by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) on Jan 8th 2010 at 4:58PM




The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show is underway, and Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally kicked it off with a lengthy keynote. A very lengthy keynote. For an hour-an-a-half, we were peppered with details about Ford's successes, its inspirations, and, of course, its plans for the future. We've already learned quite a bit about what's coming next, and even had a chance to try it, but it's good to have Mulally and his cohorts put it all into perspective for us. We sat through the entire presentation and have summarized the important bits after the break so that you don't have to. Click on through and see what's up at the Blue Oval.
Sync successes - This quote more or less sums things up in this department: "Last year I said that we would have one million Sync equipped cars by the start of 2010. I am proud to announce that we hit that goal in May of 2009." Mulally indicated that 32 percent of Ford buyers indicate that Sync was a major factor in their decision, and that 81% are satisfied.
Design guidelines - There were five main guiding forces behind the design of the MyFord Touch dash logically relevant information, logically organized information, color, use LCD screens, and the use of five-way controllers.
Minimizing distractions - This was a recurring theme in Mulally's talk, a major motivator for Ford. With the MyFord system nearly every feature of the car can be controlled quickly without taking your hands off the wheel, many by voice. You can even launch applications on your mobile phone, which leads us into our next point...
Applications - The biggest addition to Sync itself is the new App Ecosystem, enabling smartphone applications to interact with the car itself, playing tunes through the stereo, taking calls, reading tweets and texts, and who knows what else. First apps are Pandora, Stitcher, and Open Peak for Twitter, but surely many more will come, on many, many platforms.
Brand Signature Technologies - Last but certainly not least is the idea of Ford using Sync and MyFord to define the brand. This means the entire brand, so it's not technology that they'll be using only in their premium vehicles. This means luxury and economy cars will get the tech, so techie gearheads won't necessarily have to pony up for a bigger/flashier car just to get the greatest technologies.
On one hand it was something of a disappointing keynote, as there wasn't any news dropped that we weren't really expecting, but ultimately it was a promising show of what's to come and while we don't know exactly when it's coming, the quote that this tech will be available in "your next new Ford" is certainly quite encouraging.

MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem hands-on [w/video]
by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) on Jan 7th 2010 at 12:30PM


Hands on with MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem – Click for high-res image video
http://www.viddler.com/explore/engadget/videos/915/8

You've read the PR, seen the press shots and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called SYNC App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord Touch-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing – but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so follow the jump to see some videos and check our impressions.




Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord



First up was a walk through of what Ford is calling its App Ecosystem. The company is exposing software libraries that will, in theory, allow any Bluetooth device to communicate with the vehicle. That means Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm and whatever else you want are in the game. Applications will be able to write to the SYNC display, have the car read text to speech, receive voice commands and receive some data from the car. Exactly what data remains to be seen, but full ODBII will not be available – at least not initially. Dreams of a boost gauge widget on your Droid remain unfulfilled.


Existing apps can easily add SYNC support, and on display was Pandora, Stitcher and Open Beak (a Twitter client). Pandora quickly connected to the car, displaying the current artist and track and allowing the driver to select new stations simply by speaking. You can even give a thumbs up or a thumbs down just by moving a thumb to press the SYNC button. While in action the phone's screen is disabled, preventing distractions, a definite theme of the Ford team.





The current apps on display were impressive, but of course they're just the tip of the iceberg. That any app can be easily updated to support SYNC is great news, and that you won't need separate copies of those apps for SYNC is even better – eventually you'll get prompted to download a Pandora update and then, hey presto, infinite channels in your car.


That's cool and the potential is, of course, huge, but that wasn't the only impressive thing on display. MyFord's dashboard of the future dominated the other half of the room, with a mockup Edge cockpit showing off a trio of displays, the primary one being an eight-inch, 800x480 touchscreen through which nearly every control in the car can be tweaked, including climate control and navigation, and also some other funky stuff, like media playback and even a web browser.





Yes, a car with an integrated web browser. No, it won't let you use it while you're driving. Connectivity is provided by an external 3G or 4G modem, which must be plugged into one of two USB ports tucked beneath the arm rest. Once connected the car serves as a WiFi hotspot, so folks in the backseat can mack on your data plan while you schlep them around town. There's also an SD card reader in there and RCA inputs in to pump video to that eight-inch display – again, only while it's stopped.


Control is either by touching that main screen or using five-way directional pads on the right and left spokes of the steering wheel, one for each of the two displays on either side of the instrument cluster. As you cycle through menus, the backgrounds of the screens change color, a very helpful cue telling you what you're looking at and something that we think, with practice, will mean you'll be able to tweak most settings without ever taking your eyes off the road. It's worth noting that there are few if any actual buttons in the car, most things handled through the MyDash system or via a set of touch-sensitive "buttons" scattered about. Fans of tactile feedback won't be happy here, but it's actually far more intuitive and easy to use with only a glance than we'd thought.





The apps coming to SYNC open up a world of possibilities, and MyFord Touch is looking fantastic. Even more intriguing is that this is just the beginning; the possibilities are endless. Apps that track car location and speed to predict congestion? Apps that tell if a driver makes a panic move and warns those behind? A messaging system that'll let you apologize to that guy in the blue Camry you just cut off? All this and more – coming soon to a Ford near you.

by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 8th 2010 at 12:29PM


2010 Ford Shelby GT500 –
In recent months, rumors have been rampant that the next generation of Ford's Shelby GT500 Mustang would dump the existing 5.4-liter supercharged V8 in favor of a twin-turbo version of the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that debuts this spring. Unfortunately, in spite of earlier reports confirming the development, it appears that such an engine will not be installed in the GT500 any time soon. Autoblog had the chance to talk with Mike Harrison, Ford's chief engineer for the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines this morning, and he made it clear that the mooted engine is not part of the program for the Blue Oval bomber.

Harrison explained that such a configuration would be almost impossible for Ford to engineer because the 5.0-liter already consumes virtually the entire engine compartment. There is evidently no room to mount the turbos on the outside of the block where the exhaust currently resides. One possibility would be to put the turbos in the valley of the block similar to the new 6.7-liter diesel or BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but this creates a bunch of new problems as well. The heat generated by having the turbos up top would probably cause the paint on the hood to bubble and peel unless Ford could add some exotic and undoubtedly expensive heat shielding, which is unlikely to happen.

The other issue is that this configuration would really only work if the intake and exhaust flow were reversed, putting the exhaust in the valley. Without this change, the paths from the exhaust ports to the turbos would be too long, resulting in excess turbo lag and unacceptable performance. However, this would require a level of engineering investment for new heads that Ford is unlikely to make in such a low-volume program. Thus, we'll have to be satisfied with the aluminum block 5.4 that is arriving later this year.

Rick Kranz
Automotive News -- January 8, 2010 - 10:29 pm ET
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. today said it will introduce nine new or re-engineered engines in North America this year as part of a five-year effort to boost fuel economy and cut emissions.

Additionally, Ford will introduce six new transmissions.

“Ford is delivering on our commitment to lower emissions, improve fuel economy and deliver the highest quality powertrains in the industry,” Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, powertrain engineering, said in a statement released today as the automaker prepares for next week's Detroit auto show.

“We are making this happen with one of the most ambitious powertrain upgrades ever undertaken by Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford's North American engines will have been upgraded or replaced since 2008.”

The automaker said its combined car and truck fuel economy has improved nearly 20 percent since 2004. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions for its 2009 fleet have declined about 9 percent from 2008, the automaker said.

Ford's global effort to replace or re-engineer its engines, transmissions and transaxles continues until 2013.

This year, the automaker will offer new engines and transmissions in the Fiesta, Mustang and F-150 and Super Duty pickups. Here are the details of those plans:

• The 2011 Shelby GT 500 gets a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8.

• The 2011 Fiesta gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ford says the Fiesta will get 40 mpg. • The 2011 Mustang gets a 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and new six-speed automatic. Ford expects the engine and transmission combination to deliver 30 mpg on the highway. A new six-speed manual transmission also will be offered.

• The 2011 Mustang GT gets a new 412-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with 390 pounds-feet of torque. The car is expected to get 25 mpg on the highway. The new manual and automatic transmissions will be offered.

• The 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups get a new 6.7-liter turbocharged V-8 diesel and 6.2-liter gasoline V-8. The diesel engine was developed and will be assembled by Ford; the previous engine was provided by Navistar. Ford and Navistar terminated their nearly 30-year relationship in early 2009. The Super Duty pickups also will offer a new six-speed automatic.

• The 2011 F-150 gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V-6. Ford says the engine will offer the power of a V-8 and the fuel economy of a V-6. Late this year, Ford's new normally aspirated 2.0-liter direct-fuel injection EcoBoost engine will go into production. The engine will be offered on the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus. This will be Ford's first application of direct injection in North America. A new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission also will be available.

Ford also will introduce a new six-speed automatic transmission for its other models and a 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine.

It’s Breakthrough Technology on Wheels!




America’s most innovative sedan, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award. The announcement was made today at the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

The Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award is presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience
for drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale within the U.S. within the last year is eligible to receive the award.

With its expressive styling, the Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer.

Other class-exclusive features include:



•Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling or spinning caps. It seals automatically every time.


•Sony Audio® System – a surround-sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital
5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers.


•Available EcoBoost™ 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.


•MyKey™ – a programmable feature that allows parents to limit top speed and audio volume and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.



In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.” Since going on sale in August 2009, Ford's all-new Taurus has received more than a dozen awards from an array of leading consumer and automotive publications.

For additional coverage of the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, visit http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/.

Quotes
“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Breakthrough Technology Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for consumers.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com

“In addition to the innovative Ford SYNC® system that provides voice-activated Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and free features such as 911 Assist™ and turn-by-turn navigation, the Taurus also has heated and cooled Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
One of the most eagerly awaited unveilings at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is not from Sony or Dell, but from Ford Motor Co. -- a new automobile interface that the company says will change the way motorists interact with their cars and trucks.

Dubbed "MyFord Touch," the new system replaces most of the old-fashioned analog gauges and buttons on the dashboard with full-color, touch-sensitive computer screens. It also incorporates the latest version of Ford's Sync -- the onboard infotainment and voice-controlled communications system the automaker developed with Microsoft Corp.

"It's a fantastically smart design that allows us to be connected to an integrated world," CEO Alan Mulally told The Detroit News. "It's easy to operate. Your hands are on the wheel. Your eyes are on the road."


"We saw people becoming addicted to connectivity. We connected the dots to create Sync," he said. "(Now) we are continuing to connect the dots to deliver the cars of tomorrow today."

The MyFord Touch interface -- "MyMercury Touch" and "MyLincoln Touch" on Mercury and Lincoln vehicles -- retains the traditional dashboard layout and analog speedometer, but replaces the rest of the gauges and lights with three full-color LCD screens.

The new interface will be familiar to anyone who has used an iPod, PlayStation or just about any other contemporary electronic device: nested menus, five-way thumb controls and an animated, three-dimensional carousel browser that bears more than a passing resemblance to Apple Inc.'s Cover Flow.

Much of the information displayed on each of these monitors is customizable by the driver.

"MyFord really is about managing information," said Jason Johnson, one of the engineers who designed the interface. "The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel."

Many of the functions also can be controlled using voice commands, thanks to the latest generation of Ford's Sync system.

In addition to giving drivers voice control over their connected cell phones and music players, the new version of Sync that Ford is slated to unveil today will transform the automobile into a mobile Internet hub that brings together all of the technologies people have come to depend on in an increasingly wired world.

As The Detroit News first reported last month, the new version of Sync will include an open-source program interface that will allow the system to control virtually any application on a connected smart phone or music player. Today, Ford is expected to demonstrate the first of these, including a Sync-controlled version of the popular music streaming service Pandora.

In addition, the latest version of Sync can provide turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic reports, sports scores and news.

The new version also includes a more advanced phone book application that allows drivers to add photographs of each person in their contact list and browse by picture. The same system allows users to browse for music by scanning through a collection of album covers. The voice command system has been improved and the 911 Assist feature now can provide emergency dispatchers with more information.

Owners of Sync-equipped vehicles will be able to download the new version free of charge.

New hardware features include a second USB port and SD memory card slot, audio-visual input jacks and mobile Wi-Fi capability. Users can even connect a keyboard to Sync.

MyFord Touch will debut on the 2011 Ford Edge, which will hit dealer showrooms in late summer. It will be rolled to 80 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates in North America within five years and also will be offered globally on select vehicles.

While many of the features Ford is offering with Sync and MyFord Touch have been introduced separately by other automakers, it is the first manufacturer to integrate them into a single package and make them a mass-market offering on all of its cars and trucks.

"It's led to a lot of the positive growth in their vehicle sales," said analyst Mark Boyadjis of iSuppli Corp., who added that it has helped Ford connect with an entirely new customer base. "Ford has made a name for itself at CES. Five or six years ago, there wasn't anything particularly advanced about Ford cars. It's a positive for their sales, it's a positive for their brand recognition."

Daniel Howes:Detroit News

At a time when the most tired of tired Detroit mantras -- "they don't build what anyone wants to buy" -- is akin to holy writ, when magazine covers herald the "Extinction of the car giants," when books are titled "The End of Detroit," Ford Motor Co. is proving once again just how wrong conventional wisdom can be.

For the hottest thing at this week's Consumer Electronics Show is the Blue Oval's "MyFord Touch" and its latest version of Sync. The package combines the infotainment system with simplified computer touch screens that allow drivers to manage everything from climate control and iPod selections to hearing text messages and the latest headlines.

Cool? You have no idea. Easy? Easier than it's ever been. MyTouch will be standard equipment on selected models for the 2011 model year and will roll out in successive years -- which suggests just how aggressively Ford is pressing an advantage it staked with the first Sync systems it unveiled before the global auto market imploded.

Car buyers are paying attention. According to Ford, 70 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury buyers opted for Sync; vehicles equipped with Sync sell twice as fast as those without it; 32 percent of Ford's customers said Sync was "critical" to their decision; and 77 percent of Ford customers said they would recommend Sync to others.

What does it say about Ford that CEO Alan Mulally, for the second year running, is the keynote speaker today at the Las Vegas electronics show, the cathedral for cool tech that's about as far as you can get in mind from the stereotype of Old Clueless Detroit?

"To be invited to be the keynote with all these consumer electronics wizards," Mulally told The Detroit News this week, "is the all-time testimony that Ford is relevant."

That and more. What MyFord Touch promises to do -- essentially, replace a one-way relationship between man and machine that has existed since the days of the Model T -- may be less important than what it represents for Ford and, to some extent, Detroit's auto industry.

Barring some kind of software meltdown, Sync and MyFord Touch could be the killer app underscoring evidence that Ford's turnaround is real. Ford's black ink in every part of the world -- including the bellwether United States -- is being driven by well-executed cars and trucks offering innovative, easy-to-use technologies developed by an industrial icon.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to write that statement, much less have any credible evidence to back it up. But the numbers -- and the trends -- don't lie:

Profitability is returning to Ford, particularly in North America. Market share is inching higher. Sales in December surged 32.8 percent -- more than rival Toyota. Shares in Ford are trading near 52-week highs. Quality and perception of Ford products are improving, according to Consumer Reports, second only to Toyota. The cadence of new vehicles shows no sign of slowing this year.

Next week, at the North American International Auto Show, Ford is expected to show an all-new Focus compact and a thoroughly revised Lincoln MKX crossover, set to reach dealerships with its Ford Edge sibling by midyear. Also coming this year is the Fiesta subcompact, perhaps just in time for rising gas prices goosed by a recovering economy.

Bottom line: Leadership, vision and execution can reverse even the most dreadful declines, given time and money. Yeah, the hottest thing this week in the world of high tech isn't from Apple in Silicon Valley or Microsoft in Seattle.

It's from Dearborn, courtesy of an Old Economy company founded in 1903. How cool is that?

Jan 5, 2010
Updated on Jan 5, 2010 by Peter Johnson





After a tough year, the Ford brand is number one in Canada. With more new product launches than any other automaker for 2009, Ford is the best-selling brand in Canada and the Ford F-Series reclaimed its title as the best-selling vehicle in the country.

"Our products drove our sales success in 2009. Canadian consumers showed confidence in the Ford brand and recognized the quality and value in our lineup," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "We grew our sales despite a down industry, powered by the freshest showroom in the country."

Ford's stylish sedan, practical van are 2 better ideas


BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC

A pair of bold new strategies came together triumphantly for Ford Motor Co. in 2009, making the Fusion midsize sedan and Transit Connect compact van the Detroit Free Press 2010 Car and Truck of the Year.

The Fusion and Transit Connect embody a fundamental change in the way Ford approaches the vehicles it makes and the way it runs its business. The outstanding models leap to the head of the field.

The Fusion added dollops of style and technology to turn a good midsize sedan into an outstanding model line.

Read more about why the Ford Fusion is the Free Press Car of the Year.

The Transit Connect brought the fruits of Ford's global expertise to America, introducing a uniquely useful and fuel-efficient new class of vehicle.

Neither of these vehicles is the reason Ford avoided bankruptcy and government assistance in 2009. Ford was in such deep trouble when Alan Mulally took over in 2006 that he knew the company was headed for disaster. He wisely locked up $23.6 billion in credit, giving Ford enough money to eschew government help this year.

After securing cash to keep the doors open, Mulally accelerated product development and built a plan based on technical leadership, improved fuel economy and leveraging Ford's worldwide assets to bring better cars and trucks to American buyers.

The Fusion and Transit Connect provide plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Ford's future.

Learn more details and why the Transit Connect is the Free Press Truck of the Year

They show an automaker can elude disaster by using its resources intelligently and harnessing technology and design to make the best vehicles on the market. They are the first steps in a new-model rollout that includes the upcoming fuel-efficient Fiesta subcompact, the stylish and advanced Focus compact and a modern replacement for the Explorer SUV.

For years, Ford's corporate motto was "Ford has a better idea." In 2009, two great ideas paid off handsomely for the company.

By Justin Pritchard, December 30, 2009

If you're a small business owner in need of a delivery or cargo van, this might be the most important vehicle review you'll read all year.


Transit Connect starts at $26,799 .

Businesses vary immensely, as do the transportation needs of their owners. Despite this, ‘work vans’ in our market are largely limited to full-sized Ford, Dodge or Chevrolet models with big 6 or 8 cylinder engines. These models have a purpose—but shoppers after something smaller and lighter-duty typically find them as big and clumsy as the swine-flu vaccine roll-out.

There are options, of course. For instance, one could yank the rear seats from a Chrysler minivan-- but this would still be relatively thirsty. Owners could remove everything behind the front seats of a smaller model like a Nissan cube, but that would be wasteful and relatively small.

Factory tuned and purpose-built to work
The logical new solution might just be the Ford Transit Connect. It's definitely not one of the wide-shouldered big-boys when it comes to commercial vans, but it does deliver a more agile and economical package with the attributes of a small car.

Also, in white and black with the raised roof, Transit Connect sort of looks like an anime Panda bear wearing a bellboy hat-- which is adorable.

The tester was a Transit Connect Cargo Van with two front seats and an open rear cargo hold with a raised, rubberized floor. The walls surrounding the cargo area are lined with replaceable wear panels, and a large overhead bin above the windshield is ideal for storing smaller or more delicate items.

Though your scribe’s work-related hauling duties are rarely more challenging than laptop and some camera gear, the Transit Connect should easily accommodate a wide range of owners carrying plenty more than that.
Small car manners and cabin
This van sits low to the ground-- meaning loading of occupants and gear is a cinch and handled with virtually no stepping up or down. There's a sliding door on each side, and the rear doors open a full 180 degrees to swallow up larger items.


There's a sliding door on each side.

The driving position is about the same as a family sedan, and forward visibility is great thanks to the extra-tall windshield. Lateral visibility is somewhat limited though, and the side windows don’t seem to stretch backwards far enough. Inching out of a parking lot may require a good lean out of the driver’s seat.

Navigating said parking lot is easier. Transit Connect has a manageable turning circle, and parking manoeuvres come easily once mirrors are adjusted to compensate for the lack of rear side windows. If your staff aren’t as mirror-savvy as you, the optional backup sensors may prevent accidental bumper-munching in tight quarters.

Driver and passenger benefit from a pair of cupholders, a storage pouch in each door, and a dash-mounted cubby that’s ideal for a clipboard. There’s cruise control, an armrest for the driver, and a CD player, too.

On the highway
The Transit Connect has its roots deeply set in European soil, and it shows. Sharp, eager and quick reflexes are exhibited from the steering, which has a very good overall feel. Ditto the brakes, which are relatively powerful, precise, and surprisingly responsive. In fact, the whole driving experience reminded this writer of the last-generation Ford Focus-- which is a good thing.

One note, though. Despite the typically car-like manners, Transit Connect’s narrow tires and tall, wind-catching body translate to a less-than-planted feeling during higher-speed highway driving-- especially in the rain. Keep your speed to 115 km/h or so, otherwise things can get dicey.
All models get a 2-litre four-cylinder engine that sends 136 horsepower to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic. The small gas engine performs adequately in most situations, and the transmission helps make the best use of the available output. There’s an ‘overdrive cancel’ button for easy pre-emptive downshifting when required, too.

Full throttle acceleration for passing, as needed, comes on with decent urgency. Transit Connect is no powerhouse—but the little engine never feels like it’s being lazy, either.

Best of all, mileage in the lightly-loaded tester averaged around 8.7L / 100km on the highway, and about 10.5L / 100km in the city over the course of a week. To compare, that’s about the same as a Subaru Legacy.

Transit Connect, from $26,799
Transit Connect starts at $26,799 in its most simple ‘Cargo Van’ configuration, while a model with glass-equipped rear doors bumps the sticker slightly to $27,299. The Transit Connect XLT wagon takes top position in the lineup at $28,299 with 5-passenger seating and a few more options.

If your business deals in lightweight goods and doesn't require the haulage of enormous, heavy equipment, you’ll likely find Transit Connect puts up a good case for your cargo van dollar.

Ford to test electrics in Germany



Ford Motor Co. is to start a two-year test program of electric Focus compact cars and Transit vans in Germany on Monday as the U.S. company prepares to introduce battery-powered models as early as next year.

The 25 vehicles will be driven under normal traffic conditions in Cologne, where Ford's European division is based, said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research at Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen, which is overseeing the 15 million-euro ($22 million) study.

The drivers will include researchers and customers selected by Ford, Dudenhoeffer said Monday in a telephone interview. Data from the models will be monitored on computers that can simulate testing of more than 10,000 vehicles, he said.

Agent009 submitted on 12/30/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:45:52 PM

Source: www.autospies.com
..
PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific have taken a look at all the new trucks sold in the last 10 years and made their picks for the most significant trucks of the decade. The trucks that made the list introduced cutting edge technologies and pushed the segment into new territory.

"Despite the economic challenges of the past two years, it's hard not to look back at the last ten years without calling it the decade of the pickup truck," said PickupTrucks.com editor Mike Levine. "Sales of full-size pickups hit 2.56 million units in 2004 and Ford's F-Series trucks remain the nation's best-selling vehicles, 33 years in a row."

Though there are many trucks that had a significant impact in the last decade, it's clear that the 2009 Ford F-150 earned the title of "Most Significant".



"On balance, we thought the 2009 Ford F-150 was the most significant pickup of the last decade," said Jim Hossack, vice president of consulting for AutoPacific. "It sells in high volume, owners like it and its body, chassis and powertrain are all first rate. Features abound, and there are more models, series and options than can be counted. It's a good looking truck and suitable for the widest possible range of tasks and uses."

The Amatoya may be just a concept Warthog-inspired reconnaissance and fire-suppression vehicle, but with Apache-like seating and robotic water cannons it makes us want to see it douse some fires.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designed by Liam Ferguson, the system is similar to an MRAP and is designed to fill in as a quick response vehicle smaller than currently used commercial trucks. We're not sure there's a large enough market to justify the creation of such a vehicle, but we dig the look and the ethos of reducing human vulnerability. Just swap out the water cannons for real ones and you've got a great assault vehicle.


Here's what the designer has to say:

Currently the role of site reconnaissance is predominantly carried out by light tankers or QAVs (Quick Attack Vehicles), typically these are modified single cabin commercial utility vehicles such as the Toyota Landcruiser. While the off road performance and maneuverability of such a vehicle is sufficient, its ability to actively suppress a fire threat is severely limited by the considerably small water supply (500lt) and distinct lack of survival engineering, fundamentally making it inadequate for its role.

CREW LAYOUT

Typically medium and heavy tankers require 5-6 crew members to be operated effectively. AMATOYA requires only 2. More military in its approach, reducing crew numbers per appliance will allow for greater dispersion of resources during a fire response.

Principal concerns when developing a vehicle of any nature are driver position, ingress/egress and vision angles. These elements become even more crucial in a vehicle purpose built for reconnaissance. A central, forward and high driver and ROSCO operator position akin to the Apache assault helicopter with generous down vision will assure functionality.

Access is via two gull wing doors, an optimal solution to accommodate the unconventional bodyside form. The distinct lack of a traditional b-pillar will provide uninterrupted views for the ROSCO operator situated above and behind the driver.

SURVIVABILITY

Cabin temperature and vehicle survivability are central to the AMATOYA concept. Existing approaches in survival engineering on fire tankers consistently appears as augmentation rather than integration. Methods are passive, typically reactive and often incapacitate the appliance when in use. A key example is the use of curtain heat shields, while effective, when employed render the appliance out of operation.

To create a homogenous directive towards survivability AMATOYA incorporates state of the art clear aerogel laminated insulation in the windows and bodywork, a dedicated auxiliary water supply to operate a highly efficient, intelligent temperature controlled spray down system, military grade sacrificial thermo ceramic intumescent paints, and a mechanically injected large displacement diesel engine specifically engineered for the unique conditions experienced on the fire ground.

These measures will assure that even in the case of an extremely prolonged and high intensity burnover the vehicle will not only maintain cabin integrity, but opposed to existing appliances AMATOYA will remain fully operational.

SUPPRESSION ABILITY

A Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) coupled with a generous 1800lt + 400lt auxiliary water supply, offers a unique dynamic to vehicle operation. Current suppression techniques require large crew numbers (at least 5 per appliance) to perform through intermittent periods of strenuous labour to have any form of impact on a fire. The ROSCO system utilizing IFEX3000 impulse technology is not only a hugely efficient means of fire suppression, but vitally will eliminate crew members being subjected to the elements and stresses of extended high intensity work on the fire ground, while constantly maintaining vehicle mobility. A highly rated thermal imaging camera along with directional spot lights will assist in ‘hotspot' location to determine the most effective direction of attack.

OFF ROAD PERFORMANCE

AMATOYA represents the pinnacle of specialized performance in the fire appliance design field. Off road capabilities reflect enthusiast 4WD methods, including generous approach, departure and over ramp angles, suspension travel, ground clearance and minimized turn circle.

Central tire inflation (CTI) and run flat tire (RFT) technology coupled with beadlock tires will allow an extensive band of dynamic pressure control to aid in traversing the complex terrain often encountered on the fire ground.

MANUFACTURING

The vehicle adopts many conventional fabrication techniques associated with low production run specialized vehicles. The point of difference which separates this concept from existing appliances is the proposed monocoque steel body, comparable to military MRAP vehicles. A conventional fire tanker is built body-on-frame from a standard cab chassis truck base. While this approach is successful, the lack of integration results in certain performance issues. Body roll due to the on board water supply is an notable problem, however by creating a fully integrated solution, water reservoirs can be strategically located central and low in the vehicle to dramatically improve the centre of gravity.