Tales of a Ford Dealer: Service Motors Blog

Ford: F-150 delivers the mpg buyers want

2010-08-23T17:17:00.002-05:00

Automotive News

DETROIT -- Even with gasoline prices stable and below $3 a gallon, pickup buyers want good fuel economy, Doug Scott says.

"Fuel economy is the No. 1 unmet need" for owners of full-sized pickups, said Scott, Ford Motor Co. truck group marketing manager, at a media event last week.

Citing Ford research, he said 70 percent want better fuel economy and about a third of those say they would change brands for a "significant improvement" in mpg.

Ford is replacing the F-150's entire engine lineup for the 2011 model year. A V-6 will be standard. Also available: two V-8s and an EcoBoost V-6 with turbocharging and direction injection.

Ford says the new lineup will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the current lineup of three V-8s. Currently, the standard engine is a 4.6-liter V-8 that gets 19 mpg on the highway.

Ford has not released EPA mileage figures for the new engine lineup.

Fuel economy is more important to buyers now than it was before the 2008 price spike, Scott said. And Ford still believes gasoline will jump to $4 to $4.50 a gallon in 2013 or 2014, he said.

Gasoline peaked at a national average of $4.05 a gallon in July 2008. Last week, it was $2.74.

Dealers can order 2011 models in October. Sales of vehicles with three of the four engines begin in December. The EcoBoost engine will be available in the first quarter of 2011.

The F-150's new engine lineup• 3.7-liter V-6, standard
• 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6
• 5.0-liter V-8
• 6.2-liter V-8
Source: Ford Motor Co.

Roush and Shelby Mustang SR-71

2010-07-27T19:37:00.005-05:00

Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviationthemed

SR-71 “Blackbird.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 “Blackbird” will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA’s Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. “Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”

In 2008, Ford’s inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. “The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush,” said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford’s lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA’s Young Eagles.”

Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles. The Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang’s stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car’s connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The “Blackbird” nickname is reflected in the car’s exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby’s signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.
Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular “Ford Hangar” on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

Design Vision

· Modify a new 2011 Mustang GT glass roof coupe.
· Design led by Darrell Behmer, Mustang Chief Designer.
· Engineering led by Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer.
· Exterior paint in unique non-production matte and silver treatment with SR-71 cues.
· Harmonious paint and graphic treatment could include: Blackbird accents, fluid discharge markings, abstract Air Force Star and Bar, LM Skunk Works elements, glass roof etching treatment, etc.
· Interior modifications planned include: performance gauges, modified nav screen & instrument clusters, racing seats & steering wheel, rear seat delete, roll cage, IP badging, unique sill plates & floor mats
· Performance modifications could include: Ford Racing Super Charger, Handling Pack, Tuned Exhaust, Exhaust Tips, and SVT Track Pack wheels in custom paint.
· Pursuing rear seat delete approach to accentuate cockpit environment.
· Lower a minimum of 1 inch.
· Autograph areas to capture Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush signatures and badging to reinforce the unique nature of this build.

Engine & Performance

· Provide a truly unique and highly valued vehicle to excite enthusiasts and collectors.
· Amplify the legendary connections associated with this project: Carroll Shelby, Jack Roush, Lockheed SR-71, and Ford Mustang.
· Go beyond the automotive connections – Shelby as USAF flight instructor, Roush P-51 pilot.
· Generate enthusiasm and bolster opinion among the 580,000 AirVenture attendees – car vs. plane races, Shelby GT350/500 vs. Roush Stage 3/427R.
· Expand impressions through integration in EAA website, PA announcements, auto and aviation industry publications, and on-site promotion.
· Showcase Ford/Roush/Shelby relationships and collaboration to support EAA Young Eagles.
· Further cement Ford Motor Company as the leading partner in AirVenture through our deep and unwavering support of EAA objective to provide funds for youth interested in aviation careers. Three FMC vehicles have raised $1 million for the Young Eagles – the Mustang AV8R raised $500,000 in 2008, the AV-X10 generated $250,000 in 2009, and the Mustang GTH raised $250,000 in 2006.

Ford Asks Buyers to Pay More for Smaller Engine in New Explorer

2010-07-26T18:50:00.001-05:00

July 26 (Bloomberg) -- When Ford Motor Co. starts selling its re-engineered Explorer sport-utility vehicle, it will ask U.S. buyers to do something unusual: Pay more for less.

Bucking an automotive tradition of charging extra for more horsepower, Ford will ask buyers of its redesigned 2011 Explorer to pay a premium for a small, 4-cylinder engine when the vehicle goes on sale in December. The Explorer’s standard engine will be a 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower, 53 more ponies than the optional 4-cylinder.

Ford will start trying to convince consumers they should spend to save when it unveils the Explorer at events in New York, Chicago and other locations today. The smaller engine has technology Ford said will give the seven-passenger SUV the same fuel economy as Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry sedan that gets 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s more than 30 percent better than the 2010 Explorer.

“We really want to make a statement that the old baggage on fuel economy with the Explorer is gone,” Jim Holland, the Explorer’s chief engineer, said in an interview. “To get great fuel economy it takes technology, and it’s our view that people will pay for that.”

The second-largest U.S. automaker will be challenged to command a premium for the more efficient engine because U.S. gasoline prices have fallen 34 percent from their peak of $4.11 per gallon two years ago, said Jim Hall, principal of automotive consulting firm 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Michigan.

“Why would you want to pay more for fuel economy when gas prices are going down?” said Hall, who expects the Explorer to sell for a starting price of about $30,000 like the current model. “People have very short memories.”

Smallest Ever

Ford won’t say how much extra it will charge for the smallest engine ever to power an Explorer. Ford charges a $3,000 to $6,000 premium on its Flex model for V6 engines using the same direct-fuel-injection and turbo-charging technology as the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder going into the Explorer, Hall said. The Explorer engine is likely to be less because it won’t be packaged with all-wheel-drive like on the Flex, he said.

“The market will determine which really is the base engine,” Hall said. “If the market says, ‘Forget it,’ they may have to lower the cost of this engine.”

The Explorer’s 4-cylinder engine won’t tow as much as the V6, Ford said. The front-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder version that is most fuel efficient will have the least off-road capabilities, traditionally a key characteristic of the model.

Buyers of the Explorer will be willing to make those trade- offs for better fuel economy, Holland said. Ford says poor gas mileage is the No. 1 reason shoppers reject the Explorer, which saw sales fall 88 percent during the past decade, from 445,157 in 2000 to 52,190 last year.

‘More Responsible’

“The impact of rising gas prices has really stuck with people,” Holland said. “People now buy more expensive light bulbs to be more efficient. We’re moving to a point where people make the choice to be more responsible.”

The Explorer’s improved fuel economy will be central to a marketing campaign that will reach more than 50 million people through social media such as Facebook, said Jim Farley, Ford’s global sales and marketing chief.

“Fuel economy is the core truth we have to get at,” Farley said at a media briefing on the Explorer July 20. Many of the 140,000 Explorer owners who trade in their SUV annually are “disappointed and want more on fuel economy.”

Wind Tunnel

To improve the Explorer’s mileage, Ford cut its weight by about 100 pounds by switching the SUV from a heavy pickup-truck frame to the same chassis as the Taurus sedan. Designers also sculpted the shape in a wind tunnel to lower wind resistance.

The Explorer with the 4-cylinder engine will be the most fuel-efficient mid-sized SUV on the market, according to Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s product-development chief.

In the 1990s, the Explorer was the top-selling utility vehicle in the U.S. and earned as much as $10,000 per vehicle for the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker.

“As goes the Explorer, to some extent, so goes Ford,” Farley said. “It’s the backbone of the brand.”

Ford expects to sell more of the new model, especially with optional equipment such as the 4-cylinder engine, Farley said, while declining to reveal a sales goal. Analysts estimate annual sales for the new Explorer may top 100,000 units.

“What’s more important than the number we sell is that people see the value and that they’re willing to buy the better, more highly equipped versions,” Farley said. “That’s the key for us.”

Ford Explorer's Social Trek

2010-07-26T18:47:00.001-05:00

Watch a video on the new 2011 Ford Explorer. Click here

With Explorer, Ford hopes to redefine SUV

2010-07-26T18:44:00.003-05:00

New 2011 Explorer completely redesigned; key vehicle for Ford

by DEE-ANN DURBIN

DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Explorer, the hulking family-hauler that helped launch the SUV boom in the early 1990s, is back. And it hopes to define a new generation of more streamlined, fuel-efficient sport utility vehicles.

Ford begins a marketing campaign Monday for the 2011 Ford Explorer, which will be in dealerships this winter. It's an important vehicle for the automaker. Ford says the Explorer is its best-known product after the Mustang.

"Explorer is really still the backbone of the brand," Ford's marketing chief Jim Farley said recently at a gathering to introduce the Explorer to the media.

The new Explorer has been completely redesigned. The most obvious difference: It's built on a car platform, not a truck one, so it sits lower to the ground and has a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride.

Ford is taking a risk with customers who expect a truck-like SUV. The new Explorer will have less towing capacity than the outgoing model — 5,000 pounds, versus 7,115 pounds — and it won't offer a V-8 engine.

"Ford's challenge is to match the idea of the Explorer to this product," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst with IHS Automotive. "It's a good test for Ford to determine what an SUV is these days."

Trends in the market suggest most buyers aren't looking for the power of traditional SUVs and would prefer a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Ford's top U.S. sales analyst George Pipas said that a decade ago, 85 percent of all SUVs sold were truck-based; last year, just 23 percent were.

Ford hopes ride on new Explorer

2010-07-26T18:38:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Co. today unveils its 2011 Explorer, banking that consumers will embrace the reincarnation of its iconic sport utility vehicle as a car-based crossover.

Ford wants this Explorer to redefine SUVs the way the original defined them and sparked the SUV craze two decades ago. If it's a hit, the automaker stands to win financially and make the Explorer king of the segment again.

The 2011 Explorer, whose launch will be trumpeted on Facebook and in nine cities, marries the attributes that people love in SUVs -- roominess, capability and safety -- while fixing what they hate: poor fuel economy and a rough ride.

For weeks, the automaker has built anticipation by playing peekaboo -- releasing photos revealing part of a quarter panel here, a bit of the front end there. But today marks the first day consumers get a complete image and information.

With celebrities, executives and dealers in a coordinated attempt to seize attention from mainstream and social media, the multicity debut is a departure from the usual practice of launching an important vehicle at an auto show.

It's the start of a major media buy designed to reach 50 million people, said Jim Farley, head of global marketing.

Some 1,000 people are expected at the launch this morning in Ford's hometown, Dearborn. Other launch cities include Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Miami.

"This is a really big car for our company," Farley said.

Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, calls the 2011 Explorer "the SUV for the 21st century, to break down the barriers and the stereotypes." The result is a car-based crossover that looks like an SUV, crawls out of mud and can tow 5,000 pounds, but with the fuel economy of a Toyota Camry.

It could prove game-changing.

"Ford is really tearing down the whole SUV segment, redefining it and taking what people love and amping it up," said analyst Erich Merkle of Autoconomy in Grand Rapids.

Overriding the past
While Ford has a lot riding on its new Explorer, no one expects a return to the glory days. Explorer sales in the United States peaked at 445,000 in 2000, each one netting a healthy profit.

Its popularity was so consuming that Ford ignored cars such as its Taurus, which was relegated to rental car status and then discontinued as a midsize car.

But when higher gasoline prices torpedoed the SUV segment, the Explorer became a casualty. By 2009, Explorer sales had fallen to 52,000, and fewer than 32,000 were sold in the first half of this year.

As Ford worked to rebuild its car lineup in recent years, the bold decision was made to remake the Explorer using the underpinnings of its new Taurus, which was making a comeback as a full-size sedan.

Car-based crossovers have proliferated, including Ford's own Flex and Edge. And utility vehicles account for a third of the market, Farley said.

He said the Explorer's name recognition, at nearly 100 percent, works in its favor.

"Our job is to myth-bust," Farley said of the prevailing attitude that SUVs are not fuel-efficient.

Ford originally thought that meant a radical design change.

Three design concepts were created. One, the Explorer America, was shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

But it didn't go over well with consumers, said Moray Callum, North American head of design. "It was not as recognizable as an SUV as people wanted it to be."

"It seems the public that had stopped buying SUVs was not turning its back on the look or the capability of SUVs," Callum said, but rather their fuel economy and teeth-jarring ride. Ford execs realized they needed a modern interpretation of a look, still recognizable as an Explorer.

The concept chosen for production was closer to the Explorer's SUV roots.

"It taps into the traditional Explorer, yet is completely new," said Merkle.

Rebecca Lindland of IHS Automotive in Lexington, Mass., likes the design but doesn't see a family resemblance to its predecessors.

"It is a very modern and progressive interpretation," she said. "The biggest hurdle is it is not immediately associated with an Explorer."

But both analysts agree the interior and features make it a strong competitor.

"The telematics is years beyond what anyone else is offering, even luxury brands, and has been a real differentiator for Ford," said Aaron Bragman of IHS Automotive in Troy.

Based on the Taurus, as opposed to its original body-on-frame construction, the new Explorer drives like a car.

And then there's fuel economy.

By swapping the old 4-liter V-6 with a new 3.5-liter V-6, fuel economy is improved by 20 percent.

An optional 2-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is 30 percent more fuel-efficient. That equates to 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Official figures will be released once the government completes its testing.

"It will likely be close to hitting the 30-mpg mark, a monumental achievement for a Ford Explorer with three-row seating," said Merkle.

Derrick Kuzak, head of Ford's global product development, said improving fuel efficiency by a few miles per gallon "was not good enough to meet our targets.

"It will be on par with a Toyota Camry with a V-6," he said.

Sales to start in 5 months
Ford will not reveal volume estimates for the new Explorer, which will be built in Chicago alongside the Taurus and Lincoln MKS. A second shift is being added in November.

Two shifts can produce about 220,000 units a year, said analyst Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J.

The Explorer -- the sticker price hasn't yet been announced -- will go on sale about five months after the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on sale now.

"People will cross-shop Grand Cherokee and look at fuel economy numbers and balk," said Bragman. The Grand Cherokee with a V-6 gets 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The Explorer won't follow the Jeep across the Rubicon, but will tackle snow, mud and sand with its terrain management system that shifts into four-wheel drive and adjusts torque with the turn of a knob.

And the final attribute: the blue oval.

"If people like your company, they're more likely to shop your product," said Farley.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100726/AUTO01/7260347/1148/rss25#ixzz0uppO06uQ

Ford Confirms Electric Focus for 2011

2010-07-19T18:28:00.001-05:00

In an announcement Tuesday about Ford selecting a supplier for the vital lithium-ion battery pack that will be used in the Focus Electric, the automaker confirmed that the car will go on sale in 2011.

The redesigned Focus sedan and hatchback were shown at this year’s Detroit auto show, but the electric powertrain was only mocked up in the previous-generation Focus on sale today. The redesigned Focus with a gasoline engine goes on sale early in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Ford says the Focus Electric, as it’s being called, will go on sale sometime in 2011, but we don’t expect it in the first quarter. It is expected to have a range of 100 miles per full charge.

The lithium-ion battery will be built by LG Chem in Korea first, then at a new plant in Michigan. Ford says it will build two new hybrids with the same lithium-battery pack in 2012 on the company’s new C-car platform, the same platform as the Focus.

Drivers (won't) flip over Ford's Curve Control

2010-07-06T17:28:00.001-05:00

We’ve all done it – swung too fast onto a freeway ramp and then suddenly had to yank on the steering wheel for control of the vehicle. It’s not fun, and reportedly loosing control on a bend accounts for about 50,000 crashes every year in the U.S. alone. That’s why Ford is introducing Curve Control on its 2011 Explorer and on 90 percent of its crossovers, SUVs, trucks and vans by 2015. The system senses when you’re entering a curve too quickly, and automatically slows your speed by up to 10mph in approximately one second.

An extension of roll stability control (RSC), the Curve Control system uses sensors to measure the vehicle’s roll, yaw, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle. It runs calculations based on those sensors’ input 100 times a second, and is thus able to detect when the vehicle is not turning as much as the driver is steering. When this situation arises, the system reduces engine torque and applies precisely-controlled four-wheel braking, to help the driver regain control of the situation.

“Too many accidents stem from drivers misjudging their speed going into curves and freeway off- and on-ramps,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s VP of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford’s Curve Control technology senses a potentially dangerous situation and reduces power and applies brakes more quickly than most drivers can react on their own.”

High-Tech Car Lets the Blind Drive

2010-07-05T16:27:00.000-05:00

Researchers at Virginia Tech and have partnered with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) for an upcoming demonstration of a prototype vehicle equipped with new technology that allows a blind person to independently drive a car.

The custom Ford Escape prototype, which uses non-visual interface technology, is scheduled for a public demonstration as part of the pre-race activities at the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 29, 2011. A blind person, who has yet to be selected, will drive the prototype on a course near the famed Daytona International Speedway, and will attempt to simulate a typical driving experience.

“Three years ago we accepted the NFB Blind Driver Challenge to develop a vehicle that can be driven by a blind person. The challenge was not the development of an autonomous vehicle that could drive a blind person around, but rather the creation of non-visual interfaces that would allow a blind person to actually make driving decisions,” said Dr. Dennis Hong, Director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the Baltimore-based NFB, praised the development, saying the demonstration would “break down the wall of stereotypes and misconceptions that prevent our full integration into society by showing the public that the blind have the same capacities as everyone else.”

“Virginia Tech has accepted our challenge to apply non-visual interfaces to the task of driving, which has always been wrongly considered impossible for blind people,” Dr. Maurer said.

The vehicle’s non-visual interfaces use sensors that allow a blind driver to maneuver the car based on information transmitted to the driver about his or her surroundings. These include factors such as whether or not another car or object is nearby, out in front or in an adjacent lane.

“We are not trying to build a technology alone. We are trying to build a technology that can be combined with an intellect to do things that neither could do alone,” Dr. Maurer said.

Many blind people consider the idea of ever driving a car impossible, but scientists hope the initiative could help challenge such long-held assumptions.

"We're exploring areas that have previously been regarded as unexplorable," Dr. Maurer told the Associated Press.

"We're moving away from the theory that blindness ends the capacity of human beings to make contributions to society."

The NFB announced its plans for the vehicle demonstration during a news conference on Friday in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Dr. Maurer began thinking about building such a vehicle about ten years ago when he founded the NFB’s research institute.

"Some people thought I was crazy and they thought, 'Why do you want us to raise money for something that can't be done?' Others thought it was a great idea," he said.

"Some people were incredulous. Others thought the idea was incredible."

The new vehicle originated, in part, from Virginia Tech's 2007 entry into the DARPA Grand Challenge, a contest funded by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop driverless vehicles.

Virginia Tech took third place in the competition, having built a self-driving car that used sensors to detect traffic and avoid hitting other vehicles and objects.

On the heels of their success, the team responded to an NFB challenge to help build a car that could be driven by a blind person.

The researchers began by conducting a feasibility study using a dune buggy equipped with sensor lasers and cameras that acted as the “eyes” of the vehicle. A vibrating vest directed the driver to accelerate, slow down or turn.

Impressed by the results, the NFB urged the team to continue their work, which will be demonstrated next January in Daytona.

One of the non-visual interfaces on the new custom Ford Escape is called DriveGrip, which uses gloves with vibrating motors on areas that cover the driver’s knuckles. The vibrations let the driver know when and where to make turns.

Another interface, known as AirPix, is a tablet about 4 inches by 5 inches in size with multiple air holes. Compressed air flowing out of the device informs the driver of his or her surroundings, effectively creating a map of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. It also tells the driver whether another vehicle is in a neighboring lane, or whether there is an obstruction on the road.

Dr. Hong, a Virginia Tech mechanical engineering professor who led the research, said the interface technology could not only someday help blind drivers operate a vehicle, but could also help make conventional cars safer.

He said the researchers hope to someday turn the new technology into a consumer product.

However, "this is not going to be a product until its proven 100 percent safe,” he said.

Advocates for the blind say it will likely be a while before the idea of blind drivers is widely accepted, and years of testing will be needed to prove the new technology is safe and effective.

The latest prototype is part of a more comprehensive mission to change the way people perceive the blind.

Mark Riccobono, executive director of the NFB's Jernigan Institute, said when people see him out with his 3-year-old son, they think his son is guiding him.

"The idea that a 3-year-old takes care of me stems from what they think about blindness," Riccobono told The Associated Press.

"That will change when people see that we can do something that they thought was impossible."

New 2011 Ford Edge Named Official Vehicle of 2010 U.S. Ironman Series

2010-07-05T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Ford Edge was extensively reworked and retweaked for 2011 and it is now the official vehicle of the 2010 United States Ironman event series.

Identified as a favorable segment to expand its brand, Ford sought additional exposure in the Ironman series with its all-new Edge. A title sponsor since 2005, Ford will place the Edge in Ironman series ads, Web videos, and on-site displays.You can also expect to see the Edge in action at and around various Ironman venues.

"This audience represents a huge opportunity for us in the crossover segment," said Jim Peters, Ford's manager for brand content and alliances. "They will help us spread the word about our revolutionary MyFord Touch driver connect technology and the styling and features that define the new Ford Edge and all the new vehicles in the Ford lineup."

Ford's next challenge: Rev up Lincoln

2010-06-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

DETROIT--Ford Motor Co. must do with Lincoln what it has done with the Ford brand--infuse it with new energy and sparkling product--if it is to offset the loss of Mercury sales when that 71-year-old brand dies.

Though Lincoln has a freshened lineup and stronger styling than in the past, it is still an also-ran among luxury brands in the United States. Ford clearly will need more volume from Lincoln to appease Mercury dealers--especially those who currently have Lincoln-Mercury stores.

"We have to make a very compelling case to our dealers very quickly," says Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, in an interview.

Ford's decision last week to kill Mercury allows the automaker to focus its resources on the Ford and Lincoln brands. But, initially, at least, closing Mercury means Ford Motor has to give up the 92,299 sales Mercury reported last year. And the challenge to take Lincoln upscale requires consistency and discipline in product and marketing.

Mercury sales represent about 50 percent of most Lincoln-Mercury stores' volume. Ford leaders know filling that gap will be a challenge.

Ford likely will retain two-thirds of its Mercury customers through the Ford brand, predicts Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of Edmunds.com in Santa Monica, Calif. That's because of the heavy cross-shopping Mercury customers already do with Ford products. Likewise, Anwyl says, Ford could be poised for great success with Lincoln if it treats it as it has the Ford brand.

"Where Lincoln is today is where Ford was a few years ago," he says. "The staff that is working on Mercury will now shift to Lincoln. To me, that gets to the heart of the matter."

Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally has gotten "a distracted organization to focus with intensity on Ford as a brand," Anwyl says. "Now he's saying, 'Let's see if we can do the same for Lincoln.'"

Ford has work to do. According to Edmunds.com data, the percentage of U.S. consumers who would consider buying a Lincoln fell over the past year, from 1.3 percent in May 2009 to 0.9 percent last month. Through May, Lexus sold 90,098 vehicles in the United States, and Cadillac sold 52,997. But Lincoln sold just 37,444. Ford says Lincoln's retail share of the U.S. luxury market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter. It also says favorable opinion of the brand and purchase consideration are at their highest level in five years; it did not provide numbers.

Product improvement

Money invested in a single brand--both for product and marketing--is more likely to yield "game changers" than spreading that same money across two brands, says Lincoln Merrihew, managing director of automotive at Compete Inc., a consumer research firm in Boston.

"Game changers have the best chance of driving sales for the company and the dealers," he says.

Merrihew advocates that Ford do a "Lincoln-only product" that grabs attention and serves as a halo, as the Lexus LFA sports coupe did.

"It doesn't have to be a money maker," Merrihew says. "Just be something very distinctive."

Ford's Fields says future Lincolns will stand out with advanced technology such as active noise cancellation, unique power trains, adaptive suspensions, and glass retractable roofs that Ford products do not get. Ford will spread the EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged direct-inject engine, across the entire Lincoln lineup, including the Navigator SUV.

Ford plans on expanding the Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or "significantly refreshed" vehicles in the next four years. Those include a product on the same size platform as the Ford Focus compact car. That might mean a small crossover based on the European Kuga for Lincoln. Ford declined to specify the vehicle. Lincoln could also get a U.S. version of the Mondeo sedan currently sold overseas.

Sticking to the plan

Lincoln's product lineup needs improvement, says Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc. in suburban Detroit.

"If they want to be a serious competitor with Lexus and Cadillac, they cannot do it successfully with mildly reworked Fords," he says.

Ford management should form a 10- to 15-year product strategy and marketing plan for Lincoln and stick to it, Hall says.

"They are surrounded by insurmountable challenges: get the product better; improve the marketing; be consistent," he says. "They can't be changing Lincoln's tag line each year."

Hall adds: "That'll be difficult for the traditional Ford organization to do, and it'll take Mulally and [global marketing chief] Jim Farley to hold their feet to the fire and say don't change the plan."

Mustang To Make Nascar Nationwide Series Debut Next Week

2010-06-24T16:37:00.000-05:00

Next week, on Friday July 2nd, the Ford Mustang will begin a new era when it makes its official racing debut during the Nascar Nationwide Series race on the high banks of the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Since its public unveiling last October in Concord, NC there has been great anticipation from Mustang clubs and enthusiasts about the new car and its four race schedule for this year and full Nationwide rollout in 2011. In anticipation of the debut Ford Racing chatted with two of the individuals responsible for helping get the new Mustang into Nascar.

Pat Dimarco - Ford Racing Nascar Program Manager
Q: What was the thought process behind bringing the Mustang to Nationwide versus some of the other cars like the Fusion or Taurus?
A: "NASCAR came to us and wanted to differentiate the Nationwide Series from the Cup Series. Initially, we did look at the Fusion to keep the branding the same across both series, but when they really wanted to differentiate it, the natural choice was Mustang from a company standpoint. Plain and simple, the Mustang's heritage is racing. It just made a good fit to differentiate the Nationwide Series from the Cup Series."

Q: What's the major difference between the Mustang Nationwide car versus the Fusion Cup car? What differences will the fans see in the grandstands?
A: "The Nationwide Mustang has a lot of brand identity built into it. Working with NASCAR and our aero team, they really put a lot of emphasis on putting more of identity into the nose and the tail. It does not have the typical Cup [Car of Tomorrow] splitter. It has a splitter, but the nose looks more like a production nose of a Mustang."

Q: Do you think the Mustang Nationwide car is a good replication of the production car?
A: "I think it's a better replication than where the Fusion is in Cup currently. My wife is on the Mustang team at Ford and she likes it, and the Mustang Brand Team likes it. I'm sure there will be people out there who will not like it, but I think it is definitely different and it brings the Mustang brand into NASCAR."

Q: After months of development, can you talk about the anticipation of seeing it on the track?
A: "It's going to be a great race at Daytona with the next generation Nationwide car, especially with Mustang on the race track for the first time. There is a lot of hype within the company, and the Brand Team is excited to see it on the race track, as are we here at Ford Racing."

Bernie Marcus - Ford Racing Nascar Aerodynamics Engineer
Q: When you received the task of developing a Mustang Nationwide Series car, what was your philosophy behind it?
A: "First of all, it was a lot more difficult to do the Mustang and turn it into a NASCAR-type vehicle because the nose of the Mustang is a lot more bulky and squarer than that of a Fusion or the Taurus, and those were the sort of cars that we have done in the past. The key to make the Mustang work is that NASCAR opened up the rules in the hood height area and that enabled us to get the character lines of the Mustang into the nose without compromising performance."

Q: With the heritage the Mustang has within Ford and throughout the racing world, was there additional pressure on you to get it right?
A: "Yes, obviously the Mustang is a huge icon in the U.S.A. as far as a car goes. To turn it into a representative NASCAR vehicle within the constraints of the rules, and then obviously to get the performance out of it, there was quite a bit of pressure added on. I think we did the best job we could under the constraints. We got the performance right and we also got the looks right."

Q: Do you feel like an expecting father with this car because its been like your baby?
A: "A little bit. The July Daytona race is a big race. It's probably the second biggest race besides the Daytona 500. It's a big event to roll the car out for the first time. I think it's a good event to do it at. We can't wait."

Source: Ford Racing

A quarter of Ford's cars could feature alternative power by 2020

2010-06-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

Ford, one of the first companies on the market with a hybrid vehicle is all geared up to initiate the alternative power revolution. The company aims to push 25 percent of new car sales for a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle in just ten years. In just less than a year’s time, the company will be launching its first all-electric model.

Nancy Gioia, Ford’s global chief of vehicle electrification believes that due to rapidly changing technology, falling battery prices and other uncertainties it is difficult to predict the exact figures, but it is expected that the final figures could lie anywhere between 10 and 25 percent by 2020.

In the next three years, Ford will introduce at least five new vehicles with lithium ion batteries and plans to spend about $1 billion on manufacturing, research and other areas to produce electrified vehicles through 2013.

Ford to use soy-based plastic in nearly all of its vehicles

2010-06-24T16:27:00.002-05:00

DEARBORN, MICH. (June 23, 3:25 p.m. ET) -- Ford Motor Co. will use a soybean urethane foam blend in the seats for the next generation of its Explorer sport utility vehicle, which hits the roads later this year, and claims it will use soy in “nearly 100 percent” of its vehicle fleet by the end of 2010.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker was the first major carmaker to begin using soy urethane blends beginning with the Mustang in 2007. It now uses blends with at least 5 percent soybean oil in seats, seat backs, headliners and other interior parts, estimating that the blend helps it cut its annual petroleum use by 3 million pounds.

Lear Corp., based in Southfield, Mich., is making the seats. It has worked with Ford to improve soy foam and develop commercial applications since 2004.

Ford has also used natural fibers in structural plastics, including a wheat straw in storage bins that made its first appearance in 2009, and has discussed its experiments into using corn-based polylactic acid resin and other bio-based materials.

“Soy foam is just the tip of the iceberg in the development of vehicle materials from natural resources,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford polymer technical leader, in a June 23 press release. “We have to entertain the thought of bio-replacement in baby steps, looking at every aspect of a car that could be green. One day I hope to see the automotive world go totally compostable, removing the use of petroleum-based parts 100 percent.”

Mustang Gets 48.5 MPG Goin’ the Distance

2010-06-24T16:27:00.001-05:00

A Ford Mustang with a V-6 under the hood and a NASCAR driver at the wheel averaged 48.5 mpg as it completed more than 1,000 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Ford’s been making a big deal out of the V-6 Mustang, because it’s the first car to deliver more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg. Eager to show off its fuel economy — 19 city, 31 highway and 23 combined — Ford sent a bone stock pony car, NASCAR driver David Ragan and four engineers to Bristol, Tennessee, on Wednesday. The goal was to run 1,000 laps (533 miles) on a single tank.

They did that and more.

By the time the tank ran dry, the team had finished 1,457 laps (776.5 miles) of the half-mile circuit in 17 hours and 40 minutes. That came to 48.5 mpg. Ragan passed the 1,000 lap mark at 7:26 p.m. Eastern, 12 hours and 26 minutes into the run.

“We still had a quarter of a tank of gas left,” Ragan, who typically spends his time lapping tracks in the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing, said. “The last driving stint before I passed 1,000 laps I was averaging 43.7 miles a gallon and that is unbelievable.”

Mustang engineer Seong Park was at the wheel when the car finally rolled to a stop on the back straight at 12:41 a.m. Eastern.

The drivers, who did one hour stints, didn’t reach very far into the hypermiling bag of tricks. They minimized the use of air conditioning (yes, they used the AC). Have you been to Tennessee in the summer? — maintained a steady pace, kept the RPMs low and avoided sudden starts and stops. Sounds like they got the car up to speed and kept it there.

“This is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Tom Barnes, lead engineer for the challenge. “It was great when we went past the 1,000-lap mark with David, but nobody could ever imagine that we still had five hours ahead of us. This is a fantastic feeling.”

2011 Mustang V-6 Ready for 1,000-Lap Challenge

2010-06-22T16:58:00.001-05:00

With just two days left before the big event, the 2011 Mustang V-6 preparations have entered the final stages. For those who missed our last report, Ford’s most economical muscle car will be driven for more than 500 miles on a single tank of fuel... or at least that is what a team of four Ford Mustang engineers, along with NASCAR star David Ragan will attempt to do.

According to the American manufacturer, the new 3.7-liter V-6 engine is capable of developing 305 hp and deliver a fuel economy of 31 mpg (7.59 l/100km). Specifically, the challenge will take place this June 23 and will account for 1,000 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“We all know how much fun it is to drive Mustang, but in today’s market customers also care about fuel economy,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “By going at least 1,000 laps on one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks, we expect to show that when it comes to Mustang, you can have both performance and fuel economy.”

While the 2011 Mustang V-6 is flexing its muscles during final preparations, fans can enter a sweepstakes that gives them the chance to take home a 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe. All they have to do is register their guess for the total number of complete laps that Mustang will complete during the Challenge. Entries can be submitted here until 10:00 on June 23.

What is really interesting is that the Mustang used at the Challenge will have no special modifications for the event and is the same Mustang V-6 that is available to consumers on the showroom floor.

“This car we will be driving at Bristol is exactly the same Mustang that consumers can purchase at their local Ford dealership,” said Tom Barnes, vehicle engineering manager, Mustang. “We’re not doing any tricks or making any modifications. The base car delivers 31 mpg and this is what you can buy. It has standard tire pressure, standard ride height, standard octane fuel. We’re just going to be driving it.”

2011 Roush 5.0 Mustangs At Dealers Now!

2010-06-21T16:16:00.001-05:00

If you’re like us and have been wondering what Roush was going to do with the new 2011Mustang 5.0, our answers are here. The new 2011 Mustang’s 412 hp DOHC V8 powerhouse has given Roush a new standard baseline for their model lineup. Now starting with more horsepower than the legendary first generation supercharged Stage 3 Mustangs of the 2000’s, the base Roush Sport, Stage 1, and Stage 2 will offer more tire smoking performance than ever before.

In what might be heartbreak for someone who just dropped $50k on a 2010 supercharged Roush 427R, the new 2011 Roush Sport, Stage 1 and Stage 2 come stock off the lot with almost the same performance at a much lower price.

For 2011 Roush ran into a little bit of a challenge in the styling department however. Traditionally, they replace the “GT” fender emblem with their trademark square “R” badge. But now that Ford emblazons the Mustang GT with the celebrated 5.0 badge, even Roush couldn’t take that baby off. They solved the problem by redesigning their striping packages to carry the ROUSH name in the lower rocker stripe, leaving everyone’s beloved 5.0 chrome moniker safely in place.

To create some visual separation between the models, Roush has given each model a slightly different stripe design. The Roush Mustang Sport has a double side rocker stripe design and a tripple over the roof design with a wide center cut. When you step up to the Stage 1 Roush Mustang, the striping theme changes to a tripple over the top design with a narrow middle cut, like a long number 1 spanning your car. The side rocker stripes mirror the theme too in a very classy look. And finally the Roush Stage 2 Mustang stripes take on a more solid and muscular look with just one thick wide stripe on the top and the sides. All three models have side accents on the hood scoop with the model designation cut in with strong block lettering.

As a rule, Roush Performance begins with the Mustang GT Premium model ordered with 3.73:1 axle ratio. Some are ordered with NAV package and others with HID. You can also order or purchase a car through your dealer and they can have the conversion done prior to title if a certain level of factory options are on your list such as a glass roof for instance.

And where are the 2011 427R and Stage3 top dog supercharged models? With the introduction of the all new 5.0 liter DOHC engine, Roush is working feverishly to develop an all new ROUSHcharger system to take the performance of the 2011 Mustang’s engine to the next level. But with the time honored OEM level engineering and design process that Roush Performance is known for, these things don’t’ happen as fast as we might want them to. As of this writing Roush has not committed to the arrival timeframe of a supercharged 2011 model year Mustang. In fact the news on the street is that they are really working on something special and that it may very well come along as a 2012 model. But don’t despair, with 412hp, the new Roush Mustang model line is plenty wicked today. Enjoy.

Ford steering Google Maps into its cars

2010-06-16T19:43:00.001-05:00

by Lance Whitney

Ford owners with Sync-equipped vehicles will be able tap into Google Maps to download directions to their cars before month's end.

The free Send to Sync feature, announced Tuesday by Ford, will let drivers send Google Maps data from their Bluetooth-enabled computers or mobile phones to their in-car Sync systems. The electronic directions are downloaded directly into Sync and converted into audible turn-by-turn steps. The route is then calculated on the spot using the latest traffic information.

Ford is touting the service as a way for drivers to keep their eyes on the road by eliminating the need to juggle maps and printouts.

"Printing paper directions from a Web site is a relic in our digital age," Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization, said in a statement. "With Send to Sync, you can map a destination at home, at work--wherever you have connectivity--and when you get to your car, it already knows where you want to go."

Launched in 2007, Ford Sync provides car owners with a variety of voice-activated, cloud-based services, including directions, traffic reports, news, weather, movie listings, and search capabilities. Drivers can also connect cell phones, MP3 players, and other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets to communicate and transfer data with their in-car systems. Sync is powered by Microsoft software.

Send to Sync will be available for existing 2010 and 2011 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles outfitted with Sync. No extra hardware, software updates, or additional fees will be required, according to the company. Ford said it is the only automaker to offer this feature without the need for a paid subscription.

Ford Motor Company Recognized as One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere

2010-03-23T19:13:00.001-05:00

DEARBORN, Mich., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company F has been recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading business ethics think tank.

Ford is among 100 global companies chosen for the designation from a field of thousands of companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. Ford is the only automaker to receive the honor in 2010. The results are based on an extensive review of companies' social responsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices.

"Ford Motor Company is honored and pleased to receive this recognition," said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. "At Ford, we're not only committed to making great products and building a strong business, we believe in contributing to a better world and doing business in an ethical way."

This is the fourth year Ethisphere has published its list of the world's most ethical companies. The firm is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

"Ford's promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond goodwill and lip service and is intimately linked to performance and profitability," said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. "This year's award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a priority is critical in a tough and unprecedented economic environment."

The criteria researchers and analysts followed included:

* A review of each company's codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories
* An evaluation of investment in innovation and sustainable business practices
* A look into activities designed to improve corporate citizenship
* Input through nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

Information was provided to the Institute through formal questionnaires and through additional independent research.

"This honor underscores the efforts by the men and women at Ford Motor Company who diligently and consistently work every day to do the right thing on behalf of all of our stakeholders," Bill Ford said.

The complete list of the 2010 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.

Ford Mustang V-6 rated tops for mpg, horsepower

2010-03-16T17:54:00.001-05:00

Ford's lucky number is 3. As in 30. And as in 300.

Today, Ford is announcing that its 2011 Ford Mustang has become the first car to produce both 300 horsepower and achieve more than 30 miles a gallon.

The Mustang's official EPA ratings for the new 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission put it at 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. Subtract 1 mpg on the highway for the standard six-speed manual transmission.

"Advanced powertrains like our Ti-VCT V-6 and six-speed automatic really speak to the future of Mustang," says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. "We've proven that, using technology, Ford can deliver both power and fuel economy."

The lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V-6 engine has twin independent variable camshaft timing to adjust valves in microseconds as the driver changes throttle speed to get greater efficiency. Also contributing to higher fuel economy:

* Electric power steering eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
* Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance.
* Better aerodynamics include improvements like a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear deck lid seal

The new 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders. Half of all the nationwide orders are for the car's fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 2011 Mustangs are also being equipped with record levels of technology, giving customers the option of choosing navigation, high-intensity-discharge headlamps and rearview cameras.

Ford rolls out all-electric van

2010-03-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Co.'s first all-electric vehicle made its Los Angeles debut this week at the Petersen Automotive Museum, a fitting locale for a manufacturer to take a successful product from its present lineup and push it into the future.

The electric version of a light-duty cargo van that has been available globally since 2003 and has sold more than 600,000 units, the Transit Connect Electric is the first of four electrified vehicles the Detroit manufacturer plans to bring to market by 2012. The Ford Focus Electric passenger car is due out next year; plug-in and next-generation hybrids should be available in two years.

2011 Ford F-Series Power Stroke Diesel is cleanest ever

2010-03-16T17:08:00.001-05:00

Dearborn, Mich., March 15, 2010—The Ford F-Series Super Duty, equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. Trucks equipped with new base 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine average a 15 percent improvement versus 2010 models.

The new diesel engine is B20 biodiesel compatible and the new gas engine is E85 compatible, providing customers a wide range of fueling options.

Best-in-class fuel economy and class-leading capability—towing of 26,400 pounds and a 6,520-pound payload—is due largely to the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission, providing more than half the overall improved fuel economy.

Ford introduces patrol car to replace Crown Victoria

2010-03-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Ford's new police car can endure a rear-end crash at 75 m.p.h., easily jump curbs and accelerate twice as fast as Ford's outgoing iconic Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

"We hope that you will agree that Ford has succeeded in delivering the ultimate new police interceptor," Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said as he introduced the new car to a group of law enforcement officials in Las Vegas on Friday.

The new car even comes with "stab plates" to protect the driver and front-seat passenger. Police departments can order optional ballistic door panels.

"So you can see this is not a civilian product by any means," Fields said.

The new Interceptor will be built on the same structure as the Ford Taurus sedan at the company's Chicago assembly plant after production of the Crown Victoria ends in late 2011 at Ford's St. Thomas, Ontario, plant, which is to close.

Ford also said it is developing a new SUV-based police vehicle. Ford said it will provide additional details about that vehicle by the end of September.

Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president of U.S. sales and marketing, said Ford expects to maintain its market share in the police vehicle business even though competition is increasing.

Introduced in 1983, the Crown Victoria has long dominated police car sales and accounts for about 75% of the police car market with annual sales of 40,000 to 50,000.

"We are very optimistic that with this vehicle ... we could even gain on that" level of market share, Czubay said.

General Motors, Chrysler and Connersville, Ind.-based Carbon Motors plan to increase their market share or launch new police cars.

Chrysler has set a goal of expanding its police car market share from 17% to 40% in the next 12 to 18 months with its rear-wheel drive Dodge Charger patrol car.

And, in October, GM announced plans to introduce the Chevrolet Caprice police car in 2011. GM said the new Caprice will offer V8 or V6 engines.

Ford also is offering two engine options: A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower and a 3.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Ford's Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has been popular with police departments because of its rigid, full-frame construction and rear-wheel drive transmission, all for a relatively low price, said Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics in Birmingham.

"The bottom line is they have a police car that defines the American police car," Hall said. "Police departments love it for a million reasons, including its durability."

Ford executives said the new vehicle is more durable and performs better than the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

"We routinely run over 8-inch curbs at 40 m.p.h. to validate suspension strength," said Scott Tobin, Ford's vehicle line director for product development.

Fields also said the new vehicle is the only police car on the market that can withstand a rear-end collision at 75 m.p.h. The seats have areas cut out to accommodate utility belts, and the interior has space for standard police equipment.

2011 Ford Super Duty: Pickup has more pickup and more mpg

2010-03-03T17:42:00.000-06:00

Ford will tout its redesigned 2011 Super Duty pickup as the “most capable, fuel-efficient” heavy-duty truck on the market in a national advertising campaign that launches in April.

The Super Duty, which goes on sale that same month, offers Ford's all-new, 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine. It will have 735 lb-ft of torque, 390 hp and “class-leading” fuel economy, Ford said. That's 85 lb-ft and 40 hp more than the 2010 pickup.

Ford also will offer a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine with 385 hp and 405 lb-ft--85 hp and 40 lb-ft more than the current 5.4-liter V8 gas engine.

The base price on the 2011 Super Duty will be $28,995, including shipping, said Brian Rathsburg, Super Duty marketing manager. That's a $600 increase over a similarly equipped 2010 Super Duty, he said.

The increase includes improved capability and fuel economy, a new automatic transmission, new seats and new safety equipment. The diesel engine sells for an additional $7,835, Rathsburg said.

Capability and fuel efficiency

Ford says its data show that nearly 97 percent of Super Duty buyers tow. The 2011 version can tow up to 24,400 pounds and has a payload capacity of 6,520 pounds.

“Torque is essentially the force generated by the engine to do work, so the higher the torque level, the more that work can be accomplished in terms of towing capacity,” Adam Gryglak, chief diesel engineering manager, said in a statement. “The new Power Stroke diesel enables class-leading towing capability at faster speeds, all with best-in-class fuel economy.”

Ford is not releasing fuel economy estimates for either engine, other than to say the 2011 Super Duty will average of 18 percent better fuel economy on the pickups and up to 25 percent better on the chassis cabs compared with the outgoing model.

The EPA does not require fuel economy estimates to be given on the window sticker because heavy-duty pickups are in a different weight class and do not have to conform to passenger-car standards.

Diesel durability

Ford engineers put the equivalent of more than 10.3 million test miles on the new diesel, including extreme road and weather conditions.

General Motors revealed its heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado at the Chicago auto show this month. It's not releasing horsepower or torque numbers yet but says the re-engineered 2011 pickup will have fifth-wheel towing capability of 20,000 pounds, conventional towing (ball hitch) capability of 16,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 6,335 pounds.

Chevrolet did say its Duramax turbocharged, 6.6-liter diesel V8 has been re-engineered for the 2011 model year. The Chevy diesel will provide more power and torque and about an 11 percent increase in fuel economy over the previous generation.

The heavy-duty Silverado starts production this summer. GM has not released a price for it.

Ford says 25% of Its Vehicles Could Be EVs or Hybrids by 2020

2010-03-03T17:20:00.000-06:00

In just 10 years, as much as a quarter of the vehicles that Ford produces could be all-electric or hybrid vehicles, according to the automaker.

As U.S. laws for the average fleet fuel economy take hold, Ford plans to respond by introducing new electric and hybrid models that will constitute at least 10% of the cars it sells and hopefully as much as 25% by 2020, Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of global electrification, told BusinessWeek.

Hybrid models such as the award-winning Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid will continue to dominate the mix, but Ford also showed off the all-electric Transit Connect and plans to build an electric Focus.

Oddly enough, the biggest competitor to Ford’s hybrid and electric vehicles will simply be improvements to traditional internal-combustion engines, Gioia said. Ford’s direct-injection engines have shown fuel economy improvements of up to 20%.

Gioia also cited the most familiar obstacles to widespread vehicle electrification: plug-in infrastructure, range anxiety and battery cost.

Ford Says Electric, Hybrid Models May Be 25% of Lineup by 2020

Analysts see the cost of gas rising

2010-03-02T19:17:00.000-06:00

It may not make much sense, given that the economy remains weak, but the cost of filling up your car is about to go higher.

Seasonal influences are strong this time of year and account for much of the expected increase that many analysts say will push gasoline to a nationwide average of at least $3 per gallon this spring.

Wholesale prices for the April gasoline contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange are about 10 to 12 cents higher than the March contract that expired Friday. Much of the rise comes from refiners switching to more expensive summer blends of gasoline designed to meet tougher pollution standards in effect between April and September. The higher prices should make their way to the pump over the next few weeks.

At $3 per gallon, a typical motorist using 50 gallons of gasoline would pay about $150 per month for fuel. That is about $15 a month more than current prices. A family with one car is spending about 4 percent of its income on fuel currently, according to Oil Price Information Service.

The higher prices come at a time when most Americans' incomes are stagnant. Incomes edged up 0.1 percent in January, below analysts' estimates, according to the Commerce Department.

Gasoline prices were flat overnight, rising 0.1 cents Monday to a national average of $2.705 per gallon, according to auto club AAA, Wright Express and OPIS.

Prices have moved higher the past two weeks, approaching the 2010 high of $2.7583 per gallon set on Jan. 14. In the past week prices climbed 5.7 cents and are now 78.4 cents higher than year ago levels.

The Energy Information Administration will release figures on nationwide retail gasoline prices later Monday.

Prices have been going up even though the economy remains weak and demand for fuel is tepid.

The total number of miles driven in the U.S. last year was about flat with 2008 and below 2004 levels for the second year in a row, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Crude oil prices are more than twice what they were a year ago when the U.S. was mired in the Great Recession. Investors look for global demand to pick up as the economy improves, especially in China and other developing countries.

Oil prices got to $80.62 a barrel Monday on the NYMEX before falling back to settle at $78.70, down 96 cents. The $80 level has been tough for oil to crack. It has reached the mark time and again over the past several months only to fall back again.

A stronger dollar also was a drag on oil Monday. Oil is traded in dollars on global markets and becomes more expensive for international investors who hold other currencies.

GM recalling 1.3M vehicles over steering problems

2010-03-02T19:16:00.001-06:00

DETROIT (Reuters) -- General Motors Co. is recalling 1.3 million compact cars in North America to address a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury, the company said on Tuesday.

U.S. safety regulators opened an investigation on Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of power steering failures. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.

The recall covers the 2005-2010 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 in the United States; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico, GM said in a statement.

GM said it told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding its own investigation that began in 2009.

GM said the affected vehicles can be still be "safely controlled" but it may require greater steering effort under 15 mph. Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails.

"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," GM Vice President of Quality Jamie Hresko said in the statement.

"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," he said.

GM said it is currently developing a remedy to fix the problem and will notify customers when the plan is finalized.

The recall comes at a time of heighted public and regulatory scrutiny over vehicle safety issues in the wake of massive recalls by Toyota Motor Corp.

Toyota global quality control chief Shinichi Sasaki and North American President Yoshimi Inaba are scheduled to appear before a Senate committee on Tuesday for a third hearing on its handling of consumer complaints about sudden acceleration.

Ford to launch new Mercury small car in 2011

2010-02-23T16:54:00.000-06:00

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) will launch a new small car for its Mercury brand in early 2011, based on the automaker's new global compact car platform, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields said on Sunday.

The new Mercury is one of the 10 vehicles Ford is planning for its global small car architecture, that also underpins the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus, and would expand the lineup of the mid-level premium brand long devoid of new products.

The launch also underscores the No. 2 U.S. automaker's support for the brand despite uncertainty in some analysts' views over whether Ford will keep the brand in the long term.

Fields unveiled the plan during a meeting with U.S. dealers at the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Orlando, Florida.

"The trend toward more fuel-efficient vehicles is very important, the trend toward (small) cars in general is coming back. We are responding to that," Fields told reporters after the meeting with dealers.

U.S. sales for the Mercury brand fell 23 percent to 92,299 vehicles in 2009, while the overall market was down 21 percent. The company's flagship Ford brand sold 1.44 million units in the U.S. market in 2009, down 14 percent from a year earlier.

A Ford dealer who attended the meeting said the new Milan was likely to be showcased at the New York Auto Show in March.

FIESTA ORDERS

Ford U.S. sales chief Ken Czubay said dealers can start to order the new Fiesta small car on Monday, months ahead of its launch this summer.

The Fiesta, which could get 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 mpg in city driving, brings Ford back to a subcompact segment it abandoned and represents the automaker's big bet that it can drive back to profitability with a new lineup of cars.

More than 6,000 consumers have made reservations for the Fiesta through Ford's online order system, Czubay said.

"It seems to be a home run. And it gave us invaluable feedback from consumers," he said.

Ford also plans to launch a redesigned Focus small car later in 2010.

The only large U.S. automaker not to reorganize under a government-funded bankruptcy in 2009, Ford has forecast a profitable 2010 after posting its first full-year profit since 2005 last year.

Ford Edge to get smallest EcoBoost turbo engine yet

2010-02-15T18:35:00.000-06:00

The new Ford Edge, one of the cars Ford credits for helping it grab non-traditional Ford buyers, comes with a brand new engine for the U.S. market. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger, will give the Ford Edge with EcoBoost the ability to deliver the same performance as a current V-6 while delivering best-in-class fuel economy.

While the Edge will come with three engine options, Ford expects more and more drivers will opt for the EcoBoost. By 2013, 90% of Ford's vehicles in North America will be available with EcoBoost, with I-4 engines making up 66% of the EcoBoost lineup.

Currently, Ford's EcoBoost engine is in the Ford Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKT and MKS and the Ford Flex -- all of which are V-6 engines. And it's an engine Test Drive loved:

The Edge EcoBoost is a turbocharged four-cylinder, a completely new application of the technology.

Ford will likely keep reinventing the EcoBoost engine, since it's helping the automaker bring in younger, more affluent customers, says Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. And, she notes, those buyers often trade in a competitor's car to buy a Ford with EcoBoost.

The automaker didn't give a fuel-economy estimate for the new engine, but critics had been disappointed with the Edge's initial fuel economy: It got a combined 19 mpg in city and highway driving, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2011 Ford Explorer to get 4-cylinder EcoBoost

2010-02-15T18:33:00.001-06:00

Earlier today, FoMoCo unveiled the 2011 Ford Edge, the first Ford model in North America to get the company’s new 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 powertrain. During the unveiling at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Ford said that the upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer will also get the 4-banger EcoBoost when it goes on sale later this year.

FoMoCo will add 1,200 jobs to its Chicago plant for the production of the next-generation Ford Explorer.

The Dearborn automaker announced last month that the next-generation unibody Ford Explorer will deliver at least a 25 percent increase in fuel-economy and that EcoBoost engine technology, a 6-speed transmission and lightweight materials will all be part of the game.

Revised Edge crossover features two Ford firsts

2010-02-10T16:12:00.001-06:00

Ford Motor Co. is slated to unveil a new version of the Ford Edge at the Chicago Auto Show today, the first freshening of the company's best-selling midsized crossover.

But this update features more than just a different face. As The Detroit News first reported last week, the Edge also will be the first American vehicle to get Ford's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, along with an all-new interior that will be the first to incorporate the new MyFord Touch control system.

"Customers told us how much they like Edge's design and dynamic driving quality," said Ford Americas President Mark Fields. "We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more -- including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles."

Ford also will offer a sport version of the Edge powered by a beefier 3.7-liter V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque.

The base engine will remain a 3.5-liter V-6, but it now gets twin independent variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT, and now produces 285 horsepower.

"It's the same approach they took with the Fusion," said analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham, adding that Ford is doing more extensive freshenings of its products than most of its rivals.

But he wondered whether the new EcoBoost would be up to the task. Ford has not released horsepower data yet, but says it will provide about the same power as the current V-6 with a 15 percent savings in gasoline.

"The problem with the Edge is that it's porky," Hall said. "But in light of the new CAFE standards, it's probably a good idea."

Feds look at Toyota electronics as source of acceleration defects

2010-02-03T16:19:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking into whether Toyota Motor Corp.'s problems with unintended acceleration can be traced to defects in the electronic controls rather than just the mechanical problems cited by the automaker, a Transportation official said today.

“We're not finished with Toyota and are continuing to review possible defects and monitor the implementation of the recalls,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today in a statement.

When asked whether the federal review includes possible electronic problems with Toyota vehicles, a Transportation official who asked not to be identified responded in an e-mail, “Yes.”

Toyota spokesman John Hanson said he knows little about the expanded federal investigation.

"After many years of extensive testing, we've found no evidence of an electronic problem that could have contributed to unwanted acceleration," Hanson said in an interview. "We've investigated many times and found no evidence to point to."

Since announcing its recalls and a production halt last week, Toyota has maintained that problems with unintended acceleration were limited to floor mat interference and sticky accelerator pedals.

Accusations denied

Shinichi Sasaki, Toyota's vice president in charge of quality, today denied accusations that electronic malfunctions were contributing to the reports of unintended acceleration.

“We have not come across any case in which we have found a malfunction,” Sasaki said in an interview in Japan. “But if any additional reports arise, we will conduct testing using all technology at our disposal.”

Also, in a full-page advertisement that ran in many U.S. newspapers today, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. President Jim Lentz said: “We have launched a comprehensive plan to permanently fix the vehicles we've recalled because in rare instances, accelerator pedals can, over time, become slow to release or get stuck. We know what's causing this and what we have to do to fix it.”

But Safety Research & Strategies, a consulting firm, said in a posting on its Web site: “Neither floor mats nor sticking accelerator pedals explain many, many incidents” of unintended acceleration.

Electronics have 'significant role'

“By all appearances, electronics are playing a significant role in the problems," Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies, said in an interview. The Transportation Department investigation “has needed to happen for some time,'' Kane said.

The investigation should cover 2002-06 Camry cars and 2005-07 Tacoma pickups, both of which have been the subject of numerous consumer complaints suggesting possible electronic defects, he said.

In one case that has raised questions about electronic flaws, Bulent Ezal's 2005 Camry surged over the curb of a restaurant parking lot, lurched 23 feet and careened 70 feet down a cliff into the surf of the Pacific Ocean, killing Ezal's wife, said his attorney, Donald Slavik of Milwaukee.

“His foot was on the brake, floor mats were in position and hooked on, and he was about to shift into park,'' Slavik said. “I'm highly confident it was electronic in nature."

Ford to show off greener Edge

2010-02-02T17:21:00.000-06:00

Next week, Ford Motor Co. will unveil the 2011 Ford Edge at the Chicago Auto Show -- its latest product freshening and the first to feature a new, four-cylinder version of its fuel-saving EcoBoost engine.

The latest version of Ford's popular midsize crossover also will be the first to feature the company's new MyFord Touch system, which replaces most of the traditional analog gauges, switches and knobs with full-color computer screens and touch-sensitive buttons.

The body of the Edge is new from the windshield forward, but the biggest change is under the hood. In addition to the current 3.5-liter V-6, the 2011 model will offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost that delivers the same power as a 3.0-liter V-6 with significantly better fuel economy, according to sources familiar with Ford's plans.

"It's a pretty heavy face-lift. It's more than what you'd normally do with a mid-cycle freshening," said analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham who has seen the new Edge. "Usually, automakers just change up some of the plastic."

He said the new front-end is more reflective of Ford's European styling, which is rapidly migrating to most of its U.S. products as the company consolidates its global lineup.

The money saved by that consolidation is what makes major mid-cycle changes like this possible, said analyst Erich Merkle of Autoconomy.com in Grand Rapids.

"They're making the investment in the product, and it shows," he said. "They're making their product cadence a lot faster than anyone else in the industry."

Manufactured at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, the Edge was seen as a critical vehicle for Ford when it was launched in late 2006 as a 2007 model. Since then, it has become the best-selling vehicle in the midsize crossover segment.

Ford would not comment on the new Edge or on its plans for the Chicago show.

Merkle said the new Edge also will be quieter and more comfortable than the current model.

"Everything you can see, feel and touch will be noticeably better than its predecessor's," he said. "But the underlying architecture will remain the same. It's a good strategy."

2011 Ford Future Cars

2010-01-26T17:36:00.002-06:00

When Ford CEO Alan Mulally took out massive loans in 2007 with the entire company serving as collateral, it looked like a desperation move by an automaker on the ropes. Come 2009, Mulally started looking like a genius.

Thanks to those loans, Ford didn't have to ask the government for loans or file bankruptcy, and thus didn't earn the public scorn that its cross-town rivals did. On top of that PR victory, Ford was a big beneficiary of the "Cash for Clunkers" program (Ford vehicles, particularly 90s Explorers, were some of the most common C4C trade-ins as well). And, thanks to some well-timed products like the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Fusion, its sales dropped slower than the market as a whole and the Blue Oval finished 2009 with a bigger share of the market.

Looking forward (and past the looming release of the Fiesta), Ford has enough product in the pipeline to build on its victories in 2009. Click through to the following pages for all the highlights of what Dearborn is cooking up for 2011.

Early reviews covered both angles when Ford unveiled the 2012 One Ford Focus a year ahead of sales. "They didn't know when to lift the pen," an analyst said. "The Cruze is toast" a journalist countered. Yes, well, both ring true. The '12 Focus sedan is a jewellike car, and it has a lot of side-surfacing going on.

When the North American Focus reconverges with the European Focus, you'll have a choice of funky four-door hatchback or the rich-looking four-door sedan, both of which were just shown at the 2010 Detroit show. With the top-of-the-range Titanium trim level, it surely will sticker well into the middle of the Fusion price range. Ford is loading up the small end of its lineup quickly, with two Fiesta and two Focus body styles. The early reveal will almost certainly depress sales of the mediocre 2010 Focus.

Ford also has previewed its "mouse" for Sync, a simple four-direction toggle-button. It's part of newly expanded infotainment packaging called MyFord and MyLincoln, which entails a high-resolution eight-inch screen in the center stack, WiFi and MiFi (when in park), improved voice command, Sony-branded sound systems, and two USB and three RCA jacks, with an SD card slot. Reboot and drive.

2012 Focus sedan: Launches with a 2.0-liter twin-independent variable cam timing gas direct-injection four, rated more than 150 horsepower. A 1.6-liter turbo EcoBoost is expected after Job One-worth the wait. Transmissions choices will be a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual, with gearshift-manual controls. Trim levels are S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Ford expects this car will eventually replace the Fusion as its bread-and-butter car. On sale first-quarter 2011.

2012 Focus hatchback: Sure to be popular among a small cadre of enthusiasts. Its huge taillamps look as if they came from the Volvo C30, which shares its platform with the current European Focus. Both models are significantly lower in height, wider, and about the same length as the current U.S. Focus. They're about 110 pounds lighter than the Cruze, despite their ability to meet all global crash standards. The new car uses more high-strength steel than any other Ford, at 55 percent. The battery electric version will probably be the hatchback.

2011 Lincoln MKX:
For 2011, Lincoln's Ford Edge-based MKX midsize crossover, which just debuted at the Detroit show, gets a number of updates, starting with a moderate face lift that includes the "split bow" grille that pays homage to the 1941 Continental. The rear fascia is redesigned with LED taillamps and new oval chrome exhaust tips. The interior is new as well, with hand-stitched French seams in the upholstery.

The MKX also receives Ford's latest Duratec V-6 engine, which gets an extra 200c on top of the existing engine, bringing displacement up to 3.7 liters. The extra displacement combined with variable timing on all of the camshafts means that the new mill makes 40 hp and 30 lb.-ft. of torque more, for a total of 305 hp and 280 lb.-ft. More impressive is that along with these double-digit increases in power ratings, the MKX retains its claimed class-leading ability to return 25 mpg on the freeway, and does all of this on regular unleaded. A "smart" charging system that reduces engine drag and a manually shiftable six-speed automatic transmission help further this cause.

Another update is the addition of MyLincoln technology, a new user interface for the climate, radio, navigation, SYNC, and other controls. Similar in concept to BMW's iDrive and other similar systems, MyLincoln replaces the traditional controls with a touchscreen and a five-way controller similar to those found on cell phones and iPods. A standout feature in the new interface is the touch-sensitive sliders for the stereo volume and fan speed. Rather than traditional push-buttons or knobs, the controls are integrated into the touchscreen and can be adjusted by either tapping a point on the slider bar or by dragging a finger across the screen. The new system also includes Ford's iTunes music tagging feature through SYNC.

2011 Explorer: New, unibody model based on the D3 front-drive (Ford Taurus) platform. Foreshadowed by the 2008 Explorer America concept, it will be available with all-wheel drive and replaces the Freestyle/Taurus X. Engines will include the 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost version, making about 265 horsepower. Ford may add a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four later to aide Corporate Average Fuel Economy. On sale late '10.

OTHERS ON THE HORIZON

2011 Super Duty: Features a version of the 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 in the F-150 SVT Raptor, and the new Scorpion Diesel, a 6.7-liter V-8 with aluminum heads. On sale fall '10.

2011 F-150 EcoBoost: Likely a variation of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 found in the Flex, Lincoln MKS, etc., biased for more torque. It should be able to beat the F-150's 4.6-liter V-8 for power. On sale late '10.

2012 Ford Escape: Based on the next-generation European Kuga, itself a derivative of the Focus platform. Lincoln may get its own version, and a plug-in hybrid will be added for '13. On sale late '11.

2012 Mercury compact sedan: Based on the new Focus. A coupe version has been rumored. On sale mid to late '11.

2012 Ford C-Max: Mazda5 competitor based on the Focus. On sale mid- to late '11.

2013 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ: Converges with the European Mondeo's platform and gets an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4. On sale mid to late '12.

2014 Mustang: Next scheduled major change for the rear-drive musclecar.

Cars.com Names 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Best of 2010

2010-01-26T16:42:00.001-06:00

Cars.com named the Ford Fusion Hybrid the 'Best of 2010' in the site’s annual Platinum Awards, which recognize the best cars of the new model year. Our editors put every new or significantly redesigned car, truck, SUV and crossover through a rigorous process of judging, and in the end the Fusion Hybrid proved to best a competitive field.

The other nominees included the Best New SUV, Chevrolet Equinox; Best New Compact, Mazda3; Best New Hatchback, Kia Soul; Best New Hybrid Hatchback, Toyota Prius; and Best New Wagon, Subaru Outback.

“The Cars.com Platinum Awards represent the best work by automakers for the 2010 model year. These vehicles excel on all levels,” said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at Cars.com. “The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid outshined all 2010s, earning it the title Best of 2010, Cars.com’s most prestigious award. We’ve seen hybrids come into their own over the past few years, but none have been so free of compromise as the Fusion Hybrid. We recommend that shoppers – green or otherwise – take a serious look at this car.”

Ford to Move SUV, Jobs to Chicago, UAW Official Says

2010-01-26T16:13:00.000-06:00

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. is transferring production of the Explorer sport-utility vehicle, once the best- selling U.S. model in that segment, to the Chicago factory that builds the Taurus sedan, a union official said.

The move, which may add about 1,200 jobs in Chicago, will take place in this year's second half from a Louisville, Kentucky, plant that has built the Explorer since the 1990s, said Rocky Comito, president of a United Auto Workers local in the Explorer's current factory. Mark Truby, a Ford spokesman, declined to comment on the production transfer.

"The Explorer was the product that carried the company through most of the '90s," Comito said. The SUV is being redesigned on the more fuel-efficient car chassis used on the Taurus, he said.

Explorer sales in the U.S. slid 33 percent to 52,190 last year as more consumers bought smaller SUVs and cars with higher fuel economy. Ford sold more than 400,000 Explorers in 2000.

Ford is converting four light-truck plants to make cars, including Louisville, Truby said. The Kentucky factory is getting a new model based on the same underpinnings as the redesigned Focus small car introduced this month at the Detroit auto show, he said.

"It's not a good thing to see a product leave a plant, but we're getting something that will hopefully be the next generation's hot seller," Comito said

Louisville has about 1,100 workers building Explorers, and Ford probably will have a similar number to assemble the SUV in Chicago, which will add a second shift, Comito said.

News Conference

Ford scheduled a news conference at the Chicago plant at 9 a.m. local time with Mark Fields, Ford's president for the Americas, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, a Democrat.

Truby and Bob Reed, a spokesman for Quinn, declined to comment on a report in Crain's Chicago Business that the conference is to announce the production transfer.

Ford gained 51 cents, or 4.8 percent, to $11.03 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares have risen sixfold in the past 12 months.

To contact the reporter on this story: Keith Naughton in Southfield, Michigan, at Knaughton3@bloomberg.net

Ford's New 5.0L Promises More Horsepower and More Miles Per Gallon

2010-01-19T19:13:00.000-06:00

For nearly every fan of the Ford Mustang, few numbers will elicit as much excitement as 5.0. The iconic 5.0 liter V8, last seen back in 1995, had been the performance benchmark for many enthusiasts for quite some time until the introduction of the 4.6 liter V8. Now, Ford is planning a reintroduction of the legendary engine to combat the higher output V8 engines of Dodge and Chevrolet.

In an official announcement made a few days back, Ford released that the 2010 Mustang GT would receive a newly designed version of the Ford 5.0 liter, this time based on the 5.4 liter used in the previous iterations of Shelby variants. For the upcoming powerplant, a new bore and stroke have been employed bringing the actual displacement up to an even 5 liters, as opposed to the previous generation that was just under. Along with new internal components, the upcoming 5.0 will crank out 414 horsepower and 400lb/ft at the flywheel. This is a 33% increase over the 4.6 liter currently used.

Along with a jump in power, the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 will also make used of Ford's Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) System. The system reads the driver's throttle input and, after taking the current gear and speed, then adjusts the ECU parameters to offer either the maximum amount of power or the best fuel economy. The inclusion of the Ti-VCT system bumps the fuel economy up to 17 in the city and 25 on the highway when using the six-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox will achieve the same 16 city and 24 highway as the current 4.6 liter.

Of course, Ford couldn't bring back the 5.0 without also designing a high performance Mustang to put it in. Taking this honor will be the 2011Mustang Boss 302R. Designed specifically for the track, the Boss 302R will come from the factory with a full roll-cage, safety harness and racing seats. The suspension has also been upgraded to provide better cornering and a set of performance Brembo brakes to help with stopping.

The full run of Boss 302R's will only be 50 vehicles, with the price starting at $79,000.

The Detroit Auto Show

2010-01-11T18:09:00.000-06:00

Visit the following website to learn more about Ford at the Detroit Auto Show:

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/autoshow/detroit?icid=autos_0110080>1=22014

Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards

2010-01-11T18:07:00.000-06:00

DETROIT -- The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named the North American Car of the Year today, while Ford's Transit Connect picked up Truck of the Year accolades in a poll of journalists.

It is only the third time in 17 years that a single manufacturer has won both titles.

“We've been focusing very relentlessly on our strategy around making sure our vehicles are world-class in the areas of fuel economy, safety, quality and smart technology,” Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said after the morning ceremony. “We're just so glad we're being recognized for that, both by the journalists but also, more importantly, by the customers.”

In 2009, Ford posted its first full-year gain in U.S. market share in 15 years.The automaker sold 15,559 Fusion Hybrids last year.

The Fusion Hybrid topped the two other car finalists, the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf. It's just the second time a Ford car has taken the award. The Focus won in 2000.

The Transit Connect, a small cargo truck, came out on top over the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback crossovers.

“The Transit Connect is what we call a white-space vehicle -- there's nothing like it on the road,” Fields said. “When you see this on the road, your first reaction is, ‘What is that?' ”

As of mid-December, more than 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold over seven years in 55 countries. Ford has sold 8,834 Transit Connects since it entered the U.S. market in July.

U.S.-based automakers have taken home the car trophy nine times. European companies have won four times, Japanese three and South Korea's Hyundai once.

In the truck category, domestics have claimed the crown 11 times, followed by four for Japanese makes and two for Europeans.

Ford has dominated the domestics, winning the award five times. The F-150 pickup won in 2009, 2004 and 1996. The Ford Escape Hybrid crossover took home Truck of the Year in 2005, as did the Ford Expedition SUV in 1997.

Last year, the Hyundai Genesis won Car of the Year and the F-150 Truck of the Year.

It was the second time a Ford hybrid vehicle took the award.

More than 50 vehicles were considered this year.

Automotive News is represented on the 49-member voting panel by Executive Editor Edward Lapham.

“This is such a motivator for our team to be recognized by the Car and Truck of the Year jury,” Fields said. “These are the most demanding journalists, and we were in a set of very, very tough competitions. … I think it just shows that we're headed in the right direction.”

Introducing the new Ford Focus

2010-01-11T18:05:00.002-06:00

Visit this website to watch a video of the new Ford Focus:

http://apps.detnews.com/apps/multimedia/player/index.php?id=3980

Ford, Hyundai, Toyota lead industry to 15% gain

2010-01-06T16:35:00.001-06:00

DETROIT -- Ford, Toyota, Subaru and Hyundai Group spurred a year-end U.S. sales rally that took some sting out of a painful year.

Overall, December sales of 1,030,096 light vehicles rose 15 percent from December 2008, when the credit crisis and a deepening recession dragged industry demand to 27-year lows. Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Sales and Subaru each rose by about a third last month, while Hyundai-Kia advanced 42 percent.

December's bounce was enough to boost full-year volume to 10.43 million, down 21 percent from 2008.

That was the lowest since 1982's 10.35 million sales and a sharp drop when compared with the rest of the decade. Through 2008, industry sales this decade had averaged 16.4 million.

But it's a distinct improvement from the first half of 2009, when the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate was 9.5 million. December's SAAR was 11.9 million, well ahead of analysts' expectations of 11 million or 11.1 million.

December was the third month this year with a year-over-year sales increase but perhaps the best signal yet that the U.S. auto industry is on the mend. August's 1 percent increase was fueled by the cash-for-clunkers government stimulus, and November's gain was an almost invisible 35 vehicles.

Still cautious

Still, automakers remain cautious about the pace of recovery this year. Ford Motor Co. expects 2010 U.S. sales to be between 11.5 million and 12 million. Sales boss Ken Czubay says last year's lessons were painful.

“2009 may be the most historic year in the automobile business. There were bankruptcies, bailouts, government stimulus,” he said. “I'm leaving my seat belt on because I think that volatility is still the new norm.”

American Honda, Nissan North America and Volkswagen Group also posted double-digit gains, and Mazda and BMW Group finished in positive territory.

Not everyone won in December. General Motors, Chrysler Group, Porsche and Mitsubishi all narrowly lost ground, with the sharpest decline being GM's 6 percent. The only big losers were Suzuki, down 48 percent, and Maserati, down 57 percent to 115 sales.

Ford's 16 percent sales decline for the year enabled it to gain ground on No. 1 GM and No. 2 Toyota Motor Sales and let Ford post its first improvement in annual market share in 14 years.

December was key. Last month Ford reported sales increases in each product category and for each brand. Ford's domestic-brand cars jumped 42 percent for the month and crossovers rose 51 percent. Ford domestic SUV sales gained 33 percent, but pickups and minivans were up 18 percent.

Ford brand sales rose 37 percent, while Lincoln gained 16 percent and Mercury a more modest 6 percent.

2011 Ford Mustang GT: First Look

2010-01-04T17:36:00.002-06:00

The Ford Motor Company has been nudged awake by the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro (and to a lesser degree the Dodge Challenger). A year after the reincarnation of its old rival and but a year after the redesign of its own pony car, Ford is getting aggressive about its corner of the pony car market with the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, which introduces a 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, plus both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic.

Uh oh.

What we appear to have here is a good old-fashioned crosstown Detroit smackdown set amid the post-apocalyptic ruins that was once the domestic auto industry. Which, let's face it, beats the hell out of no crosstown smackdown set amid the post-apocalyptic ruins that was once the domestic auto industry.

So let us then examine the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, this newly muscled competitor.

Rollin' in My 5.0
Possibly you've heard that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8. In fact, it's just about impossible that you haven't heard that the 5.0 is back, since rumors about it have been circulating for at least a year. And when Ford made it official to a slightly-too-large group of journalists on the evening of December 17, the news leaked out before Ford's press conference was even done. Such was the excitement surrounding this news that information that was supposed to be kept secret for about 10 days remained under cover for all of, what, 5 minutes? Mr. Happy Thumbs tweeted that the 5.0-liter would produce 412 hp. This caused a small Internet-based brush fire of info.

If you view the early leakage of information as an index of excitement, the return of the 5.0 to the Mustang ranks pretty high. And this 5.0-liter appears to be something quite special. And compared to the 5.0 of which Mr. Vanilla Ice extolled the virtues back in 1990, this new-generation V8 now fitted to the 2011 Mustang makes 187 hp more. Word to your mother, indeed.

Also, unlike the 5.0-liter Windsor V8 of old (introduced as Ford's small-block V8 way back in 1962), the new engine is actually a 5.0-liter and not a 4.9, and you can do the math with its 92.2mm bore and 92.7mm stroke if you like. Ford began development on the new engine some two and a half years ago, and it's simply a bored-and-stroked version of the all-aluminum, overhead-cam 4.6-liter Modular V8 first built in Ford's Romeo plant in 1991 and fitted to the Mustang in 1996. And in addition to being a nice round number and a historically significant size, the new 5.0-liter motor is also about as large in displacement as the existing block can go.

Old Number, New Tech
But it's about more than just size. Without the ability to match the displacement of Dodge's 5.7-liter Hemi and, more important, Chevy's 6.2-liter small-block, the Ford team had to work over the engine's breathing capacity and basically throw in all the tech the company has at its disposal in order to compete with the big boys.

Out went the 4.6's SOHC cylinder heads with three valves per cylinder in favor of a DOHC setup with four valves per cylinder (a setup first introduced for the 1996 Mustang SVT Cobra, actually). The Ford engineers say they tried to use the Shelby GT500 heads but couldn't make enough horsepower with them. As it turned out, new heads had to be designed to leave the valley between the cylinder banks as open as possible to maximize space for the new intake system (the alternator has been moved down in front of the engine for the same reason). The combination of a new, composite intake manifold with new tubular exhaust headers significantly improved the engine's breathing.

For improved fuel economy as well as a broader, more drivable toque curve, Ford has added variable cam timing on both the intake and exhaust valves, just as it did for the 3.7-liter V6 that will go into the 2011 Ford Mustang V6. Mike Harrison, chief engineer for the 5.0-liter engine, says the variable cam timing provides a 5 percent improvement in low-end torque, a 2 percent improvement in peak torque and a 7 percent improvement in power. The 5.0-liter V8 makes 390 pound-feet of torque to go with its 412 hp.

Bits & Pieces
As far as the details go, the 5.0-liter V8 features a stout, forged-steel crankshaft and it's got larger bolts for the cross-bolted main bearing caps. Wider crankcase bulkheads lend greater support for the crank as well. Powder-metal-forged connecting rods have floating wrist pins, while oil squirters cool the underside of the piston crowns. The compression ratio is 11.0:1. This new lump continues to use port-type fuel injection instead of direct injection because the engineering team believes that direct injection wouldn't add enough benefit to justify the time and expense of its development.

And for all this, the new 5.0-liter V8 weighs only 10 pounds more than the outgoing 4.6-liter version. And weight, or the relative lack of it, is what has been keeping the Mustang GT in the hunt with the thundering Camaro, despite the relatively weak output of the 4.6-liter V8. Using the data from our 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T comparison test as a baseline, the Mustang now has fewer pounds for each of its horsepower to pull around than the relatively heavy Camaro. With a slight weight gain from its 3,572 pounds in 2010 trim, the new Mustang GT should have a weight-to-power ratio of 8.7 pounds per hp. The Camaro is right around 9.0 pounds per hp and the flabby Challenger R/T is 10.7 pounds per hp.

If a class-leading weight-to-power ratio still seems a bit tame to you, Ford Racing has something right up your alley: the Boss 302R. This dedicated racer will set you back a little more than a standard 2011 GT — like somewhere between $79,000 and $129,000, depending on which racing series you want to run with it. Oh, and it's not what you would call street legal — at all. But its throwback paint scheme and historic name (nabbed from the Bud Moore-built racecar that Parnelli Jones made famous in the 1970 Trans-Am series) are pitch-perfect.

Other Items of Interest in the Appearance and Function of This Automobile
Barring some anomaly, the Mustang should be able to add the title of "quickest pony car" to its resumé once the 2011 version of the GT hits the street — which would be in addition to the title of "most nimble pony car."

Thanks in part to the choice between two new six-speed transmissions (a manual and an automatic), the Mustang will likely be the most fuel-efficient pony car, too, although only by a slight margin. (You'll forgive us, we trust, for waiting until now to discuss pony car fuel economy). Ford estimates a 2011 Mustang GT with the six-speed automatic should get 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. The Camaro SS gets 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and the Challenger gets 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway. And we hope the MT82 six-speed manual transmission will offer better shift feel than the five-speed Tremec of the 2010 model.

In the pursuit of fuel economy, Ford is also switching the Mustang's steering system to electric assist. This is not always a welcome swap, even if it seems increasingly inevitable as manufacturers attempt to squeeze more fuel-efficiency from every package. And we love the way the 2010 Mustang steers. We hope the challenge of meeting the standard set by the current car will make the new system better.

Ford says that more structurally rigid links for the rear axle, tuning of spring and damper rates and more roll stiffness in the rear antiroll bar will improve the vehicle's dynamics and steering response. Again, the 2010 'Stang seems pretty well tuned to us, but we'll see.

Meanwhile, Ford will up the performance ante for the Mustang GT by offering an optional Brembo braking package, which includes 14-inch front rotors along with 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires. (Presumably this will be the model Ford public relations will be handing out when it suspects a comparison test is in the offing.)

Like the 2011 Ford Mustang V6, the Mustang GT convertible also gets a strut-tower brace, a stiffer A-pillar and other items of structural bracing to combat the chop top's noodly nature.

The Mustang's interior has already been reworked for the 2010 model year, and for 2011 it gets a couple more niceties such as sun-visor storage, a universal garage door opener and illuminated visors. So there's that. Also the speedometer now goes to 160 mph and the tachometer redline moves from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.

And — who could forget — the fenders of all 2011 GTs will carry "5.0" badges, just like Mr. Ice prefers. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT goes on sale next spring.

Spy Photos: 2011 Ford Edge

2010-01-04T17:29:00.003-06:00

These are the first photos of the refreshed 2011 Ford Edge, seen on the streets of Dearborn on the same day as the facelifted Lincoln MKX. We expect the 2011 Edge to get its official debut at one of the winter auto shows with sales beginning in the spring of 2010.

You can see that the original Edge's love-it-or-hate-it razor grille has been pruned back on the 2011 model. Though the new grille is still quite large, both it and the new headlamps remind us a little bit of the front end on the Ford Taurus, one of the better looking cars in the Ford lineup.

Around back, the overstyled, clear-lens taillamps we never cared for on earlier Edges give way to more convention red and amber lenses.

Down the side of the 2011 Ford Edge, you'll notice reshaped rear quarter windows that give the illusion of a faster rear roofline and generally help Ford's medium-size crossover appear less boxy and rotund.

The door handles are slightly longer, too, and will apparently will be chrome on some models. And we do hope these wheels are production-spec, too, as they are comfortably un-huge and vaguely reminiscent of the wheels on the Europe-only Focus ST.

Of course, the big news on the refreshed 2011 Edge will undoubtedly be the addition of Ford's twin-turbocharged and direct-injected, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 to the options list. We hope Ford provides bigger brakes to go with the extra horsepower, which is expected to come in around 350.

Ford to upgrade Sync system

2010-01-04T17:20:00.001-06:00

It could be the automobile industry's killer app.

In January, Ford Motor Co. will unveil the latest version of Sync at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including a new feature that will allow the system to work with virtually any application on a motorist's cell phone or music player, according to sources familiar with the company's plans.

That means drivers will be able to stream music from Internet radio service Pandora through their car's stereo or have Sync read incoming messages from their friends on Twitter. They will be able to manage these applications using Sync's voice controls or listen to information using its text-to-speech system. And they will be able to use the many location-specific applications that provide information about nearby businesses and attractions.

"Ford is once again the first to create a new technology," said analyst Mark Boyadjis of iSuppli Corp. "They are the first ones to integrate social media into the automobile."

Sync is the in-car communications and entertainment system that Ford developed with software giant Microsoft Corp. It was introduced in 2007, and Ford promised to add new features on a regular basis.

The Dearborn automaker would not discuss the latest upgrade, but is expected to provide details to journalists later today.

The new feature, known internally as "mobile apps," will be included in vehicles next year, but existing Sync customers will be able to download the upgrade and install it in their vehicle. Unlike the last upgrade that Ford released a year ago, this one likely will come with a price tag attached.

At the heart of the upgrade is a new application programming interface, or API, that Ford will make available to developers, allowing them to easily upgrade their programs to work with Sync.

Ford began offering Sync as an option in 2007, and the system has proven a game-changer for the company. Ford already has sold well over a million units, and 70 percent of customers who buy a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury model elect to purchase Sync. That has helped Ford increase the price it gets for its cars and trucks.

Sync also is attracting new customers. According to the automaker, 32 percent of customers say Sync was a key reason why they bought a Ford product.

"Fords used to be a pretty basic, plain-Jane car," Boyadjis said. "Even the Lincolns were little more than leather and some sound-deadening. Now, their cars are literally at the top of the space when it comes to technology. It has helped Ford gain market share from General Motors and Chrysler."

Microsoft making changes

The upgrade to Sync comes amid major changes this year at Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft. After a decade as a separate business unit, Microsoft's automotive division was folded into its embedded computing division -- a move some observers saw as a sign the software giant was focusing its resources elsewhere.

Not so, says Greg Baribault, director of product planning and marketing for Microsoft's automotive group.

"We were replicating a lot of work that the general embedded computing team was doing," he said, adding that Microsoft often creates stand-alone business units to explore new opportunities and combines them with core parts of its organization once they are proven to be viable.

"As the two grew, it became more and more confusing for customers," he said. "It just didn't make sense to keep these things running independently any more."

Baribault said the automotive business remains important to Microsoft, and the company continues to invest in it, as well as its core home and office businesses.

"The car is a connection point between these two places, and it has really been an island without connectivity," he said. "For Microsoft, the car is a very strategic investment."

Boyadjis said Microsoft is putting a positive spin on its reorganization

"Most people took that as a sign of divestiture rather than investiture," he said. "But I don't think it really limited their ability to service the automotive market. I've seen continual advancement from them."

System is spreading

Ford was not the first automaker to use the Microsoft system. Italy's Fiat SpA introduced a system with the same basic features in Europe in 2006. Now that Fiat controls Chrysler Group LLC, it is working with Microsoft to bring its version to the United States, Baribault said.

It will likely debut on the Fiat 500, which is due to arrive in this country at the end of next year. Existing Chrysler models would not be able to incorporate the system until they are refreshed.

Microsoft also signed a deal with South Korea's Hyundai Kia Automotive Group after its exclusivity agreement with Ford expired at the beginning of 2008, though it has yet to bring a system to market.

"I can't give you a date, but we'll see something from Kia soon," Baribault said. Microsoft is also talking to other automakers and working to provide similar technology to suppliers.

"The recession put a lot of these things on hold," Boyadjis said, though he expects to see other automakers introduce their own systems next year. However, he doubts any of them will pose a serious threat to Ford.

"Ford has taken over a lot of this and created its own ecosystem. It will be more competitive, but I don't think it will overshadow the success that Sync has had," Boyadjis said. "Every year, they're announcing features that are not only groundbreaking, but easily upgradeable."

Baribault said many of Sync's hottest features, like mobile apps, are proprietary additions developed by the automaker.

"They're doing a lot of this without our direct engineering involvement," he said. "We're enabling them to create their own unique applications and provide them to their customers."

FORD FIESTA RACKS UP MORE THAN 1,000 RESERVATIONS, BUILDS ON FIESTA MOMENTUM

2009-12-14T16:35:00.000-06:00

* Ford Fiesta Reservations has more than 1,000 reservations placed since launching just six days ago, showing demand for Ford's newest small car
* Consumers who reserve a new Ford Fiesta will receive SYNC® and Premium Sound package, a $595 value, at no charge once their vehicle is delivered
* Consumers can visit www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta or text "reserve" to 4Ford on a smartphone to build, price and reserve their Fiesta
* The new 2011 Ford Fiesta is projected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg and will offer 15 class-exclusive technologies

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 9, 2009 – The new Ford Fiesta is off to a very fast start – with more than 1,000 reservations in less than a week on a new Web site that allows consumers to build, price and reserve the new car.

"The Fiesta Movement created an unparalleled awareness and interest for the Fiesta months ahead of it going on sale next summer," said Lew Echlin, car marketing communications manager. "Fiesta Reservations provides these prospective customers a customized experience for researching, reserving and following their Fiesta."

The Fiesta Movement helped generate momentum for Fiesta and resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers leading up to the car's reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fiesta Reservations program will hold the interest of potential customers, and give them a VIP experience in conjunction with Ford dealers.

Through the program, consumers who reserve a new Fiesta will receive prioritized order handling with automatic build updates, their personal Fiesta Reservations consultant, and SYNC® and Premium Sound package, worth $595, at no charge once their vehicle is delivered. With a vehicle purchase, participants will be able to share their vehicle information through social media sites like Facebook.

Fiesta reservations have come from 47 states, with customers from California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois leading the way in reservations. The program also will provide Ford with a better understanding of mix rates as well as accessory interest, as this is the first time prospective customers can build and price their Ford accessories.

Customized service at your fingertips
Fiesta Reservations consultants will be available 12 hours a day to interact with participants and provide a personalized experience. Adding to the level of customer convenience, dedicated Fiesta Reservations consultants with multilingual capabilities are available.

Other personalized activities by the consultant include updating a customer's reservation per his or her desire, introducing the customer to a "Fiesta specialist" at a local dealership and answering any customer questions.

Interested consumers can access Fiesta Reservations by visiting www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta or by texting "reserve" to 4Ford on a smartphone.

Ford Flex Singled Out for the 2009 'Collectible Vehicle of the Future' Award from the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC)

2009-12-14T16:32:00.000-06:00

- Panel predicts Flex the vehicle most likely to turn heads at the Woodward Dream Cruise of 2034
- Flex adds this award to almost 40 that it has garnered since its launch in 2008

DETROIT, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From America's new cars and trucks launched in 2009, the Ford Flex will become the most desired by future car collectors. That is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC).

Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" from the year's new American-built cars and trucks. The Ford Flex was selected from eight all-new vehicles launched in 2009.

The award was presented to Ford executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Thursday, Dec. 10 at NAHC quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.

The NAHC is the world's largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories and historic documents is open to the public.

"We are delighted that the Ford Flex has been recognized by the NAHC as having a design that will become a collectible of the future," said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager at Ford.

"We knew from the start that we had a vehicle with stand-out design that looks like nothing else on the road, but that also meets the needs of our customers looking for passenger space with innovative technology and great fuel economy," she said. "Reaction from our customers has been fantastic and we hope they will enjoy their cars long into the future."

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, said, "This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by car buffs who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2034."

Ford's Lincoln MKT crossover SUV rides high with inner style

2009-12-14T16:30:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK — Oh, MKT, how we would love to loathe thee for thy overwrought grille, gratuitous sheet-metal bump, compromised third-row headroom.

But we just can't.

MKT, in case you've lost your way in Lincoln's thicket of MK-something nomenclature, is the Lincoln version of Ford Flex; a full-size crossover SUV.

Usually, hopping back and forth between a Ford and the equivalent Lincoln vehicle leaves you wondering what's the point of the Lincoln.

The Ford's generally as nice if you lard on the options, and hardly anybody has been taking Lincoln seriously as a status brand.

This time it's different, based on impressions from a preproduction MKT test vehicle put to normal daily duty, and driven from Northern Virginia to here and back, and in Manhattan traffic.

The tester had a lovely feel behind the wheel. Calm. Unruffled by most road irregularities. And quiet. Until you nailed the throttle and put the optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 to work. At that point, the big Lincoln broke into a gallop and issued a distant snarl from under the hood that invariably provoked a sly smile from the driver.

The base engine wasn't tested. It's a 3.7-liter V-6 with more power than Ford Flex's 3.5-liter base engine, setting Lincoln apart even at the lower end.

Ford Motor bills the EcoBoost as a V-6 that gives you V-8 power and V-6 mileage, courtesy of direct fuel-injection technology and two turbochargers. But — big but — if you drive it like you'll want to, like the V-8 it credibly apes, then V-6 fuel economy is just another broken auto-industry promise.

MKT steering, brakes and shifting are all responsive and not soggy the way Lincolns' of yore often were. Interior appointments — elegant upholstery, authentic wood trim, harmonized dashboard lighting, general ambience — went together, finally, to craft a distinct personality, something that suggests it could be worthwhile to pay extra for the Lincoln.

"Best interior we've ever done at Lincoln," asserts Frank Davis, executive director of product development for Ford Motor.

Gripe: The third-row seat has a lot less headroom than the Flex does, because of the tucked and tightened rear styling, vs. Flex's box shape.

Ford Flex, driven briefly for comparison, felt — sorry, Ford — really brittle, down-market, cheesy stacked up against the Lincoln. Doors didn't open and close with the same premium, high-quality feel. Surfaces didn't seem as high-end. Noise levels were higher.

You have to make peace with MKT's oversize grille, of course. Lincoln calls it a "bow wave" grille. "We felt it would be a look we could grow the brand with," says Pat Schiavone, Ford Motor design director.

Another identity element Lincoln is reviving is what Schiavone calls a haunch. It's a kick-up or shoulder at the rear edge of the back door. He says it harkens to the Lincoln Continental of the 1960s, among others.

Can't live on heritage alone. These days, gotta have the techno goods. MKT surely does, and here's a breathtaking development: They seemed to work well. MKT gave you no sense that the engineers did things just because they could.

Best example: Active Park Assist, a self-parking option. Whips into a parallel-parking spot faster than you could, and better. Tried it in Midtown Manhattan traffic and delayed other drivers barely long enough to get a honk.

Lexus pioneered such a system, but that one is cumbersome compared with MKT's.

In the Lincoln, you push a button to tell the system you're cruising for docking space. It uses ultrasonic waves to find a hole big enough, and alerts you via text in the driver information center. It tells you just where to stop, invites you to select reverse, and instructs you to touch nothing but the brakes.

In the oft-cited two shakes of a lamb's tail, MKT spun the steering wheel one way, then the other and was tucked in remarkably close to the curb.

MKT, like other Ford Motor models, has an option that looks sideways when you back out of a conventional parking spot to alert you if cross traffic is barreling along and might not notice you in time. Handy in the mall at holiday-shopping time when crazed drivers are speeding to grab that parking spot coming open 100 yards down the line.

Adaptive cruise control, an option getting common throughout the premium brands, lets you specify a following distance and will yank the rig down smartly if someone cuts in front and leaves too little space. When there's little traffic, it maintains a set speed, like an ordinary cruise, kicking into distance mode when traffic tightens. You can't shut off the distance mode and use the system solely as a conventional speed-based cruise.

Small but important details were nicely done. Instrument lighting, for example, was a crystal white; no sparkle, just presence.

Two things say that Lincoln's finally sure of itself:

•No chrome wheels; you get polished aluminum for shine. Chrome's a bit tacky, Schiavone says.

•No more "Lincoln" badge on the console.

The MKT is a bit hard to embrace at first glance. But inside, things are so remarkably right, you don't care about the outside.

It's breathtaking, and presumptuous on Lincoln's part, to note that the full-boat model is some $61,000. On the other hand, you can get a very nice one for $50,000 (roughly $5,000 more than a similar Flex) — still a lot but not quite as ridiculous for those luxury shoppers who want a big crossover.

MKT really does put Lincoln back in the luxury category and might be the first big step toward rescuing — redeeming? — the brand. Don't laugh. General Motors did it to Cadillac.

2010 LINCOLN MKT

•What? Full-size, six- or seven-passenger crossover-utility vehicle derived from the Ford Flex. Available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

•When? On sale since September.

•Where? Manufactured at Oakville, Ontario, using Ohio-made engines, in a factory that also builds the Flex.

•How much? Base FWD starts at $44,995 including $795 shipping; AWD starts at $46,990. EcoBoost, available only with AWD, is $49,995. About $61,000 with all factory options.

•How powerful? Standard: 3.7-liter V-6 rated 268 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, 267 pounds-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Available FWD or AWD. Optional: 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 rated 355 hp at 5,700 rpm, 350 lbs.-ft. at 1,500 rpm; comes only with AWD.

All use six-speed automatic transmissions with manual-shift mode.

•How big? Less than an inch shorter, about three inches narrower, than Lincoln Navigator large SUV. MKT is 207.6 inches long, 76 in. wide, 67.4 in. tall on a 117.9-in. wheelbase. Weighs 4,680 to 4,924 lbs. Passenger space: 114.9 cubic feet. Cargo: 17.9 cu. ft. behind third row, 39.6 cu. ft. when third row's folded, 75.9 with second and third rows folded.

Tows up to 4,500 lbs. Turning circle diameter, 40.7 ft. curb-to-curb.

•How thirsty? FWD rated 17 miles per gallon in town, 23 on the highway, 19 in combined driving. AWD models: 16/22/18.

Trip computer in EcoBoost AWD test vehicle showed 16.4 mpg (6.1 gallons per 100 miles) in mixed city, suburban use; 19.2 mpg (5.21 gal./100 miles) in high-speed interstate highway driving.

Ford specifies regular for both engines but says EcoBoost needs premium to get the advertised power. Ford won't say how much power the EcoBoost engine loses on the lower-octane fuel.

Tank holds 18.6 gallons

•Overall: What a pleasant surprise. Finally, a machine with the distinction and premium feel a Lincoln should have.

Ford Tough to Beat

2009-12-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

The good news keeps on rolling in for Ford. After recently snagging Motor Trend's Car of the Year title for the Ford Fusion, that very same model has been awarded the Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) Car of the Year award. And the newly redesigned Ford Taurus (pictured) now has a trophy of its own, being named the 2010 International Car of the Year by the International Car and Truck of the Year (ICOTY) jury at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show.

On the truck side of things, "Like a Rock" and "Built Ford Tough" have given way to understated Swedish luxury and Truth in Engineering. The Volvo XC60 walked away with the Truck of the Year award for the ICOTY, while the Audi Q7 took the EWP's top truck honors.

Most Reliable Cars

2009-12-14T16:07:00.000-06:00

Paying more for a new car doesn't guarantee better reliability. As a group, inexpensive small cars and midsized family sedans are the most reliable. That's one of the findings of our 2009 Annual Auto Survey, based on our subscribers' experiences with 1.4 million vehicles.

Small cars stand out. Twenty of 37 small cars have above-average predicted-reliability scores. Family cars fare nearly as well, with 21 out of 41 scoring above average. Other interesting findings include the following:

* A wide gulf separates the best from the worst. The least reliable vehicle, the Volkswagen Touareg, is 27 times more likely to have a problem than the most reliable car, the Honda Insight.
* Ford is tops among the domestic automakers. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan once again beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The upscale Lincoln MKZ beat its rivals, the Acura TL and Lexus ES.
* Even good brands falter. Among the least reliable in their respective classes are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, the Nissan Versa sedan and the Subaru Impreza WRX.
* Five of the eight most reliable family cars are hybrids.

But reliability isn't everything. Some very reliable models do not perform well enough in our road tests for us to recommend them. One example is the Toyota Yaris: Its ironclad reliability doesn't make up for its below-average performance. The same applies to the Honda Insight and the Volvo S40, one of the most reliable nonhybrid family cars.

For full reliability charts and predicted reliability on hundreds of 2010 models, plus a list of what's up and what's down, visit ConsumerReports.org.

Ford Dominates the Domestics
Ford has consolidated its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability. Of the 51 Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products that we surveyed, 46 — or about 90 percent — are average or better, including the new Ford Flex SUV. But the Lincoln division has mixed results; some models score below their Ford equivalents. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKZ, essentially high-end versions of the Ford Taurus, Edge and Fusion, respectively, are all below average.

GM shed the Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn brands after emerging from bankruptcy. It now consists of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Of the 48 models we surveyed from those brands, 20 have average scores, and only the Malibu v6 sedan is better than average.

Some newer GM products are bright spots. In addition to the Malibu, the Buick Lucerne did well in our road tests, and it scores average in reliability. The Chevrolet Traverse SUV also makes the cut, as does its cousin, the Buick Enclave, but only in the all-wheel-drive version. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, two good performers, earn our recommendation as well. GM has a number of strong contenders either just released or in the pipeline, but they are too new for us to have reliability data on them.

We recommend the Pontiac Vibe, the V8 version of the Pontiac G8, and the Saturn Aura, which have average or better reliability. Some of those cars can still be found on dealer lots.

As for Chrysler, we couldn't recommend any of its products in last year's survey because of mediocre performance, poor reliability, or both. Now we can recommend one: the four-wheel-drive version of the redesigned Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. It did well in our road tests and rates average in reliability. Still, more than one-third of Chrysler products are much worse than average, including its new car-based SUV, the Dodge Journey.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Wins Most Environmentally Progressive Car Of The Year

2009-12-08T16:45:00.000-06:00

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid today was named Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power™ (EWP) at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The award is designed to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that helps to reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment, and support the mission to achieve energy through alternative sources.

"Ford’s Fusion Hybrid sedan has the styling punch of a powerhouse with authority built into the design," said Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com and one of 19 national automotive editors and journalists who selected the winner of the EWP award. "With unsurpassed fuel economy, this car has real ecological know-how. We call it purity on wheels."

The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

"Ford has worked diligently to make the Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan," said Jonathan Richards, Fusion marketing manager. "It is very gratifying to see our hard work recognized by some of the most prominent automotive journalists in the country through the EWP award." The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been a strong seller since its introduction earlier this year. Hybrid sales account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales, and the majority of those sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

In addition to the EWP award, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was recently named one of CAR and DRIVER’s "10Best" cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup was honored with the prestigious MOTOR TREND 2010 Car of the Year Award®.

LA Auto Show: Ford Fiesta

2009-12-08T16:37:00.001-06:00

Ford is to sell four-door saloon (sedan) and five-door hatchback versions of its latest Fiesta in the US, the company announced this week during the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The US-spec Fiesta was unveiled at the show, with a 1.6-liter petrol engine claimed to give 40mpg potential. The car will also be available with Ford's PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission – a five-speed manual transmission is standard – and electrically assisted power steering.

Five-door hatchback versions will be familiar to Europian buyers, who have already bought more than 500,000 examples, but the four-door saloon version is unique to the US market.

Ford promises "fun with fuel efficiency" for the car. "The Fiesta sets a new standard for delivering an expressive and desirable small car in the US," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "We're continuing to build on Fiesta's worldwide momentum to deliver a new generation of small cars for a new generation of North American customers."

It is fitted with the same 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine developing 120PS that powers range-topping versions in Europe. Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) has allowed this advanced engine to be downsized for fuel economy, while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.

A Hill Start Assist function is new to this segment. This sensor-based system will "hold" the brakes for an instant to prevent rollback when stopping or starting from rest on an incline. Employing a digital accelerometer to measure slope incline, the system activates automatically when the incline exceeds 3 per cent.

The North American Fiesta shares the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) of its European relation, which reduces complexity while saving weight and fuel. This speed-sensitive system provides assistance according to speed, cornering forces, acceleration or deceleration.

"For North America, the global Fiesta was tweaked, not redesigned or redeveloped." said Steve Pintar, chief engineer for the US model. "We built on the success of the European Fiesta and are really proud of how little has changed."

2011 Ford Fiesta Aims at 40 mpg

2009-12-02T16:41:00.001-06:00

Looks like: An attractive global Ford small car gets Americanized

Drivetrain: 119-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Hits dealerships: Spring 2010

We have all the details on the U.S. version of Ford’s global small car, the Fiesta, but the feature that stands out above all others is its mileage. A special SFE Package is predicted to get 30/40 mpg city/highway, making it the second-most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car on the market. The Smart ForTwo is the most efficient.

The Fiesta’s other transmission options include a standard five-speed manual transmission, which returns 29/38 mpg, and a six-speed automatic that gets 30/38 mpg without the SFE Package. The high mileage is attributed to the advanced engine that puts out 119 horsepower. The Toyota Yaris gets 29/36 mpg with just 106 hp.

The Fiesta comes in S, SE, SEL and SES trim levels. The S comes as only a sedan, the SE comes as either a sedan or five-door hatchback, the SEL as only a sedan and the SES as a five-door hatchback.
Going with the base S won’t get you much: air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with an MP3 jack (no CD player), 15-inch steel wheels and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. While it doesn’t say it in the press release, it seems this model will have manual windows. All Fiestas also come with seven airbags, including a front knee airbag for the driver.

SE models add keyless entry, 15-inch aluminum wheels for the sedan or 16-inch aluminum wheels for the coupe, a CD player, visor mirrors, power windows with automatic driver’s button and metallic interior trim. There are a number of option packages for the SE, which will likely be the most popular trim level.

Both the SEL and SES will come with a premium six-speaker stereo with Sync and steering-wheel controls, ambient lighting, LED headlights, heated exterior mirrors with turn-signal indicators and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

The design of the sedan adds a small three-bar chrome grille. The hatchback carries more of the look of the global Fiesta but also adds some shiny parts on the lower part of the front end.

With the varying levels of equipment, we’re guessing the Fiesta will have a very low starting price for the S model that will quickly increase in the higher trims. If it can compete with the Yaris and Honda Fit on price, it looks like the mileage figure alone will be enough to get shoppers’ attention.

Sneak Peak of 2011 Ford Fiesta Before LA Auto Show

2009-12-01T16:46:00.002-06:00

Ford have been teasing the U.S. market with the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta for some time now, earlier this year those who attended the Chicago Auto Show could get up close to the car. Now those who attend the LA Auto Show later this week will also get to see the small car.

Ford will be throwing a party as well as officially unveiling the launch of the North American version of the Ford Fiesta. Autoblog managed to get a sneak peak of the vehicle and all the rumors were correct.

There were reports that the 2011 Ford Fiesta would come with the U.S.-style three-bar grille, but looking at the latest images, it is not present. There are two body styles, hatchback and sedan.

There were worries that the U.S. version of the Fiesta would loose the styling of the European version, thankfully this has not happened.

2011 Ford Mustang may get up to 30 mpg

2009-12-01T16:31:00.002-06:00

The base model of the 2011 Ford Mustang will come with nearly GT power and could get up to 30 miles per gallon in highway driving, Ford Motor Co. announced today.

Ford will debut a new V-6 engine for the sports car this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show and says it will give the basic Mustang power to rival the performance-oriented Mustang GT, which has a V-8 under its hood.

The 3.7-liter powerplant, which replaces the 4-liter V-6 now in Mustangs, will produce 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque while also offering better gas mileage.

Ford projects the engine will get 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2010 Mustang's 4-liter engine creates 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The new Mustangs will be available at dealerships in the spring.

Stephanie Brinley, an automotive analyst at Southfield-based consulting firm AutoPacific Inc., said the additional power catches the Mustang up to the V-6 Chevrolet Camaro and should help it stay at the top in pony car sales next year.

"The V-6 Mustang is Ford's best-selling Mustang and this is a lighter car, so it should feel faster," she said. "For people looking for these kinds of cars, Mustang is still the place to go."

According to Autodata Corp., which compiles car sales statistics, Ford sold 56,469 Mustangs through October, down 32.4 percent from the same period last year.

The Mustang remains about 8,000 units ahead of the Camaro, which was reintroduced this year by General Motors Co.

The new powertrain suggests that the GT will have to show some big improvements soon, Brinley added.

The 2010 GT with a 4.6-liter V-8 produces 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque gets 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

By raising the base model's vitals and performance level, Ford likely will have to do the same to the 2011 GT, though the carmaker has not announced a new powertrain for that car.

The V-6 Mustang will come with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, dropping its well-used five-speed.

Ford has promised to include six-speed transmissions on 90 percent of its vehicles by 2013 in another effort to make its vehicles more fuel efficient.

The new Mustang V-6 engine, built in Cleveland, boasts a number of high-tech features such as variable camshaft timing and variable valve overlap to improve the car's emissions, fuel economy and power. Ford has dubbed the system Ti-VCT.

"Drivers are going to notice improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy and peak horsepower," Jim Mazuchowski, Ford's manager of V-6 powertrain operations, said in a news release. "Plus, there are benefits they won't notice, too, such as reduced emissions overall, especially at part-throttle."

Ti-VCT can lower the engine's emissions by controlling the NOx -- nitrogen oxide -- and hydrocarbons.

Ford will also announce at the Los Angeles show that it will introduce a performance package for the V-6 Mustang.

It will include a different rear axle for faster off-the-line acceleration, struts, stabilizer bars and brakes from the GT, unique badges and other features.

The performance V-6 Mustang will be available at dealers in the summer.

Ford fixes its own problems

2009-11-25T17:01:00.001-06:00

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."

Ford leads 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick list with 6, Toyota doesn’t cut it

2009-11-18T19:46:00.000-06:00

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.

Ford Van to Go All-Electric in 2010

2009-11-18T16:54:00.001-06:00

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.

Fewer Vehicles Earn Safety Label With Rollover Test

2009-11-18T16:05:00.000-06:00

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.

Ford to use wheat straw plastic in 2010

2009-11-17T18:37:00.000-06:00

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 Adds Two Wind Turbines to Power Belgium Plant

2009-11-17T17:35:00.001-06:00

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.

Ford Fusion Named Motor Trend Car of the Year

2009-11-17T17:33:00.001-06:00

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.

McCain says Chrysler unlikely to survive

2009-11-16T17:49:00.000-06:00

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?"

Ford Taurus - America's Most Innovative Sedan - Named 'Official Car' of the 2010 International cES

2009-11-16T17:48:00.001-06:00

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."

Clearly Ford Has a Winner: 2010 Fusion Hybrid Extended Test Drive

2009-11-09T17:09:00.002-06:00

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.

Electric-powered Ford Transit Connect will go 80 miles between charges, other Ford electric vehicle plans revealed

2009-11-09T17:03:00.001-06:00

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.

Seatbelts With Airbags? Ford Believes It's The Future of Safety

2009-11-09T16:31:00.001-06:00

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.

Conan checks out the brand new Ford Taurus SHO, and compares it to his old one!

2009-11-09T16:14:00.001-06:00

To watch the video visit:

http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/taurus-vs-taurus-102909/1170963/

Catch a break

2009-11-09T16:13:00.002-06:00

Ford lauded for 'world-class' reliability

2009-11-09T16:10:00.000-06:00

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.

SEMA 2009: Ford Cobra Jet Mustang

2009-11-04T17:01:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Ford's new models lead to stronger October sales

2009-11-04T16:30:00.002-06:00

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.

SEMA 2009: Ford Unveils 411-hp F-150 SVT Raptor and 500-hp FR Raptor XT for Off Road Racing

2009-11-04T16:20:00.003-06:00

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

2009-11-04T16:16:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-04T16:12:00.001-06:00

Visit this website to learn more:
http://www.autonews.com/ANplayer.html?bcpid=16971613001&bclid=1886195491&bctid=48238224001

Chrysler sales collapse heightens need for product

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-06:00

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.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

2009-10-28T16:58:00.001-05:00

Best labeled a luxury sport sedan, the SHO is the performance black sheep in the all-new Taurus family. It couples the near-luxury trim of a high-end Taurus Limited with outstanding turbocharged power and tautly athletic handling. It also draws a line in the powertrain sand with the introduction of Ford's all-new EcoBoost engine, a fuel-efficient combination of direct fuel injection and turbocharging. This is Ford's critical near-term strategy to handle the fuel-economy, emissions and power maelstrom — and it works.

Model Lineup
As the performance offshoot of the all-new 2010 Taurus, the Taurus SHO is a stand-alone model. Minimal badging identifies the SHO, which will be spotted only by those in the know. Outside, minor brightwork details are found in the grille, along with SHO badges in the quarter windows, a small rear spoiler and twin tailpipes. All sheet metal is shared with the standard Taurus.

Already stuffed with premium materials, the SHO offers but three option packages. The first we expect to find on nearly all SHOs. It includes a moonroof, a 390-watt 12-speaker Sony sound system and heated and cooled front seats for $2,000.

The second option package is luxury-oriented at $3,000 and offers a power rear sunshade, heated rear seats, adjustable pedals, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, the trick radar-guided Blind Spot and Cross Traffic Alert functions, along with a rearview camera — not many excuses for backing into a pole with this.

Most to our liking is the Performance Package. Built around higher-grip Goodyear F1 summer tires on unique 20-inch wheels, the Performance Package delivers improved brake pads, sport tuning on the suspension, electric steering assist, an off switch for the traction control and a lower 3.16:1 final drive ratio. Enthusiast drivers will definitely want the Performance version, since it sharpens response and glides on smooth pavement. But frost heaves mean a mandatory test drive to ensure an acceptable ride — it's a firmer ride than the standard SHO, which is in turn firmer than the standard Taurus.

Under the Hood
The heart of the SHO is its high-tech twin-turbocharged direct-fuel-injected 4-valve 4-cam 3.5-liter V6. Belting out 102 more horsepower than the Taurus' rank-and-file 3.5 liter, the SHO engine whips up a horse a day: 365 horsepower. Even better, its boost "curve" is actually a massive 350 lb-ft shelf that magically punts the SHO into motion, and its fuel economy is a mile or two better per gallon than the competition's, at 25 mpg on the highway. Credit the low fuel burn to direct injection, which squirts fuel directly into the cylinders, allowing a higher, more efficient compression ratio.

All SHOs are full-time all-wheel drive, too. This squelches all traction worries, either from power-induced wheelspin or nasty weather. Another given is the 6-speed automatic transmission. Both center console and paddle shifting are provided.

Noteworthy as well is the stiff unibody chassis. This supports the extra precision provided by the SHO's electrically assisted power steering, along with the sport sedan's stiffer suspension tuning. Performance all-season 255/45VR-19 tires are standard, with 20-inch summer tires on the Performance Package.

Inner Space
Ford designers pressed for a dramatic, twin-cockpit interior for the new Taurus, and they got it. With its dramatically sloping dashboard and strong detailing, there was little need to amp up the interior spectacle for the SHO. Compared with the regular Taurus, the SHO's standard leather seats sport suede inserts, as does the steering wheel. Finally, the SHO pedals wear aluminum pads. That's about it for SHO interior perks.

SHO seating is comfortable, if not overly bolstered against cornering loads. Generous tilt and telescoping steering, plus no-excuses seat travel, seat massage and seat heating and cooling accommodate nearly everyone in comfort. Rear-seat room is also better than expected, and trunk room is spacious in this full-size car.

On the Road
SHO owners love surprising the unwary with unexpected speed and stability, both highlights of the new car. Throttle response is immediate and torque generous, so the heavy SHO feels lighter and more dexterous than it should. And yes, it's downright fast. Pleasant mechanical sounds emanate from the engine compartment at full throttle, but turbo noise is nonexistent. In fact, with the turbos hidden low against the engine and invisible during underhood inspections, there's little chance of guessing the engine is turbocharged.

The paddle shifters — of limited usefulness on the standard Taurus — feel natural and are put to constant use on the SHO because the responsively tuned chassis encourages driver engagement. We wish the paddle shifters didn't travel with the wheel, because they get lost to the driver in tight turns, but generally they work well. Almost all downshifts and lightly loaded upshifts are butter smooth, but hard-charging acceleration brings on distinct shift feel. Left in automatic mode, the 6-speed transmission selects gears intelligently and quickly.

Steering precision is good and the chassis is stable. The quiet cabin provides something of a detached driving experience, and a 4,300-pound sedan can be only so agile on twisting country lanes. Still, the enthusiast driver feels rewarded on challenging roads because of precise steering, never-ending traction and ample, torquey power. High-speed cross-country jaunts are the SHO's natural habitat, and with its coddling interior, it makes a good, albeit large, commuter.

Thanks to the AWD, the SHO provides tenacious, reassuring grip on wet roads and even more grip when the sun comes out. The feel is of a well-balanced rear-drive sedan with high limits. It takes racetrack antics to lose traction, and there are plenty of electronic aids to help should things degrade that far.

Ride quality is better than expected, the important variable being the road. Smooth pavement definitely is smooth, and little jitters are ably dampened, but sharp-edged imperfections will undeniably distract.

Right for You?
Abstain from the option sheet and the $37,995 Taurus SHO is an especially good performance-car buy. But splurge on all the options and your bargain performance sedan arcs into the $45,000 troposphere. That price excludes many enthusiasts, but compared with its Audi A6, Cadillac STS and perhaps Chrysler 300C or Lincoln MKS competition, the SHO is either tens of thousands of dollars less expensive or offers so much performance, style and fuel economy that there really is no comparison. Like its V6 and V8 predecessors, the SHO cuts its own niche, appealing to those who have an appreciation for nicer things, but who also revel in hearty performance and don't want to spend a bundle or attract undue attention in the process.

Ford Racing Announces Limited Edition (50 units) 2010 Boss 302R Mustang

2009-10-27T18:50:00.001-05:00

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mustang Boss 302's iconic 1970 Trans-Am championship, and to build
on the success of the Mustang FR500C (winner of 2005/2008/2009 Grand-Am Championships), Ford Racing is
proud to announce the development of a new race-prepared road racing Mustang – the 2010 Ford Racing
Boss 302R. Details of this exciting program have already begun to surface, and we want to ensure our dealers
hear about it from us first.

The Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302R will be a factory-built race car, ready for track days and road racing in a
number of SCCA and NASA classes. An optional Grand-Am Homologation Package will be available for the
Grand-Am KONI Challenge series. While details are intentionally limited at this time, the following should help
you assess the product and its appeal.

Program Intent
• Continue the winning tradition of Mustang racing
• Build limited to 50 units
• Off-road only (VIN replaced by serial number)
• Estimated pricing, $75,000 WD, $79,000 MSRP
• Build/delivery in 3rd -4th Qtr 2010
• Ford Racing Part #: M-FR500-BOSSR

Optional - Grand-Am Homologation Package
2010 Grand-Am spec/approved package (Part Number: M-FR500-BOSSR1) for KONI Challenge includes:
• Sealed high output race engine with upgraded cooling system
• Close ratio 6-speed transmission with integral shifter
• Seam-welded body
• Race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning
• Race wheels/tires
• Race performance exhaust
• High speed balance 1-piece driveshaft
• Racing fuel cell
• Race data acquisition
• Grand-Am spec vehicle is estimated to be $129,000 MSRP ($124,000 WD)

Orders / Feedback
• Vehicle orders should be placed with the Ford Racing warehouse, 800-367-3786.
o Priority delivery will be given to multiple vehicle orders.
o An "off-road only" competition release will be required prior to delivery of the race car to the dealer.
• Production of only 50 units is under consideration for 2010, so dealers are encouraged to submit their
orders before December 31, 2009.
• Questions about ordering should be directed to Wayne Geoffrey (wgeoffre@ford.com).

Vehicle Content:
• 400 hp (est.) 5.0L 4V engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Roll cage
• Race dampers/springs, brakes, tire
• Race seats, safety harness

Plug-In Cars Are Almost Here, but Charging Stations Lag

2009-10-21T19:49:00.001-05:00

DETROIT — Even though several automakers plan to begin selling electric vehicles next year, their sales may be limited by the lack of a national infrastructure to support them, speakers at a conference here on plug-in cars said on Wednesday.

Utilities that serve most of the nation’s electricity customers said they were aware of the issue, and would take several steps, including working to help develop plans for charging stations, and would use battery-powered vehicles themselves.

Among the biggest challenges for automakers is overcoming consumers’ fears of becoming stranded with a dead battery — what the industry calls “range anxiety.”

“This isn’t just an experiment for us,” said William Clay Ford Jr., Ford Motor’s executive chairman. “We can provide the vehicles; we can provide the hardware. But we cannot unilaterally solve all of the national issues.”

Though automakers are testing numerous propulsion technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, batteries are seen as the most promising near-term answer for reducing oil imports and emissions. President Obama has called for a million plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to be on the nation’s highways by 2015.

To encourage adoption of electric vehicles, charging stations that follow a nationwide standard eventually will be needed at every shopping mall, parking garage and apartment building and at countless other locations, said Anthony F. Earley Jr., the chief executive of DTE Energy in Detroit.

“The beauty of electricity is it’s already there,” said Mr. Earley, who also is chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, which represents publicly traded utility companies in the United States. “If we change the building codes to say every time you build an apartment building, build in a charging station, that is not a large cost, as opposed to telling every gas station to put in a hydrogen tank just in case we might need hydrogen later on. So we’ve kind of got a jump-start.”

Among the issues that utilities hope to address are how to keep electric vehicles from overloading the electrical system, especially as their numbers grow.

“The last thing you want is millions of electric vehicles plugged in at 5 o’clock on a hot summer afternoon when the grid is already being taxed,” Mr. Earley said.

Ford is one of several carmakers with concrete plans for electric vehicles in the near future. It intends to start selling a battery-powered version of its Transit Connect commercial van next year, followed by an electric Ford Focus sedan in 2011 and other plug-in vehicles in later years.

Nissan is introducing its electric car, the Leaf, to businesses next year and to consumers by 2012. General Motors plans to sell its Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in vehicle with a range-extending gasoline engine, late next year.

Once an infrastructure starts to develop, electric vehicles are expected to grow in popularity — not just because of their environmental benefits, but also because they cost less to operate than a gas-powered vehicle.

“The price in the future is going to be cents per mile, said Tom Kuhn, the Edison Electric Institute’s president. “It’s not miles per gallon.”

NASCAR-Version Mustang Unveiled

2009-10-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Ford will enter a new version of its Mustang in select races in next year's second-tier NASCAR Nationwide Series. The car was unveiled in a ceremony in Charlotte Tuesday.

Dodge is expected to race a version of its own iconic 2+2, the Challenger, next year as the Daytona Beach, Florida-based sanctioning body attempts to reinvent its junior division, previously known as the Busch Series. The new car will be used in four races, starting with the July 2 race at Daytona International Speedway.

"It's been a long project that we've worked on, changing the identity of the Nationwide Series, giving us our own look and our own unique competition out on the racetrack," series director Joe Balash told the Charlotte Observer.

For the past decade and a half, the cars competing in the series were nearly identical to the top-level Sprint Cup Series machines with only minor variations in dimensions and engine components.

The Nationwide Series car remains similar to the old Cup car, predecessor to the new model introduced in 2007 and labeled the Car of Tomorrow, or COT. The new Cup car was introduced in 16 selected events in 2007 and last year became the standard piece.

Roush Fenway Racing provided the model that was unveiled. The No. 16 car will be driven by Colin Braun.

The car is designed to bear a stronger resemblance to its production counterpart than other NASCAR machines. It will utilize a traditional blade rear spoiler, unlike the wing spoiler on the Cup COT, but will have a front splitter similar to the COT's.

Chevrolet has no plans to use NASCAR to market its reprised Camaro, and Toyota, the fourth manufacturer participating in NASCAR's national series, does not have a representative with the heritage of the U.S.'s "Big Three" automakers. They will continue to race the Impala and Camry body styles, modified to new Nationwide Series rules.

Ford commits to new vehicles at U.S. plants

2009-10-20T16:27:00.001-05:00

Ford Motor Co. has promised the United Auto Workers that its U.S. plants will receive a flurry of new vehicles, transmissions and other work during the next few years, while refusing so far to allocate new products to two Canadian plants.

Three Ford assembly plants – in Chicago, Louisville, Ky., and Wayne, Mich. – will begin building new vehicles in the next two years, and a commercial van called the Transit Connect that is now imported from Europe will be built at a UAW plant if North American assembly becomes necessary, according to investment commitments contained in a new contract between Ford and the union.

“The company reaffirmed its commitment to the UAW and its manufacturing presence in the U.S.,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford's group vice-president of global manufacturing, said in a letter to UAW officials that is part of the new contract.

The Canadian Auto Workers will seek similar investment promises when contract talks between the union and Ford resume next week, CAW president Ken Lewenza said on Monday.

“We'll ask for the same ratio of support in Canada,” Mr. Lewenza said, although he added that the CAW's analysis of the UAW deal is that promises of new products simply repeat commitments Ford has already made to the U.S. union.

The key demand from the CAW is that Ford maintain 13 per cent of its North American manufacturing footprint in Canada.

Ford refused to do that in talks that broke off last month and has said it has no new products for an assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ont., and an engine plant in Windsor, Ont.

The CAW and industry analysts and sources believe Ford will close the St. Thomas plant when it stops building the full-sized Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car in 2011.

In Windsor, Ford has reopened the Essex Engine Plant, but at the nearby Windsor Engine Plant, “all of the component allocations have been made and there isn't any more in the cupboard,” Mr. Lewenza said.

Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. would not comment.

The UAW tactic of securing new investments in return for concessions on wages, cuts in benefits and surrendering the right to strike over wages in the next round of negotiations, mirrors one adopted by Mr. Lewenza's predecessor Buzz Hargrove during the 1990s.

Mr. Hargrove managed to lever promises of new products or large capital investments out of each of the Detroit Three during several rounds of bargaining in the 1990s and this decade. Some of those commitments were broken as markets changed.

The CAW approach of bargaining to win new investments “now makes perfect business and political sense,” given that the UAW has endured more than 100 plant shutdowns in recent years, said Sean McAlinden, executive vice-president of research and chief economist of the Center for Automotive Studies, an industry think tank based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The UAW contract says that assembling a new Focus compact beginning next year at Michigan Assembly Plant will add 200 jobs, a new vehicle in Chicago will add 300 jobs there, and a new vehicle in Louisville in 2011 will add more jobs.

Among Ford's engine, transmission and components plants, one in Ypsilanti, Mich., will assembly battery packs for hybrid-electric vehicles.

Sources said the Michigan Assembly Plant will also begin assembling the C-Max minivan now imported from Europe, while the vehicle earmarked for Louisville is the Ford Kuga, a compact crossover utility vehicle.

Second Drive: 2010 Ford Flex SEL EcoBoost

2009-10-19T17:03:00.001-05:00

Second Drive: 2010 Ford Flex SEL EcoBoost
Swift and Stylish: The Crossover for Moving People in a Hurry
/ By Zach Gale

Amidst a virtual sea of conservative crossovers, the Ford Flex EcoBoost stands out for its unmistakable design and an engine producing enough power to actually make this people-mover fun.

Drive the Ford up a freeway onramp and you’ll understand: This EcoBoosted Flex is fast. Should you decide to pass a slower crossover (most in this price range are), the Flex will respond – after a moment’s hesitation – with 355 horsepower that will put a smile on your face until passengers start wondering why they’re in such a hurry.

Of course, Ford’s now familiar EcoBoost engine gets full credit for the much-improved acceleration. The engine, which also appears in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex-based Lincoln MKT, is a direct-injection V-6 with twin turbos. Over the regular AWD Flex, the EcoBoost engine adds 93 horsepower but matches the fuel economy: 16/22 mpg city/highway.

Well, on paper, it’s the same rating. Although our mix of city and highway driving yielded about 17 mpg from a possibly optimistic trip computer, lead feet attracted to the EcoBoost model should expect fuel economy on the lower end of the range.

If you’re worried about fuel economy, there’s always the front-drive, non-EcoBoost Flex, with a 17/24-mpg city/highway rating, in line with the competition. Go that route and you’ll save quite a bit of money too. The least expensive Flex EcoBoost is $39,995, not exactly a screaming deal but significantly less than the Lincoln MKT EcoBoost, which starts at $49,995. Topline Limited Flexes add HID headlights, LED taillights, a navigation system with eight-inch screen, and what Ford calls a “satin-aluminum liftgate applique.”

All Flex owners should consider whether they truly appreciate the bold styling since the next-generation Explorer isn’t too far off. The new Explorer will likely have improved fuel economy, a third-row option, and an EcoBoost engine wrapped in more traditional SUV styling. The Flex, with its $395 white- or silver-colored roof, recalls the Mini Cooper more than a basic two-box SUV.

Of course, successful crossovers do more than just go fast and look good. For the most part, the Flex is family-friendly. The ride is comfortable, yet there’s enough room for improvement here so the Lincoln MKT can distinguish itself from the Flex. Handling is predictable for a vehicle this size: Take it easy around corners, and the Flex will respond positively. Its low-effort steering is acceptable for this class, though we would appreciate more brake feel. The brake pedal has too much travel before anything actually happens.

The Flex can function as a potential replacement vehicle for those who want to step down from a tall SUV or up from a car. The second row can seat two passengers in captain’s chairs or three across if seven-passenger capability is desired. Be careful with the one-touch folding and manually adjustable second-row seats, though, as the ones on our tester were far too quick to fold forward.

Access to the third-row seats is easy enough, and once you’re back there, Flexes without the Vista Roof (sunroof up front, two small skylights in the second row, and one large skylight for third row passengers) have adequate headroom. The Flex is about as tall as a Toyota Highlander but 2.4 inches shorter than a Chevrolet Traverse and 3 inches shorter than a Honda Pilot. With the Flex about 2.5 inches narrower than the Pilot and the Traverse, the Ford isn’t more difficult than you’d expect to park. We’d like to see Ford use body-color sensors in the Reverse Sensing System which is standard equipment on every Flex.

We might not use the word “premium” to describe the interior, but quality is still high. Once you’re accustomed to the controls, they’re intuitive. In six-passenger models like our $41,850 Flex EcoBoost SEL, second-row armrests should be standard equipment even without the second-row floor-console option selected. A second-row refrigerated compartment is also available: It’ll cool drinks down to 23 degrees.

The Flex EcoBoost is a thoroughly competent carpool-ready vehicle with enough power to make you temporarily forget how large the Ford really is. Crossover shoppers who want to blend in should look elsewhere.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Review

2009-10-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

Ford Fusion Hybrid review provides additional information on price and mileage. The 2010 Ford Fusion is a hybrid car that is equipped with an instrument panel designed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

By: John Lester

Review - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Electric Mode Features

More than a month ago, we wanted to bring you additional information about the Ford Fusion Hybrid car. The 2010 Ford Fusion can operate on pure electricity at speeds up to 47 mph (miles per hour). The Fusion Hybrid has an MPG (miles per gallon) rating of 41 in the city and 36 on the highway.

Ford Fusion is powered by a V6 gasoline engine and electric motor. The vehicle includes a new propulsion system which handles the gas to electric transition more efficiently and seamlessly. More importantly, the propulsion system allows the car to operate longer at higher speeds while running on its electric mode. This mode is also known as the EV-mode.

The hybrid car comes with a base MSRP of $27,270. However, you get exactly what you desire in a hybrid. The vehicle includes advanced green car technologies and consumers can still get a hybrid tax credit to help offset the purchase price. One feature in particular is called SmartGauge. This is a new technology that helps the driver achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

The instrument panel was designed to coach the driver. The driver has all the necessary read-outs to improve their fuel efficiency. The vehicle gauge cluster features daytime backlighting with a black lens and some nice 3-D elements to create a high tech appearance. There is also a great ambient lighting system that illuminates the front and rear foot wells and cup holders.

SmartGauge is designed to help Fusion Hybrid owners to maximize fuel efficiency. High-resolution, full-color LCD screens can be configured by the driver to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, as well as average and instant miles-per-gallon. The gauge needles move from left to right.

There is also a lot of quality embedded in the interior. It is finished with a soft upper and lower skin that carries through the center console, doors, and steering wheel. The panel display shines a has a nice contemporary iced-blue lighting. The leather wrapped steering wheel was completely redesigned with form fitting palm swells and a new shifter.

Ford also has approximately 17 global patents for the 2010 Fusion. The car is based on several innovations and designs by Ford. This hybrid isn't your ordinary car, and when you drive it, you can appreciate all the breakthrough technologies that were built into the vehicle.

The Ford Fusion price might seem a bit steep for many, but again, you won't find a cheaper car that has this level of quality. I must admit, I've been a fan of imported hybrids from Japan, including Toyota and Honda. However, this might change after driving the latest Fusion.

Ford Hybrid Sales Are Up, Way Up

2009-10-19T16:58:00.001-05:00

Even in times as financially bleak as these, Ford seems to be moving from strength to strength, at least on the product front. They are able to stand on their own, financially speaking, and have not been propped up by the government, as has GM and Chrysler. The cars they have been turning out have been getting good review and very positive feedback from consumers. And now it’s looking like Ford hybrids are going to own a serious chunk of the green market.

Ford says that hybrid sales have been up considerably over the last year. Sales in September were up 73% from the previous year, and according to Automotive News this will put Ford within a few thousand cars of passing Honda as the second largest seller of hybrids in America. Not bad.

“More than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been from non-Ford owners, and more than half of those are customers coming from import brands, mostly from Toyota and Honda,” says David Finnegan, Ford hybrid marketing manager.

Compare Ford’s hybrid sales figures with those of the top dog in the green car market, Toyota. During the same time period that Ford has seen that 73% skyrocketing in hybrid sales Toyota, has seen sales of its hybrids drop by 28%. Overall though, Toyota is still king of the hybrid hill, owning nearly 66% of all US hybrid sales.

New hybrid shoppers have been attracted to the ford line of hybrids due to superior mileage numbers and increasing consumer confidence in Ford build quality. The Fusion Hybrid is certified by the EPA at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, thumping the Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

Taken in total, what this all means is that on a level playing field Ford is a serious player. They will most likely surpass Honda soon, and if green-minded car buyers start to get a more patriotic bent in their buying decisions, Ford could also start to worry Toyota.

High-tech features to boost Ford's mid-range cars

2009-10-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

Ford has said that it is including technology usually found in high end cars in new mid-range models coming out next year, as part of its efforts to attract customers. Like all car manufacturers, Ford has suffered a difficult 12 months due to the global economic slowdown. But as it starts to see a pick up in sales, it is using performance and safety technology, initially in its new all wheel drive Taurus saloon, which comes out in the first quarter of next year. That car will include radar based Blind Spot Information System (Blis), Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Taurus has radar sensors in each corner of the car, and these will alert the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot, as well as the ability to set the car's speed and distance from the vehicle in front.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Named 2009 'Truck of Texas;' Ford Work Solutions Wins 'Outstanding Feature'

2009-10-19T16:51:00.000-05:00

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Named 2009 'Truck of Texas;' Ford Work Solutions Wins
'Outstanding Feature'

DALLAS, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

-- 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor captures the "2009 Truck of Texas" title,
named by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the seventh
consecutive award for Ford

-- Ford Work Solutions productivity technology developed for commercial
fleet customers named "Outstanding Feature"

-- Ford trucks also wins "Truck Line of Texas," recognizing the
best-selling F-Series lineup for its capability, durability

The all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is much more than an off-road
performance truck capable of taking on the toughest terrain a customer can
throw its way. According to the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), it's
also the one and only 2009 "Truck of Texas," the seventh consecutive time a
Ford truck has won the award. Additionally, Raptor was named best "Full-size
Pickup Truck."

"Winning the Truck of Texas is a distinct honor," said Mark Fields, president,
The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "Texans know their trucks, and this award
is further proof of why the F-150 remains America's number-one selling pickup.
We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts. And we're gratified it's
gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and
confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor."

Ford trucks also took the "Truck Line of Texas," a distinguished honor
recognizing the best-in-class capability and durability of Ford's best-selling
F-Series lineup.

Another top honor, "Outstanding Feature," went to Ford Work Solutions, a suite
of productivity technologies developed for the commercial truck owner. The
system includes an in-dash computer that connects with the home office; Tool
Link that keeps track of costly tools and equipment; Cable Lock, which locks
up tools in the open truck box; and Crew Chief, a telematics system, giving
the fleet manager more control of his/her fleet of vehicles.

Ford's 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor is a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck
that is ready for adventure - while also being versatile enough to handle the
daily commute. To test the capability and durability of Raptor, Ford took a
modified pre-production Raptor to the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
this past November. The early-build Raptor not only survived Baja, it earned
a podium finish in its class.

Key enablers to the Raptor's impressive performance are functional design cues
and impressive suspension technology. The Raptor is seven inches wider than a
base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give
Raptor its off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an
aggressive appearance.

Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox - the first on a production
truck - provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for
extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road. In addition to the shocks,
Raptor has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch
BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor
11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension
travel.

The F-150 SVT Raptor comes standard with the proven 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine
that produces up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. In early 2010
customers will have the option of an even more powerful new 6.2-liter V-8
engine.

Customer anticipation has been extremely high, with 3,000 orders already
received for the 5.4-liter F-150 SVT Raptor. In fact, initial dealer orders
have the Dearborn Truck Plant building Raptors at maximum capacity, reflecting
the strong demand for the first-ever factory high-speed off-road truck.

Starting price for the F-150 SVT Raptor is $38,995 including destination and
delivery charges. It is currently on sale at Ford dealerships.

In total, Ford won eight of 18 awards, including Lincoln MKX as "Mid-size
CUV," Ford Flex as "Full-size CUV," and Ford F-150 King Ranch as "Luxury
Pick-up Truck," and Ford Expedition as "Full-size SUV."

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the
company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The
company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For
more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

2009-10-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

Ford buyers appear to love their cars more than customers of any other automotive brand, returning back to the American automaker when it comes time to purchase their next vehicle. According to a study by Experian Automotive, six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty wear badges from the Blue Oval. That includes the Ford Fusion (62.4 percent), Ford Edge (57.9 percent), Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (56 percent), Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent), Ford Escape (49.4 percent) and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent).

Other vehicles making up the top 10 include the Toyota Prius (52 percent), Chevy Impala (51.7 percent), Toyota Camry (47.8 percent) and Toyota Corolla (47.56 percent). This brings up an interesting question: With the closing of automotive brands like Saturn and Pontiac, where are those buyers to turn for their next automotive purchase?

Apparently, not back to General Motors. According to Experian, Pontiac owners are most likely to look to the Ford lineup for their next car or truck and Saturn shoppers will switch to Toyota or Honda – not particularly surprising given that Saturn was meant to compete with import brands. Experian predicts that GM's overall market share will fall from 20 percent to about 17.5 percent, with most of the slack being picked up by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

[Source: Experian Automotive, USA Today]

PRESS RELEASE

Six Ford vehicles among industry's top 10 for having highest customer brand loyalty

/PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Co. vehicles accounted for six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty, according to recent industry analyses from Experian Automotive.

Ford Fusion, Ford Edge and Ford Five-Hundred owners showed the industry's highest brand loyalty, returning to buy a Ford Motor Co. vehicle 62.4 percent, 57.9 percent and 56 percent of the time, respectively. The Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent) was fifth, the Ford Escape (49.4 percent) was seventh, and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent) came in ninth. "

Ford had an outstanding performance for brand loyalty in the second quarter of 2009," said Jeff Anderson, director of Consulting and Analytics for Experian Automotive. "With six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty, Ford is showing that its products are passing the most important test: turning happy customers into repeat buyers." Other top-finishing vehicles included the Toyota Prius (52 percent) in fourth place, the Chevrolet Impala (51.7 percent) in sixth place, the Toyota Camry (47.8 percent) at number eight and the Toyota Corolla (47.56 percent) in 10th place.

"Brand loyalty is a critical element of success, even survival, in today's challenged auto industry," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "The ability to retain customers is an important indicator of product success and commitment to developing long-term customer relationships. As automakers are scrambling to maintain market share, holding onto current customers has never been more important."

These loyalty findings, along with analysis of other industry trends, were the result of Experian Automotive's latest quarterly industry study looking at results from the first half of 2009. A recorded presentation of Experian Automotive's full industry analysis can be viewed at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/309875578.

About Experian Automotive
Experian Automotive, a part of Experian, delivers information services to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Experian® helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing more than 625 million vehicles, along with Experian's credit, consumer and business information assets, meets the industry's growing demand for an integrated information source. Experian's advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results. Experian technology supports top automotive businesses, including eBay Motors, CarsDirect.com, CarMax and NADAguides.com. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Web site at http://www.experianautomotive.com.

About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2009, was $3.9 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; Costa Mesa, California; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com. Experian and the marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

2010 Ford Taurus reportedly enjoying strong early sales in California

2009-10-13T16:52:00.000-05:00

We've already established that we feel the 2010 Ford Taurus is a lot more interesting than the boring and benign model it replaced, and sales totals are starting to reinforce our findings. September's sales tally revealed that the new Blue Oval flagship received a 60% sales increase versus September of 2008, and while the fact that the top sales market for the Taurus is Metro Detroit is no surprise, second place is likely the real prize. The Taurus is reportedly red-hot in sunny California, and some dealers are having trouble keeping the super-sized sedan in stock.

That's obviously a great problem to have, and Ford spokesperson Amy Marentic told the Detroit Free Press that there is a simple reason why supplies are short: "The older Taurus ... did not move and really wasn't relevant in California." Galpin Ford vice president Beau Boeckmann was a bit more direct in his reasoning, adding "We went from a frumpy car that did not have a southern California appeal to a car that everybody is in love with." Ford says it is also seeing good news on the options front, as it says 95% of customers are ordering uplevel models or are at least adding extras. A significant 25% of customers have reportedly opted to add Ford's excellent navigation system, up from only 4% on the outgoing Taurus.

We're not so sure "everybody" loves the new Taurus, as it's still a big rig that won't ignite the passion of most enthusiasts, but that isn't really its lot in life anyhow, and we can at least say that the new model ought to receive far more love than the neutered bull it replaced.

2011 Ford Fiesta to Debut at LA Auto Show

2009-10-13T16:29:00.001-05:00

The North American version of the Fiesta subcompact will debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in early December. Ford made the announcement today and added that the new car, a 2011 model, will go on sale next summer.

No additional information was revealed, however, we do know the U.S. will get a sedan and two-door hatchback. It’s still not known what the Fiesta’s powertrain will be; that information will be revealed at the December show.

Ford GPS Technology: Safety features will prevent accidents

2009-10-13T16:16:00.001-05:00

Ford and Auburn’s GPS and Vehicles Dynamics Lab have been working closely together to develop a GPS that will work with the vehicles data. The new system will help to improve the safety of the car in the hope of preventing accidents.

The research team will be showing of their findings this week at the International Conference on Systems. The research is not finished and still has a long way to go, but the Ford GPS Technology is in its prototype stage.

Ford and Auburn University’s main aim is to allow the new system to speak with the car; it will then deliver an early warning detection system to prevent accidents. According to Car Performance, it is thought that the system will communicate and then take control of the vehicles stability control system.

The system will even monitor vehicles ahead of you using the global positioning satellite, it will then calculate the vehicles speed and braking to give you advanced warning of a possible accident. This sounds like something from the new Knight Rider series. Well, that was a Ford as well.

Ford Intensifies Focus on Electrification Strategy as Nancy Gioia Takes a Global Leadership Role

2009-10-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Company has named Nancy Gioia to the new position of director of Global Electrification as the company accelerates its electric vehicle strategy -- Gioia will lead strategy and planning for the next generation of Ford's global electric vehicle portfolio, touching all aspects of electrified transportation including product planning, supplier partnerships and collaboration with the energy industry and government -- Ford has announced plans to produce a pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010, a battery electric Focus compact car in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 -- In Europe, Ford recently revealed the first of a fleet of battery electric vehicle (BEV) prototypes based on the Ford Focus, and specially developed to participate in the U.K. government's "Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles" demonstration initiative next year

Ford Motor Company is intensifying its focus on global electrification with the creation of a new position to lead the planning and strategy for Ford's future electric vehicle portfolio.

Nancy Gioia, formerly Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Technology and Hybrid Vehicle Programs, North America, has been named director of Ford Global Electrification.

"We recognize that pursuing electrification as one of our technology paths presents unique challenges for commercialization of the vehicles," said Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "It requires us to collaborate with new partners, define new business models, connect to a new infrastructure for the vehicles and meet new customer expectations around the globe."

In her new position, Gioia will direct strategy and planning for Ford's global electric vehicle portfolio, touching all aspects of electrified transportation, including product planning, supplier partnerships and collaboration with the energy industry and government.

"Ford is strongly positioned to accelerate its electric vehicle strategy thanks in part to the significant research we've already completed," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Powertrain Engineering. "Nancy's unique background and experience in leading the hybrid technology and electric vehicle product teams position her well to coordinate our electric efforts across product development, sustainability and government affairs as we move to the next frontier of this new form of transportation."

Ford has announced plans to develop three distinct types of electrified vehicles - hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and pure battery electric vehicles. They include:

-- Battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010
-- Battery electric Focus passenger car in 2011
-- Next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012

-- Plug-in hybrid in 2012

Ford's electrification strategy is consistent with its commitment to deliver affordable fuel efficient technology to millions of customers. The company is poised to take advantage of rapid advancements in electrified vehicle technology - particularly lithium-ion batteries - while leveraging the scale of global vehicle platforms to ultimately reduce the cost of new electric vehicles.

Global fleet testing under way

The globalization of Ford's electrification strategy is well under way, with test fleets on both sides of the Atlantic. At the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford of Europe revealed the first of a fleet of battery electric vehicle prototypes based on the Ford Focus, and specially developed to participate in the U.K. government's "Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles" demonstration initiative next year. The research program aims to test the technology's suitability for potential future application in Ford's European passenger car range.

A consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy and Strathclyde University will use the fleet of 15 prototype Ford Focus BEVs and a charging infrastructure in and around the London Borough of Hillingdon starting in early 2010.

The Focus BEV prototype is based on the current European Ford Focus and will use a new all-electric powertrain, developed with Ford supplier partner Magna. This technology is based on that being developed for Ford's new-generation C-sized global vehicle architecture that will be launched in North America in 2011.

"This fleet of Focus BEV prototypes is an important step toward developing a realistic solution and viable market for electric vehicles in the U.K., Europe and North America," Gioia said. "Our electrification strategy absolutely depends on strong alliances with key partners whose expertise and resources complement our extensive experience and global production capabilities."

In North America, Ford and its energy industry partners continue to collaborate on the connectivity issue between electric vehicles and the electric grid. Over the past two years, Ford and its utility partners have logged more than 75,000 miles on a test fleet of plug-in Escape Hybrids. Plug-in hybrid research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.

In addition, Ford has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that "talks" directly with the nation's electric grid.

Commercial and retail electric products planned

Ford is set to deliver its first electrified vehicle in 2010 when it will launch a pure battery electric Transit Connect small commercial van. The vehicle will be targeted to fleets and businesses with short, defined transportation routes and the ability to return to a central charging location at day's end.

In 2011, Ford will launch the battery electric Ford Focus passenger vehicle. Built off the new global C platform, the BEV Focus will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant for both retail and commercial customers.

"Broad commercialization of electric transportation will require unprecedented collaboration among all stakeholders and new ways of doing business," Gioia said. "Ford is committed to help lead the way to find creative solutions to ensure that electrified vehicles can deliver benefits to our customers, the environment and our business around the globe in a sustainable way."

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford's Active Park Assist: Not just for impressing your friends

2009-09-22T16:16:00.001-05:00

Ford has a new parking system that automatically steers your vehicle into a parallel parking space. Using front and rear ultrasonic sensors and electric power steering, Ford's Active Park Assist can quickly and accurately get you into that street space.

But, you ask, "Doesn't Lexus already have this same parking system?" Yes, Lexus was the first to have a self-parking system and it was initially greeted with much fanfare, but that has since faded.

However, the two systems have significant differences in technical specification and performance. The result is that Ford's Active Park Assist is superior to the Lexus system.

Let's look at the Ford parking system and see how Lexus' parking guidance compares.

Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance system uses ultrasonic (sonar) sensors to acquire the available space and determine if the vehicle will fit. For the actual parking maneuver, the Lexus system relies on a camera system when the vehicle is reversing. Ford's Active Park assist uses only ultrasonic sensors for its entire system.

Ford claims that their ultrasonic-based system is unaffected by rain, fog, and dirt, which could have a negative impact on a camera-based system. This is true, but in practice, the Lexus system is rarely influenced by these conditions.

However, Ford's parking system is much easier to use, with a simpler interface than Lexus, although the Lexus Navi display graphical interface is appealing and appears more high tech as it shows surrounding vehicles, the parking space, and trajectories.

With the Ford system, the driver presses but a single switch near the transmission shifter. After that a simple two-line display shows when the system is searching and when it finds a space. It then gives the driver instructions on pulling forward, stopping, and removing hands from the wheel when putting the vehicle in reverse. The requisite auditory beeps accompany each command. Grab the steering wheel and the maneuver is cancelled.

Where the Ford system excels is in speed and accuracy of parking, and the ability to park on hills. The Lexus parking is lacking in all three of these areas, especially the ability to handle any type of grade.

Because of safety concerns, Lexus cancels parking operation once the driver touches the accelerator pedal. And because there is insufficient engine torque at idle speed to climb all but the slightest grade, parking on hills is nearly impossible. Ford's system allows for throttle application to help the vehicle into the space.

Another big difference between the two is that the Ford system will allow for up to two corrections if the first backing maneuver is incorrect. For example, if the initial reverse approach is at too shallow of an attack angle, the driver could stop, put the vehicle in drive, then let the vehicle automatically steer forward to straighten (shown in the video). The Lexus system won't straighten or pull-up with a forward maneuver at all; that must be done manually by the driver.

Lexus had the first self-park system, and it was great for impressing your friends or potential buyers on a test drive. But Ford's Active Park Assist, while not as sexy in its Human Machine Interface as the Lexus system, is much more practical in everyday use.

Active Park Assist is available now on the Ford Escape Hybrid and Flex, and Lincoln MKT and MKS for $395, $550, $595, and $535, respectively.

If you live in an urban area and frequently park on the street, it's worth it.

Subcompact Is No Longer a Four-Letter Word

2009-09-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

Proponents of the subcompact car will tell you that its low purchase price and handy dimensions deliver a combination that can't be matched for efficiency and practicality. Its detractors turn up their noses because they don't want to drive a slow, cramped tin box.

Taking up the ground between these camps are two modern examples of the subcompact car that demonstrate that driving enjoyment and frugality don't have to be mutually exclusive: the 2009 Honda Fit and 2009 Ford Fiesta. The former is one of the best small cars you can buy. So is the latter, with one crucial caveat for those of us here in the land of baseball and apple pie — you can't yet buy one here.

A New Challenger Faces the Best of the Establishment
The 2009 Ford Fiesta serves as Ford's entry in the so-called B-segment, positioned just below the Focus in terms of size and price. Though a sales darling in Europe, the Fiesta has been absent in the subcompact-averse U.S. market. Then the world went to hell, and Ford reconsidered.

Only the Blue Oval knows the gory details of how the Fiesta will be equipped when it's finally sold Stateside as a 2011 model. And it's not talking.

As such, we've take some liberties in this comparison test. The Squeeze Lime green Fiesta you see here is a Euro-spec four-door hatchback in range-topping Titanium trim, equipped with leather upholstery, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control. There's no guarantee that you'll be able to buy a Fiesta outfitted exactly like this one when the model finally appears on the floor at dealerships in the U.S. Also, its $19,358 as-tested price tag is an estimate we conjured up based on the Fiesta's positioning overseas.

The 2009 Ford Fiesta has been developed as a true world car, so differences in specification across global markets are minimized in an effort to reduce development costs and time-to-market. Although details are thin on the ground, we do know that the 2011 Ford Fiesta for the U.S. will be a tweaked version of today's Fiesta and will be powered by a 1.6-liter engine similar to the one in our Kermit green car.

From the size of its shadow to its low-impact $18,820 blow to the wallet, the 2009 Honda Fit matches up very well to the Fiesta. Although our Fit is equipped with no options per se, Honda crafts its model lineup such that options are bundled together and offered as trim levels. Hence the navigation system and upsized 16-inch wheels found on our top-of-the-line Fit Sport.

If you're a regular visitor to Inside Line, you'll recognize the blazing metallic orange 2009 Honda Fit Sport as a resident of our long-term test fleet. Don't cry foul over the 11,000 miles on our Fit's clock, as neither of these cars is exactly brand-spanking new. The Fiesta in this test is a refugee from Ford's Fiesta Movement program and its odometer reads more than 17,000 miles.

Delivering on the Small-Car PromiseAlthough the handling numbers we extracted from these cars don't reveal a huge chasm in performance between them, there's an asterisk — the Fiesta's stability control can't be disengaged, and this puts an artificial cap on its ultimate capabilities. As such, the Fiesta's modest 0.81g grip on our skid pad and 65.5-mph slalom speed could otherwise have been grippier and quicker yet. (Dear Ford: Include a button to switch off ESP for the U.S.-spec Fiesta.)

Still, the 2,443-pound Fiesta is the more rewarding drive here. Its steering is a benchmark in this class, from the weighting of its effort to the immediate and linear response of the chassis. Paired with firm-yet-compliant suspenders, the Fiesta feels at once substantial and lithe. You're reminded of a more expensive car in the way this car takes to the road.

Keep in mind our 2009 Ford Fiesta tester is on summer tires, which do more than simply increase outright grip at the expense of tire life; they also contribute to the Fiesta's superior steering feel and short braking distances (118 feet from 60 mph). (Dear Ford: The Fiesta's steering and handling are key factors underpinning its appeal. Don't neuter the U.S.-spec car's spunkiness by specifying crappy tires or stuffing marshmallows in its suspension.)

The 2,511-pound 2009 Honda Fit is a similarly nimble little thing. Its steering is quick around center and the little bugger can even be coaxed into a neutral cornering stance if you get rowdy and abrupt with it when the stability control has been switched off. Threading our slalom cones at 64.4 mph and generating 0.82g on our skid pad, the Fit makes the most of its 185/55R16 all-season tires. Its braking performance is mediocre, consuming 138 feet to reach a standstill from 60 mph.

Performance numbers don't tell you much about the way these cars drive in day-to-day use, though. The Fit's comically low-effort shift linkage could have come straight out of an arcade, and its steering needs constant subtle corrections to keep the car traveling in a straight line. It's nervous where the Fiesta is confident. The bottom line is that the Fiesta has moved the needle of small-car dynamics and in doing so has made the Fit feel more toylike by comparison.

Not Terribly Quick by the Clock
Similarly, the Fiesta's acceleration also suffers from its non-defeatable traction control. It reached 60 mph in 9.4 seconds (9.1 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and the quarter-mile in 16.9 at 82.1 mph in our testing, results which aren't far off the Honda's sprints of 9.5 seconds (9.4 seconds with rollout) and 16.9 seconds at 81.1 mph. This performance by the 2009 Honda Fit is a few tenths off the pace we measured when it was new, suggesting that perhaps the launch surface at our testing facility had more bite back then.

Nobody's going to be launching these things drag-strip-style, so the dead-heat acceleration numbers are a bit misleading. In the real world of stop-and-go traffic and squirting around trucks on the freeway, the 2009 Ford Fiesta is much more eager than the Honda Fit. Low-end torque is surprisingly ample in the Fiesta's 1.6-liter mill, an engine of uncanny smoothness with a deliciously fruity intake note. Keeping up in the Fit isn't as rewarding, whether it's in terms of these abstractions or actual velocity.

Our Fiesta tester's 1.6-liter four produces 118 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque on the U.S. equivalent of about 90-octane fuel. (Dear Ford: Honda found 117 hp and 106 lb-ft from its 1.5-liter engine on 87 octane. Find a way to retain the sauce's spice on 87-octane fuel.)

The Fiesta's five-speed manual shifts somewhat more like a real gearbox than the Fit's, though the linkage is a bit more vague and there's a shorter-ratio 5th gear that results in more revs at freeway speeds than U.S. consumers will be accustomed to. A slightly taller gear would also deliver better fuel economy during those long trips for which the sophisticated Fiesta is well-suited.

In Practice
If the 2009 Ford Fiesta has the Fit beat in terms of dynamics, the tables turn when it comes to utility. The Honda Fit is simply a small miracle of packaging. This is a small car that doesn't fall victim to the usual small-car compromises. Its unusually large door apertures and low floor ease ingress, practically presenting the driver seat to your bum.

Once you're inside, the Fit's breezier cabin has noticeably more elbow room and slightly better sight lines than in the high-waisted Fiesta. Both headroom and legroom are noticeably more crowded in the Fiesta's backseat than in the Fit.

The cargo area of the 2009 Honda Fit also edges the Fiesta. When the backseat is up, there's little difference in volume between the two cars, but the Fit flat-out embarrasses the Fiesta when the seat is stowed. Honda's articulating backseat transforms the space behind the front seats into a flat, low loading floor, while the Fiesta's thick rear seatbacks simply flop forward, forming a cargo volume shaped more like a pinched wedge.

Cabin material quality is generally better in the Ford and the layout presents more gracefully than the Fit's polarizing design aesthetic. Save for the Fiesta center stack's chintzy silver plastic, you're surrounded mostly by textured black surfaces that appear richer than those in the Honda.

However, the Honda's secondary controls — window switches, wiper interface, center stack controls — are more consistently located right where you expect them and operate more intuitively. (Dear Ford: Rethink the Fiesta's secondary controls for the U.S market.)

A New Phenomenon
In a way, this comparison is a matter of horses for courses, as each car has distinct strengths that will appeal to different buyers — the Fit for its practicality and the Fiesta for its superior driving experience.

The 2009 Ford Fiesta emerges victorious because it sweats the small stuff. Steering feel isn't something its buyer would expect, yet the Fiesta delivers. Same goes for its soothing engine note. Or the way the steering wheel feels custom-made for your hands, or the mechanical sound of the door latch. In the Fiesta, Ford has elevated the subcompact concept to something that's a bit more special than even the very accomplished 2009 Honda Fit.

True, factoring in the pivotal issues of equipment and cost here has involved some hocus-pocus. Yet the Fiesta's lead in our scoring is such that Ford will have to comprehensively botch things up on the value front for the 2011 Ford Fiesta to fail in the U.S. If Ford could rejigger the Fiesta's backseat to perform the shenanigans of the one in the Fit, it would really be onto something. (Dear Ford...)

Ford Sees More Opportunity For Cost Cuts

2009-09-16T17:51:00.001-05:00

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co is on track to have cut structural costs by up to $15 billion since 2005, but has room to make further reductions, the automaker's chief financial officer said on Wednesday.

"There are always going to be more opportunities," CFO Lewis Booth said in a webcast appearance at the IAA Investor and analyst conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show. "There may be diminishing returns, but there are always going to be more opportunities."

Ford, which remains on track to reach at least break-even in 2011, has focused in its cost-cutting on producing higher volume global platforms to take advantage of economies of scale and reduce product development costs.

The automaker has improved its investment efficiency for tools and engineering, but there are other opportunities, if not "a quantum leap," Booth said.

"I would say it is now continuous improvement, but there will be improvements," Booth said.

Ford, which posted net losses totaling about $30 billion from 2006 through 2008, expects its second-half cash outflow to be significantly reduced from the levels registered in the first half at the height of the U.S. auto sales downturn.

Booth said Ford expects to see its cash flow improve as the production volumes return to more normal levels. The automaker plans a more gradual increase in production compared to the sharp production cuts it made in 2008 and 2009 in reaction to the industry sales downturn, he said.

U.S. auto sales fell to monthly rates not seen since the early 1980s earlier this year amid the recession and have rebounded from those low levels in July and August under the support of the government "cash for clunkers" program.

The "clunkers" program ran the last week of July and roughly the first three weeks of August, pushing industry sales rates up sharply.

U.S. industry auto sales have started slowly, as expected, with the "clunkers" program exhausted and inventory levels sharply depleted and it is too early to forecast what the monthly sales rate might be, Booth said.

Ford Debuts Four-Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Family in Frankfurt

2009-09-16T17:48:00.001-05:00

In conjunction with the unveilings of the new Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max people-movers at the Frankfurt auto show, the Dearborn-based automaker also is officially taking the wraps off its range of EcoBoost four-cylinders. The new 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines sport turbochargers and direct injection and are designed to produce similar power with better fuel efficiency than larger, naturally aspirated mills; the 2.0-liter is said to provide the output of a conventional V-6, while the 1.6-liter will stand in for larger four-cylinders. The existing twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 currently available in vehicles such as the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is aimed at providing V-8–levels of power with V-6 fuel economy, although it only averaged 16 mpg in our recent road test.

Ford says the 2.0-liter will first come to the U.S. in late 2011 with the seven-seat Grand C-Max. But the engine also is expected to be employed in several other upcoming Fords, including the next-generation Focus, which will arrive in the same timeframe as the Grand C-Max. The 1.6-liter will debut late next year in Europe in the five-seat C-Max and proliferate throughout the company’s smaller vehicles. Australia will get the 2.0-liter in 2011 for rear-wheel-drive duty in the Ford Falcon, with the automaker expecting nearly 80 percent of its vehicles around the world to be available with an EcoBoost option by 2013. More than 90 percent of U.S. models will offer one of the powertrains by then, too.

While Ford has yet to release specifics, the company has previously told us we can expect the 2.0-liter to produce at least 230 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, which should be more than adequate for the first U.S. applications. Downsizing to the 1.6-liter should result in about 185 hp.

Although we understand Ford’s logic in baiting power-hungry Americans with the higher-output 2.0-liter, we hope it eventually brings the 1.6-liter to the States, as well. Its output would be more than sufficient in a Focus-sized vehicle and its greater efficiency would do more to help the company’s average fleet fuel economy in the eyes of the government. After all, Ford chose “EcoBoost” over the original “TwinForce” moniker because EcoBoost has a more green-minded ring to it.

Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform

2009-09-16T17:46:00.001-05:00

This week's Frankfurt Motor Show marks the beginning of a new generation of Ford's new C-segment platform with the debut of the new C-Max and Grand C-Max MAVs. According to Ford, over the course of the next few years this new global compact platform will spawn as many as 10 different vehicle variants around the world. In addition to the two C-Max variants, the next Focus will be available as a four-dour sedan, three- and five-door hatchback and convertible. That still leaves a number of other possibilities that Ford hasn't announced yet, which means we'll probably be seeing some crossovers and perhaps even sports variants coming over the next few years. With the increasing importance of the compact segment, all of these variants will play a big part in Ford's future.

Ford hails early Taurus sales figures

2009-09-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

DETROIT -- Sales of the Ford Taurus are still a far cry from the days when it was the best-selling nameplate in America. But Ford says the restyled and re-engineered sedan is off to a better start than company officials had expected in this weak market.

Ford says its other summer launch, the Transit Connect, also is surpassing internal sales forecasts.

With 2,300 sold in August, first-month sales for the new Taurus were more than double Ford's internal goal of 1,100, said Ken Czubay, the company's vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service.

Orders for the high-performance SHO model are 50 percent higher than expected, Czubay said. Total Taurus sales, counting the outgoing model, were 3,398 in August, down 23.8 percent.

With 2,220 sold in August, sales of the Transit Connect small commercial van were 42 percent higher than internal forecasts. The Transit Connect is imported from Turkey.

"We've hit the ground running," Czubay said.

Although it's too early to judge the success of either product launch, he said, their positive start in August and the balance of sales among Ford's cars and trucks "may be a harbinger of better business conditions to come."

Ford is still building dealer stocks of the 2010 Taurus and Transit Connect. Despite what Ford calls the better-than-expected performance in August, the Taurus still has a long way to go. Taurus sales in 2008 totaled 52,667 -- nothing like the old days.

Rollover suit just one of Toyota's headaches

2009-09-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

Allegations by a former Toyota lawyer that the company withheld and destroyed rollover evidence are only part of the automaker's litigation woes in the United States.

Dimitrios Biller, a Toyota Motor Corp. attorney from 2003 to 2007, filed a suit this summer in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. In the suit, he contends that Toyota did not heed his urgings to disclose all evidence related to more than 300 rollover suits.

Biller's case prompted the refiling of some former accident litigation against the automaker. Plaintiffs' attorneys say his allegations, if true, will call into question Toyota's defense in past cases.

For instance, California attorney Richard McCune has refiled a suit in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles seeking class-action status for two rollover suits. And attorneys Todd Tracy and Joe Clayton filed a suit last week in U.S. District Court in Marshall, Texas, grouping 16 dismissed or settled cases.

Toyota also faces a patent violation complaint filed this month by Paice, a company to which the automaker already paid royalties for patent infringement in the second-generation Prius and the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h crossovers.

Toyota in court
Toyota is facing legal attacks on at least 3 fronts.
1. A former in-house attorney alleges the automaker destroyed or withheld rollover evidence.
2. Paice, a company that holds a hybrid-related patent that Toyota already has violated, says the automaker continues to do so in other products.
3. Four wrongful-death cases allege Toyota knew its steering columns were breaking in the United States but did nothing for years.
Source: Government and court documents

More hybrids disputed

In this month's complaint, Paice requests a U.S. government ban on importation of additional vehicles that it alleges violate the same patent, such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the third-generation Prius, the Lexus HS 250h sedan and Lexus RX 450h crossover.

Paice says the component in question combines torque from an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The Bonita Springs, Fla., company has acquired a handful of U.S. patents for hybrid technology.

In 2005, Toyota was found to have violated one of Paice's patents, although not willfully.

A Toyota statement referencing this month's complaint says Paice is apparently seeking to bypass a court ruling that had denied the company's requests to limit Toyota imports.

In a third set of lawsuits, Toyota faces four consolidated wrongful-death cases in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that the automaker failed to promptly recall pickups and SUVs equipped with defective steering rods.

In October 2005, Toyota recalled 1990-95 4Runners, 1989-95 small pickups and 1993-98 T100 pickups because of the steering rods. But the suits allege the company knew of the problem long before that.

In the suits, Toyota Motor North America says it was unaware of complaints about the faulty steering rods in the United States in October 2004 when it informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a similar recall in Japan a year earlier.

But John Kristensen, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs in all four cases, says the automaker had nearly 100 U.S. warranty claims for broken relay rods before the Japanese recall.

Steering failure

The court filings include a letter to the Toyota legal department in Torrance, Calif., dated March 26, 2002, from Yigal Schacht in New York City. He said the steering on his 1997 T100 failed that February while he was exiting his driveway.

In response, Toyota Motor North America says customer complaints about Toyota vehicles go to a different entity, Toyota Motor Sales.

Superior Court Judge Conrad Aragon will consider Toyota's motion to dismiss the suits Oct. 8.

Toyota spokesman Mike Michels said the three sets of suits are not related. "It is unusual and coincidental to have several pieces of litigation come to public attention in a short time period," he said in an e-mail.

Toyota has declined to comment on the wrongful-death suits. But the automaker has spoken out against Biller's suit, calling his allegations "inaccurate and misleading."

The automaker says Biller is violating attorney-client privilege and nondisclosure conditions of his exit agreement, which included a $3.7 million severance payment.

Biller also has filed a wrongful-termination and discrimination suit against his most recent employer, Los Angeles County.

Ford's 2010 Transit Connect means business

2009-09-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

The recession is over, and I've got proof.

While many "experts" will point to the GDP, unemployment figures and the trade deficit, I'm more of a believer of those tangible products that predict our nation's financial plight. Sales of cardboard boxes, diamonds and lipstick have been monitored in the past and could work today.

Future economic soothsayers will gaze into their Magic 8 Balls and use the Ford Transit Connect sales numbers as a barometer of the nation's small business health. To paraphrase a different auto exec from a different time: What's good for small businesses is good for the country.

Who knew the U.S. economic engine was a little 2-liter four-cylinder? But the 2010 Transit Connect's four-banger can handle the load, 1,600 pounds at a time.

While the exterior has the utilitarian styling of an airplane's chock block, this vehicle is packed with infinite purpose. The Transit Connect is European chic with a Puritan work ethic. It's been a mainstay in Europe since 2003 and after selling 600,000 of them, Ford Motor Co. finally decided U.S. small businesses might need some help.

It starts at $21,475 (including shipping) -- though even fully outfitted with high aftermarket customization, the price is not likely to cross $30,000. Offering two, four or more seats, the Transit Connect provides business owners with what they want.

When Ford introduced the Transit Connect to the U.S. media last year, the company showcased different versions and showed how the vehicles could be transformed into speedy suites and rolling billboards. They can deliver everything from azaleas to X-ray machines or become mobile workshops for electricians, mechanics or just about anyone else. Imagination is the only limit.

During the recent Woodward Dream Cruise, I tried to convince my editors to use a Transit Connect as a mobile newsroom. Some scoffed -- but just wait. It's a folding table top, desk chair and Wi-Fi connection away from replacing my desk on West Lafayette.

Two aspects make the Transit Connect work so well: capabilities and performance.

Any business owner can tailor the Transit Connect to fit his or her needs exactly. That could mean a few more deliveries every day because of the 135 cubic feet of storage space. The storage area is 59 inches tall and the low floor means it is easier to load.

Currently, there is no direct competition to the Transit Connect, at least not in the U.S. No doubt, there will be in the future.
As smooth as it is useful

Versatility is one thing, but the Transit Connect also offers a good ride. The 2-liter engine provides 136 horsepower and 128-pound-feet torque. It's not quick and no race car attributes come to mind behind the wheel of the Transit Connect, but it always gets the job done. The four-speed automatic transmission whines a little more than I liked, but fewer gears helped keep power at the wheels instead of having the transmission hunt too long.

Getting onto the highway is easy and the Transit Connect stays with the flow of traffic without overworking itself.

Even with the high roofline, the Transit Connect handled corners and city driving particularly well. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was easy to turn and the vehicle was easy to maneuver (though I would suggest including the optional back up camera). It has 39-foot curb-to-curb turning, which is the same as the 2010 Ford Taurus. It's easier to maneuver than bigger vans or pickups and a novice could master it quickly -- another factor for small businesses, no doubt, to consider.

It comes with anti-lock brakes and roll stability control. All the while, the Transit Connect gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Stripped down, all business

The interior feels much more workman-like than luxurious, but I expected that. My test vehicle was a basic five-seater; there's no reason to have pleated leather door inserts or Alcantara roof liners.

If the military used the Transit Connect, officers wouldn't drive it, sergeants would; so this truck needs to know to how work for a living. Maybe in a few years, after the Transit Connect grows in popularity, Ford can build the King Ranch Transit Connect but for now, the Blue Oval's Transit Connect is strictly blue collar.

Ford gives this vehicle everything it needs. There's a big storage shelf that stretches across the front, above the driver. It creates purpose out of dead space and for small businesses, every bit helps.

The driving position is upright and helps keep you fresh during a day of heavy hauling. The dash is well laid out and caters to the driver.

The sliding second-row doors are also an excellent feature, providing lots of room for ingress and egress, as well making it easier to park in tight spaces and still have space to open up.

The double barn door style rear doors also open in tight spots and can include the optional 225 degree opening, meaning they can open up and become almost flush with the side of the vehicle.

Then there's Ford Work Solutions, such as Tool Link and Crew Chief.

Tool Link uses RFID tags to take instant inventory of the equipment in the vehicle and immediately alert the driver if everything needed for a job is loaded. It can also check at the end of the day to make sure a worker brings everything home.

Crew Chief allows the boss to monitor the location, speed, idle time, fuel usage and 30 diagnostic measures of vehicles on the road.

The tool can help save costs and assists with good preventative maintenance.

The Transit Connect started rolling into dealerships in July, and Ford sold 417 of them. In August, it sold more than 2,220.

Yes, times are tough, but judging by my revolutionary Transit Connect economic predictor multiplied by the spirit of small business owners, the outlook is improving. The recession may not be over, but its end is near.

We can find our own bootstraps -- the Transit Connect just gives people a reason to pull a little harder.

Report: Ford's Reputation Among New-Car Shoppers Shines, While Chrysler's Sags

2009-09-08T17:23:00.001-05:00

NEW YORK — Chrysler needs to do some serious work to polish up its reputation with new-car shoppers, according to a new survey by Consumer Reports. On the other hand, Ford appears to have a solid reputation with new-car shoppers, says the consumer watchdog.

The survey initially focused on how strong the "buy American" sentiment is among new-car shoppers. Consumer Reports said 81 percent of respondents looking to buy a new car are likely to consider a domestic brand.

"Ford has benefited the most from the recent turmoil in the auto market, with the largest gain in new-car buyers who say that they are likely to consider buying a Ford model — up 17 percentage points compared with a year ago," Consumer Reports said in a statement on Wednesday.

Consumer Reports credited Ford's aversion to accepting any federal aid with its appeal to consumers.

But Chrysler's reputation appears to have been tarnished by its journey through bankruptcy court, its paltry product pipeline and its marriage to Fiat.

"Those considering a Chrysler model were down 25 percentage points among new-car buyers and 28 percentage points among all respondents," said Consumer Reports. "With relatively few new models in the short-term pipeline, it may be some time before the restructured Chrysler can improve on the attributes that now matter most to consumers."

General Motors was in the middle of the pack with new-car shoppers. The number of those considering buying a GM model was up 6 percentage points.