By JONATHAN WONG
A picture of Shelby's Super Snake package can crank up engine output to 725 hp.
Shelby's Super Snake package can crank up engine output to 725 hp.There was little doubt that Shelby would not call it a day following the completion of the 2010 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. After all, 540 hp just might not cut it for some Shelby faithful. So to take the 2010 GT500 to the next level, Shelby revealed the Super Snake package at the Mid America Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, Okla.

With this post-title package, Shelby takes an existing customer car and performs power and handling upgrades. Depending on which supercharger the customer selects, the Super Snake will churn out 630 hp for the base configuration or 725 hp with the optional setup. Further changes under the hood include an upgraded intercooler, cold-air intake system and radiator. A Borla cat-back exhaust hangs out back for 630 hp models, while 725 hp cars use a JBA unit.

Handling improvements come courtesy of a Ford Racing suspension with adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, thicker antiroll bars, a front strut tower brace and 20-inch Super Snake wheels wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Helping to tame the additional power are Baer six-piston front calipers with cross-drilled rotors at all four corners.

While the onus clearly is on performance, the Super Snake does add a few visual enhancements. Those include an exclusive hood with a larger scoop and vents, striping decals, rear quarter window scoops and a carbon-fiber splitter and side sills. Inside, seat headrests feature embroidered Shelby logos and carbon-fiber gauge faces.

Pricing for the Super Snake package begins at $29,495 USA for the 630-hp model and $33,495 USA for the 725-hp kit, which includes installation at Shelby Automobiles’ Las Vegas plant or at a Shelby authorized mod shop. Additional options include a six-piston rear brake system, Eibach adjustable coil-over suspension and a two-tone leather interior upgrade. Each car will receive a Shelby consecutively number dash plaque, engine plate and listed in the official Shelby registry. Builds of the 2010 Super Snake begin in August. A picture of The Shelby SR package for the Mustang GT pumps power up to 550 hp. The Shelby SR package for the Mustang GT pumps power up to 550 hp.

GT love

For the thousands of Mustang GT owners out there, many probably are starting to feel a little left out with the GT500 receiving so much attention. Not to worry, because Shelby has heard the requests and also introduced a track-catering Shelby SR package for 2005-2009 Mustang GTs.

Power jumps to 550 hp with the help of a Ford Racing supercharger and Borla exhaust.

Extensive handling alterations begin with an Eibach suspension with coil-over shocks, struts, pro sway bars, bump steer kit, improved lower control arm bushings and caster/camber plates. A Watts Link suspension sits out back. Lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels come mounted with 275/35 BF Goodrich R compound rubber. Brake performance is addressed with Baer six-piston front and rear units.

by Joel Arellano
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Ford

It’s not the stuff of science fiction anymore. Today’s cars actually talk, and more and more consumers are talking back.



Think KITT from “Knight Rider,” only better informed. Voice-enabled systems like Ford’s award-winning SYNC technology are allowing more and more drivers to talk to their vehicles, check out the closest restaurant, locate the best price on fuel, play their favorite song and even determine the easiest way to make it through the never-ending construction. With simple voice commands, drivers can call family, find a friend’s house, or locate their preferred business.

It’s not a one-way conversation, either. SYNC talks back, with text message read aloud and verbal navigation prompts provided for audible turn-by-turn directions. So, that driver in the car next to you is not talking to himself – he just might have SYNC.

A recent Nuance Communications User Survey detailed how customers are using voice recognition systems:

* Respondents with a Ford SYNC system yielded the highest scores in terms of overall satisfaction compared to users of other systems.
* Ford SYNC users have a much stronger preference for using voice control, compared to users of other systems, and also boast the shortest learning period.
* Phone calls and navigation entry top voice-enabled functions. Among respondents who regularly use voice recognition systems, 83 percent always or frequently place calls and respectively 80 percent accept phone calls with voice commands; 76 percent regularly enter an address by voice.
* Use of voice-enabled systems generally was higher among younger drivers (ages 18 to 29) surveyed. Older drivers (ages 49 and older), however, were more apt to use voice recognition when driving in unknown areas or stressful traffic situations.
* Reliance on speech-enabled functions increases in particular situations, such as:
o 50 percent of users like to use voice input when other passengers are in the car, with an 18-percent increase in usage (68 percent) when they are alone.
o 58 percent of users prefer voice input when driving in familiar areas, but that number jumps to 69 percent in unknown areas.
o 63 percent of users said they prefer voice input in quiet or normal areas, but the percentage jumps to 71 percent in stressful traffic situations.

About SYNC®
Ford collaborated with Microsoft and Nuance Communications to create SYNC, an advanced software platform that provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheel’s redundant radio controls.

* SYNC offers voice-activated, hands-free calling and offers the same calling features offered on mobile phones. SYNC also can convert text messages from a user’s phone to audio and read them out loud.
* SYNC’s Vehicle Health Report application, gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and sends it to Ford via the customer’s mobile phone. The information then is analyzed by Ford, a report is created, and notification is sent to the customer via text message or e-mail.
* SYNC 911 Assist™. Should an air-bag deploying incident occur the system will place a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator, unlike competitive system that route through a third-party call center.
* SYNC’s latest application – Traffic, Directions and Information – provides hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information like business listings, news, sports and weather.

QUOTES:

“We’re seeing a clear trend in the adoption of voice-enabled systems where more and more drivers are becoming not only comfortable with, but reliant on, voice-enabled in-car systems and navigation devices as a means of reducing distractions and anxiety in what otherwise would be a stressful driving situation. We only expect this trend to increase, particularly as voice-enabled systems become even more intuitive and natural to engage with.”

– Arnd Weil,
General Manager, Vice President, Nuance Communications


“Consumers are increasingly demanding seamless connectivity between their house and their office and car. More than anything, they want to stay connected and informed.”

– Sheryl Connelly,
Ford Global Trends and Futuring Manager

DEARBORN, Mich.– Two weeks ago the new Ford Fiesta rally car tackled the treachery and challenge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Now on the eve of the start of X Games 15, an all-star driver trio are putting their Fiestas through two days of rigorous testing at an abandoned military base south of Los Angeles.

Sweden’s Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution (MSE) team has brought its line-up of Ford Fiesta rally cars to North America for two events, Pikes Peak and the X Games. Olsbergs MSE is entering the race with the 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner Kenny Brack, and the team will also field two Ford Fiestas for ROCKSTAR Energy Drink with drivers Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. All three Fiestas have been prepared to comply with Rally America Open Class specifications.

The Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta is based on the production version of the Ford Feista, which is Ford of Europe’s top selling car in 2009. The Fiesta will be introduced to North America in summer of 2010.

Just as they did at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, each Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution Fiesta will utilize BFGoodrich Tires at X Games 15.

“The ROCKSTAR Fiesta is an angry little beast,” said Foust, a two-time X Games medalist in the rally competition after testing his Fiesta. “That is a crazy, crazy little machine. The first time getting in to it I felt like all I could do was calm it down, because with the amount of boost it was creating and the amount of power it just wanted to run. This tight little test track was just too tight for legs that are that long. If there is any car out there that can take the X Games on pure technology and mechanics, it is the Fiesta.”

“I am really impressed,” said Brack, who drove for Ford factory team Rahal Letterman Racing in the now defunct CART open-wheel series, after taking his Fiesta around the simulated rally course at El Toro Marine Base. “The Fiesta is a great little car and a lot of fun to drive. It is very nimble to drive and it has a good torque curve and power. The challenge for us is to sort out the balance and combine it all together and create a nice little package that we can go racing with. The Fiesta has a lot of potential for sure.”

“When I first got in the Fiesta I found myself thinking how good is this car really going to be, but when I drove it I couldn’t believe it,” said Deegan, a 10-time X Games medalist. “The first time I got to drive the Fiesta was at a brief test in Colorado in the high altitude. Now that we are here in Southern California and I have had some time to practice the car is really fast and it handles good. Right now we are just fine tuning it and getting ready for X Games. With only a couple of days until the start of X Games 15 we are just trying to get there and be competitive. In the end, I have been riding dirt bikes all my life so this is my first real rally car race here at X Games, but I want to do good. I want to win a medal.”

The X Games, considered the premier action sports event in the world, features athletes from across the globe competing in a variety of sports, ranging from skateboarding, motocross, BMX and rally car racing. X Games 15 will be covered live on ESPN's family of networks, including ABC, as well as across ESPN's many digital media assets, including Xgames.com (or you can use ESPN.com/action or simply ESPN.com) and ESPN360.com.

Fiesta Movement in North America
Although the Fiesta production vehicle isn’t slated to go on sale in the United States until 2010, 100 of the stylish European cars are already in North America in the hands of 100 internet-savvy individuals chosen to be part of the Fiesta Movement, an innovative social media campaign launched to build awareness for Ford’s new small car.

The “missions” are designed to be fun, take the “agents” to new places and let them experience new things – all while driving the new European Ford Fiesta and providing feedback to Ford on the product.

Follow the Fiesta Movement at: www.fiestamovement.com.

About Fiesta
In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding driving dynamics, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta is taking that three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers for the first time.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The all-new Fiesta is the fastest-selling Fiesta model ever in Europe, helping boost Ford of Europe’s market share in 2009. Fiesta is Ford of Europe’s best-selling model in 2009.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

The Hybridfest Green Drive Expo recently rolled through Madison, Wis., and sponsor Ford Motor Company was at the wheel to demonstrate its hybrid vehicle lineup, including the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape Hybrids and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.


How They Did It
During the event, which took place at the Alliant Energy Center, Ford hosted a special session called “How Did They Do That?” – an in-depth look at how the company developed the Fusion Hybrid to attain its segment-leading 41 mpg city fuel economy. Ford’s Praveen Cherian, team leader on the Fusion Hybrid program, offered his insights about the advanced technology that went into Ford’s newest hybrid. It was a chance to teach to and learn from hybrid enthusiasts who had gathered in Madison to talk about their passion for hybrids and fuel economy as a way of saving money and reducing their environmental footprint.

In addition, renowned hypermiler Wayne Gerdes spoke about how he and the Fusion Hybrid team squeezed 1,445 miles out of a single tank of gas, averaging 81 mpg earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Gerdes offered tips on fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as using gradual acceleration and coasting.

People’s Choice Winner
Hybridfest guests got the chance to drive Ford and Mercury hybrids and learn how to use Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide technology to get the most out of every gallon of gas. For Ford’s efforts, attendees named the company the People’s Choice winner.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Ford’s Sustainability program and its plans to introduce a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van for 2010, a BEV Focus for 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

QUOTE

“We went to Hybridfest more to listen than to sell our product. This resonated very well with the audiences who interestingly have a lot to say about their cars and obsession with fuel economy. These folks are not your average drivers. They are a very special group of eco-enthusiasts and cherish being in the company of each other and sharing their experiences. The people we talked to genuinely seemed very happy to see Ford take a leadership role with hybrid technology as evidenced in the Fusion Hybrid. They’re happy to see a domestic automaker offering more hybrids, and I think they want us to succeed.”
– Praveen Cherian, Ford Fusion Hybrid team leader

There was a time when putting a 'sport' badge on a vehicle meant something. Maybe a retuned suspension. Or possibly more power on tap when pushing the noisy pedal. Now that doesn't seem to be the case when putting the five letter S-word on a vehicle available for public consumption.

The etymology of the word 'sport' has taken on a completely different form in the automotive industry. Give it another few years and they will be calling compact cars 'Olympic editions' and giving minivans 'World Championship' badges. We are sliding down a slippery slope where car shoppers won't know what they are buying anymore.

All that aside, the Ford Edge Sport - while having the performance of an octogenarian in the 100m dash - is a great vehicle to look at, inside and out. Ford is delivering on their promise of a revamped product line that appeals to the consumer.

In Sport trim with Sport Blue Metallic paint, the Edge turns heads quicker than an over-anxious chiropractor. Bold, chunky lines combined with more chrome than an old Thunderbird definitely command attention while cruising around downtown streets. Optional 22-inch wheels set the Edge Sport apart from other models, being the first ever crossover offered with such a large wheel and tire combo from the factory. The Sport is also gifted with an attractive body kit that suits the vehicles design. Just keep an eye out for high curbs as the ground effect pieces will take away a little bit of ride height.

The passenger cabin is quite plush. Sinking your rump into the soft seats gives you the impression that this crossover is as much about comfort as it is about style. Larger adults fit into the back seat with ease and are provided with seating that is more like a couch than the rear bench of an SUV. Just don't expect to bring your extended family and their canine friends along for the ride as the Edge's seating is limited to five occupants.

Dash and door panel materials are almost spot on. Everything feels and looks like it should be more expensive than it is. Add the optional coloured accent lighting and great Sync system display and you end up with a well appointed and very attractive interior. The instrument cluster, while looking at home in the normal Edge, sticks out a bit on the Sport trimmed model as it seems a bit dated compared to everything else. Some of the controls are a bit of a reach from the driver's seat too. But, that is minor compared to all the pluses.

Speaking of Sync, so far it's been the best onboard entertainment and information system I have used in any vehicle. The interface is very attractive and easy to navigate, full of useful features, and combined with a very clear sounding set of speakers. Only the most advanced options caused confusion. Confused could be used for how you will feel when using Ford's notorious cruise control system. When on, but not pegged in the speedo, there is no visual indicator that it is active. This is true for my personal car as well - a 2007 Ford Fusion - and seems to be the case for many Ford products.

Another option fitted to our tester was the Vista Roof that allows light to come into the whole passenger cabin. Only the front glass has tilt and slide functionality while the rear is a fixed piece. Both of them have power cloth shades for protecting occupants from the sun on those high UV index days.

The massive dubs matched with low profile rubber that Ford has bolted to the Edge would normally succumb to the stiffness in the tire sidewalls. Surprisingly, the ride is fairly compliant and some of my passengers voiced how smooth it felt. That said, the suspension does give a lot in corners, and the Edge feels like it lumbers around them a bit. Body roll isn't necessarily bad, but it definitely isn't good.

Under the hood sits Ford's 3.5L Duratec V6 rated at 265 hp @ 6250 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm. In a normal family sedan, this would be plenty engine to get the job done. However, with the Edge weighing in at a hefty 4,288lbs, it never feels overly eager to get anywhere. Because of this you seem to be a bit more into the accelerator than you should and can't help but think you would waste less fuel with a slightly bigger engine. This is something that I have a major issue with, as the sport emblazoned vehicle should have a little more 'get up and go' compared to the standard model. There may still be some hope for the Edge later on in its lifetime as Ford introduces their new line of EcoBoost engines. However, there has been no confirmation that an EcoBoost powerplant will be put in the vehicle so far. The Duratec V6 returned 13.9L/100km in the southern Ontario mix mash of traffic infested roads and accident prone 400 series highways which is average for the class.

Ford has definitely upped their game in recent years which is now being reflected in winning back decades of market share loss. Though not perfect, the Edge easily bests its cross street domestic rivals in style, comfort, and solid build quality. If you are looking at buying a $78,000 Escalade or other urban SUV with 'style', give the Edge Sport a look. With the remaining cash perhaps you can courier the latest edition of the Webster's Dictionary to Dearborn so the folks at Ford can look up the true definition of 'sport.'

2009 Ford Edge Sport AWD

Base Price: $39,499
As Tested: $49,329
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Pros:
* Lots of style and has a customized look without being tacky
* Seats are very plush
* Sync is the best in the industry

Cons:
* Engine feels underpowered for the vehicle
* Feels like it weighs more than it does when taking turns
* Umm, where's the sport?

Car giant Ford’s annual sustainability report shows that the company is on track to reach its product carbon dioxide goal, which calls for a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020, the company said.

The report details Ford’s electric vehicle strategy and introduction of new models that achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The company also cut its global water use by 24 per cent and improves its energy efficiency in North America by 4.5 per cent.

‘Our economic and environmental goals are aligned. In fact, we believe that the best way for us to be more profitable is to make our business and products more sustainable,’ said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company.

Included in the report are sections dealing with climate change that summarise the company’s progress toward its CO2 reduction goal, its approach to climate change policy, vehicle and fuel and technologies to achieve improved fuel economy for Ford products, the company’s accelerated electrification strategy, human rights initiatives and how the One Ford plan is addressing the economic challenges facing the industry today.


‘We recognise these issues are increasingly important to our stakeholders, including our customers, investors and business partners,’ said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. ‘We want them to understand that we will continue to pursue our sustainability agenda despite very challenging economic conditions.’

The company remains on track to reach its goal to reduce by 30 per cent the CO2 emissions of its new US and European vehicles by 2020, compared to the 2006 model year, according to a statement.

The report also mentions the accelerated development of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which will be introduced between 2010 and 2012.

‘Ford’s reporting has benefited greatly from open and honest dialogue with shareholders, environmental organisations and other key stakeholders regarding a variety of sustainability issues, including global climate change and good governance practices,’ said Carol Lee Rawn, senior manager of the Transportation Program at Ceres, who led the Ceres stakeholder team that advised Ford on its Sustainability Report.

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents, with about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide.

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Jul 27th 2009 at 12:59PM



Anyone who actually wants a Ford Explorer Sport Trac had better go out and grab one now because they won't be around much longer. As production of the the current body-on-frame Explorer winds down in the coming months, the pickup bed version and the rebadged Mercury Mountaineer will breathe their last breath. Sometime in 2010 a new unibody Explorer based on the Flex/Taurus platform will debut and an open bed version will not be part of the lineup.

The press suggests number of Sport Tracs sold simply doesn't justify developing a new one. At its peak when Ford was moving some 400,000 Explorers annually, about 60,000 were Sport Tracs.

by Chris Shunk on Jul 30th 2009 at 7:58AM


Bankruptcy may have put General Motors and Chrysler in a better financial position, but a report from Rasmussen shows that public opinion may have taken a big hit in the process. The survey, which was completed by 1,000 Americans in late July, shows that only 38% of Americans now have a favorable opinion of GM, down six points from May, and 21% of respondents have a very unfavorable view of the Detroit-based automaker. Chrysler now only has a 34% favorable rating, also down six points, while its very unfavorable rating has dipped to 23%.

The perils of GM and Chrysler are having the opposite affect on Ford, though, as the latest Rasmussen Report shows the public now has a 66% favorable opinion of Ford, with 22% now very favorable. The reason sited in the survey is the fact that the Blue Oval didn't require bailout money, along with avoiding a stint in bankruptcy court. For Ford, 46% of Americans surveyed are more likely to buy a car for avoiding government assistance, while only 17% say they are more likely to go GM now that the company is out of bankruptcy. While the report is good news to Ford, we'd point out that the significant swings in opinion from March to May to July shows that the public mood can shift quickly.

The bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler have certainly weighed down public opinion of the companies, but the attention the industry has received in the past year has helped the surveyed Americans place more value on the auto industry. 88% of those surveyed felt the auto industry is at least somewhat important to the economy, compared to only 49% back in March 2007. Hit the jump to review the complete Rasmussen Report.

[Source: Rasmussen Reports]




PRESS RELEASE:

Most Americans still have a much higher opinion of the one Big Three automaker who didn't ask for a government bailout, while views of the two companies that did get bailed out continue to go down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 66% of Americans now have at a somewhat favorable opinion of Ford, including 22% whose view is very favorable. Ford is seen unfavorably by 26%, with six percent (6%) very unfavorable. These numbers are largely unchanged from May.

By contrast, General Motors is viewed favorably by 38%, down six points from May, and unfavorably by 56%, up eight points from the previous survey. The "nays" feel more strongly now, too: Twenty-one percent (21%) have a very unfavorable opinion of GM, compared to nine percent (9%) whose view is very favorable.

For Chrysler, the news is similar. Thirty-four percent (34%) have a somewhat favorable view, down six from May, while 55% see the company unfavorably, up three points. Those with a strongly unfavorable view outnumber those who are strongly favorable by more than three-to-one – 23% to seven percent (7%).

These views may be translating into consumer buying habits, too, with 46% of Americans now saying they are more likely to buy a car from Ford because it did not seek a government bailout. Only 17% say they are more likely to buy a GM car now that the company has emerged from bankruptcy with government help, but 22% say they are less likely to do so.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter.

The May survey actually marked a rebound of sorts for GM and Chrysler. The new favorables and unfavorables are more in line with the findings in March and reflect the downward trend evident since the two automakers first began seeking bailout help.

But Americans also now consider the automobile industry more important to the overall U.S. economy than they have in recent surveys.

Eighty-two percent (82%) say the domestic auto industry is at least somewhat important to the economy. For 40%, it's very important, up eight points from late March and the highest finding this year.

Of course, in March 2007, 49% said the auto industry was very important to the overall economy.

Just 12% now say the automobile industry is not important to the economy, with three percent (3%) who view it as not at all important.

Generally speaking, Democrats have been more supportive of the auto bailouts than Republicans or adults not affiliated with either political party. So it's not surprising that the same partisan divide is evident in the favorables. While all three groups like Ford more, Democrats have a higher opinion of GM and Chrysler than Republicans and unaffiliateds.

Men are more enthusiastic about Ford than women, while both feel largely the same about the other two automakers.

Investors by more than a two-to-one margin have a more favorable opinion of Ford than of GM and Chrysler

July 28, 2009 by Andy Moldero
Filed under: Ford


The Mustang will be taking part in the NASCAR Nationwide Series–sort of. Actually, Ford has just rebodied the existing car to make it resemble the ‘Stang–everything else is the same. We’re not convinced this’ll save NASCAR’s sliding viewership and audience attendance. We’ll still take the Rolex and SCCA over this any day of the week.

Posted by: David Kiley on July 21

Ford Motor Co.’s has topped a quality survey, beating rivals Toyota and Honda for the first time.

The survey is not from J.D. Power and Associates, which has the definitive survey on things-gone-wrong in new vehicles measured in the first few months of ownership [J.D. Power, like BusinessWeek, is owned by McGraw-Hill Co.]. But the results of the survey, by Bloomfield Hills, MI-based RDA Group, shows Ford with the fewest problems among any manufacturer, including Toyota Motor Corp.

“We’ve been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top!” wrote Bennie Fowler, Ford’s global head of quality, in a memo to employees Friday, a copy of which was obtained by BusinessWeek. “We can all be pleased with the progress we have made in quality, even as we face external and internal challenges in a tumultuous climate. Our progress has come as the result of our union partnerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with the work of dedicated teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales, service, legal, IT and others who follow disciplined, standardized processes.”

In Power’s recently released Inititial Quality Study, Ford placed eighth, but in a statistical dead heat with Toyota. Ford scored 102 things-gone-wrong per 100 cars in the first three months of ownership, versus 101 for Toyota.
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Dearborn, July 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is delivering its freshest lineup ever for the 2010 model year with a series of new, high-quality, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers and an unprecedented investment in advanced new powertrains – announcing plans for 30 new powertrain actions globally – 22 in North America alone – by the end of 2010.

“We are creating a full lineup of Ford vehicles – small, medium and large cars, utilities and trucks – that are best-in-class in fuel efficiency, quality, technology and safety and available to consumers with exceptional value,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We are making fuel economy a reason to buy a Ford, and we are distinguishing ourselves as leaders in connectivity and unique consumer-friendly technologies – many of which are appearing in our 2010-model lineup for the first time ever.”


The unprecedented number of new vehicle introductions for the 2010 model year includes:

§ 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

§ 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid

§ 2010 Ford Mustang and Shelby GT500

§ 2010 Ford Flex with EcoBoost

§ 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

§ 2010 Ford Transit Connect

§ 2010 Lincoln MKT and MKT with EcoBoost

§ 2010 Lincoln MKZ

§ 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

§ 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid

Plus, Ford is delivering vehicles with even greater levels of interior comfort as well as more new convenience and safety technologies than competitors offer – even in premium sedans. These new technologies include:

§ New SYNC® applications with Traffic, Directions & Information delivered through customers’ Bluetooth-capable mobile phones

§ Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), which alerts drivers when obstacles are in
their blind spot

§ Automatic Park Assist, which guides vehicles into parallel parking spaces, hands-free




Ford also is making an unprecedented investment in new engine, transmission and driveline components, helping the company improve its average U.S. vehicle fuel economy by approximately 20 percent fleet-wide through the end of 2010 versus 2005 – with plans to increase car and truck fuel economy by more than 35 percent by 2015, thanks to powertrain advancements.


Additional improvements include:

§ A new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine will go on sale in the 2010 calendar year.
It is the first EcoBoost engine to include Twin-Independent Variable Cam Timing
(Ti-VCT) and will deliver a 10 to 20 percent fuel economy improvement versus larger-displacement V-6 engines, without compromising performance

§ A 6.2-liter V-8 – producing approximately 400 horsepower – first appears in the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor on sale later this year

§ A 3.7-liter V-6 iVCT, producing 274-horsepower, and helping the Lincoln MKT achieve best-in-class fuel economy

§ A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 – Ford’s first EcoBoost engine, featuring better fuel economy than V-8 competitors – is offered in the Taurus SHO this model year with 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque; EcoBoost engines in Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT deliver
355 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque

§ A 3.0-liter V-6 iVCT – featuring an industry-first Cam Torque-Actuated Variable Intake Cam Timing system that improves low-end torque and delivers better fuel economy – is available on the Fusion, Milan, Escape and Mariner later this model year

“We are absolutely committed to delivering new products with the best fuel economy in every segment in which we compete – driven in large part by substantial advancements in powertrain technology,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering.


In addition to an aggressive electrification strategy – which will result in at least four electrified vehicles on the road in the U.S. by 2012, including full battery electric vehicles, new hybrids and a plug-in hybrid – Ford is improving gasoline engines across all products in high volumes.


The foundation for Ford’s plan is its new EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost is a new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks. It uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior performance versus larger-displacement engines.


EcoBoost is arriving for the 2010 model year on the Ford Flex, Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKS and MKT. By 2012, the company plans to produce 750,000 EcoBoost units annually in the U.S. and 1.3 million globally. By 2013, Ford will offer EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its product lineup.


For the 2010 model year, Ford also is offering two new hybrids. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids deliver 41 mpg (USA)in the city – 8 mpg (USA)better than Toyota Camry Hybrid – making them the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans in America.

Customers and third-party experts alike are noticing Ford’s product, fuel economy and quality.


For the first time in the 28-year history of the Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study, customer satisfaction with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles has reached its highest level in North America – and now equals Toyota.


In addition, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles had the lowest number of “things gone wrong” among all automakers – putting Ford in a statistical tie with Toyota for initial quality and ahead of Honda.


“Ford’s total focus on quality and customer satisfaction throughout the design and manufacturing process is paying off, and customers are noticing,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas.

“For Ford, our plan is continuous improvement year after year.”

New vehicle owners are asked to report defects or issues as well as rate satisfaction with vehicle quality on a scale of 1 to 10 across an array of vehicle systems and features.

Internal and external studies show a positive trend in the percentage of consumers with favorable opinions about Ford and growing numbers of consumers who are willing to consider purchasing a Ford product, thanks to improved fuel economy, smart technology and higher residual values.

Among Ford’s recent accomplishments in the marketplace:

· Ford’s retail market share has improved in the U.S. for eight of the past nine months. Meanwhile, Ford of Canada became the No. 1-selling brand in June, achieving its eighth straight month of market share gains.

· The Ford brand just posted all-time highs in favorable opinion and purchase consideration, based on customer tracking. Favorable opinion of the Ford brand, for example, has risen 17 percent this year alone, with consideration up 13 percent – driven by customer response to new products.

· In the second quarter, Ford average vehicle transaction prices increased at a rate more than double the industry average, reflecting greater customer investments in higher vehicle series and optional features.

· Ford’s vehicle residual values are projected to be higher than domestic competitors’ and are closing the gap on the imports, according to Automotive Leasing Guide. The improvements mean Ford customers will see greater values at trade-in time.

· Vehicles such as the 2010 Fusion Hybrid are bringing new customers to Ford at unprecedented rates. Approximately 54 percent of Fusion Hybrid buyers did not previously own Fords, and 66 percent of Fusion Hybrid owners are coming out of foreign vehicles. Similarly, Ford Flex is drawing nearly 50 percent new buyers to the Blue Oval, more than one-fifth of them from imports.

· The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands all showed significant improvement in the 2009 J.D. Power APEAL study, which measures customer satisfaction in design, content and vehicle performance. The Ford F-150 and Flex were singled out for awards in their segments.

· Merrill Lynch’s closely watched “Car Wars” study concluded that Ford is expected to have the highest vehicle replacement rate among full-line manufacturers between the 2010 and 2013 model years. Ford’s average product freshness is expected to improve substantially – particularly compared to rivals – positioning the company to win even more new customers.



“Customers are recognizing that Ford is delivering exceptional quality, fuel efficiency, smart technology and better value,” said Fields. “We’re delighted to see more and more new customers putting their trust in Ford and encouraging others to do the same.”

2010 Ford Technology Overview: Helping Drivers Stay Connected, Safer, Less Stressed : what's coming soon
By


dearborn, July 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is speeding the introduction of innovative technologies to help add convenience, safety and fuel efficiency, many building on the company’s groundbreaking SYNC fully integrated, voice-activated communications and entertainment system.



The company also is designing new ways to help keep customers safer in its vehicles, adding to an already impressive track record. In fact, Ford has the most National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5-Star safety ratings of any brand and the most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” ratings of any company.

Drive Smart
Ford’s commitment to deliver industry-leading technology solutions includes two main facets: First, since busy lifestyles often require staying connected, it’s essential to reduce distraction and make technology easier to use while driving. Second, new ways to use technology to improve the driving experience are constantly sought out. With those goals in mind, Ford offers a number of industry-leading technology advances on many of its 2010 vehicles, including:

SIRIUS Travel LinkTM is an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system, provides real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.

SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide is an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid drivers maximize fuel efficiency. The unique design uses two high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver’s efficiency.

Active Park Assist uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, working in conjunction with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), to guide the vehicle into a parallel-parking space. Here’s how it works:


The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which enables the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel-parking space.
The system prompts the driver to accept assistance to park the vehicle.
The steering system takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.
A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver as to the proximity of other cars, objects and people, and provides instructions.
While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.


Adaptive Cruise Control allows the vehicle’s speed to be set and maintained without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed to help keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle.

Ford’s Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect precipitation and determine when to activate windshield wipers and at what speed. An infrared beam “reads” the surface of the glass and sends information to a sensor mounted in the windshield shade band.

EPAS with Pull-Drift Compensation detects road conditions, such as a crowned road surface or crosswinds, and adjusts the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system to help the driver compensate for pulling and drifting. For drivers, Pull-Drift Compensation is designed to be unnoticeable as the system adjusts to help with conditions.

Ford Work Solutions™ features an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories that include a mouse and printer; Tool LinkTM, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the vehicle; Crew ChiefTM, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system; and the Cable Lock security system to secure equipment in the cargo area.

The Rear View Camera system provides a clear view to the rear of the vehicle when backing up, working through a small camera that is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The video image is displayed on the vehicle’s rearview mirror (or on the navigation screen, if equipped). The screen image includes an industry-first centerline and colored guides giving the driver a better perspective of the vehicle’s center point and periphery.

Ford’s Forward Sensing System uses four hidden sensors mounted in the front fascia and audible beeps to help drivers determine how close they are to objects in front of their vehicle while parking. It can detect objects up to 1,500 feet away, plus objects at certain heights, such as parking blocks, that are out of the driver’s view.

The Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that provides customers a hassle-free, odor-free and more-consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. The system automatically seals shut when fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed.

Drive Safe
Today, Ford is pioneering new “active” crash-avoidance technologies, because the best way to help ensure accident survivability is to avoid one in the first place. By introducing even more crash-protection technologies such as ultra-high-strength, lighter-weight steel and advanced new air bag systems, Ford has helped build upon its leading number of U.S. government 5-Star and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” crash safety ratings. The company also has standardized advanced air bags, stability control systems and reminders to use safety belts – still the No. 1 life-saving device – on millions of vehicles.

The Pressure-Based Air Bags on some new Ford vehicles use pressure pulses from a side impact to deploy 30 percent faster than a traditional air bag system that uses acceleration-based sensors. Pressure-based sensors help predict crash forces before the full impact occurs, and more accurately measure accident crash severity to help better differentiate between a potentially dangerous air bag-deployable crash and relatively harmless daily abuse that should not require air bag protection.

The 2010 Ford Taurus and 2009 Ford F-150 are some of the industry’s first vehicles to feature the new pressure-based technology.

The MyKeyTM system is designed to encourage safer teen driving. Parents simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as:


Limited top speed of 80 mph
Traction control system cannot be deactivated
Audio system muted until safety belts fastened; system then limited to 44 percent of maximum volume
A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph


Collision Warning with Brake Support operates in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control system and is designed to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions. Using long-range radar hidden in the front of the vehicle, Collision Warning detects slower moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of a collision risk with an alarm and warning light.

If the collision risk increases despite the warning, Brake Support is activated, which pre-charges and prepares the brakes to enable harder, quicker deceleration to aid in a panic stop and lessen the impact of a collision.

BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) alerts drivers to obstacles that may be lurking in the blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, a warning light illuminates and a message also is displayed in the vehicle’s message center, if equipped.

Cross Traffic Alert helps warn drivers of approaching traffic while backing up by using two advanced radar sensors to detect moving objects within 65 feet of either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: An indicator light illuminates in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded.

Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors in the side-view mirror housings aid visibility by better showing vehicles in the blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the convex mirror.

Adaptive Headlamps enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input, engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to 5 degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver’s field of vision.

AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is the industry’s only available electronic stability control system with two gyroscopic effect sensors. AdvanceTrac with RSC measures vehicle motion along both the yaw and roll axes, automatically engaging countermeasures to help the driver maintain maximum control and reduce the risk of rollover.

By
Robert Musial

DEARBORN, July 21, 2009 -- Ford has edged past industry leader Toyota in initial quality in the U.S. for the first time ever, according to the latest Ford quality study.

For the first time in the 28-year history of the Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study, customer satisfaction with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles has reached its highest level in North America – and now equals Toyota.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles also had the lowest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer with a “things gone wrong” (TGW) score of 1,185.

That bested Toyota’s TGW score of 1,215 – though the two automakers would be considered in a statistical tie. In third place was Honda with 1,291.

The higher the number, the more problems registered per 1,000 vehicles during the first three months of ownership.

The results show that customers are noticing Ford’s focus on quality and customer satisfaction from design through manufacturing, said Mark Fields, president, The Americas.

“This is a major milestone, but we are not satisfied,” he said. “For Ford, our plan is continuous improvement year after year.”

The GQRS and owners’ satisfaction with their vehicle’s overall quality figures were compiled by the RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

In the study, owners are asked to report defects or issues with the new vehicles as well as to rate their satisfaction with vehicle quality on a 1-10 scale across an array of vehicle systems and features.

Two Ford products, the F-150 and the Flex, also were judged the top vehicles in their market segments.

By comparison, Ford’s combined TGW average was 1,319 in the 2008 GQRS.

Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Quality, called the latest results “historic news.”

“We’ve been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top,” said Fowler.

Such progress, he said, is a result of Ford’s union partners and the work of dedicated teams in product development, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, sales and service and other areas.

“Quality is truly a team effort,” said Fowler.

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
JULY 21, 2009 - 2:49 PM ET
BOULDER, Colo. -- Don Ufford, engineering chief for all Ford-badged vehicles, is aiming for tight handling and a refined ride -- but with a powerful sound when you step on the accelerator. He spoke to Staff Reporter Richard Truett at a recent media event here.

When Ford has a car such as the Fiesta that has been designed and engineered in Europe, what is your input?
The good news about the Fiesta is it is very consistent with Ford's DNA. One of the things we have been doing is making sure we have a consistency to our vehicles around the world.
What is the DNA of the Ford Fiesta?
It has great dynamics as far as steering and handling. Good noise and vibration characteristics and [consumer] interface characteristics that are very consistent.
What is Ford's DNA going forward? Will it change from what people think a Ford is?
That depends on what your time frame is. It will change significantly from where we are with cars developed years ago that use old platforms. On more modern cars, such as the 2010 Fusion, the spirited driving experience you have comes from the proper powertrain selection. You get great fuel economy, you get good shift quality characteristics, you get good, dynamic steering response, and it's quiet and refined. But when you step into the throttle, it sounds powerful. That gives you a real good look at what we are doing and where we are moving.
It sounds like you are saying that the vehicles we get here in America are going to be more like European Fords.
I don't know if I would exactly characterize it as that as much as I'd say there is very much going to be a new Ford that is characterized by an engaging, spirited driving experience with refinement at the appropriate time.
EcoBoost, which combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection, poses some challenges for you because some drivers have never had a turbocharged vehicle before.
We don't want there to be head-jerking acceleration where people can't comfortably and controllably drive. We spent a lot of time with part-throttle pedal progression so that when you accelerate you feel you have the vehicle under control but can still drive away relatively rapidly. We want to make sure that when you do step into the throttle, you get a good, quick response.

On Tuesday July 21, 2009, 12:01 am EDT
The 35-mpg (USA) Ford Focus, loaded with safety technologies - including six advanced air bags, stability control, and lightweight, high-strength materials - earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the International Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Ford is launching its exclusive MyKey teen-safety technology on Focus this summer Ford's SYNC system comes standard on most Focus models, allowing drivers to operate their mobile phone, car stereo and other technology without taking their eyes off the wheel Ford has the most vehicles that have earned "Top Safety Pick" of any automaker

DEARBORN, Mich., July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2009 Ford Focus coupe (NYSE: F - News) delivers up to 35 mpg and features six standard air bags, standard ABS and available stability control - features that helped it earn a "Top Safety Pick" award from IIHS. Focus will be among the first vehicles to offer MyKey, which allows parents to limit the top speed and radio volume, and set other limits, when their teen is driving.

IMAGES: Available at www.media.ford.com

Small Car Safety

The 2009 Focus uses high strength steel throughout its structure, is loaded with six standard airbags - including side curtains and seat-mounted air bags - and comes with new front seats designed to perform well in dynamic rear impact collisions.

The Focus' front seats are designed to help reduce the risk of soft tissue neck injuries, commonly referred to as "whiplash," by keeping the occupant in the proper position in the event of a rear collision. The head restraint and seatback work together to maintain the occupant's alignment by supporting the head, neck and torso. This helps manage the crash forces and minimizes the chances of whiplash-type injuries.

Focus features Ford's fully integrated, computer-driven Personal Safety System(TM), which employs nearly a dozen technologically advanced components. It analyzes different frontal crash conditions and deploys the appropriate occupant protection systems for the specific crash conditions.

A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help drivers maintain control of their vehicle under a variety of driving conditions.

MyKey Promotes Teen Safety

Later this summer, Ford will begin rolling out its innovative MyKey technology, which is designed to help parents encourage their teen-agers to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety-belt usage.

The feature will debut as standard equipment on the 2010 Ford Focus and will quickly become standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. It allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage by muting the audio system until front occupants buckle up.

SYNC Helps Drivers Remain Focused

Also setting the Focus coupe apart from other small cars is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC® technology, which is standard equipment on the SES and SEL series and optional on the SE. Ford SYNC, introduced first on the 2008 Focus, is a fully integrated, voice-activated communications and entertainment system allowing customers to operate their Bluetooth®-enabled cell phones and digital media players with voice commands.

Recent Ford telematics research shows that Ford SYNC hands-free system significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations with hand-held cell phones and music players. For example, reading a text message on a handheld phone typically took the driver's eyes off the road for 11 seconds compared to about 2 seconds when listening to the text message with SYNC's text-to-speech output.

Ford's research is consistent with a prior Virginia Tech and the U.S. Department of Transportation study, which concluded that manually dialing a handheld device - a task that requires glancing away from the road - while driving was almost 2.8 times riskier than normal driving. However, the on-the-road study showed that talking/listening on a hands-free phone while driving was no riskier than normal driving.

Bumper to Bumper Compatibility

Ford continues to build safety into small cars while leading industry efforts to make the bumper structures of larger vehicles such as crossovers, SUVs and pickups more crash compatible with the bumpers of smaller vehicles, including the 2009 Focus.

Ford was the first to market with crash structures to make passenger cars, such as the Focus, more compatible with SUVs. Product design revisions make both types of vehicles more resistant to damage and less likely to cause damage in low-speed crashes.

Fuel Efficient Focus

The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), I-4 engine that delivers 143 horsepower when combined with a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California emissions states. The 20E's tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles'. The Duratec 20 and 20E in Focus Coupe are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg highway.

"The Focus is another example of how Ford is leading the way in enhancing safety and saving fuel; a commitment backed up the most top crash safety ratings and leading fuel economy with each new vehicle," Sue Cischke, Ford Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

"The two-door Focus's crash test performance shows that a high level of protection can come in a small package," Steve Kozak, Chief Engineer, Ford Safety Systems.