Have New Cars Changed?

DECADE OF CHANGE: TOP 10 WAYS YOUR CAR HAS CHANGED IN 10 YEARS

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2011 – The past decade has been revolutionary for several parts of our society, but few sectors have seen as much change since 2000 as the auto industry.


Ten short years ago, automakers were touting the number of cupholders in the cabin and the increased off-road capabilities of family haulers. Today, these same companies are racing to offer increasingly hands-free mobile communication, eye-popping fuel economy and technologies aimed at helping drivers avoid accidents.

“Cars have become more like brains on wheels,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends manager. “Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.”

Technology evolution

Many of the changes in automobiles were driven by the ever-evolving ways people use mobile devices and the Internet to consume information, communicate with others and even engage in commerce. According to the UN agency, about five billion people use cell phones while weekly Internet usage is up 560 percent.

This trend has exploded in the past decade, redefining the way we use our cars. As the calendar flips to 2011, and automakers kick off a new chapter of innovation at the North American International Auto Show, here are our Top 10 ways the industry has changed since 2000:

Top 10 in 2010

Infotainment: Vehicle options 10 years ago, such as in-dash compact disc players and speed control systems, are now standard features. Consumers’ desire to have constant access to information helped spawn technologies such as voice-activated controls, real-time traffic and Wi-Fi mobile hot spots now found on many 2011 Ford products.

Entertainment:The days of packing a clumsy library of CDs or VHS movie tapes are gone. Today consumers have a wide variety of compact ways to be entertained while behind the wheel. A decade ago, for instance, satellite radio was not available in cars. Today, more than half of new passenger cars are equipped with the service, according to Ward’s Auto. Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC® can stream Internet radio like Pandora or can play music from USB plugged-in digital music players or memory sticks.

Taking out the guesswork: Today’s vehicles are equipped with new technologies that make driving easier, including self-parallel parking, rear back-up cameras and rain-sensing wipers. Terrain management, a new Ford feature available on the 2011 Explorer, lets the driver select the type of terrain the vehicle is driving through, such as sand, snow or pavement, and the vehicle then adjusts wheel spin, throttle inputs and other inputs accordingly.

Accident avoidance: Automotive safety has also advanced dramatically. In 2000, the average car had at least two airbags. Today, most vehicles have at least four, with some models equipped with up to 10 airbags. The airbags themselves also have improved. Ford is the first automaker to introduce inflatable second row safety belts.

The biggest change, however, is in the area of accident avoidance. For example, Ford’s new Curve Control, available on the 2011 Explorer, monitors a driver’s speed entering fast, sharp corners then corrects the vehicle. Other examples from Ford include a collision warning system that detects moving vehicles ahead; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) that alerts the driver when approaching vehicles enter the system’s defined blind spot zone; and cross-traffic alert to sense oncoming traffic when the driver is backing out of a parking spot.

Fuel economy:In the early 2000s, bigger was better. Vehicles were large and powerful and boasted off-road capability rarely used by the average consumer who purchased them. Consumers wanted cars that could transport large amounts of cargo and lots of passengers.

Cars and the engines that power them are shrinking and have become more fuel efficient. According to Edmunds Best-Selling Vehicles, the most popular models in 2000 were trucks. That same report from 2009 shows small passenger cars topping the list.

According to the EPA, fuel economy between 2000 and 2010 improved for the industry from 19.8 mpg to 22.5 mpg – a 14 percent improvement. Increasing numbers of consumers are also choosing smaller, fuel-sipping four-cylinders. The percentage of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines increased from 31.7 percent to 48.4 percent between 2000 and 2010. For example, the four-cylinder version of the Ford Fusion, which attracted 55 percent of buyers in 2007, now accounts for more than 70 percent of sales.

Built-in navigation: TripTik® gave way to MapQuest, which soon led to the first commercially available automotive navigation system in the late 1990s. According to Berg Insight Research, there are an estimated 150 million in-dash, aftermarket, compact personal and navigation-enabled mobile guidance devices used globally. Today, navigation systems are integrated into vehicles and are much more comprehensive.

Creature comforts: Consumers today enjoy a more comfortable ride. Better interior materials, sleeker interior designs, heated and cooled seats that automatically adjust driver position, remote start and more storage capacity all offer more comfort and convenience. Even a hands-free power liftgate that opens with the wave of a foot underneath the rear bumper can be found on Ford’s new C-MAX.

Customization:Ford has responded to the trend of an increased desire for personalization by adding features in its vehicles such as ambient lighting colors that can be changed to fit the driver’s mood, driver’s seats with customizable settings that adjust automatically with the push of a button, even decal kits for the new Fiesta.

Security: Keyless remotes, alarms and warning systems, and anti-theft systems have come a long way toward making life on the go safer for many. For example, Ford and Lincoln vehicles come with technologies such as SYNC’s 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, or MyKey®, which allows parents to restrict vehicle speeds when a teen driver is behind the wheel. Intelligent Access with push-button start allows Ford or Lincoln drivers to start the engine by simply carrying the key fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

Paint colors: Brighter, more vibrant paint colors are edging their way into consumers’ hearts. Black and silver still top the list, but colors like Lime Squeeze found on the Ford Fiesta or Yellow Blaze found on the new Focus have become more popular. New paints mixed with glass or metal flecks have also changed the way cars look.

Next 10 years

The next decade will bring more revolutionary change for both the auto industry and American consumers. Look for higher gas prices, better lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels, more advanced safety technologies and more connectivity such as vehicle-to-vehicle systems that will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other via wireless communications embedded into the car.

“People are used to living with technology,” said Connelly. “That’s why companies always have to think ahead. Understanding what consumers want and need tomorrow – or even next year – isn’t enough. We have to anticipate needs and desires farther out, 10 years down the road and beyond so we can deliver vehicles that will truly fit our customers’ lives.”



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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

**TONIGHT** F-150 ECOBOOST DRIVE EVENT

Experience the best combination of power, capability and efficiency with the 2011 Ford F-150!Be the first on your block to drive a NEW 2011 F-150 with the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pumping out 420 lb. -ft torque.

**THE 2011 F-150 DRIVE EVENT**
THOROUGHBRED FORD
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5TH 2011
5PM TO 7PM

Stop by and check it out! It's going to be an exciting night with Ford F-150 experts on hand, chance to win the sweepstake prize of a $2,000 Best Buy gift card, and free food and beverage! Hope to see you then.Please R.S.V.P. to attend at (816)505-1818 and speak with either Tammy or Adrienne.

2011 FORD F-150 ECOBOOST DRIVE EVENT

Experience the best combination of power, capability and efficiency with the 2011 Ford F-150!Be the first on your block to drive a NEW 2011 F-150 with the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pumping out 420 lb. -ft torque.

**THE 2011 F-150 DRIVE EVENT**

THOROUGHBRED FORD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5TH 2011

5PM TO 7PM

Stop by and check it out! It's going to be an exciting night with Ford F-150 experts on hand, chance to win the sweepstake prize of a $2,000 Best Buy gift card, and free food and beverage! Hope to see you then.Please R.S.V.P. to attend at (816)505-1818 and speak with either Tammy or Adrienne.

Ford Wins Popular Science 'Best of What's New'

For Inflatable Rear Belts, Fiesta Small Car

Ford honored for inflatable rear seat belts and its 2011 Fiesta in latest edition of Popular Science “Best of What’s New” awards
Inflatable belts combine safety features of seat belts and airbags to help protect vulnerable rear seat passengers from head, neck and chest injuries in an accident
Ford Fiesta delivers best-in-class connectivity with its segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system and available AppLink smartphone control software
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 17, 2010 – Ford Motor Company won two 2010 “Best of What’s New” awards today from Popular Science, marking the fourth straight year Ford has been honored by the world’s top science and technology magazine. The company’s inflatable rear seat belts and 2011 Fiesta won in the automotive category and will be featured in the publication’s December issue.
“Appearing for a fourth year in the Popular Science Best of What’s New awards is an important accomplishment for Ford, proving that we’re delivering innovative technology consumers really want and can use,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Inflatable belts show how technology can benefit safety, while Fiesta proves that customers don’t have to sacrifice high-tech features when they choose to drive a small car.”
Inflatable rear seat beltsFord recently introduced the world’s first production automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide added crash safety protection for rear seat occupants. The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers – often children and older adults who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.
The new belts will launch on the all-new Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles around the world.
2011 Ford FiestaThe new 2010 Ford Fiesta is proving that cutting-edge technologies and connectivity can help redefine consumers’ small car experiences.
Fiesta features – including Push Button Start, a PowerShift transmission and Ford SYNC® hands-free communications and entertainment system – are not found on competitive products such as Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa.
Fiesta is also the first vehicle to allow hands-free control of popular smartphone apps. Using the downloadable SYNC AppLink software upgrade, 2011 Ford Fiesta owners with SYNC can control apps on their Android or BlackBerry® smartphones with voice commands and vehicle controls without having to interact with the mobile device itself.
Seeing the future through the presentInflatable belts and the Ford Fiesta both use technologies grounded in the present but packaged in innovative ways, pointing toward key applications in the future. That quality was crucial to winning the Popular Science award.
“For 23 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us − those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our views of what’s possible in the future,” said Mark Jannot, editor-in-chief of Popular Science. “The Best of What’s New award is the magazine’s top honor, and the 100 winners − chosen from among thousands of entrants − represent the highest level of achievement in their fields.”
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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

2011 FORD EXPLORER MORE ADAPTABLE THAN EVER FOR DRIVERS AND ROADS

Innovative technology creates new 2011 Explorer that adapts to drivers and roads to deliver new levels of comfort and safety
The new Explorer will be one of Ford’s first vehicles with four-way head restraints designed to provide occupant protection and more adjustable comfort for passengers of different heights, while encouraging proper use of restraints
The new Explorer also features new technologies to help the vehicle adapt to driving conditions, including a terrain management system, Curve Control and radar-based systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support
Customers can personalize Explorer even more with custom graphics and seven accent lighting choices for footwells, cupholders and other areas
Fact Sheet: 2011 Ford Explorer: More Adaptable Than Ever (PDF)

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2010 – Whether hauling mountain bikes through mud ruts or groceries and kids through rush hour traffic, the new 2011 Ford Explorer will adapt to peoples’ lives more than ever – building on the capability, flexibility and utility that made it America’s favorite SUV for two decades.

The redesigned Explorer, which arrives later this year, will deliver more adaptability than ever before – from adjustable creature comforts like a four-way head restraint to responsive driver-assist and safety technologies such as terrain management system and Curve Control.

“The Explorer has always been about maximum adaptability, but it’s not just about off-road capability, flexible cargo space and seating configurations anymore,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUVs. “With the new Explorer, we’ve redefined what adaptability means by expanding the user’s ability to adjust vehicle features and functions. At the same time we are offering innovative technologies that can allow the Explorer to automatically adjust to driving conditions if needed”

Making easy adjustments for comfort and whiplash protection
One of the new Explorer’s flexible features is a new four-way head restraint designed to provide protection for occupants with more adjustable comfort than industry standard two-way restraints.

The four-way head restraint offers increased flexibility over the two-way head restraints that proliferate in the industry. The four-way system moves up and down, as well as forward and backward using a manually operated ratcheting system that allows 12 positions to increase occupant comfort while helping to provide occupant injury protection in rear impacts.

“A well-positioned head restraint is important because it helps keep the occupant’s head and neck aligned with their torso and may reduce the risk of whiplash injury,” said Agnes Kim, Ford senior technical specialist. “Our four-way system is designed to provide protection while offering more flexibility so drivers can find more comfortable driving positions.”

Ford recommends properly adjusting the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is even with the top of one’s head and positioned as close as possible to the back of one’s head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, the head restraint should be adjusted to its full up position. Approximately 80 percent of all passenger vehicles in the United States have adjustable head restraints, yet studies indicate less than 10 percent of occupants adjust them properly.

Two other Explorer features that should be adjusted before hitting the road are the adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and tilt/telescoping steering wheel that allow drivers of different statures to position these controls at a comfortable distance closer or farther away from them.

Adapting to the road; Taking curves and all terrain
While the new Explorer’s driver and passengers can easily adjust interior features to their liking, the Explorer seamlessly adjusts to external driving conditions. Two new-for-2011 technologies that perform in this adaptable manner are Curve Control Hill and a terrain management system.

Curve Control, which makes its debut on the Explorer, senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second. The system can be useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed.

The new Explorer gets adventurous by offering Ford’s first intelligent four-wheel-drive (4WD) control system that optimizes vehicle capability by integrating powertrain and braking controls to provide appropriate traction for any driving conditions. Terrain management is activated by a console-mounted, switchable knob, enabling 4WD control through an intuitive choice of settings that eliminates guesswork with simple icons that represent the climate or surface situation drivers may encounter.

“The Explorer’s terrain management system and Curve Control are predictive technologies that are designed to work with the driver to respond to varying road conditions or potential hazards,” said Jim Holland, Explorer chief nameplate engineer. “They help the Explorer and its driver adapt to changing conditions.”

Adapting to the driver’s mood
Explorer drivers will be able to adjust the ambience of their vehicles in several ways. First they can personalize the interior by selecting from a spectrum of seven different ambient lighting colors, for the gauge cluster, foot wells, cup holders, door map pockets and rear foot wells. Drivers and passengers also can get comfortable with the Explorer’s dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.

Other adaptive technologies on the new Explorer include:

MyKey™ which helps encourage safer teen driving and seat belt use, and allows owners to program the vehicle key to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume.

Ford SYNC® in-car connectivity system with 911 Assist™ - designed to assist occupants in using their paired cell phone to place a call to a local 911 operator should an accident occur that activates an airbag or the emergency fuel cutoff.
HomeLink gives the vehicle the technology to learn up to three garage door and power gate remote control codes, eliminating the need to clutter the interior with separate remote control units.

Reference by Ford Motor Company

The F-150 EcoBoost Engine Endures More Torture Testing

The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost Engine Endures More Torture Testing

November 2010

The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ “torture test” truck engine moved from the lab to the outdoors with a stop at a logging company in Oregon. It’s the current phase of a multi-part series of Web-based documentaries that began when this randomly selected EcoBoost engine endured the equivalent of 150,000 miles or 10 years of use on the dynamometer, replicating the duty cycle of the harshest-use customer. You can read more about that by clicking here.
After the dyno torture testing, the engine was dropped into a new 2011 Ford F-150 to work as a log skidder for Nygaard Logging of Warrenton, Oregon. Skidding is the process of moving harvested timber, after the branches have been removed, from the forest to a staging area where it is placed on a truck to be sent to a sawmill.
The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost replaced a vehicle similar to a backhoe that “ropes” the harvested timber using high-strength cables and drags it to the staging area.
The work was performed at Clatsop State Forest, where the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost pulled logs weighing from 4,000 to 9,000 pounds. That’s where the new engine’s best-in-class torque of 420 lb.-ft. at 2,500 rpm was essential – especially low-end torque. Up to 90 percent of the EcoBoost truck engine’s peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm – all on regular fuel.
The EcoBoost truck engine also delivers best-in-class maximum towing capability of 11,300 pounds.
Go to fordvehicles.com to see firsthand how the EcoBoost truck engine performs.

Reference: Ford Motor Company

FORD POSTS THIRD QUARTER 2010 NET INCOME OF $1.7 BILLION; ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL DEBT REDUCTION ACTIONS

Ford reports third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or 43 cents per share, a $690 million improvement from third quarter 2009. Pre-tax operating profit totaled $2.1 billion, or 48 cents per share, a $1.1 billion improvement from third quarter 2009++
Ford is announcing further actions to reduce Automotive debt and strengthen its balance sheet, including further paying down its revolving credit line by $2 billion; plans to use cash to fully prepay the remaining $3.6 billion of debt owed to the VEBA retiree health care trust; and conversion offers on two convertible debt securities
Ford now expects its Automotive cash to be about equal to its debt by year end, earlier than previously expected. This will be an improvement of $8 billion to $9 billion from the end of last year
Ford ended the quarter with $23.8 billion of Automotive gross cash and total liquidity of $29.4 billion. Automotive operating-related cash flow was $900 million positive
Revenue for the quarter totaled $29 billion, a decline of $1.3 billion from third quarter 2009; excluding Volvo revenue from 2009, revenue increased $1.7 billion ++
Ford Automotive operations posted a third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.3 billion, a $953 million improvement from third quarter 2009++
Ford North America reported third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.6 billion, a $1.3 billion improvement from third quarter 2009
Ford Credit reported third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $766 million, an $89 million improvement from third quarter 2009, and provided Ford with a $1 billion distribution during the quarter
Ford will deliver solid profits in 2010 with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow, and continued improvement in 2011

Read More: http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-posts-third-quarter-2010-net-33434

Ford Focuses on the Details of Life with an Electric Vehicle

Ford Focuses on the Details of Life with an Electric Vehicle
October 7, 2010
Electric Vehicles will bring about new ways of refueling. Instead of gassing up, customers will plug in, and Ford is working with its supplier partner, Yazaki, to make this a natural and comfortable experience.
The two companies used internal ergonomic studies to design the convenience cord, drawing inspiration from hockey sticks, curling irons and tennis racket handles. While most owners are expected to recharge the zero-emissions, gas-free Focus Electric at home with an optional wall-mounted 240V charging station, they also will have the ability to recharge at remote locations with a standard 120V convenience cord. Both types of connectors will use an industry-standard five-point plug fitted with an ergonomic Ford-branded handle specially designed for comfort and durable daily use. Owners of Focus Electric will recharge the car’s onboard lithium-ion battery pack by plugging the convenience plug or charge station plug into the vehicle’s charge port.
The Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011, will bring enhanced recharging flexibility with a 120V convenience cord to allow users to recharge the all-electric vehicle at remote locations; the convenience cord will serve as a backup to an optional 240V home charging station. Focus Electric is one of five new electric vehicles Ford will deliver over the next three years in North America and Europe; it will be built at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant.
When plugged in, the vehicle’s onboard charger converts the AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled battery pack. A full recharge is expected to take six to eight hours with a 240V charge station or more than 12 hours with a 120V convenience cord set. When fully charged, Focus Electric is expected to deliver up to 100 miles of gas-free driving – more than enough for most U.S. commuters, who average 40 miles per day.
Like most household electrical plugs, Focus Electric’s cord set connector has three pins at the end that plug into a standard outlet. But the similarities stop there. The end that connects with the car has five pins, including one that communicates with the vehicle about the type of electrical current (120V or 240V) it is requesting and another pin that deactivates the current when the user disconnects the plug from the charge port.
Focus Electric’s convenience cord will be 25 feet long, making it long enough to reach the nearest outlet, eliminating the need for an extension cord. When not in use, the user can spool the cord around a special oval-shaped holder that also accommodates the cord’s control box. The spooled cord will have a designated spot in the vehicle’s trunk.
Between plugging in and unplugging at home, work or other places, Focus Electric owners are likely to recharge their vehicles two to four times each day (nearly 1,500 times a year) compared to once a week for gassing up (52 times a year). With a Focus Electric owner in contact with the connector so many times, Ford conducted an ergonomic study to help determine plug handle design, as well as charge port height and insertion angle. Study participants – who ranged from petite adult females to larger adult males, ages 21 to 61 – tested a variety of plug handle prototypes.
In seeking a blend of tactile toughness, high-tech polish and ergonomic comfort, the team benchmarked Craftsman® tools and considered the attributes of such disparate products as Apple® mobile electronics and OXO Good Grips® kitchen utensils.
The plug handle uses a matte-finished blue rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip and the plug head is shielded with a glossy white hard plastic to protect the electronics. The Ford Blue Oval trademark helps make the device immediately recognizable.
Ford supplier partner Yazaki conducted extensive and durability tests on Focus Electric’s cord set connector, including an insertion/extraction study of 10,000 cycles to assess the durability of the interaction between the handle and plug. For every thousand insertions, testers dunked the plug into a sandy salt water solution to add grit to the connectors and they repeatedly dropped the handle and rolled over it with a car tire to test its durability. Testers also subjected the cord set connector to ambient extreme temperature increases.
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New V6 Engine Makes 2011 Ford F-150 Most Fuel Efficient Full-Size Pickup

New V6 Engine Makes 2011 Ford F-150 Most Fuel Efficient Full-Size Pickup
October 14, 2010
You asked, and Ford Motor Company answered: 70 percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they’d like improved most in their truck. And that they got – the 2011 Ford F-150 is projected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer, thanks to a projected 23 mpg highway (pending final EPA certification) with the new 3.7-liter engine. The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.
“The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers – best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes.”
The new 3.7-liter V6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. Projections for the new 5.0-liter V8 are 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.
Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost™. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011; trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year. The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.
Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, which has SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode for the first time. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard. A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, also has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.
Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.
“Our new engine lineup allows greater flexibility for customers to select the powertrain choice that best suits their needs,” said Samardzich. “And each engine delivers outstanding power, capability and fuel economy.”
Here are highlights of each new engine:
3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6
• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow• Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy• E85 flex fuel capability• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions• Forged-steel crankshaft for improved durability• Built at Cleveland Engine Plant
5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8
• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm• Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow• New strengthened block and new cylinder head optimized for performance and enhanced cooling• Unique intake camshafts, combined with Ti-VCT, composite intake manifold and optimized compression ratio for improved low-speed torque and towing capability• Forged-steel crank and all-new oil cooler enhance durability• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions• E85 flex fuel capability• Built at Essex Engine Plant; Windsor, Ontario
6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8
The 6.2-liter V8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications.
• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors• Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification• Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series• Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. The large bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower• Because of the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help maintain a smooth, stable idle• Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant
3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost
A premium powertrain offering available after launch, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has more torque than any competitors’ V8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency.
• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors• Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors• Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm• New benchmark for combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency• Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy• Intake and exhaust camshafts optimized for improved fuel economy and performance• Cast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability• Improved manifold and cylinder heads for improved performance• Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction and improve fuel economy• Built at Cleveland Engine Plant
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Ford to Expand Hands Free in Car Apps

Ford to Expand Hands Free in Car Apps
October 11, 2010
Hands-free is where it’s at—or should that be, where it’s app? Ford has started to release its Software Development Kit (SDK) to the next round of developers so that they can modify existing smartphone apps for voice command and control through the Ford SYNC voice recognition system.
“What we see emerging as we explore new ways to safely enhance connectivity and reinvent the driving experience is a mutually beneficial ‘collaborative community’ where our shared customer – anyone who drives a car and owns a smartphone – is the true beneficiary,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.
Ford is reviewing more than 1,000 submissions made on the SYNC Developer website for future SDK release. The release marks the latest move by Ford to forge a more open collaborative bond with the wireless, consumer electronics and app developer communities to create a safer and smarter in-car connectivity experience. The first app partners include Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher smart radio, and Orangatame’s OpenBeak, with more to be announced soon. Further down the road, Ford will also examine the potential of apps that can provide exciting new levels of safety knowledge as well as improvements in driver productivity and convenience.
Ford is in the process of evaluating the potential of existing apps for in-car use, including categories for finance, such as alerts about stock price drops and drive-by payments, location-based services like navigation, traffic and business searches, and scheduling and planning, such as when flights are delayed or rescheduled.
“We know our customers want connectivity from a convenience perspective and need it from a safety perspective,” said Kuzak. “We want to leverage growing network speeds to create a world of apps on wheels that makes the vehicle experience simpler, safer, more productive and convenient.”
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A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford

A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford
September 16, 2010
When the all-new 2012 Ford Focus arrives on dealer showrooms, it will offer an exclusive suite of innovative airbags that help customize protection in the most common frontal and side crashes. Specifically, Ford is introducing next-generation driver-side, front passenger and side airbags.
The suite of new innovations includes next-generation driver-side airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a pocket to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Click here to watch a video that demonstrates the new airbag design.
Side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.
Focus also will be the first Ford car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the airbag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of the Ford advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.
The new passenger airbag is designed to help enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.
The next-generation airbags will debut as standard equipment on the all-new Ford Focus on sale early in 2011 in North America. The new airbags will roll out on other Ford vehicles in the next few years.
In addition to the new airbags, the vehicle structure of the new Focus provides enhanced crash protection as well as improved vehicle dynamics.
High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.
Ford was the first automaker to begin airbag research five decades ago. It fielded an airbag test fleet in 1971, offered a driver-side airbag in 1985 and standardized driver and front passenger airbags in most vehicles by 1993. In recent years, Ford has introduced a variety of crash protection systems – ranging from canopy airbags to knee bolsters – designed to improve occupant protection. Ford has the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of any automaker.
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FORD SEPTEMBER SALES UP 46 PERCENT; FORD ON TRACK TO GAIN MARKET SHARE FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury September sales totaled 160,873, up 46 percent versus year ago
Ford’s balanced portfolio of high-quality, fuel-efficient new cars, utilities and trucks drives September’s sales and market share gains; car sales up 40 percent, utilities up 61 percent and trucks up 43 percent
Transit Connect, Ford’s purpose-built commercial van posts best sales month ever
Ford Edge (paced by new 2011 model), Fusion and Escape set September sales records
Ford’s F-Series truck posts 40 percent increase; 2011 F-150, with its lineup of four new engines unveiled to media and consumers in multi-city tour, continues to set the standard for full-size pickups
Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2010 – Consumer demand for Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles in September helped the company continue to grow both sales and retail market share.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales in September totaled 160,873, up 46 percent versus a year ago. Ford’s market share also increased in September, marking the 23rd time in the last 24 months that Ford’s share of the retail market increased.
Year-to-date sales totaled 1.44 million, up 21 percent – growth more than double the overall industry rate. Ford is on track to gain market share for the second year in a row – a result not achieved since 1993. “The key to our success in the U.S. market is the relentless cadence of new vehicle, powertrain and technology introductions,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Every high-quality, fuel-efficient new vehicle provides Ford and its dealers with an opportunity to reach new customers and build a stronger foundation for future growth.”
Ford’s Newest ProductsThe Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, the company’s latest new products to arrive in dealerships, are the first to offer MyFordTouch and MyLincolnTouch, respectively – state-of-the-art technology to better connect drivers with their vehicle information, entertainment and on-board technologies. The new Ford Edge features best-in-class horsepower and unsurpassed V6 highway fuel economy. The new Lincoln MKX offers best-in-class fuel economy and 305 horsepower – an increase of 40 hp versus the prior model.
Sales for the Ford Edge in September totaled 12,815, a record for the month and up 186 percent versus a year ago. Sales for the Lincoln MKX totaled 2,658, the highest sales month in over two years and up 76 percent versus a year ago.
The pace of sales for the all-new Fiesta accelerated in the second half of the month as availability at Ford dealers began to improve. September sales for the highly acclaimed subcompact totaled 3,050. Fiesta’s conquest rate is 57 percent – the highest of any Ford product.
“Fiesta customers love their new cars,” said Czubay. “The Fiesta is our strongest proof point yet that our global growth strategy is working. This is important for consumers, dealers and employees to recognize as we prepare to launch the Focus – the next all-new product from Ford’s global product development system.”
Another global product star – the Ford Transit Connect, a small, purpose-built van – launched in North America last summer. In September, this new vehicle aimed at small businesses posted its highest-ever sales month of 3,571.
Ford’s Balanced Vehicle PortfolioIn September, cars were up 40 percent versus a year ago. Sales of all Ford cars were up sharply from a year ago:
Focus was up 48 percent
Fusion was up 47 percent and set a September sales record
Taurus was up 37 percent
Mustang was up 17 percent
Utility vehicles were up 61 percent versus a year ago. In addition to the Edge and MKX:
Ford Escape sales were up 65 percent and set a September sales record
Ford Expedition sales were up 24 percent
Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer sales were up 65 percent and 60 percent, respectively
Lincoln MKT sales were up 16 percent
September truck sales were up 43 percent, thanks in part to a special Ford Truck promotion that continues to the end of October. Highlights include:
Sales for Ford’s F-Series, America’s best-selling truck, totaled 47,433, up 40 percent versus a year ago; year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 385,879, up 31 percent
Ford Econoline, the best-selling full-size van in America, was up 25 percent
For 2011, F-150 further ensures its leadership with an all-new powertrain lineup of four new engines, including a 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and a new six-speed transmission that will deliver class-leading capability and fuel economy. This truck lineup will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 models. F-150 pickups with the new 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will be in dealership showrooms later this fall. The F-150 with EcoBoost will be available for sale early next year.
# # #
Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

First-ever Ford Police Interceptor Utility

The first-ever specially-designed Ford Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work, and it is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan. Click here to read more about the Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.
You can watch the reveal of the Police Interceptor utility live at 3:30 p.m. EST by clicking here.
Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, developed both Police Interceptors to allow departments to maximize versatility without sacrificing quality. Ford’s Police Interceptor utility will deliver at least a 20 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Both the sedan and utility Police Interceptor vehicles will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
With the introduction of its newest Police Interceptor, Ford now provides a complete package of performance and capability designed to meet the diverse and ever-increasing needs of law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with the highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, delivering at least 280 horsepower and E85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Two drivetrain options are available, providing off-road capability teamed with a multipurpose cargo area specially calibrated for loads up to 800 pounds.
Both the sedan and utility are rated for the severe-duty cycle that police professionals undertake on a daily basis and will deliver at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
When developing the next-generation Police Interceptors, Ford worked with its Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to provide input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort.
Like the sedan, the utility version of the Police Interceptor puts a priority on safety. Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering both Police Interceptors to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.
The Police Interceptor utility vehicle features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbag rollover protection system that helps protect passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford’s unique roll-fold technology to help position them between the occupant and the side window.
Just like its sedan partner, Ford’s Police Interceptor utility vehicle has been put through its paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to rigorous driving. Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department proved out the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of punishing tracks.
To make sure the utility vehicle can take the heat – quite literally – the AWD drivetrain is equipped with a water-cooled power transfer unit that guarantees capability in all conditions. Across the board, brakes have been increased in size and performance, and the cooling package features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Standard 18-inch wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
Both Ford Police Interceptors will be manufactured at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.

2011 Ford Explorer Revealed

The 2011 Ford Explorer has just been revealed, and there are some big expectations -- and big hype -- driving the announcement.
The new Explorer has been completely redesigned. The most obvious difference: It's built on a car platform, not a truck one, so it sits lower to the ground and has a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride. Available in dealerships this winter.

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of the 2011 Ford Explorer Reveal.

TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT MORE EASILY DOWN THE ROAD WITH 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY’S TECHNOLOGIES

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Whether heading to a demanding job site or a relaxing day at the lake, 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty customers can take advantage of segment-first technologies and conveniences to tow like a pro.
With vacation season approaching, more Super Duty customers will start towing boats, horse trailers and campers, all of which are among the top items towed by F-250 and F-350 customers. The ability to tow a camper, fifth-wheel, RV or bigger camper also rates highest among both conventional and fifth-wheel towers in terms of reasons for wanting maximum towing capacity.
The 2011 Super Duty delivers not only with best-in-class capability, but also with more confidence-enhancing towing features, helping Super Duty customers tow a wide variety of loads – for work or for fun – with greater peace of mind.
“The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has class-leading capability, but the key is putting it to work in a way that is easy and seamless for the customer,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “About 95 percent of our Super Duty customers tow. The wide array of standard and available technology in the 2011 Super Duty can help customers tow with more confidence.”
Nearly 72 percent of Super Duty customers consider towing capability as “extremely important.” The ability of the 2011 Ford Super Duty to tow maximum loads for work and recreation allows customers to work the truck hard during the week and on the weekend.
“The towing customer is the Super Duty customer,” said Scott. “That’s why it’s so important to provide the 2011 Super Duty customer not only the most capability, but also the right technology to tow more confidently.”
Trailer Sway Control added for 2011Leading these new technologies is Trailer Sway Control, which uses Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™) to provide an additional level of confidence and control while towing. Ford’s system – standard on all single-rear wheel models and dual-rear wheel pickups – uses sensors to measure wheel speed, throttle position, steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration as well as an exclusive gyroscopic roll-rate sensor.
The roll-rate sensor is key to the Ford system. Unlike competitors’ systems, TSC uses real-time input instead of calculations to take countermeasures.
When the system detects the trailer yawing in one direction, it applies selective brake pressure on the tow vehicle’s opposite side – called asymmetric braking. This helps reduce the sway. TSC also can reduce engine power as part of the trailer-sway mitigation strategy. TSC:
Is designed to work even when trailers have no braking systems
Requires no hardware to be added or adapted to the trailer
Works with multiple trailer brake configurations
Can assist when trailer sway occurs due to operation in gusty wind conditions or emergency evasive maneuvers
For further peace of mind, an available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by Ford’s factory warranty, offers smooth and safe operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.
Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth stops at all speeds. If the vehicle’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake algorithm kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. When towing trailers with electric brakes, Super Duty trucks equipped with the trailer brake controller can apply the brakes during a sway event to help stabilize it.
The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty also is the first full-size pickup truck to offer a factory-installed trailer brake controller that is compatible with most aftermarket electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. Electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems use an electric signal to actuate the hydraulic or “surge” brakes in the trailer. These systems are gaining in popularity among boat trailer manufacturers because they can be operated in a wet environment.
New engine and transmission deliver class-leading capability with controlThe all-new Ford-designed, engineered and built 6.7-liter V-8 turbocharged diesel engine for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty not only has best-in-class horsepower, torque and fuel economy, it’s also an enabler to the increased control towing customers will experience. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine’s integrated exhaust brake increases engine exhaust back pressure when needed to help slow the vehicle and trailer while in tow/haul mode.
There’s no button to push; the diesel powertrain calibration automatically increases the engine exhaust back pressure when needed, making it seamless to the customer.
The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission has SelectShift capability and several enhanced customer-driven features, like Progressive Range Select, Manual Mode and tow/haul mode, that are useful when towing.
Progressive Range Select allows a customer, through a toggle on the shift lever, to reduce the range of gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select mode by pressing the toggle switch on the shift lever, the display shows the gears available for the transmission to shift to, and also continuously updates the current transmission gear.
Customers also can switch to Manual Mode and use the same shift toggle to select the gear desired. The torque converter aggressively locks up while in this manual mode and holds the gear to provide manual transmission-like control, yet is smart enough to downshift if the driver comes to a stop and forgets to downshift.
The enhanced tow/haul mode provides better control when hauling a heavy trailer load, especially when going down grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors that better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control. Manual Mode delivers greater control when low gears are needed, like pulling a trailer out of a boat ramp.
Another significant control strategy is Hill Start Assist, which is a sensor-based system that will hold the brakes for up to 2.5 seconds to prevent rollback when stopping or starting from rest on an incline. The system employs a digital accelerometer to measure slope incline and activates automatically when the incline exceeds 3 percent.
New productivity screen can aid towing novicesHelping customers of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty take full advantage of this leading capability is the class-exclusive available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel. Of particular use to towing customers are screens that allow trailer tow customers to:
Name and delete trailers; log mileage for guess-free maintenance intervals. It also tracks mileage and remembers the gain settings for multiple trailers
Access information on features such as Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), tow/haul mode and electric-over-hydraulic brakes
Select the type of trailer connection and view a checklist of conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck options
Three distinct checklists can be accessed, and include the following prompts:
Ball coupler connected and locked?
Tongue jack raised?
Mirrors adjusted?
Electrical wiring connected?
Lights functioning correctly (running lights, left/right turn and brake lights)?
TBC gain setting adjusted?
Wheel chocks removed?
Safety chains connected?
More ready-to-tow conveniences added; more towing options from inside the bedThe 2011 F-Series Super Duty also offers customers more ready-to-tow options from within the cargo box with an available factory-installed class-exclusive fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package. This package is warranted by Ford and includes an integrated, patent-pending under-bed frame-mounted crossmember for added strength. It is compatible with either type of hitch accessory kit through Ford Custom Accessories. It’s available for $370 MSRP, significantly less than many aftermarket installations.
Five laser-cut holes in the pickup box provide access to the fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch attachment points. The attachment points are finished with trim bezels and closeout covers to maintain a flat cargo bed. A seven-pin connector is integrated to the pickup bed inner wall on the driver’s side to allow for a clean installation.
Additional driver aids and conveniencesConventional trailer hookups are made easier with the rearview camera option. After shifting into reverse, a full-color image from the tailgate-mounted camera is displayed in the rearview mirror or on the available navigation system’s 6.5-inch screen.
Also available are class-exclusive PowerScope™ trailer tow mirrors that adjust, fold and telescope almost 3 inches at the touch of a switch; this option includes integrated clearance lights and turn signals, plus heated glass with manually adjustable spotter mirrors.
“The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers class-leading towing capability that the customer can manage seamlessly and confidently, which is a combination our competitors can’t match,” said Scott

ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA DELIVERS 40 MPG; TOPS CLASS IN FUEL ECONOMY

Ford Fiesta with the six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission has been EPA certified for 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city delivering class-leading fuel economy
Fiesta features several fuel-saving technologies including its PowerShift automatic transmission, Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, Electric Power Assist Steering, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and enhanced aerodynamics
Fiesta joins Fusion Hybrid – America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan – and other class leaders like Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, Ford Ranger, Mustang V-6 and Super Duty offering best-in-class fuel economy

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Ford’s all-new 2011 Fiesta – an Internet star even before it goes on sale this summer – will now stand out on the highway with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified 40 mpg rating, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class.

The Ford Fiesta 40 mpg, achieved with Ford’s new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, is 5 mpg better than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg better than the Toyota Yaris.

“The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford’s lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments.”

Fiesta’s class-leading fuel efficiency follows Fusion Hybrid – America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan – and other fuel economy champs such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Ranger pickup. For 2011, the streak continues with the Mustang V-6, Ford Super Duty and now the responsive, sporty and economical Fiesta. Moving forward, Ford is committed to being a fuel economy leader in each segment in which it competes.

The Fiesta achieves its best-in-segment fuel figures thanks to a host of fuel-saving technologies not normally seen at this price level. To increase fuel economy, Fiesta features a new 1.6-liter Duratec® engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that delivers 120 horsepower, an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine accessory drive system that improves efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator.

In addition, the Fiesta also features the PowerShift transmission, a six-speed automatic that combines the fuel benefits of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. Combine that with electric power-assisted steering, another fuel saver and some aerodynamic optimizations and you have a car that can go a long way on a single tank of fuel.

“We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for,” said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. “To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate.”

The 2011 Fiesta with standard five-speed manual transmission is EPA rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

These efficiency innovations combine with the stylish and aerodynamically clean Fiesta body design to efficiently slip through the wind with both fuel savings and reduced wind noise.

Fiesta is built for North American markets at Ford’s manufacturing facility in Cuautitlan, Mexico. The vehicle goes on sale in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles – with the sedan starting at $13,995, including destination charges – at Ford dealerships this summer.

Ford Makes Selecting the Correct Four-wheel-drive Mode Easy

When the all-new Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle goes in to production later this year, it will offer an advanced terrain management system that takes the mystery out of four-wheel drive. They system will optimizing powertrain behavior for specific situations and road conditions and make it easy for the driver to choose the correct setting for the terrain.
Ford Explorer with intelligent 4WD and terrain management eliminates guesswork, using simple icons to help drivers choose the correct setting at the simple turn of a dial for the climate or surface situation they may be driving. The icons depict the various settings to best suit driving conditions.
Todd Hoevener is the vehicle dynamics manager for the new Explorer. In this short video, he gives an overview of the terrain management system.

“One of our goals with the new Explorer is to deliver four-wheel-drive capability with easier and intuitively operated control,” said Jim Holland, Explorer Chief Engineer. “The selectable settings are contingent upon weather and conditions, so the system is easily operated and understood. Ford terrain management makes it easier for SUV veterans, while making confidence-building Explorer capability even more accessible to segment newcomers.”
Employment of intelligent 4WD with Ford terrain management allowed Explorer engineers to deliver the “any road, anytime” capabilities that SUV buyers expect, while eliminating weight.
Less driveline mass will help the new Explorer with V-6 power deliver an estimated 25 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model.
Intelligent 4WD with terrain management works by optimizing Explorer powertrain and braking systems to best suit a variety of situations, allowing vehicle behavior characteristics to provide appropriate traction and driver control. Ford anticipates that the system will really be a stress-reducer and confidence-builder, especially when driving in adverse conditions.

Ford Customer's Benefit, from Higher Resale Values, Fewer Warranty Repairs

Ford's dramatic gains in quality are contributing to a 23 percent year-over-year improvement in resale value of Ford vehicles with one to five years on the road – outpacing the industry average by 4 percentage points
On average, the redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus is selling 50 percent higher at auction than the 2009 Taurus after one year in service
Ford has reduced its warranty repair rates on vehicles in their first three months of service by an average of more than 40 percent in each major business region around the world in the past three years
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles' initial quality in the U.S. has improved for five straight years. Ford vehicles now have the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer
The resale value of newer Ford Motor Company vehicles rose 23 percent in the past year alone, the result of stronger demand for Ford's new vehicle lineup and improved quality and durability ratings.
At the same time, warranty repair rates on Ford vehicles have declined by an average of more than 40 percent globally in the past three years.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with one to five years on the road are fetching significantly higher resale values at auction in the first quarter of this year compared to the first quarter a year ago. Overall, the resale value of Ford's three brands at auction rose 23 percent from a year ago to outpace the industry, which saw resale values increase by 19 percent, according to the latest North American Dealers Association auction data.
"Wholesale price performance was extremely strong throughout 2009, and during this period Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products matched or exceeded the performance of the overall market," said Tom Webb, chief economist, Manheim Consulting, the world's largest provider of automotive remarketing services. "And, in 2010, Ford products have outperformed the overall market, especially in the increasingly important segments of compact cars, midsize cars and crossover vehicles."
For example, on average, the redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus is selling 50 percent higher at auction than the 2009 Taurus after one year in service. Similarly, the 2010 Ford Fusion V-6 commanded 26 percent more at auction than the 2009 model after one year in service.
"Wholesale used vehicle prices have generally been firming over the last year and a half; however, the price performance of Ford products has generally exceeded that of the market as a whole," said Tom Kontos, executive vice president, Customer Strategies and Analytics, ADESA Analytical Services, which is a used vehicle auction network.
Rising resale values means more money in customers' pockets when it is time to sell or trade in for a new vehicle. Combine these savings with lower repair and maintenance costs and better fuel economy, and the cost to own a Ford product drops dramatically over the life of the vehicle.
Aggressive product refresheningsFueling Ford's improved resale value is the company's strong vehicle lineup that includes many new and redesigned cars and trucks. Ford gained market share in the U.S. last year, while improving transaction prices.
Strong retail performance, in both transaction price and sales of a new product, serves as an early indicator of that product's future resale value. When combined with Ford's quality rankings, these factors help Ford vehicles hold their value.
"The positive reception by consumers of our recent product introductions and freshening is reflected in our higher transaction prices and increased market share," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of Global Marketing.
Laser-like Focus on qualityFord performance in third-party consumer quality rankings has been steadily improving for the past several years. Years of a consistent and disciplined focus on quality is paying off, including a marked decline in warranty repair rates.
Ford has reduced its warranty repair rates on vehicles in their first three months of service by an average of more than 40 percent in every major business region around the world in the past three years.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles' initial quality in the U.S. has improved for five straight years. Ford vehicles now have the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer, according to the GQRS study conducted by RDA Group.
For Ford customers, this means fewer trips to the dealership for repairs. This also means savings for Ford as the company has reduced its warranty repair costs by $1 billion in the past three years.
"We are operating with a truly dedicated discipline to quality," said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. "The results are paying off for our customers with fewer trips to the dealership and a higher satisfaction with the Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product they purchase."
As Ford's newest vehicles hit the road, company officials expect resale values to continue to improve and warranty claims to continue to decline.
Ford's commitment to world-class quality and a positive ownership experience extends beyond just preventing things that go wrong. Customer-driven product features, such as fuel economy, craftsmanship, quiet interiors and high-tech in-car communications systems are designed into the vehicle to deliver an exceptional product at an affordable price.
"The difference in Ford's products today is significant," says Farley. "We're proud of the progress we've made. It feels good to be able to deliver great-looking vehicles and industry-leading quality at an affordable price in every sense of the word."

Manual Versus Automatic Transmissions

We noticed that more than a few of the ideas in our new Your Ideas section regarding transmission technology and the availability of various transmission types. We thought it might be helpful to share what Ford is doing right now with transmission technology and the results that customers can expect. We also posted a new poll where you can register your transmission preference.
For those asking for a dual-clutch transmission, it’s on the way. The Ford PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission will be available in the 2011 Ford Fiesta. This new dual-clutch automatic – the first six-speed transmission in the segment – will help the Fiesta to deliver an expected best-in-class fuel economy rating with the convenience of fully automatic shifting. The dual dry-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission is based on efficient manual transmission technology, eliminating the additional weight and complexity of a torque converter, planetary gears and the fluid pumps employed in traditional automatics. Electronically controlled, twin internal clutches shift gears quickly and smoothly, providing a seamless flow of torque with the refinement and ease customers expect from a premium automatic transmission.
The Fiesta is the second new Ford vehicle to deliver better fuel economy using an automatic transmission rather than a manual. The new six-speed automatic in the 2011 Mustang Coupe betters the highway fuel economy of the standard six-speed manual by 2 mpg. Traditionally, manual transmissions have delivered higher fuel economy. But Ford’s latest automatic transmission advancements have reversed the decades-old scenario, using advanced technology to provide customers with exceptional efficiency and the convenience of an automatic transmission. Mustang drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio.
With an array of new automatic transmission technologies, Ford is out to challenge the status quo by delivering segment-leading fuel economy without compromise to convenience, and accessibility to a much broader segment of the driving public. Fewer drivers possess stick-shift skills, as manual transmission market acceptance continues to drop, falling 22 percent over the last decade.
“Ford’s advanced new six-speed automatic transmissions will really surprise our customers, and our competitors,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Development. “They provide the convenience of traditional automatics with fuel economy leadership, as well as responsive performance and driving dynamics that make these cars fun to drive. And we’re adding six-speed transmissions to our most accessible vehicles, not just our luxury offerings and high-performance models.”
For 2011, Super Duty also features an all-new transmission. The 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission was designed to manage the high levels of low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine. The same basic transmission is also mated to the new gasoline engine, giving customers of either engine the ability to efficiently get the increased torque and horsepower to the ground. In addition to hardware-based improvements, the new transmission features enhanced Tow Haul mode with integrated engine exhaust braking and SelectShift Automatic capability, which includes Progressive Range Select and a manual mode, allowing customers to select the gear to suit their needs.
Ford is committed to six-speed transmissions, with availability across 85 percent of its nameplates for 2010. By 2013, these fuel-saving, performance-enhancing six-speed transmissions will be offered in 100 percent of Ford vehicles.

The Ford Start Concept Shows the Newest EcoBoost™ Engine

The Ford Start Concept is the first concept car created by Ford in more than three years. The car made its debut April 23, 2010, at the Beijing International Auto Show, also marking the first time Ford has unveiled an all-new concept vehicle a China show. The Start Concept is more than simply a design study. It previews a fuel-efficient three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine with 1.0 liter of displacement and the power of a larger I-4 engine.
The Ford Start Concept was inspired in part by a growing global trend toward mass urbanization. The world’s top 20 mega-cities are home to consumers whose needs, attitudes and expectations may have more in common with mega-city dwellers in other nations than with their own countrymen. While these consumers share the challenges of living in an urban society, they also increasingly seek out product solutions that bring the best the world has to offer.
Today, more than 50 percent of the world’s population lives in an urban area. By 2050, that number is expected to skyrocket to more than 70 percent. Already, congested highways, space for parking, concerns over fuel efficiency as well as the availability and price of fuel are driving automakers to look at vehicles and personal transportation more differently than ever before.
“Our ambition with the Ford Start Concept was to design a car that goes beyond the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities, to go beyond just dressing the technology. We wanted to design a car you would also love,” explained Freeman Thomas, Design Director, Ford Motor Company.
Living in a mega city poses unique challenges and inspires unique lifestyles and attitudes. Just as traffic congestion issues are common in these geographic areas, the answers to solve the issues of a new generation of future small cars for these urban markets may also be found in the Ford Start Concept.
Powertrain
Ford powertrain engineers previewed something very real and close to being reality under the hood of the Ford Start Concept car. It’s an all-new and compact addition to the advanced Ford EcoBoost engine family. Consistent with Ford’s long-range goals to provide more power though sophisticated turbocharging and spark-ignited, direct-injection fuel management systems, the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine delivers power and torque comparable to a normally-aspirated I-4 powerplant. It is expected to have CO2 emissions under the 100 gm/km threshold.
This engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission which permits gear spacing to deliver performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The transmission easily handles the higher torque levels of the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine and together with the sporty handling of the Ford Start Concept, delivers the fun-to-drive characteristics that are at the core of the Ford brand DNA.
Connectivity
Located at the top of the console is a port to connect to the MyFord Mobile concept technology, which provides a seamless driver interface conducive to safe driving practices with personal handheld devices.
Without a smart phone, car-related functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, engine diagnostics and passenger airbag on/off function can be easily viewed and adjusted while driving through either voice activation or toggle and scroll controls located on the console. A wide, six-inch screen provides visuals.
As an added feature, when the driver inserts a smart phone in the docking station when the vehicle is in motion, access is available via the MyFord Mobile Concept to phone contacts and navigation tools through voice activation, as are all messaging, direction and communication features.
If the smart phone device is docked and the vehicle is parked and powered off, both the vehicle functions and icons from the user’s device are available via the MyFord Mobile Concept. Icons are displayed on the large screen through Bluetooth transfer. Car functions and the speaker system also are controlled through voice activation.
MyFord Mobile Concept restricts certain functions, such as texting, while driving.
Design
“With the Ford Start Concept, we didn’t set out to design some sort of utilitarian concept to save the world, nor were we interested in following the competitive trend toward an overly noisy design language. What we did set out to do was design a personality driven car that exudes warmth, charm and aspiration…to design a car worth bonding with,” said J Mays, Group Vice President Design and Chief Creative Officer, Ford Motor Company.
Crisp highlights are incorporated into a smooth exterior shell constructed with lightweight composite body panels that snap-fit on an aluminum structure.
Ford’s trademark kinetic trapezoidal grill moves upward onto the rounded, sleek form, reducing the number of prominent openings from two to one and creating a face that’s both sporting and efficient. The entire exterior surface of the Ford Start Concept has been designed with flush-mounted aerodynamic features designed to cheat the wind – providing a minimal amount of drag while achieving maximum fuel efficiency.
The innovative hybrid aluminum, high-strength steel body construction features a lightweight aluminum safety cell that provides a rigid attachment structure for the glass and roof, as well as housing side curtain air bags. All exterior body panels are made from deformable, pre-colored recyclable composites.
Slim, laser-cut LED headlamps provide high-intensity light through trapezoid tubes. Two sets of running lamps, including a pair located in the headlamp design and a pair of lower running lamps, provide nighttime illumination.
Created by a global team of designers working at Ford’s Irvine (Calif.) Strategic Concepts Group Studios, this sporty, futuristic concept combines near-production Ford EcoBoost engine technology, slick aerodynamics and low weight in an environmentally friendly package with reduced greenhouse emissions, all wrapped in an exciting design.