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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
High-tech features to boost Ford's mid-range cars
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'
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.
'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
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
2010 Ford Taurus reportedly enjoying strong early sales in California
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=small}
Posts
