chance to do it because they'll have fuel economy to do it," Hall said.
Consumers still reeling from $4-a-gallon gas prices this summer will continue to search for cars with better fuel efficiency. The Fusion, which has a base model price of $19,270, will stand out as a value when stacked up against midsize stalwarts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Ford hopes.
Additionally, Ford has continued to improve its image by winning quality awards from the likes of J.D. Power and Associates and recommendations from influential magazines such as "Consumer Reports," said the Fusion's chief engineer, J.D. Shanahan.
More than that, Shanahan said that his team has "significantly improved" the car's driving dynamics, making it a fun alternative to the Camry.
"We've cut more than a second off the Fusion's zero-to-60 time while adding four to five miles per gallon to its performance," Shanahan said.
Nerad said improved performance and style might help the Fusion more than improved fuel economy in the immediate future.
"Some people are saying we're going to be looking at a dollar a gallon gas," he said, "that may or may not resonate with consumers, probably not "
Ford said the car's makeover addresses the previous models' interior shortcomings.Additional features such as blind spot detection and a back-up camera have been added, among other items. The new Fusion also is noticeably quieter while driving because of additional sound deadening materials, thicker side windows and a noise reducing windshield.
"Quiet is quality," said Davis, of the way customers perceive a vehicle's image through its ride.
Davis wouldn't say how much Ford expects Fusion sales to rise, but he said Ford expects to see about 70 percent of its volume in four-cylinder models, perhaps the lineups' most improved model.
While the car market remains stagnant due to the weak economy, Hall said when customers return to dealerships, and eventually, they will, the Fusion could be on more shoppers' list.
"This is the car Ford should have introduced in 2006, and now it's arriving in a very bad market," Hall said. The original Fusion arrived with decent fuel economy and decent performance, but it lacked anything that made it stand out against the competition. Now it does.
Scott Burgess is the auto critic for The Detroit News. He can be reached at (313) 223-3217 or sburgess@detnews.com.
The Fusion, which debuted in 2006, underwent a major refresh for the 2010 model year. Ford changed powertrains -- adding more efficient (and powerful) four- and six-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions -- as well as introducing two new models to the Fusion family: The Fusion Sport with a 3.5-liter V-6 and the Fusion hybrid, which hits at least 39 mpg in city driving.
"We knew going into the refresh that it would be a major reworking," said Frank Davis, executive director of North American product development for Ford. "We have a great fuel economy story to tell and believe that when the new Fusion arrives we'll be able to gain market share at our Japanese competitors' expense."
That's a tall order. Through November, Ford has sold 137,295 Fusions compared with sales of 411,342 for the Toyota Camry, 350,441 for the Honda Accord and 252,357 for the Nissan Altima, according to Autodata Corp. Even adding in sales of 29,174 for the Mercury Milan, the Fusion's sister vehicle, Ford's figures pale in comparison.
Ford banked on the original Fusion, and the short-lived Five Hundred sedan, renamed the Taurus, to spark a revival in its mid-size car sales.
"It's going to be difficult for any American company in this current climate," said Jack Nerad, a Kelley Blue Book industry analyst. "There are so many questions about the ongoing viability of any of the domestic companies."
Jim Hall, director of analysis for 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham, however, said the Fusion just might grab a few of those customers.
"They have a chance to do it because they'll have fuel economy to do it," Hall said.
Consumers still reeling from $4-a-gallon gas prices this summer will continue to search for cars with better fuel efficiency. The Fusion, which has a base model price of $19,270, will stand out as a value when stacked up against midsize stalwarts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Ford hopes.
Additionally, Ford has continued to improve its image by winning quality awards from the likes of J.D. Power and Associates and recommendations from influential magazines such as "Consumer Reports," said the Fusion's chief engineer, J.D. Shanahan.
More than that, Shanahan said that his team has "significantly improved" the car's driving dynamics, making it a fun alternative to the Camry.
"We've cut more than a second off the Fusion's zero-to-60 time while adding four to five miles per gallon to its performance," Shanahan said.
Nerad said improved performance and style might help the Fusion more than improved fuel economy in the immediate future.
"Some people are saying we're going to be looking at a dollar a gallon gas," he said, "that may or may not resonate with consumers, probably not "
Ford said the car's makeover addresses the previous models' interior shortcomings.Additional features such as blind spot detection and a back-up camera have been added, among other items. The new Fusion also is noticeably quieter while driving because of additional sound deadening materials, thicker side windows and a noise reducing windshield.
"Quiet is quality," said Davis, of the way customers perceive a vehicle's image through its ride.
Davis wouldn't say how much Ford expects Fusion sales to rise, but he said Ford expects to see about 70 percent of its volume in four-cylinder models, perhaps the lineups' most improved model.
While the car market remains stagnant due to the weak economy, Hall said when customers return to dealerships, and eventually, they will, the Fusion could be on more shoppers' list.
"This is the car Ford should have introduced in 2006, and now it's arriving in a very bad market," Hall said. The original Fusion arrived with decent fuel economy and decent performance, but it lacked anything that made it stand out against the competition. Now it does.
Scott Burgess is the auto critic for The Detroit News. He can be reached at (313) 223-3217 or sburgess@detnews.com.
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