For Ford Motor Co., the past year really has been the best of times and the worst of times.
Like the rest of the auto industry, Ford sales plummeted worldwide. But the Dearborn automaker also scored major points with American consumers by foregoing a federal bailout and avoiding bankruptcy.
That good will, together with a strong lineup of new cars and trucks, meant Ford fell neither as far nor as fast as the rest of the industry. The company was finally able to pull out of a market share nosedive that began in the mid-1990s. In fact, it gained market share here and abroad while raising the average transaction price of its vehicles.
Influential surveyors including Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates have lauded Ford's quality gains, delivering important endorsements to products such as the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid.
Wall Street has taken notice, too, pushing the price of Ford shares north of $8.50 a year after they bottomed out at just over a buck.
"It's really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan, plus the progress we are making on the plan," CEO Alan Mulally told The Detroit News.
The question now is can Ford's gains be sustained?
"Absolutely," Mulally said. He recently boosted the company's financial forecast and now expects to be "solidly profitable" by 2011. But Mulally also warned that 2010 will be a challenging year for Ford and the rest of the auto industry.
Sales remain depressed around the world. For Ford and its competitors, that means less revenue at a time when they need to spend more money to meet new fuel economy and emissions regulations.
Ford also faces some unique challenges.
General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC may have damaged their credibility with consumers by filing for Chapter 11, but they also were able to eliminate billions of dollars in debt in bankruptcy court. Moreover, Ford will be more vulnerable in 2011 during the next round of national contract talks with the United Auto Workers after failing to secure the strike protection its crosstown rivals negotiated with the union as part of their government bailouts.
Still, there is no question that Ford has emerged from the turmoil of the past year as the strongest American automaker.
While GM and Chrysler begged for taxpayer aid, Ford, which bet everything on a massive $23 billion financing deal just before the global credit markets seized up, did what America loves best -- pulled itself up by its bootstraps.
That was enough to convince many consumers to visit a Ford showroom.
What they found was a new generation of cars and crossovers that boasted world-class quality and left the automaker's previous ho-hum designs in the dust. Not only was Ford fixing its problems without Washington's help, it was offering cars that rivaled Japan's best.
A year ago, Ford's share of the U.S. light vehicle market was 12.4 percent. Now, it stands at 14.6 percent. More importantly, Ford made those gains without resorting to big incentives. As GM and Chrysler slashed sticker prices and increased rebates, Ford cut back on incentives and raised the price of some of its most popular vehicles. As a result, the company increased its net pricing -- what consumers pay for vehicles, minus any incentives -- by $3.8 billion at the end of September.
"The momentum that we've gained is primarily around the products that we've introduced into the marketplace because, at the end of the day, customers are coming in to buy a product. They're not coming in because a company either did or did not take (taxpayer) money," said Ford Americas President Mark Fields. "At the same time, we've also gotten the benefit of customers saying, 'You know what, we feel good about Ford because you are doing this on your own.'"
Maintaining its momentum will require Ford to keep delivering new and better products, said analyst Aaron Bragman of IHS Global Insight in Troy.
"That's really going to be critical for them going forward," he said. "As we start to see the market rebound, the competition is going to be fierce. But Ford is in a good position because they do have a lot of new product. That's one of the key things that Mulally did -- accelerate the cycle plan."
Next year will see Ford introduce the first in a series of small cars from Europe that are the backbone of its future product strategy. If Ford is to meet its turnaround goals, they need to be an unqualified success.
Jim Farley, Ford's chief marketing officer, is confident they will be. He said the U.S. marketplace changed dramatically over the past year, and so did Ford's place in it. Instead of competing with GM and Chrysler, he said Ford is now competing with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.
"That's a new place for us in the U.S.," he said. "The good will for the company grew when we decided that we didn't need help. There was a lot more people paying attention to Ford."
But Farley said Ford's work is far from finished -- especially when it comes to consumers' perception of the Blue Oval, which remains colored by years of disappointing products.
"It took a lot of time to get where we are," Farley said. "It's going to take a lot of time to get customers back. But we really have seen tremendous progress."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ford leads 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick list with 6, Toyota doesn’t cut it
FoMoCo led all automakers for the second year in a row with six 2010 models that made it onto the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick list, including four vehicles from Volvo, a brand that Ford is selling. For the first time in three years, none of Toyota’s vehicles made the list as tougher criteria cut down the selection from 94 last year to 27 this year.
“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”
Subaru is the only automaker with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a trend of improving the safety of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul also made the list for 2010. GM’s 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu also made the cut.
“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”
Subaru is the only automaker with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a trend of improving the safety of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul also made the list for 2010. GM’s 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu also made the cut.
Ford Van to Go All-Electric in 2010
Ford is driving closer to its goal of producing an all-electric car with the announcement of an electric van for North America for 2010. The Ford Transit Connect BEV will incorporate a drivetrain from Azure Dynamics and lithium ion batteries from Johnson Controls-Saft.
The van will get 80 miles before needing to be charged and will be sold into fleets, according to Ford Manager of corporate news Jennifer Moore. She said Ford will produce the van in low volumes and has not announced any customers so far.
Azure Dynamics, which Ford had worked with before, was brought in to replace Smith Electric Vehicles as the drivetrain partner. Moore said that Smith has decided to focus on medium duty trucks. Today Smith Electric Vehicles announced it was working on a prototype electric postal delivery vehicle with AM General for the US Postal Service.
Ford hasn't committed to Azure Dynamics -- or anyone else -- as a long term partner for it other EVs in development. Moore said Azure Dynamics' extensive experience in building components for electrified vehicles made them an attractive partner.
Johnson-Controls-Saft will be the company's battery partner moving forward. In development are a Ford Focus EV for 2011, as well as an unnamed PHEV vehicle for 2012.
Ford is moving quickly in turning its successful Transit Connect, which only debuted this year, into an EV.
Delivery van fleets that operate on shorter routes are likely applications for EVs and PHEVs since they can be charged centrally overnight and provide sufficient driving range to complete a day's work.
The van will get 80 miles before needing to be charged and will be sold into fleets, according to Ford Manager of corporate news Jennifer Moore. She said Ford will produce the van in low volumes and has not announced any customers so far.
Azure Dynamics, which Ford had worked with before, was brought in to replace Smith Electric Vehicles as the drivetrain partner. Moore said that Smith has decided to focus on medium duty trucks. Today Smith Electric Vehicles announced it was working on a prototype electric postal delivery vehicle with AM General for the US Postal Service.
Ford hasn't committed to Azure Dynamics -- or anyone else -- as a long term partner for it other EVs in development. Moore said Azure Dynamics' extensive experience in building components for electrified vehicles made them an attractive partner.
Johnson-Controls-Saft will be the company's battery partner moving forward. In development are a Ford Focus EV for 2011, as well as an unnamed PHEV vehicle for 2012.
Ford is moving quickly in turning its successful Transit Connect, which only debuted this year, into an EV.
Delivery van fleets that operate on shorter routes are likely applications for EVs and PHEVs since they can be charged centrally overnight and provide sufficient driving range to complete a day's work.
Fewer Vehicles Earn Safety Label With Rollover Test
Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Twenty-seven vehicles earned the top safety rating in a U.S. insurance-industry group's 2010-model crash tests, less than a third of the number a year earlier after a measure of performance in rollover accidents was added.
The top picks did the best job of protecting in front, side and rear collisions, as well as rollover crashes, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said in a report today. Ford Motor Co. had the most cars on the list, while Subaru, the auto brand of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., was the only manufacturer with winners in all vehicle classes in which it competes.
Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles were shut out and the number of vehicles on the list fell from a record 94 for the 2009 model year after the institute added a roof-strength gauge to see how the vehicles fared in rollover accidents. The tests now cover the four most common kinds of crashes, the group said.
The picks are "designs that go far beyond minimum federal safety standards," Adrian Lund, president of the Arlington, Virginia-based group, said in a statement. "Now that roof strength is a priority, we think manufacturers will move quickly to bolster roofs to do well in our roof-strength test."
Roofs that meet the institute's standard reduce the rate of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollover crashes by about 50 percent compared with the federal government's minimum requirement, the institute said.
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, had 11 vehicles on the list for its 2009 models, including its Lexus and Scion brands.
Camry Missed Pick
The Toyota City, Japan-based company's Camry missed a top- pick rating because of the rear-end crash evaluation, the institute said. The car's seats and head restraints were rated "marginal" for protection against whiplash injury, the group said.
Ford, the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy, had six top-pick vehicles, including four from its Volvo unit. Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford is in talks to sell the Volvo unit. The Taurus and Lincoln MKS, along with the Volvo S80, C30, XC60 and XC90 made the list.
Also selected were Subaru's Forester, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and some of its Impreza models. Chrysler Group LLC's Dodge Journey, General Motors Co.'s Buick LaCrosse, Daimler AG's Mercedes C class, Honda Motor Co.'s Element, Kia Motors Corp.'s Soul, Nissan Motor Co.'s Cube, and Volkswagen AG's Tiguan and Audi A3 were on the list.
Also among the picks were certain versions of Chrysler's Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Jeep Patriot; GM's Chevrolet Malibu; Honda's Civic; and Volkswagen's Golf, Jetta and Passat.
The institute's "good," "marginal" and "poor" ratings are based on tests of vehicle performance and possible injuries as measured on crash-test dummies in a 40-mile-per-hour frontal impact, 31-mph side impact and 20-mph rear impact, along with the roof-strength test.
The top picks did the best job of protecting in front, side and rear collisions, as well as rollover crashes, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said in a report today. Ford Motor Co. had the most cars on the list, while Subaru, the auto brand of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., was the only manufacturer with winners in all vehicle classes in which it competes.
Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles were shut out and the number of vehicles on the list fell from a record 94 for the 2009 model year after the institute added a roof-strength gauge to see how the vehicles fared in rollover accidents. The tests now cover the four most common kinds of crashes, the group said.
The picks are "designs that go far beyond minimum federal safety standards," Adrian Lund, president of the Arlington, Virginia-based group, said in a statement. "Now that roof strength is a priority, we think manufacturers will move quickly to bolster roofs to do well in our roof-strength test."
Roofs that meet the institute's standard reduce the rate of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollover crashes by about 50 percent compared with the federal government's minimum requirement, the institute said.
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, had 11 vehicles on the list for its 2009 models, including its Lexus and Scion brands.
Camry Missed Pick
The Toyota City, Japan-based company's Camry missed a top- pick rating because of the rear-end crash evaluation, the institute said. The car's seats and head restraints were rated "marginal" for protection against whiplash injury, the group said.
Ford, the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy, had six top-pick vehicles, including four from its Volvo unit. Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford is in talks to sell the Volvo unit. The Taurus and Lincoln MKS, along with the Volvo S80, C30, XC60 and XC90 made the list.
Also selected were Subaru's Forester, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and some of its Impreza models. Chrysler Group LLC's Dodge Journey, General Motors Co.'s Buick LaCrosse, Daimler AG's Mercedes C class, Honda Motor Co.'s Element, Kia Motors Corp.'s Soul, Nissan Motor Co.'s Cube, and Volkswagen AG's Tiguan and Audi A3 were on the list.
Also among the picks were certain versions of Chrysler's Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Jeep Patriot; GM's Chevrolet Malibu; Honda's Civic; and Volkswagen's Golf, Jetta and Passat.
The institute's "good," "marginal" and "poor" ratings are based on tests of vehicle performance and possible injuries as measured on crash-test dummies in a 40-mile-per-hour frontal impact, 31-mph side impact and 20-mph rear impact, along with the roof-strength test.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Ford to use wheat straw plastic in 2010
Ford Motor announced today that it will use wheat-straw reinforced plastic in its vehicle Ford Flex in 2010. The company is working with plastic compounder A. Schulman of Akron, Ohio, as well as with the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, in the development of wheat straw-based plastics formulation as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative.
Ford said it is the first automaker to use wheat-straw plastics in vehicles. The company plans to use the bio-based material in Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins, which, they said will reduce petroleum use by 20,000 pounds/year and will reduce carbon emissions by 30,000 pounds/year.
The wheat straw-reinforced resin is said to be BioCar Initiative's first production-ready application. the bio-resin reportedly demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass.
Other applications being planned for the plastic include center console bins and trays, interior air register, door trim panel components, and armrest liners. Currently, Ford and its suppliers are said to be working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw supply.
Ford said it is the first automaker to use wheat-straw plastics in vehicles. The company plans to use the bio-based material in Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins, which, they said will reduce petroleum use by 20,000 pounds/year and will reduce carbon emissions by 30,000 pounds/year.
The wheat straw-reinforced resin is said to be BioCar Initiative's first production-ready application. the bio-resin reportedly demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass.
Other applications being planned for the plastic include center console bins and trays, interior air register, door trim panel components, and armrest liners. Currently, Ford and its suppliers are said to be working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw supply.
Ford Adds Two Wind Turbines to Power Belgium Plant
Expanding its on-site wind power portfolio sprinkled throughout the UK and Germany, Ford of Europe has added two wind turbines, each with a height of 150 meters, to supply a significant amount of electricity for its Genk plant in Belgium.
Five years ago, Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the UK became the first automotive plant to meet all its electricity needs from on-site turbines. The automaker says a third turbine will come online next year, following the installation of a new 1.4/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine production line, which will allow the plant to be 100 percent powered by wind.
Ford’s 270-acre Dunton Technical Centre is also powered 100 percent by renewable energy sources, including hydro, wind and waste generation.
Ford also is sourcing renewable electricity from three hydro-power plants to meet the power demands of its sites in Cologne, Germany, including its production facilities at the Niehl Plant, the Technical Centre in Merkenich, and Ford of Europe’s head office.
Ford’s Merkenich Technical Centre is heated by steam provided by local utility provider as a by-product of its co-generation power plant.
The initiatives in Niehl and Merkenich reduce annual CO2 emissions by 190,000 tons, according to Ford.
In Wales, Ford uses solar energy to help power the Bridgend engine plant.
While Ford has primarily focused on wind power to generate electricity at is production facilities, General Motor’s has turned to the sun to power its global facilities.
In the U.S., GM has added a 1.2- megawatt (MW) solar power installation to the roof of its transmission assembly plant in White Marsh, Md., supplying about 20 percent of the plant’s power, and claims two of the largest solar power installations in the U.S. at its Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California parts warehouses.
General Motors also claims the world’s largest rooftop solar power installation with 85,000 solar panels at its assembly plant in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, Spain.
Five years ago, Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the UK became the first automotive plant to meet all its electricity needs from on-site turbines. The automaker says a third turbine will come online next year, following the installation of a new 1.4/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine production line, which will allow the plant to be 100 percent powered by wind.
Ford’s 270-acre Dunton Technical Centre is also powered 100 percent by renewable energy sources, including hydro, wind and waste generation.
Ford also is sourcing renewable electricity from three hydro-power plants to meet the power demands of its sites in Cologne, Germany, including its production facilities at the Niehl Plant, the Technical Centre in Merkenich, and Ford of Europe’s head office.
Ford’s Merkenich Technical Centre is heated by steam provided by local utility provider as a by-product of its co-generation power plant.
The initiatives in Niehl and Merkenich reduce annual CO2 emissions by 190,000 tons, according to Ford.
In Wales, Ford uses solar energy to help power the Bridgend engine plant.
While Ford has primarily focused on wind power to generate electricity at is production facilities, General Motor’s has turned to the sun to power its global facilities.
In the U.S., GM has added a 1.2- megawatt (MW) solar power installation to the roof of its transmission assembly plant in White Marsh, Md., supplying about 20 percent of the plant’s power, and claims two of the largest solar power installations in the U.S. at its Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California parts warehouses.
General Motors also claims the world’s largest rooftop solar power installation with 85,000 solar panels at its assembly plant in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, Spain.
Ford Fusion Named Motor Trend Car of the Year
The Ford Fusion is a perfectly competent yet utterly bland vehicle. It’s proof that American firms can compete in the mass-market vanilla sedan segment, but not because it does anything particularly well. Its strength is nothing more than an absence of the glaring issues that kept Detroit out of the Accord/Camry sweepstakes. Which is why Motor Trend doesn’t get overly carried away with the credibility-straining praise of the vehicle itself (with the requisite glaring exceptions, to wit: “the Fusion SE goes from mild-mannered commuter to worthy canyon charger”). So instead, the praise gets spread to the lineup as a whole: “the 2010 Ford Fusion’s impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award,” we’re told. What this boils down to: you can get a hybrid powertrain in addition to four-pot and six-pot engines. In short, MT gave the Fusion COTY because it does everything a Camry does, but, crucially, it’s from Detroit. Well, Saltillo, Mexico, actually. Still, its advertising budget still comes from Detroit, and that makes all the difference.
Monday, November 16, 2009
McCain says Chrysler unlikely to survive
Arizona Sen. John McCain said Sunday that Chrysler Group LLC is unlikely to survive, despite receiving nearly $15 billion in government loans.
McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, reiterated his opposition to the $80 billion auto industry bailout begun by President George W. Bush last December.
"No, I don't think we ever should have bailed out Chrysler and General Motors," McCain said in Arizona, where he was serving as grand marshal of at the NASCAR Sprint Cup series race at the Phoenix International Raceway. "We should have let them go into bankruptcy, emerge and become viable corporations again."
Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan declined to comment on McCain's remarks.
Both GM and Chrysler underwent bankruptcy restructurings this summer, and have since emerged as new companies with healthier balance sheets.
McCain suggested the decision to inject billions into the automakers was because of the political clout of the United Auto Workers union -- and other unions.
"It was all about the unions. The unions didn't want to have their very generous contracts renegotiated so we put $80 billion into both General Motors and Chrysler, and anybody believes that Chrysler is going to survive, I'd like to meet them," McCain said.
Fiat SpA received a 20 percent stake in Chrysler as part of the Auburn Hills automaker's exit from bankruptcy and Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, is now running Chrysler. The company outlined this month a vision for the next five years.
The UAW insists it made tough sacrifices to save the automakers.
As part of the deal, the UAW agreed at GM and Chrysler to $7 an hour in givebacks in wages and benefits, gave up the right to strike through 2015 and swapped billions in health care payments owed to retirees in exchange for equity in the automakers. The UAW has also seen tens of thousands of members accept buyouts or early retirements.
"We see the automotive industry, and my heart goes out to the citizens of Detroit, really in the tank, and yet we have manufacturing plants all over the South, which are not bound by some of the labor rules and contracts that make them non-competitive," McCain said.
This isn't the first time McCain has criticized the auto bailout, even though he supported aiding automakers during the 2008 campaign for president.
"Chrysler finally filing for bankruptcy! Wish they would have done it months ago as I called for -- could have saved taxpayers $26.7 billion!" he wrote May 1 on his Twitter account.
He also compared the deal to communism and socialism. "President (proposes) government/union takeover of GM and Chrysler -- Lenin would be smiling," he wrote on April 30, referring to the former Soviet leader.
Two days earlier, he wrote: "UAW eventually owning 55% of Chrysler stock and the U.S. Gov owning the rest -- if that isn't socialism, what is?"
McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, reiterated his opposition to the $80 billion auto industry bailout begun by President George W. Bush last December.
"No, I don't think we ever should have bailed out Chrysler and General Motors," McCain said in Arizona, where he was serving as grand marshal of at the NASCAR Sprint Cup series race at the Phoenix International Raceway. "We should have let them go into bankruptcy, emerge and become viable corporations again."
Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan declined to comment on McCain's remarks.
Both GM and Chrysler underwent bankruptcy restructurings this summer, and have since emerged as new companies with healthier balance sheets.
McCain suggested the decision to inject billions into the automakers was because of the political clout of the United Auto Workers union -- and other unions.
"It was all about the unions. The unions didn't want to have their very generous contracts renegotiated so we put $80 billion into both General Motors and Chrysler, and anybody believes that Chrysler is going to survive, I'd like to meet them," McCain said.
Fiat SpA received a 20 percent stake in Chrysler as part of the Auburn Hills automaker's exit from bankruptcy and Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, is now running Chrysler. The company outlined this month a vision for the next five years.
The UAW insists it made tough sacrifices to save the automakers.
As part of the deal, the UAW agreed at GM and Chrysler to $7 an hour in givebacks in wages and benefits, gave up the right to strike through 2015 and swapped billions in health care payments owed to retirees in exchange for equity in the automakers. The UAW has also seen tens of thousands of members accept buyouts or early retirements.
"We see the automotive industry, and my heart goes out to the citizens of Detroit, really in the tank, and yet we have manufacturing plants all over the South, which are not bound by some of the labor rules and contracts that make them non-competitive," McCain said.
This isn't the first time McCain has criticized the auto bailout, even though he supported aiding automakers during the 2008 campaign for president.
"Chrysler finally filing for bankruptcy! Wish they would have done it months ago as I called for -- could have saved taxpayers $26.7 billion!" he wrote May 1 on his Twitter account.
He also compared the deal to communism and socialism. "President (proposes) government/union takeover of GM and Chrysler -- Lenin would be smiling," he wrote on April 30, referring to the former Soviet leader.
Two days earlier, he wrote: "UAW eventually owning 55% of Chrysler stock and the U.S. Gov owning the rest -- if that isn't socialism, what is?"
Ford Taurus - America's Most Innovative Sedan - Named 'Official Car' of the 2010 International cES
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2009 -- -- The 2010 Ford Taurus will be the official car of the 2010
International CES®, to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas
-- The all-new Taurus is a perfect fit for CES - it offers 10
class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer
-- The Ford Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars
twice its price
The smartest full-size sedan in America, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®), to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.
"The all-new Taurus is Ford's technology flagship, offering more user-friendly technology to help keep you safe and connected than cars twice its price," said Frank Davis, executive director Product Development. "And there's no better venue to show it off than CES."
Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, where Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company's connected-car leadership position.
As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.
"Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES. "We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the 'Official Car of CES.' We also look forward to hearing Ford's Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7."
As Davis notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES - the world's largest consumer technology trade show for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.
"The Ford Taurus has 10 class-exclusive features not available from any other manufacturer," said Davis. "This vehicle offers it all - from Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM) that are designed to reduce fatigue on long-distance drives to a voice-activated navigation system that can tell you real-time traffic and weather information, and even where to find the cheapest gas."
The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC - Traffic, Directions & Information - along with 911 Assist(TM) and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC's USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control - a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.
For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey(TM), a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.
In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:
-- EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler - a self-seal system without a
traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals
automatically, every time.
-- SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry Keypad - a feature that allows you to
unlock the driver's door by entering a five-digit code via a
flush-mounted keypad
-- Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support - a
feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar
technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you're
getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
-- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert - a
feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your
blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you're backing out
of a parking spot
-- Sony Audio® System - a surround sound system that delivers Dolby®
Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
-- Available EcoBoost(TM) V-6 - a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that
delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its
V-6 fuel economy
According to Davis, all of the technology offered on the Ford Taurus is sweetened by the vehicle's price.
"Even the most zealous techies are careful with their money," he said. "Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable."
In addition to being named official vehicle of the 2010 International CES, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine's first-ever "Car of the Year."
International CES®, to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas
-- The all-new Taurus is a perfect fit for CES - it offers 10
class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer
-- The Ford Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars
twice its price
The smartest full-size sedan in America, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®), to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.
"The all-new Taurus is Ford's technology flagship, offering more user-friendly technology to help keep you safe and connected than cars twice its price," said Frank Davis, executive director Product Development. "And there's no better venue to show it off than CES."
Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, where Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company's connected-car leadership position.
As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.
"Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES. "We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the 'Official Car of CES.' We also look forward to hearing Ford's Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7."
As Davis notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES - the world's largest consumer technology trade show for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.
"The Ford Taurus has 10 class-exclusive features not available from any other manufacturer," said Davis. "This vehicle offers it all - from Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM) that are designed to reduce fatigue on long-distance drives to a voice-activated navigation system that can tell you real-time traffic and weather information, and even where to find the cheapest gas."
The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC - Traffic, Directions & Information - along with 911 Assist(TM) and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC's USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control - a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.
For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey(TM), a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.
In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:
-- EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler - a self-seal system without a
traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals
automatically, every time.
-- SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry Keypad - a feature that allows you to
unlock the driver's door by entering a five-digit code via a
flush-mounted keypad
-- Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support - a
feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar
technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you're
getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
-- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert - a
feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your
blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you're backing out
of a parking spot
-- Sony Audio® System - a surround sound system that delivers Dolby®
Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
-- Available EcoBoost(TM) V-6 - a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that
delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its
V-6 fuel economy
According to Davis, all of the technology offered on the Ford Taurus is sweetened by the vehicle's price.
"Even the most zealous techies are careful with their money," he said. "Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable."
In addition to being named official vehicle of the 2010 International CES, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine's first-ever "Car of the Year."
Monday, November 9, 2009
Clearly Ford Has a Winner: 2010 Fusion Hybrid Extended Test Drive
Of all the cars Ford has released recently, the one that has gotten the most “green” coverage is the Fusion Hybrid. It’s a good looking car and most people I know who’ve driven it have come back and told me that they were impressed—including even a couple die-hard “anti-greenies.” Yet, for some inexplicable reason I’d actually been resistant to test drive it even when presented with an opportunity. Maybe all that leftover resentment hanging around from my past experiences was having more of an effect than I thought?
Whatever the reasons, it turns out I was being an idiot to resist this car. Seriously.
So when one of my favorite bands announced they were holding a 3 day music festival in Indio, California—Phish Festival 8—my mind subconsciously put 2 and 2 together, subsequently let me in on its little secret, and thus was born the idea to conduct a test drive of the Fusion Hybrid from the airport at Long Beach to the festival and back with fellow blogger and Phish Head, Tim Hurst. It would be a several day trip over 300 miles and it seemed like the perfect way to get to know this car as if we really owned it.
I want to get this one point out there right off the bat: even though Ford provided us with the test car, everything you read in this review is in no way influenced by any relationship with Ford. During the test drive I tried to remain as objective as possible.
Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid as getting 41 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. But more and more those EPA numbers are meaningless with modern alterna-cars such as hybrids and PHEVs. They can be incredibly sensitive to how you drive them and your mileage will vary dramatically based on your willpower to save fuel.
Case in point: even the EPA now gives expected ranges in very small print underneath its bold, one-number MPG proclamations which show large swings. For the 2010 Fusion Hybrid the EPA small print says the expected city range for most drivers is 35 to 47 MPG and for highway driving it is 31 to 41 MPG. I don’t know about you, but to me a variance of 12 MPG is pretty large range to be able to boldly say that the car gets 41 MPG in the city.
Based on about 60 miles of city driving, my experience was that if you tried you could get nearly 50 MPG in the city—and it really didn’t take that much effort, willpower or training to do it. The car provides you with such a great driver interface—the Ford SmartGauge—that it almost seems like fun trying to make it get the highest fuel efficiency possible.
The Fusion Hybrid’s killer app is the ability to act like a fully electric car below speeds of 47 mph. With a little coaching from the SmartGauge, you can easily bring the car down to the level at which the 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid engine shuts off and it runs completely off of its high-power NiMH battery. Doing some additional planning ahead for stop lights, I found that on the relatively flat drive between Huntington Beach and Long Beach Airport I was able to average about 49 MPG.
In the city, the car benefits from getting up to speed quickly with its available 191 HP and then feathering back from the throttle to pop it into EV mode. Using this strategy I could make it from stoplight to stoplight with about 70% of my time as an electric car. I also found that the transition between engine driving and EV mode was essentially seamless, with the stop/start feature being barely noticeable.
If you spend most of your time driving in the city and you’re willing to drive a bit less aggressively with your mind focused on both the road and the SmartGauge, you will get much better than the EPA average of 41 MPG.
When we finally hit the road to make the long drive out to Festival 8, I was curious to see if we could beat the EPA estimate of 36 MPG on the highway. Although I didn’t make highway-only estimates, in the end we were able to average almost 39 MPG for the entire 328 mile trip. Given that we ran into heavy traffic, used the A/C a lot and were charging all sorts of mobile devices that’s a pretty respectable showing, but clearly the Fusion Hybrid is built to excel in city driving.
One item of note: the cruise control on the Fusion Hybrid helps to conserve fuel by not killing it to get up slopes and letting the car go above the set speed on downhills. I also noticed that on extended downhills, the engine would shut off conserving fuel even more. In fact, the cruise control on this car is so unlike your standard cruise control that Ford has decided to call it speed control. Usually you have to avoid cruise control to get the best fuel economy, but the speed control on the Fusion Hybrid turned out to deliver better mileage on the highway than I could even when I was concentrating.
Comfort and Convenience
Ford provided us with a fully-loaded production model 2010 Fusion Hybrid, so it was certainly more decked out than what you might purchase on your own. With a base price of $27,625 plus a destination charge of $725, it is not a cheap car by any means.
Our model, with the highest level option package available (Rapid Spec 502A), came to around $32,000. Above and beyond the long list of standard features, this package included an upgraded Sony sound system, a moon/sunroof, a voice activated navigation system with a Sirius-linked traffic and travel guide, leather-trimmed heated front seats, a blind spot warning system, and a back-up camera.
On our long drive, the 8-way adjustable driver’s seat proved to be very useful and the Sirius radio was great, but the Microsoft SYNC system left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Trying to get it to connect up with my iPhone turned out to be one of the biggest frustrations I had with the car. The bluetooth worked fine for making phone calls, but when I wanted to either stream my music over bluetooth or even connect the iPhone up through the USB port to play my music through the SYNC system, it had so many problems I eventually gave up.
Actually, I take that back. The whole system worked flawlessly for about 30 minutes, after which it all went to hell and all the connections I had set up with my iPhone suddenly stopped working. Leave it to Microsoft to screw this up. I’m not some kind of technologically ignorant idiot either. Give me a few minutes and I can usually figure something like this out without any problems. I rarely have to use directions, but after many trips to the SYNC manual, I still couldn’t figure it out.
Even with the navigation system there were problems. It simply took too many steps to make it do what I wanted it to. Compared to the interface design that went into my iPhone, the SYNC system needs help. It was even more of a conundrum to me because the SmartGauge—which is separate from the SYNC system—is designed so well. Why didn’t they just have the SmartGauge team design the SYNC system instead of Microsoft? It likely would have turned out better.
Because of all the extra space taken up with the Hybrid machinery, the Fusion Hybrid has an incredibly small trunk. It’s definitely big enough to hold about 2 golf bags, but more than that and you’ll be puzzling it out to try and make it all fit.
One unexpected benefit of the high power battery and stop-start system: when you’re parked at a concert venue or tailgating you can turn on the car completely and it won’t use any fuel until the battery drains to a certain point and then the engine will turn on just long enough to charge the battery and then shut off again. At Festival 8 this was a great feature because we had so many things to charge. I’ve been struck lame more than once by dead battery syndrome at a multi-day concert. The Fusion Hybrid essentially eliminates that problem, and it didn’t have that much of an effect on overall fuel economy.
Safety and Build Quality
The optional installed blind spot warning system seems like a great idea gone horribly wrong. If I could have turned the thing off I would have. In parking lots it got confused and beeped at me like there was no tomorrow. When we pulled off the road and were surrounded by bushes you would have thought the world was coming to an end with the amount of incessant beeping this thing produced. Needless to say, it’s an option that has a long way to come.
The back up camera, on the other hand, was great. The clarity with which you can see objects behind you is outstanding. It took a while to get used to the idea of looking at a display rather than the rear view mirror, but once you convince your brain that it is okay you quickly become accustomed to it. In fact, now that I’m driving my own car again I kind of miss the back-up camera.
The Fusion Hybrid felt very solid. Around corners and in traffic I certainly felt confident in the car. I didn’t hear a single squeak or rattle the entire time we were driving it. You can tell a lot about how well a car was designed by the details: all of the seams were well stitched and the interior and exterior molding joints had very close tolerances.
One minor issue: when you come to a stop the engine shuts off, and it is usually unnoticeable when the engine comes back on after pressing the accelerator pedal. But if you have to accelerate very quickly (such as when making a turn across heavy traffic into a parking lot) the slight delay is enough to scare you when you cut across the oncoming traffic. Just be prepared for this and don’t expect completely instantaneous acceleration.
Overall Impressions
Even with its minor foibles, after having 5 days to get to know it I left southern California loving this car. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid has great looks, is fun to drive, sports a bunch of features that add value in unexpected ways, is comfortable and, above all else, proves that Ford cares about what it’s selling again.
Certainly at a base price of $23,150 you can buy a bare bones 2010 Prius with virtually no options for much less, but Ford has made the calculation that they aren’t willing to sell the Fusion Hybrid as a bare bones model. If you really want to start comparing apples to apples, the Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Prius are very competitively priced with one another when equipped similarly.
The Prius does score higher EPA fuel economy numbers, but it has less versatility and ability to drive it like you want to. Based on my experience, you can get much higher fuel economy in the Fusion Hybrid than the EPA suggests. Plus the Ford SmartGauge beats the Prius’ interface’s pants off—there is no comparison in that department. Toyota has a lot to learn about human-machine interface, and now that they actually have some competition in the hybrid realm I hope it spurs them to figure it out.
And, let’s face it, the Fusion is a much better looking car.
When I was leaving the concert grounds after the first night of Festival 8, I was in a dense crowd of fellow Phish fans and I found myself eavesdropping on a conversation behind me. It was a rather fitting and prophetic conversation because in it, a man was half-joking with a woman about how he lost all his money in the stock market. The woman replied that she was doing okay because the market was coming back, and then she said this: “I’ve invested my money in Ford because they’re the only American company worth anything anymore.”
If that’s the conventional wisdom at a rock concert from a random conversation overheard in a gigantic crowd, then Ford is set for a major comeback. Certainly the recent news that Ford posted an unexpected nearly $1 billion profit and that their sales are up dramatically is pointing in that direction.
And if they keep pumping out cars like the Fusion Hybrid, the sky’s the limit.
Whatever the reasons, it turns out I was being an idiot to resist this car. Seriously.
So when one of my favorite bands announced they were holding a 3 day music festival in Indio, California—Phish Festival 8—my mind subconsciously put 2 and 2 together, subsequently let me in on its little secret, and thus was born the idea to conduct a test drive of the Fusion Hybrid from the airport at Long Beach to the festival and back with fellow blogger and Phish Head, Tim Hurst. It would be a several day trip over 300 miles and it seemed like the perfect way to get to know this car as if we really owned it.
I want to get this one point out there right off the bat: even though Ford provided us with the test car, everything you read in this review is in no way influenced by any relationship with Ford. During the test drive I tried to remain as objective as possible.
Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid as getting 41 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. But more and more those EPA numbers are meaningless with modern alterna-cars such as hybrids and PHEVs. They can be incredibly sensitive to how you drive them and your mileage will vary dramatically based on your willpower to save fuel.
Case in point: even the EPA now gives expected ranges in very small print underneath its bold, one-number MPG proclamations which show large swings. For the 2010 Fusion Hybrid the EPA small print says the expected city range for most drivers is 35 to 47 MPG and for highway driving it is 31 to 41 MPG. I don’t know about you, but to me a variance of 12 MPG is pretty large range to be able to boldly say that the car gets 41 MPG in the city.
Based on about 60 miles of city driving, my experience was that if you tried you could get nearly 50 MPG in the city—and it really didn’t take that much effort, willpower or training to do it. The car provides you with such a great driver interface—the Ford SmartGauge—that it almost seems like fun trying to make it get the highest fuel efficiency possible.
The Fusion Hybrid’s killer app is the ability to act like a fully electric car below speeds of 47 mph. With a little coaching from the SmartGauge, you can easily bring the car down to the level at which the 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid engine shuts off and it runs completely off of its high-power NiMH battery. Doing some additional planning ahead for stop lights, I found that on the relatively flat drive between Huntington Beach and Long Beach Airport I was able to average about 49 MPG.
In the city, the car benefits from getting up to speed quickly with its available 191 HP and then feathering back from the throttle to pop it into EV mode. Using this strategy I could make it from stoplight to stoplight with about 70% of my time as an electric car. I also found that the transition between engine driving and EV mode was essentially seamless, with the stop/start feature being barely noticeable.
If you spend most of your time driving in the city and you’re willing to drive a bit less aggressively with your mind focused on both the road and the SmartGauge, you will get much better than the EPA average of 41 MPG.
When we finally hit the road to make the long drive out to Festival 8, I was curious to see if we could beat the EPA estimate of 36 MPG on the highway. Although I didn’t make highway-only estimates, in the end we were able to average almost 39 MPG for the entire 328 mile trip. Given that we ran into heavy traffic, used the A/C a lot and were charging all sorts of mobile devices that’s a pretty respectable showing, but clearly the Fusion Hybrid is built to excel in city driving.
One item of note: the cruise control on the Fusion Hybrid helps to conserve fuel by not killing it to get up slopes and letting the car go above the set speed on downhills. I also noticed that on extended downhills, the engine would shut off conserving fuel even more. In fact, the cruise control on this car is so unlike your standard cruise control that Ford has decided to call it speed control. Usually you have to avoid cruise control to get the best fuel economy, but the speed control on the Fusion Hybrid turned out to deliver better mileage on the highway than I could even when I was concentrating.
Comfort and Convenience
Ford provided us with a fully-loaded production model 2010 Fusion Hybrid, so it was certainly more decked out than what you might purchase on your own. With a base price of $27,625 plus a destination charge of $725, it is not a cheap car by any means.
Our model, with the highest level option package available (Rapid Spec 502A), came to around $32,000. Above and beyond the long list of standard features, this package included an upgraded Sony sound system, a moon/sunroof, a voice activated navigation system with a Sirius-linked traffic and travel guide, leather-trimmed heated front seats, a blind spot warning system, and a back-up camera.
On our long drive, the 8-way adjustable driver’s seat proved to be very useful and the Sirius radio was great, but the Microsoft SYNC system left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Trying to get it to connect up with my iPhone turned out to be one of the biggest frustrations I had with the car. The bluetooth worked fine for making phone calls, but when I wanted to either stream my music over bluetooth or even connect the iPhone up through the USB port to play my music through the SYNC system, it had so many problems I eventually gave up.
Actually, I take that back. The whole system worked flawlessly for about 30 minutes, after which it all went to hell and all the connections I had set up with my iPhone suddenly stopped working. Leave it to Microsoft to screw this up. I’m not some kind of technologically ignorant idiot either. Give me a few minutes and I can usually figure something like this out without any problems. I rarely have to use directions, but after many trips to the SYNC manual, I still couldn’t figure it out.
Even with the navigation system there were problems. It simply took too many steps to make it do what I wanted it to. Compared to the interface design that went into my iPhone, the SYNC system needs help. It was even more of a conundrum to me because the SmartGauge—which is separate from the SYNC system—is designed so well. Why didn’t they just have the SmartGauge team design the SYNC system instead of Microsoft? It likely would have turned out better.
Because of all the extra space taken up with the Hybrid machinery, the Fusion Hybrid has an incredibly small trunk. It’s definitely big enough to hold about 2 golf bags, but more than that and you’ll be puzzling it out to try and make it all fit.
One unexpected benefit of the high power battery and stop-start system: when you’re parked at a concert venue or tailgating you can turn on the car completely and it won’t use any fuel until the battery drains to a certain point and then the engine will turn on just long enough to charge the battery and then shut off again. At Festival 8 this was a great feature because we had so many things to charge. I’ve been struck lame more than once by dead battery syndrome at a multi-day concert. The Fusion Hybrid essentially eliminates that problem, and it didn’t have that much of an effect on overall fuel economy.
Safety and Build Quality
The optional installed blind spot warning system seems like a great idea gone horribly wrong. If I could have turned the thing off I would have. In parking lots it got confused and beeped at me like there was no tomorrow. When we pulled off the road and were surrounded by bushes you would have thought the world was coming to an end with the amount of incessant beeping this thing produced. Needless to say, it’s an option that has a long way to come.
The back up camera, on the other hand, was great. The clarity with which you can see objects behind you is outstanding. It took a while to get used to the idea of looking at a display rather than the rear view mirror, but once you convince your brain that it is okay you quickly become accustomed to it. In fact, now that I’m driving my own car again I kind of miss the back-up camera.
The Fusion Hybrid felt very solid. Around corners and in traffic I certainly felt confident in the car. I didn’t hear a single squeak or rattle the entire time we were driving it. You can tell a lot about how well a car was designed by the details: all of the seams were well stitched and the interior and exterior molding joints had very close tolerances.
One minor issue: when you come to a stop the engine shuts off, and it is usually unnoticeable when the engine comes back on after pressing the accelerator pedal. But if you have to accelerate very quickly (such as when making a turn across heavy traffic into a parking lot) the slight delay is enough to scare you when you cut across the oncoming traffic. Just be prepared for this and don’t expect completely instantaneous acceleration.
Overall Impressions
Even with its minor foibles, after having 5 days to get to know it I left southern California loving this car. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid has great looks, is fun to drive, sports a bunch of features that add value in unexpected ways, is comfortable and, above all else, proves that Ford cares about what it’s selling again.
Certainly at a base price of $23,150 you can buy a bare bones 2010 Prius with virtually no options for much less, but Ford has made the calculation that they aren’t willing to sell the Fusion Hybrid as a bare bones model. If you really want to start comparing apples to apples, the Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Prius are very competitively priced with one another when equipped similarly.
The Prius does score higher EPA fuel economy numbers, but it has less versatility and ability to drive it like you want to. Based on my experience, you can get much higher fuel economy in the Fusion Hybrid than the EPA suggests. Plus the Ford SmartGauge beats the Prius’ interface’s pants off—there is no comparison in that department. Toyota has a lot to learn about human-machine interface, and now that they actually have some competition in the hybrid realm I hope it spurs them to figure it out.
And, let’s face it, the Fusion is a much better looking car.
When I was leaving the concert grounds after the first night of Festival 8, I was in a dense crowd of fellow Phish fans and I found myself eavesdropping on a conversation behind me. It was a rather fitting and prophetic conversation because in it, a man was half-joking with a woman about how he lost all his money in the stock market. The woman replied that she was doing okay because the market was coming back, and then she said this: “I’ve invested my money in Ford because they’re the only American company worth anything anymore.”
If that’s the conventional wisdom at a rock concert from a random conversation overheard in a gigantic crowd, then Ford is set for a major comeback. Certainly the recent news that Ford posted an unexpected nearly $1 billion profit and that their sales are up dramatically is pointing in that direction.
And if they keep pumping out cars like the Fusion Hybrid, the sky’s the limit.
Electric-powered Ford Transit Connect will go 80 miles between charges, other Ford electric vehicle plans revealed
Ford Motor's begun to trickle out details of its electric-vehicle plans.
It says Azure Dynamics will supply its so-called Force Drive drivetrain to create an all-electric version of its Transit Connect small commercial van. The plug-in vehicle should go on sale to commercial customers in the U.S. and Canada late next year.
The battery-powered Transit will go at least 80 miles on a full charge, Ford says, and possibly more. A final decision hasn't been made on battery size, which will determine the range. Johnson Controls-Saft will supply the lithium-ion battery. And it will be "dual badged":
The electric Transit Connect is to be marketed as both a Ford and an Azure, and possibly warrantied by Azure, not Ford.
In 2011, Ford says, it will offer a battery only, plug-in Focus, with at least some intended for regular showroom customers rather than strictly commercial and fleet buyers.
In 2012 will come an unidentified "next-generation" hybrid (meaning it'll have a lithium-ion battery) and an also-anonymous "plug-in hybrid vehicle." Ford won't say if these will be two versions of the same model -- such as two versions of a Fusion sedan -- or separate models, such as a next-gen Fusion hybrid, for instance, and a plug-in Escape.
It says Azure Dynamics will supply its so-called Force Drive drivetrain to create an all-electric version of its Transit Connect small commercial van. The plug-in vehicle should go on sale to commercial customers in the U.S. and Canada late next year.
The battery-powered Transit will go at least 80 miles on a full charge, Ford says, and possibly more. A final decision hasn't been made on battery size, which will determine the range. Johnson Controls-Saft will supply the lithium-ion battery. And it will be "dual badged":
The electric Transit Connect is to be marketed as both a Ford and an Azure, and possibly warrantied by Azure, not Ford.
In 2011, Ford says, it will offer a battery only, plug-in Focus, with at least some intended for regular showroom customers rather than strictly commercial and fleet buyers.
In 2012 will come an unidentified "next-generation" hybrid (meaning it'll have a lithium-ion battery) and an also-anonymous "plug-in hybrid vehicle." Ford won't say if these will be two versions of the same model -- such as two versions of a Fusion sedan -- or separate models, such as a next-gen Fusion hybrid, for instance, and a plug-in Escape.
Seatbelts With Airbags? Ford Believes It's The Future of Safety
Thursday, Ford announced their intention to take safety to new heights not yet reached in today's vehicles by introducing the first seatbelt with an airbag. This announcement triggered the normal who, what, where, when and how line of questions. For the moment, we know that this new safety technology is intended for rear seat passengers and is slated to debut in the 2011 Ford Explorer redesign−meaning it will certainly be available to the masses.
It is the opinion of some that rear seat passenger have been neglected over the years when the topic of safety is concerned. The front passengers enjoy airbags out the wazoo, including front, side and curtain airbags. Front passengers also have the luxury of adjustable seatbelts, which reduce seatbelt trauma in the event of an accident. No, not for the rear seat passengers, the most they generally get in today's cars are side and curtain airbags. I personally don't think this is a really detriment to the rear passenger's safety, but in today's world where safety is "King", I guess Ford's introduction is the next logical step. In fact, they aren't the only ones introducing airbags in seatbelts, Lexus is also said to be working on it for their up and coming supercar. That probably means you would be seeing it real soon in the likes of the Camry and Highlander in the future.
Until then, we will have to wait and see how this new technology fairs in the government crash tests. In theory, the seatbelt airbag should help to distribute the force of an impact across the passenger's body and therefore reduce the trauma that is associated with impact. There isn't a lot of detail on how the airbag inflates, but the seatbelts are said to operate like a normal seat belt AND be compatible with child seats.
Bottom line--The next phase in automotive safety is coming and Ford is trying to live up to their new image by being on the leading edge.
It is the opinion of some that rear seat passenger have been neglected over the years when the topic of safety is concerned. The front passengers enjoy airbags out the wazoo, including front, side and curtain airbags. Front passengers also have the luxury of adjustable seatbelts, which reduce seatbelt trauma in the event of an accident. No, not for the rear seat passengers, the most they generally get in today's cars are side and curtain airbags. I personally don't think this is a really detriment to the rear passenger's safety, but in today's world where safety is "King", I guess Ford's introduction is the next logical step. In fact, they aren't the only ones introducing airbags in seatbelts, Lexus is also said to be working on it for their up and coming supercar. That probably means you would be seeing it real soon in the likes of the Camry and Highlander in the future.
Until then, we will have to wait and see how this new technology fairs in the government crash tests. In theory, the seatbelt airbag should help to distribute the force of an impact across the passenger's body and therefore reduce the trauma that is associated with impact. There isn't a lot of detail on how the airbag inflates, but the seatbelts are said to operate like a normal seat belt AND be compatible with child seats.
Bottom line--The next phase in automotive safety is coming and Ford is trying to live up to their new image by being on the leading edge.
Conan checks out the brand new Ford Taurus SHO, and compares it to his old one!
To watch the video visit:
http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/taurus-vs-taurus-102909/1170963/
http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/taurus-vs-taurus-102909/1170963/
Ford lauded for 'world-class' reliability
Detroit -- Ford Motor Co. is the most reliable domestic automaker, and continued quality improvements have brought its vehicles almost bumper to bumper with its Japanese competitors, Consumer Reports magazine said Tuesday.
"Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability," Consumer Reports said in releasing its 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey to the Automotive Press Association here.
The endorsement for Ford comes as Detroit's Big Three fight to retain market share against strong foreign competitors and as General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC strive to show the government and American taxpayers that a strong domestic auto industry is worth saving and can lead the field. GM and Chrysler, however, didn't fare as well as Ford and still have work to do, Consumer Reports said.
"This is just one more proof point, but it's a great testament because that's not a statement (Consumer Reports) has always made about us," said Bennie Fowler, Ford's global quality chief.
And it's the result of dedicated work to get there.
When Ford first closed the quality gap with Honda and Toyota a few years ago, "we didn't know if it was a fluke or if they could maintain it," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. But Ford continued to produce well-made vehicles that testers and readers appreciate.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally spoke repeatedly about reliability when he took over the company, and he visited the magazine to better understand and address lackluster findings that the company's vehicles had previously suffered.
Efforts at Ford today include a system that sends information about a problem to team members on the assembly line within 24 hours of a vehicle being brought into a dealership so changes can be made to correct the issue and prevent a recurrence.
Toyota, which consistently does well in the survey, also takes any slips seriously -- such as the Lexus GS that was rated below average.
"Historically, when a car's quality has slipped, the problem is rectified the following year," said Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Curt McAllister. "We're not sure what the problem was with the GS, but we will go through the data with Consumer Reports."
About 1.4 million readers submitted data on vehicles from 2000 to 2009 model years, and the reliability results augment staff road tests of current vehicles to determine whether a vehicle is recommended to buyers.
Toyota and Honda Motor Co. still dominate the industry for long-term reliability, and the Honda Insight topped the list as the single most reliable vehicle. The Volkswagen Touareg was last in the survey. Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 were Asian brands. Toyota had 18; Honda had eight; Nissan Motor Co., four; and Hyundai Motor Co./Kia Motors Corp. and Subaru each had three.
GM had some "bright spots" and appears to be on the right track if new vehicles such as the Chevrolet Malibu are any indication, but Chrysler "still struggles" and has a long way to go with only a single vehicle recommended by the testers and readers of the magazine. Last year, the Auburn Hills automaker had none recommended.
Bankruptcy filings by GM and Chrysler did not affect results -- the survey was taken in the spring before the companies completed their stints under Chapter 11 protection, Paul said. And bankruptcy should not affect next year's results if readers are objectively noting things that break on their cars, Paul said.
Of 48 GM models, 20 were average. The all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave crossovers did well, and the magazine now recommends the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra light-duty pickups.
"Consumer Reports is one of several third-party inputs GM takes seriously because we realize the influence it has on purchase decisions," said Jamie Hresko, GM vice president of global quality.
Chrysler faces the biggest challenge. Its three brands are among the four worst, and more than a third of Chrysler products are rated much worse than average. Only the Dodge Ram 1500 is recommended, and there are few new cars and trucks on the horizon to boost future scores, Paul said.
As bad as that sounds, it is an improvement over last year when the Chrysler Sebring was the worst single vehicle on the list and no models were recommended.
Chrysler will detail efforts to restore quality in its five-year business and product plan to be unveiled Nov. 4 and is expected to talk openly about the need to correct quality and other errors committed under previous owners. Chrysler's newest partner, Fiat SpA, has implemented its manufacturing processes and quality controls, and improvement already can be seen, Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said.
Warranty claims have been reduced 30 percent in the last 18 months, she said, adding that "the Ram represents where we are going."
The problem, said Consumer Reports senior auto engineer Jake Fisher, is that Fiat in Europe is known for its style, not its quality.
"There could be a lot of very pretty cars broken down on the side of the road," Fisher said.
That should not be the case for Ford products, as about 90 percent had average or better reliability, according to the survey.
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for the second year.
"It's rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Center. The last domestic that had better reliability than the Camry and Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004, he said.
GM's Malibu with a V-6 also did well and "is on par with the most reliable family sedans," Champion said.
Ford's upscale Lincoln brand did not fare as well. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKZ came in below average. But the MKZ was ranked stronger than the Lexus ES or Acura TL.
The Honda Accord dipped in overall ratings, something Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky said is not uncommon for a new car. "Customers may have problems with new features and technology they are not used to. But I think the study showcases the hallmarks of the Honda brand: durability, quality and reliability."
The Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56 large SUVs have brought their reliability up to average, but the magazine expressed concerns with the rear-drive Nissan Titan pickup, Quest minivan and tiny Versa sedan.
Continuing their quality climb are Hyundai and Kia. Scoring well were the Hyundai Elantra and Tucson and the Kia Sportage. Hyundai's foray into the luxury segment with the Genesis proved above average with the V-6 and average with the new V-8 engine. Not as strong are the Kia Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV.
"The results are not an anomaly," said Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore. "They are the dividends of our huge investment to improve quality."
Small cars fared well. Of 37 in the survey, 20 scored above average, including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and VW Golf.
Half of the 42 family cars tested were above average, including five of eight hybrids in this segment (Prius, Fusion, Milan, Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids).
Among the least reliable vehicles in their class are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, Nissan Versa and Subaru Impreza WRX.
European automakers showed some improvement again this year. The reliability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles has improved; most are now average or better, and the new GLK proved a strong new entry in its first year.
Results are more mixed for BMW AG, as the 535i sedan and X3 SUV fell and the new 135i scored below average. The only model Consumer Reports recommends is the BMW 328i.
The VW Rabbit/Golf and new CC were above average, and the Jetta TDI is the only diesel the magazine recommended. The Passat and Audi A3 have improved to average, along with the Tiguan SUV.
Porsche saw its Boxster fall below average and the magazine no longer recommends it.
The reliability report is in the December issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale Nov. 3.
"Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability," Consumer Reports said in releasing its 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey to the Automotive Press Association here.
The endorsement for Ford comes as Detroit's Big Three fight to retain market share against strong foreign competitors and as General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC strive to show the government and American taxpayers that a strong domestic auto industry is worth saving and can lead the field. GM and Chrysler, however, didn't fare as well as Ford and still have work to do, Consumer Reports said.
"This is just one more proof point, but it's a great testament because that's not a statement (Consumer Reports) has always made about us," said Bennie Fowler, Ford's global quality chief.
And it's the result of dedicated work to get there.
When Ford first closed the quality gap with Honda and Toyota a few years ago, "we didn't know if it was a fluke or if they could maintain it," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. But Ford continued to produce well-made vehicles that testers and readers appreciate.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally spoke repeatedly about reliability when he took over the company, and he visited the magazine to better understand and address lackluster findings that the company's vehicles had previously suffered.
Efforts at Ford today include a system that sends information about a problem to team members on the assembly line within 24 hours of a vehicle being brought into a dealership so changes can be made to correct the issue and prevent a recurrence.
Toyota, which consistently does well in the survey, also takes any slips seriously -- such as the Lexus GS that was rated below average.
"Historically, when a car's quality has slipped, the problem is rectified the following year," said Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Curt McAllister. "We're not sure what the problem was with the GS, but we will go through the data with Consumer Reports."
About 1.4 million readers submitted data on vehicles from 2000 to 2009 model years, and the reliability results augment staff road tests of current vehicles to determine whether a vehicle is recommended to buyers.
Toyota and Honda Motor Co. still dominate the industry for long-term reliability, and the Honda Insight topped the list as the single most reliable vehicle. The Volkswagen Touareg was last in the survey. Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 were Asian brands. Toyota had 18; Honda had eight; Nissan Motor Co., four; and Hyundai Motor Co./Kia Motors Corp. and Subaru each had three.
GM had some "bright spots" and appears to be on the right track if new vehicles such as the Chevrolet Malibu are any indication, but Chrysler "still struggles" and has a long way to go with only a single vehicle recommended by the testers and readers of the magazine. Last year, the Auburn Hills automaker had none recommended.
Bankruptcy filings by GM and Chrysler did not affect results -- the survey was taken in the spring before the companies completed their stints under Chapter 11 protection, Paul said. And bankruptcy should not affect next year's results if readers are objectively noting things that break on their cars, Paul said.
Of 48 GM models, 20 were average. The all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave crossovers did well, and the magazine now recommends the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra light-duty pickups.
"Consumer Reports is one of several third-party inputs GM takes seriously because we realize the influence it has on purchase decisions," said Jamie Hresko, GM vice president of global quality.
Chrysler faces the biggest challenge. Its three brands are among the four worst, and more than a third of Chrysler products are rated much worse than average. Only the Dodge Ram 1500 is recommended, and there are few new cars and trucks on the horizon to boost future scores, Paul said.
As bad as that sounds, it is an improvement over last year when the Chrysler Sebring was the worst single vehicle on the list and no models were recommended.
Chrysler will detail efforts to restore quality in its five-year business and product plan to be unveiled Nov. 4 and is expected to talk openly about the need to correct quality and other errors committed under previous owners. Chrysler's newest partner, Fiat SpA, has implemented its manufacturing processes and quality controls, and improvement already can be seen, Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said.
Warranty claims have been reduced 30 percent in the last 18 months, she said, adding that "the Ram represents where we are going."
The problem, said Consumer Reports senior auto engineer Jake Fisher, is that Fiat in Europe is known for its style, not its quality.
"There could be a lot of very pretty cars broken down on the side of the road," Fisher said.
That should not be the case for Ford products, as about 90 percent had average or better reliability, according to the survey.
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for the second year.
"It's rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Center. The last domestic that had better reliability than the Camry and Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004, he said.
GM's Malibu with a V-6 also did well and "is on par with the most reliable family sedans," Champion said.
Ford's upscale Lincoln brand did not fare as well. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKZ came in below average. But the MKZ was ranked stronger than the Lexus ES or Acura TL.
The Honda Accord dipped in overall ratings, something Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky said is not uncommon for a new car. "Customers may have problems with new features and technology they are not used to. But I think the study showcases the hallmarks of the Honda brand: durability, quality and reliability."
The Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56 large SUVs have brought their reliability up to average, but the magazine expressed concerns with the rear-drive Nissan Titan pickup, Quest minivan and tiny Versa sedan.
Continuing their quality climb are Hyundai and Kia. Scoring well were the Hyundai Elantra and Tucson and the Kia Sportage. Hyundai's foray into the luxury segment with the Genesis proved above average with the V-6 and average with the new V-8 engine. Not as strong are the Kia Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV.
"The results are not an anomaly," said Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore. "They are the dividends of our huge investment to improve quality."
Small cars fared well. Of 37 in the survey, 20 scored above average, including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and VW Golf.
Half of the 42 family cars tested were above average, including five of eight hybrids in this segment (Prius, Fusion, Milan, Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids).
Among the least reliable vehicles in their class are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, Nissan Versa and Subaru Impreza WRX.
European automakers showed some improvement again this year. The reliability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles has improved; most are now average or better, and the new GLK proved a strong new entry in its first year.
Results are more mixed for BMW AG, as the 535i sedan and X3 SUV fell and the new 135i scored below average. The only model Consumer Reports recommends is the BMW 328i.
The VW Rabbit/Golf and new CC were above average, and the Jetta TDI is the only diesel the magazine recommended. The Passat and Audi A3 have improved to average, along with the Tiguan SUV.
Porsche saw its Boxster fall below average and the magazine no longer recommends it.
The reliability report is in the December issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale Nov. 3.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SEMA 2009: Ford Cobra Jet Mustang
Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.
The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.
Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind “SEMA Special” silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.
“The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. “We’re really proud of the car, but then again we’re always trying to make the next one better.
“With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition.”
For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.
The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.
Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don’t have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.
Much like Ford Racing’s previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.
All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.
The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.
All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet.
SEMA Show: Pimp My Ride crew builds '69 Mustang live on stage
A reality TV show is playing out this week center stage at Ford's SEMA display.
Not content to simply chrome- and fiberglass-out a few F-150s and Fusions and then accessorize them with attractive young ladies, Ford has the crew from Galpin Auto Sports--the guys of MTV's Pimp My Ride--rebuilding a 1969 Mustang in the middle of its stand.
The car, a bright shade of lime green, began its appearance in multiple pieces. The body was elevated on a rack, a huge Ford V8 Racing engine sat nearby, and suspension, interior and body parts were littered through out the area.
Led by Beau Boeckmann, the SoCal crew says it will have the 'Stang put together by the end of the week--and then it will be started and driven away.
By mid-afternoon Tuesday, the wheels were on and the car had been lowered from the rack. Suspension work was also in progress, and Ford checked in with routine updates through a perky host who was seemingly in constant motion.
There is a lot of work to do, as the exhaust pipes and even a huge chunk of the front end needed to be attached at the outset.
Then again, it's clearly a stunt--much more Hollywood then a day on the line at Ford's Mustang plant in Michigan.
In addition to Boeckmann, the assembly crew included MTV favorite Mad Mike, who confidently told the crowd, “Yeah we're going to build this car live right in front of your eyes."
He's a character, but compared with Diggity Dave, Mad Mike is Alan Mulally. Diggity seemed to relish in making outlandish remarks, and with his gelled, spiked hair and extensive collection of tattoos, he stole the crowd's attention nearly every time he spoke.
“My biggest contribution to this car is my hair,” he deadpanned.
Adding a soundtrack to all of this, Alto Reed, the saxophonist from Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band, put on a silky smooth performance in front of the Mustang.
It's a show, but it's one that Ford--flush with nearly a billion dollars in recent profits--can afford to put on, and the SEMA crowd has so far enjoyed every minute of it.
Not content to simply chrome- and fiberglass-out a few F-150s and Fusions and then accessorize them with attractive young ladies, Ford has the crew from Galpin Auto Sports--the guys of MTV's Pimp My Ride--rebuilding a 1969 Mustang in the middle of its stand.
The car, a bright shade of lime green, began its appearance in multiple pieces. The body was elevated on a rack, a huge Ford V8 Racing engine sat nearby, and suspension, interior and body parts were littered through out the area.
Led by Beau Boeckmann, the SoCal crew says it will have the 'Stang put together by the end of the week--and then it will be started and driven away.
By mid-afternoon Tuesday, the wheels were on and the car had been lowered from the rack. Suspension work was also in progress, and Ford checked in with routine updates through a perky host who was seemingly in constant motion.
There is a lot of work to do, as the exhaust pipes and even a huge chunk of the front end needed to be attached at the outset.
Then again, it's clearly a stunt--much more Hollywood then a day on the line at Ford's Mustang plant in Michigan.
In addition to Boeckmann, the assembly crew included MTV favorite Mad Mike, who confidently told the crowd, “Yeah we're going to build this car live right in front of your eyes."
He's a character, but compared with Diggity Dave, Mad Mike is Alan Mulally. Diggity seemed to relish in making outlandish remarks, and with his gelled, spiked hair and extensive collection of tattoos, he stole the crowd's attention nearly every time he spoke.
“My biggest contribution to this car is my hair,” he deadpanned.
Adding a soundtrack to all of this, Alto Reed, the saxophonist from Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band, put on a silky smooth performance in front of the Mustang.
It's a show, but it's one that Ford--flush with nearly a billion dollars in recent profits--can afford to put on, and the SEMA crowd has so far enjoyed every minute of it.
Ford's new models lead to stronger October sales
SAN FRANCISCO Ford Motor Co. surprised Wall Street for a second day on Tuesday, posting an improvement in October U.S. sales in the wake of its upbeat earnings report a day earlier.
Ford shares jumped more than 8 percent on Monday after the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said it swung to a profit of $997 million when analysts were calling for a loss. Ford also painted a rosier outlook for 2011.
Ford's stock was down almost 1 percent on Tuesday to $7.52 but has still surged more than 250 percent over the past year.
As for October, sales rose 2.6 percent to 132,483 vehicles, thanks primarily to Ford's new model lineup as well as rising demand for the company's fuel-efficient cars.
The new Taurus sedan saw sales surge to 6,076 cars from 2,517 last year while the Fusion, Escape and Edge also came in with much strong results.
Ford shares jumped more than 8 percent on Monday after the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said it swung to a profit of $997 million when analysts were calling for a loss. Ford also painted a rosier outlook for 2011.
Ford's stock was down almost 1 percent on Tuesday to $7.52 but has still surged more than 250 percent over the past year.
As for October, sales rose 2.6 percent to 132,483 vehicles, thanks primarily to Ford's new model lineup as well as rising demand for the company's fuel-efficient cars.
The new Taurus sedan saw sales surge to 6,076 cars from 2,517 last year while the Fusion, Escape and Edge also came in with much strong results.
SEMA 2009: Ford Unveils 411-hp F-150 SVT Raptor and 500-hp FR Raptor XT for Off Road Racing
As though Ford didn’t have enough going on at the 2009 SEMA Show, the automaker today announced two big updates for the amazing F-150 SVT Raptor. First up is official confirmation and performance numbers for the new, larger V8 engine. Possibly the only weak point in the Raptor was its relatively average 320-hp 5.4-liter V8 motor. Now, Ford has said a new 6.2-liter V8 with 411-hp and 434 ft-lbs of torque that will be available starting December 1st. The new, more powerful off-road capable truck will be priced from $41,995.
Possibly more exciting for the true off-road enthusiasts is news that Ford will also offer a new competition-ready FR Raptor XT, which is essentially the same vehicle that ran in the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with the same comfort features of the standard Raptor. It will get the same 6.2-liter V8, but tuned to 500-hp, along with a six-speed automatic transmission and a suspension that allows for 15-inches of front travel and 18-inches of rear travel.
Ford will build just 50 FR Raptor XTs at a price of $99,950 each.
F-150 SVT RAPTOR MOST POWERFUL HALF-TON AVAILABLE, NOW EVEN MORE CAPABLE OFF-ROAD
The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
* The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with an available all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most powerful half-ton truck on the market today
* Building on the success of Ford Racing’s vehicle programs and Raptor’s success in the 2008 Baja 1000, Ford Racing will offer the FR Raptor XT
* The FR Raptor XT offers the capability of the Baja race truck, with the comfort of the production Raptor
* The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2009 – Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck.
When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.
The F-150 SVT Raptor, launched in August with Ford’s proven 320-hp 5.4-liter Triton V-8, is off to a strong start. Orders for the Raptor equipped with the standard 5.4-liter stand at more than 3,000, and the plant is at maximum capacity producing the ultimate high-speed off-road truck. In addition, Ford Racing will soon offer the 2011 FR Raptor XT, making Raptor even more capable in the rough stuff, but without giving up the control and comfort found in the production Raptor.
Considered an off-road-only pre-runner, the FR Raptor XT from Ford Racing builds upon the production Raptor’s already impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. Essentially, FR Raptor XT is a turnkey professional pre-runner.
Key specifications of the FR Raptor XT include:
* 500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine
* Six-speed automatic transmission
* Electronically selectable 4×4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
* A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
* 15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
* Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
* Chromoly “4130” rollcage; extensive skid plating
* Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
* Factory seating with five-point restraints
* Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
* Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting
The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing’s successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers. There will be a production run of 50 units carrying a price of $99,950. The FR Raptor XT is not street legal, and is intended for off-road use only. Production timing will be announced at a later date.
SEMA 2009: Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod rocks a V6 in style
Putting modern engines into old cars isn't anything new, but this '34 3-window coupe in the Ford display isn't like anything we've ever seen before. Detroit Street Rods has wedged the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 underneath the hood, making it the first rear-drive application for the twin-turbocharged engine. Packing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque, this little coupe has the potential to surprise quite a few people at stoplights.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the car is how the engine is packaged. The dual Honeywell turbochargers have been moved to the front of the motor among various aluminum tubing routing air and exhaust gases, and a single, large exhaust cone exits above the front fender on each side of the car. It's not a rumbling V8, but it looks just as good and is just as fast too. You can read more details about the car in the press release.
PRESS RELEASE
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2009 – Hot rodders have always lived by the motto "There's no replacement for displacement," indicating that the more cubic inches an engine has, the better the resulting performance. Ford Powertrain and Detroit Street Rods are out to prove that thinking out-of-date with their EcoBoost™-powered '34 Ford hot rod.
To be introduced at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the Ford hot rod will be the "first" rear-wheel-drive application of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivering an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque – power numbers that easily rival a typical hot rod's 302-cubic-inch V-8 or even a modern-day V-8 of similar size.
"EcoBoost technology shows that there is a viable replacement for displacement," said Dan Kapp, director of Ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, who will be part of a SEMA "Driving Green" technology briefing panel discussion during the show. "As consumers' demand for fuel efficiency continues to grow, and our commitment to delivering best-in-class fuel economy remains steadfast, it's important to show that performance does not need to suffer as a result."
"Hot rod builds provide blank canvases for SEMA member companies and SEMA is uniquely positioned to demonstrate that horsepower and green power can coexist without sacrificing performance or the cool factor," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of Vehicle Technology. "This '34 EcoBoost hot rod is a fantastic example of modern green technology being applied in a manner that any performance enthusiast would love."
The EcoBoost family of engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines.
"The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power," said Kapp. "We're able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque to that larger engine."
The first EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, launched this year on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and on the Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. The EcoBoost V-6 produces 355 horsepower (365 hp in the Taurus SHO) and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.
Ford has recently announced the first four-cylinder EcoBoost engines, launching in global applications beginning next year. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 first arrives in Europe, followed by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 launching on products in both Europe and North America.
Going forward, Ford will shift its powertrain strategy to be built around EcoBoost technology. Under the new system:
* A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 would replace naturally aspirated V-8 engines
* A 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated V-6 engines
* A 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated large I-4 engines
Following the launches of the new EcoBoost I-4s will be the extension of the 3.5-liter V-6 to the first rear-wheel-drive configuration in the F-150 pickup truck late next year. Another global application, the Ford Falcon sedan in Australia, will receive a rear-wheel-drive version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 in 2011.
The fun-to-drive nature of EcoBoost engines is leading Ford to introduce these fuel-saving powertrains in large volumes virtually across its lineup. For example, by 2013 more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology, and nearly 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.
By 2013, global EcoBoost volume throughout the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle family is expected to be 1.3 million units, with up to 750,000 sales coming from North America alone.
'34 Ford EcoBoost hot rod project
Detroit Street Rods' latest build is a 1934 Ford and is a joint venture with Ford Motor Company and Experi-metal. In this '34 application, the EcoBoost engine is configured for rear-wheel drive and is coupled with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission.
"The decision to use the EcoBoost engine for our powertrain on this project was an easy one in that it gave us the opportunity to combine the iconic '34 Ford sculpted body lines with the advanced technology of the EcoBoost powerplant," stated Robert Smith, president of Detroit Street Rods. "The result is the perfect hot rod marriage of advanced technology for power and legendary automobile design."
While the stock Honeywell turbochargers that drive the EcoBoost engine are used, they were repackaged to fit the engine bay of this all-steel replica body. The engine configuration and turbocharger packaging was dynamometer tested by Ford Powertrain for proper calibration of the engine electronic control module (ECM). In addition to the all-stock engine, other components including the fuel pump, ECM, fuel pump module, fuel pump processor and drive-by-wire throttle were utilized in their original production configuration.
The body is from Steve's Auto Restoration and is the recently released 1934 Ford 3-Window coupe. The complete body and fenders are from brand-new tooling, and are designed, stamped and manufactured by Experi-metal in Sterling Heights, Mich. This "replica" '34 features all-steel construction, full fenders, running boards, electronic power windows, air conditioning and custom bumpers.
The engine was repackaged and fitted with an engine plate adapter to mate with an aluminum flywheel, performance clutch and a Tremec TKO five-speed transmission. The turbochargers were repositioned to the front of the cylinder heads and custom aluminum tubing was used to route the air from the custom air cleaner through the air-to-air intercooler. The exhaust gases are routed from the cylinder heads through coated headers, through the stock wastegates, and pass through large custom exhaust cones located outside the engine bay and just above the front fenders.
NEWSCAST: Introducing ... Chrysler; Charging up Dodge; Opel workers cry foul
Visit this website to learn more:
http://www.autonews.com/ANplayer.html?bcpid=16971613001&bclid=1886195491&bctid=48238224001
http://www.autonews.com/ANplayer.html?bcpid=16971613001&bclid=1886195491&bctid=48238224001
Chrysler sales collapse heightens need for product
DETROIT -- On the eve of CEO Sergio Marchionne's unveiling of his five-year turnaround plan for Chrysler, the U.S. automaker did something it had done for each of the past 22 months: announced a decline in U.S. sales.
October's 30 percent fall amid one of the industry's strongest months this year highlights the size of the task facing Marchionne and his Chrysler restructuring team.
"The biggest issue for Chrysler is how quickly they fill the void in their product pipeline," says Earl Hesterberg, a former Ford Motor Co. executive who now heads the Houston-based Group 1 Automotive Inc. dealership group.
Today, almost five months since Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, Marchionne is expected to outline a new product plan for the company now controlled by his Fiat S.p.A. The first major new product -- a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee -- is due in the second quarter of 2010. Fiat-based products aren't expected until 2011.
When New York private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management took majority ownership of Chrysler from Daimler AG in August 2007, Chrysler's U.S. market share stood at 11.4 percent. Through October 2009, its share had fallen to 9 percent. .
Only two models -- the Dodge Avenger sedan and Grand Caravan minivan -- saw sales increases last month. The Chrysler brand was down 36 percent; Dodge was down 26 percent; and Jeep, widely regarded as Chrysler's most valuable asset, took the steepest dive -- down 37 percent.
Million sales lost
Overall Chrysler sales have fallen 39 percent year to date to 781,319. Two years ago through the end of October, Chrysler had 1,724,139 sales. Chrysler last posted a monthly increase in December 2007.
Marchionne has said that Chrysler will continue to experience "painful" sales results during its restructuring period. On Oct. 1, he told journalists: "Our intention is to improve share from this point on, but I don't get alarmed. The machine is timed. We're not bleeding like people think we are.
"We are undergoing a painful process," Marchionne said that day. "But we need to go back to the real starting point."
Marchionne has predicted that Chrysler could return to profitability by 2011 and has said Chrysler could break even holding a 9 percent market share in a 10 million-unit market.
The company has been in a news blackout since emerging from bankruptcy June 10 as Marchionne and his teams worked on the plan. He has reorganized the company along the lines he used at Fiat. Chrysler is now built around its brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge car, Ram truck and Mopar parts.
October's 30 percent fall amid one of the industry's strongest months this year highlights the size of the task facing Marchionne and his Chrysler restructuring team.
"The biggest issue for Chrysler is how quickly they fill the void in their product pipeline," says Earl Hesterberg, a former Ford Motor Co. executive who now heads the Houston-based Group 1 Automotive Inc. dealership group.
Today, almost five months since Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, Marchionne is expected to outline a new product plan for the company now controlled by his Fiat S.p.A. The first major new product -- a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee -- is due in the second quarter of 2010. Fiat-based products aren't expected until 2011.
When New York private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management took majority ownership of Chrysler from Daimler AG in August 2007, Chrysler's U.S. market share stood at 11.4 percent. Through October 2009, its share had fallen to 9 percent. .
Only two models -- the Dodge Avenger sedan and Grand Caravan minivan -- saw sales increases last month. The Chrysler brand was down 36 percent; Dodge was down 26 percent; and Jeep, widely regarded as Chrysler's most valuable asset, took the steepest dive -- down 37 percent.
Million sales lost
Overall Chrysler sales have fallen 39 percent year to date to 781,319. Two years ago through the end of October, Chrysler had 1,724,139 sales. Chrysler last posted a monthly increase in December 2007.
Marchionne has said that Chrysler will continue to experience "painful" sales results during its restructuring period. On Oct. 1, he told journalists: "Our intention is to improve share from this point on, but I don't get alarmed. The machine is timed. We're not bleeding like people think we are.
"We are undergoing a painful process," Marchionne said that day. "But we need to go back to the real starting point."
Marchionne has predicted that Chrysler could return to profitability by 2011 and has said Chrysler could break even holding a 9 percent market share in a 10 million-unit market.
The company has been in a news blackout since emerging from bankruptcy June 10 as Marchionne and his teams worked on the plan. He has reorganized the company along the lines he used at Fiat. Chrysler is now built around its brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge car, Ram truck and Mopar parts.
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