Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Ford Archives

August 15, 2008

Ford's cute little Ka coming to a theater near you

The all-new Ford Ka microcar, which Ford Motor Co. sells in Europe and is considering bringing to America, will appear in the new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace."

In the movie, which opens in the United States on Nov. 7, the Ka is featured in a unique metallic gold paint with a funky combination of exterior graphics and interior trim.

The special "Quantum of Solace" Ka was created by Ford of Europe's design team, in collaboration with the movie's Oscar award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka's cameo continues Ford of Europe's relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, "Casino Royale."

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August 15, 2008

Ford begins production of new Fiesta in Germany

DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it has begun production of its new subcompact Fiesta at a plant in Germany.

The vehicle is the first product to come out of Ford's new global development process, which aims to produce global models that are tailored to regional tastes but have the same underpinnings. It's slated to go on sale in stages between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

The Cologne Stamping and Assembly plant is the first Ford assembly facility to build the new car, with production at Ford's Valencia assembly plant in Spain set begin in January.

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August 14, 2008

Ford To Build More Small Cars

TRAVERSE CITY -- Ford Motor Co. expects to run assembly plants in Louisville, Ky., and Wayne on three shifts, making up to 300,000 vehicles a year at each, after converting them in 2010 to make small cars and crossovers instead of big pickups and SUVs, said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's top manufacturing executive.

"That's the scale we need to get to" if Ford is to make small cars profitably in the United States, Hinrichs said in an interview Wednesday.

That kind of volume -- at plants operating on only one shift today -- suggests that Ford could be adding thousands of production workers if the small-car designs it's bringing from Europe sell briskly in the United States.

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August 13, 2008

Lincoln enhances color palette

DEARBORN, Mich. -- It shines, it glitters, it energizes and allures. In fact, the importance and psychology of color is unmistakable, even in the automotive realm.

"It's critical," says Susan Sage, Color and Materials design manager, at Ford Motor Company. "Color creates an aesthetic emotion. If it's a color that the customer loves, if it gives them that sense of balance and comfort, they'll want it. It can make or break a sale."

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August 12, 2008

Ford Sets Best-in-Class Quality Targets on New Global Small Vehicles

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- After climbing to the upper ranks in vehicle quality in the past two years, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said today it has set an aggressive new target -- best-in-class initial quality for compact cars the company will launch in North America in 2010.

"We aim to launch our new compact vehicles at 800 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles," said Bennie Fowler, Ford's group vice president, Global Quality. "That's more than 500 TGWs less than the predicted industry average -- and we believe these levels will ensure our upcoming small cars will achieve industry-best initial quality."

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Ford jumps into quality race

TRAVERSE CITY -- Ford Motor Co. threw down the gauntlet to its Japanese rivals Monday, vowing to snatch the quality title from rival Toyota Motor Corp., starting with the launch of its new small car lineup in 2010.

"That's right, I said it. Ford Motor Co. will be the quality leader," promised Bennie Fowler, Ford's group vice president of global quality. "This time, we're playing for all the marbles -- and we aim to win."

To help achieve its goal, the Dearborn automaker will enroll hourly workers from each of its U.S. factories in a rigorous quality training program at Wayne State University that is usually reserved for managers.

August 10, 2008

Ford introduces powertrain upgrades for 2009

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is meeting the rapidly changing market and shifting customer preferences with a new 2009 lineup that features an array of all-new or upgraded vehicles as well as major improvements in fuel economy, smart technology, safety features and quality across its vehicle portfolio.

"This is without question the best Ford lineup we've ever produced - and it comes at a critically important time for the company," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Our product-led transformation is well under way, and there is much more to come."

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August 9, 2008

Ford boosts better fuel economy in engines

Ford Motor Co.'s group vice president for global product development, Derrick Kuzak, said Wednesday that Ford would "achieve class-leading fuel economy" for its new cars and trucks in North America "through unprecedented spending on advanced gasoline engines."
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That includes EcoBoost, a Ford-branded engine technology that combines gasoline-injection with turbocharging for up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy, as well as other technologies.

August 8, 2008

Glass roof Mustang lets the sun shine in

Ford Mustang, the country's best-selling sports car for 22 consecutive years and one of the auto industry's most successful nameplates ever, celebrates its 45th anniversary with a new panoramic glass roof option that opens the world to pony-car enthusiasts from Maine to Maui and all points between.

The segment first, factory-installed glass roof is available as a $1,995 option on Mustang V-6 and GT models.

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Ford adds new options for 2009 Focus

The hot selling, fuel efficient Ford Focus sedan adds a new SEL series for 2009, offering small-car customers more upscale features while retaining key Focus attributes, such as bold styling, excellent driving dynamics, superb passenger roominess and leading safety and security features.

SEL models include 16-inch Euroflanged alloy wheels, chrome door handles, chrome heated mirrors and leather trimmed heated seats.

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August 7, 2008

2009 Ford Edge sports industry-first Blind Spot Mirror

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford is moving quickly to address driver demands for increased visibility with an industry-first innovation, the Blind Spot Mirror, pulling ahead the feature's introduction by one year to launch this fall as standard equipment on the 2009 Ford Edge.

"Ford is committed to delivering innovative features that provide a better driving experience for the customer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "The Blind Spot Mirror is the latest example of our strategy to move fast and to be industry leaders in enhancing the ownership experience."

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August 6, 2008

Ford Flex earns top 5-star crash ratings

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The 2009 Ford Flex has earned five-star frontal- and side-impact crashworthiness ratings, the highest possible scores, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.

The results for Ford's newest full-size crossover are better than the Toyota Highlander's and include class-leading four-star rollover ratings for both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

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August 3, 2008

AirVenture Mustang to benefit youth program

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The numbers tied to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh are impressive, if not overwhelming - but there's one statistic especially worth eyeing.

Some 2,500 show aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected at this year's meet, which runs from Monday - Aug. 3. An estimated 10,000 airplanes are expected to fly in to the airport in east-central Wisconsin. And here's the kicker: The event will feature one cool Ford Mustang.

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Ford tunes cars to run on regular, vs. premium

DEARBORN, Mich. - With per-gallon prices hovering around $4, customers are sensitive to every penny spent at the pump, and Ford Motor Company is leveraging technologies to help consumers avoid an even further hit to their wallets.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, including luxury models like the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS, run - and run well - on regular unleaded gas, a true competitive advantage given today's skyrocketing fuel costs.

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Ford revs up for Woodward Cruise

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company will be at the heart of the action when 1.5 million car and truck enthusiasts flock to the city of Ferndale, Mich. for the start of the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug.16.

"It's a great place for us to be because it truly reflects the essence of Woodward -- car lovers coming together and cruising, just like they've done for decades," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "The Dream Cruise originated in Ferndale 14 years ago, and the city has been the home to Mustang Alley for the past 10 years."

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Ford Touts 10 Top Success Stories

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford continues to make great strides toward achieving its goal of best-in-class quality. The following ten examples show some of the successes already achieved along the way.

1. Now shoulder-to-shoulder with industry leaders in initial quality -- The quality of Ford brand vehicles soared to the top of the charts equaling that of Toyota and Honda, according to 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., for Ford.

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August 2, 2008

Ford Foundation Supports People Living Longer with HIV

MEXICO CITY -- As millions of people across the globe begin accessing treatment and care for HIV/AIDS, the Ford Foundation today said that creating a world where people with HIV/AIDS can lead full lives with dignity, purpose and access to opportunity is a critical priority in the global response to the disease.

The foundation invited donors, government agencies, NGOs and others to come together around initiatives that advance human rights, elevate leaders from marginalized groups to the highest levels of the AIDS movement, promote government accountability on both medical and social progress, and ensure equitable distribution of AIDS programs and services.

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August 1, 2008

Ford Sales Drop Less Than Expected

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford's redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology.

While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent.

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July 30, 2008

VW Passes Ford for No. 3 in Global Sales

Volkswagen AG moved ahead of Ford Motor Co. to become the world's third-largest automaker by vehicle sales in this year's first half, as the U.S. company declined in its home market.

Volkswagen reported a 7.2 percent increase to 3.31 million cars and trucks, while Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford said its sales fell 11 percent to 3.09 million. They released the figures last week.

``Given the world energy situation and the product portfolios of both companies, Volkswagen is in a much better position to navigate the rapids we're in,'' said Dennis Virag, president of Automotive Consulting Group, in an interview today.

Chrysler, GM and Nissan are Tops in Online Search Visibility

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- iCrossing, a global digital marketing company, today announced the findings of the Vertical Visibility Index: Automotive, the first in a series of studies analyzing the paid and natural search media visibility leaders within specific industry verticals.

iCrossing found that Chrysler, GM and Nissan North America are doing the best job of taking a synergistic search engine marketing approach, with the highest scores for combined visibility. Ford leads for natural search visibility and Hyundai has the greatest paid search visibility for the keyword set analyzed.

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July 27, 2008

Ford repositions Mercury brand

Ford Motor Co. will reposition Mercury as an entry-level premium brand that will support Lincoln, according to senior executives.

Lincoln will no longer get any smaller vehicles, as had been planned, while Mercury will only get smaller cars and crossovers, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product chief.

"Mercury and Lincoln will complement each other," Kuzak told The Detroit News Thursday. "Lincoln will start with midsized sedans and move up from there."

Until recently, Ford had planned to eliminate the Mercury brand and give Lincoln a wider range of products. Dealers were skeptical, pointing out that Mercury brings a different demographic into the showroom than any other Ford brand -- a fact Kuzak acknowledged.

"Mercury brings a younger, more female customer than the Ford brand," Kuzak said during a briefing with reporters earlier Thursday. "We're focusing (Mercury) very much on small, fuel-efficient products."

July 25, 2008

At Ford, End of a Big-vehicle Era Takes a Toll

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Company tallied the financial impact on Thursday of falling sales of its big pickups and sport utility vehicles, which contributed to the worst quarterly loss in its 105-year history. While Ford's auto operations lost $1 billion in the second quarter, the bulk of the company's $8.7 billion loss came from write-downs in the value of its truck factories and lease portfolios.

The huge charges reflect the diminishing value of both the plants and the vehicles they produce. So far this year, sales of large pickups are down 25 percent, and S.U.V.'s have fallen 32 percent, according to the trade journal Ward's Automotive Reports.

But the impact is hurting automakers in more than just sales of new trucks. "There are multiple second- and third-order impacts," [said Brian Johnson of Lehman Brothers.] "We're seeing it in lease residuals, we're seeing it in loan losses, and we're seeing an impact in the showroom, because people can't get enough on their old cars to make it worthwhile to get into a new car."

July 24, 2008

Ford Accelerates Transformation Plan With Small Car Offensive, Manufacturing Realignment

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

The actions represent a considerable shift in Ford's North American product plans and investments toward smaller vehicles and fuel-efficient powertrains in both the near- and mid-term in line with rapid changes in customer buying preferences.

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Ford Motor Credit Reports Second Quarter 2008 Preliminary Results

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company reported a net loss of $1,427 million in the second quarter of 2008, down $1,489 million from net income of $62 million a year earlier.

On a pre-tax basis, Ford Motor Credit reported a loss of $2,380 million, compared with earnings of $112 million in the previous year. Excluding a $2.1 billion impairment charge for operating leases, Ford Motor Credit incurred a pre-tax loss of $294 million in the second quarter of 2008.

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July 22, 2008

Ford honors the 100th anniversary of Model T

RICHMOND, Ind., July 22, 2008 - A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America's most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.

"Henry Ford and his Model T helped reshape the landscape of America a century ago by making the automobile accessible to the average person," said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company executive chairman.

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Ford to Convert Three Plants From Trucks to Cars

Ford Motor Co. plans to transform three North American truck plants to build small cars developed originally for European markets, according to people briefed on the company's plans.

The move, expected to be announced as part of Ford's second-quarter earnings report on Thursday, is an attempt to ratchet up production of passenger cars in North America in response to this year's dramatic rise in gasoline prices.

Once its plants have been retooled, the auto maker would be able to use a common base to build its next generation of passenger cars, many of which originated in Europe. The so-called global platform is now used to produce the European Focus subcompact, the Ford Kuga crossover and the Ford C-Max small wagon among other vehicles off the same production line.

July 20, 2008

2010 Ford Mustang Plays Peek-a-Boo

DEARBORN, Mich. - A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America.

Enthusiasts will be part of a special public "debut" of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which will serve as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend.

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July 19, 2008

Henry Ford Awards Turns 8 in the Philippines

Makati City -- The Henry Ford Awards (HFA), the country's premier award-giving body for excellence in automotive journalism, has kicked off this year's search for outstanding works in the field.

The launch coincides with the 100th year anniversary of the car credited with "putting the world on wheels," the Model T, Henry Ford's iconic vehicle, which officially brought the world into the age of the "horseless carriage," is also responsible for hundreds of innovations that jumpstarted the automotive industry.

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July 18, 2008

Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- With elevated gas prices and the summer travel season in full swing, Americans are looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford has some quick tips for all consumers, suggesting changes to their driving behavior.

Ford calls it EcoDriving - ECOnomical because it saves money and ECOlogical because it is better for the environment. Following are simple tips from Ford that any driver can use:

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July 17, 2008

Ford Flex delivers surprising aerodynamic edge

DEARBORN, Mich. -- There's no doubt the 2009 Ford Flex's unique profile turns heads on the road, but can a boxy crossover vehicle really deliver the superb aerodynamics needed for maximum fuel economy?

In the case of the Flex, the answer is an unqualified yes.

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Model T birthplace open to visitors during centennial

DEARBORN, Mich. -- While much has been written about Ford Motor Company's famed Rouge and Highland Park plants, the actual birthplace of the Model T is often overlooked.

Yet the three-story brick building still stands on the quiet corner of Piquette and Beaubien streets, in Detroit's New Center neighborhood, looking almost exactly like it did when the first Model T was built there in 1908.

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Ford debuts smart intersection technology

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company researchers today unveiled one of the first privately funded "smart intersections" in North America, a key step toward leveraging GPS technology and wireless infrastructure-to-vehicle communications to reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion.

The smart intersection, established near Ford's Research & Innovation Center in Dearborn, communicates with specially equipped test vehicles to warn drivers of potentially dangerous traffic situations, such as when a vehicle is about to run through a red light.

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Ford racing director living the dream

DEARBORN, Mich. - Dreams can come true. Brian Wolfe, the new Director of Ford Racing Technology, is living proof.

Growing up in Michigan, Wolfe was regaled with stories from his father about his hero - Henry Ford - and Ford Motor Company. He also was bitten early by the need for speed.

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July 16, 2008

2009 MAZDA6 Pricing to Start at $18,550

IRVINE, Calif. -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will start at $18,550 for a MAZDA6 i SV, equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 s, powered by a 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission begins at $24,130.

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Ford Scores High on Annual NAACP Report Card

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced today that Ford Motor Company once again received one of the highest grades awarded on the Economic Reciprocity Initiative (ERI) automotive industry report card. Results of the study were released at the NAACP's 99th Annual Convention, themed Power, Justice, Freedom & The Vote, at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The NAACP ERI report card measures the exchange of economic costs and benefits between African-American consumers and various industries.

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July 14, 2008

Ford Flex presents a carpooling solution

DEARBORN, Mich. - Carpooling - once the bane of independent drivers everywhere - is emerging with new respectability, its own jargon and specific rules of etiquette as motorists search for ways to ease the pain at the gasoline pump.

New vehicles such as Ford's seven-passenger Flex crossover can make the commuting journey more comfortable, thanks to a host of unique features, such as a refrigerator in the second row, SIRIUS® Travel Link™ and a panoramic sunroof that lets natural light shine in for second- and third-row passengers.

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July 12, 2008

Ford's Quick Lane Business Bolstering Dealership Bottom Line

DEARBORN, Mich. - When Bill Vann, owner of Albion Motors Ford Mercury, Inc., opened up a Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center at his dealership in Albion, Mich., he hoped it would provide a convenience for his customers that would bring them back to the dealership for routine maintenance and maybe even a new vehicle.

Three years later, Vann says his Quick Lane business is surpassing his original expectations.

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Ford speeds active safety research

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company is strengthening its commitment to active safety with plans to offer more new product features and technologies that consumers increasingly want as well as ramping up research and development into next-generation accident avoidance safety technologies.

In the next year, Ford will introduce three new active technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control, BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and a third to be named later in 2008.

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Ford Model T Paved Road to Hollywood

DEARBORN, Mich. - The Ford Model T has had a long and storied Hollywood career, stretching from the silent-film era of Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and the Keystone Cops to a drive-on role in this year's George Clooney film "Leatherheads."

In part, the Model T's popularity on the big screen comes because the car and the medium emerged at approximately the same time 100 years ago - and both became very popular almost overnight.

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Ford enlists 'Army Wives' in breast cancer battle

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company is continuing the battle against breast cancer this summer in a number of creative ways.

This week, Ford Warriors in Pink teams up with the hit Lifetime Television show "Army Wives" to spread awareness of breast cancer and the need for early detection during a special episode that will air on July 13 at 10 p.m. EDT.

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July 11, 2008

Ford's New Smart Intersection 'Talks' to Cars to Help Reduce Collisions

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July 9, 2008

Ford increases China sales 21%

SHANGHAI - July 8, 2008 - Ford Motor China posted sales of 172,411 units for the first-half of 2008, a 21-percent increase over the same period last year.

First-half sales of Ford brand passenger cars and commercial vehicles reached 103,698 units, a 15-percent year-over-year increase.

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Ford launches driving skills program in Aisa

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Ford Motor Company is launching its successful "Driving Skills for Life" program this year in select Asia markets, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

In cooperation with the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation and government agencies in the four ASEAN countries, the program will teach practical skills and training for safe and fuel-efficient driving.

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250,000th Ford Focus Rolls Off St. Petersburg Production Line

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- The 250,000th Russian-built Ford Focus rolled off the production line today at the Ford plant in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg.

The car, a silver 1.8 litre Ghia Wagon, will be delivered to a customer in Moscow.

The Ford Focus has been Russia's best-selling foreign car for the past five consecutive full years.

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July 8, 2008

Kumho to Supply Original Equipment Tires for Ford Focus

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- Kumho Tires, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers, today announced that they have been selected by Ford Motor Company to supply original equipment tires for the majority of the new 2009 Ford Focus models.

Kumho Tires will supply approximately 200,000 of its 215/45R17 Solus KH16 tires for the Focus. These Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires provide a more stable ride while minimizing road noise.

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Ford Won't Comment on Chery Buying Volvo

DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. isn't commenting on a Chinese business journal report that China's Chery Automobile Corp. is interested in buying Ford's Volvo unit. Caijing Magazine quotes unidentified sources as saying Chery is looking for bank and equity investor help for a possible bid for Volvo, Ford's Swedish nameplate.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby said Monday the automaker won't comment on the report. He says Ford decided last year to concentrate on improving Volvo's business performance, rather than selling it.

July 7, 2008

Ford to debut new Focus RS performance car

BRENTWOOD - The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is returning in the shape of the exciting new Ford Focus RS, which will be previewed on July 22 at the 2008 London International Motor Show.

The new Focus RS will go on sale in early 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.

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July 6, 2008

Ford tops among licensed auto brands

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Some of this year's hottest summer toys are Ford official licensed products.

Although thousands of items - from t-shirts, caps and jackets to desk accessories, wall art and fragrances - bear the name of a Ford brand, toy manufacturers represent the majority of the company's 300 licensees.

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Ford to Cut Jobs at Truck Plant

Ford Motor Co. is set to eliminate about 300 additional jobs at its F-Series Super Duty pickup truck in Louisville , Ky., later this summer as the company responds to falling demand for heavier vehicles.

The auto maker is reducing the amount of shifts it operates in the stamping, body and paint operations at the plant, which until recently was one of the most profitable factories in its sprawling production footprint. Employees were informed Thursday morning, and have the option of taking a buyout package from the auto maker, Ford spokeswoman Angie Kozleski said.

July 3, 2008

Ford Mustang: Fireworks for the Fourth

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The Fourth of July weekend is a time to reflect on American ideals and American icons.

One of the most-iconic cars in American history is the Ford Mustang. With a heritage stretching back nearly a half-century, the Mustang has become a part of the American fabric. Mustang has been the best-selling sports car for 22 straight years, and there are plenty of reasons why:

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Ford Explorer gets high safety marks

DEARBORN, Mich. - The 2008 Ford Explorer is more resistant to damage and less likely to cause damage to other vehicles in low-speed crashes than other midsize sport utility vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported today.

"The Ford Explorer has been the benchmark SUV for family capability, safety and value for two decades," said Darryl Hazel, president, Ford Customer Service Division. "Insurance companies are more likely to give Explorer customers discounts because of this established track record."

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How the Ford Model T Changed the World

DEARBORN, Mich. -- This year, Ford Motor Company is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the car credited with "putting the world on wheels," the Model T.

Henry Ford's iconic vehicle, which officially brought the world into the age of the "horseless carriage," also is responsible for hundreds of innovations that jumpstarted the automotive industry as we know it. This list focuses on the 10 most important influences of the Model T and how the world was forever changed by them.

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Detroit leans on deals to stay in the game

Detroit's Big Three are battling sagging vehicle sales by extending and ramping up consumer incentives, deals some analysts predict will get sweeter this summer as automakers look to move more trucks.

Chrysler LLC this week extended its $2.99 gas guarantee on most of its 2008 lineup through the end of July and added $1,000 rebates on four SUVs -- Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

Ford Motor Co. is extending its employee pricing on F-series pickup trucks until July 7.

And General Motors Corp. will continue its zero percent financing for 72-month offers through the holiday weekend.

July 2, 2008

Ford Honors the Legacy and Impact of the Model T

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company will mark the 100th anniversary of Henry Ford's groundbreaking Model T with a special presentation and collection of automotive masterpieces for 2008 Centennial "T Party" -- the world's largest gathering of Model Ts since they left the factory -- July 21-26 in Richmond, Ind.

The event in Richmond -- the largest of dozens of Model T celebrations planned during the next six months -- is expected to draw nearly 1,000 Model Ts and 15,000 enthusiasts from around the world.

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Ford Names Ken Czubay Head of U.S. Sales and Marketing

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of veteran auto industry executive and retailer Ken Czubay as vice president of U.S. Sales and Marketing.

Czubay, who has 38 years of automotive experience and served in a variety of management and executive roles at Ford from 1970 to 1983, rejoins the company from his current positions as president of Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, executive vice president of parent company JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and president of JM Lexus, the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

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July 1, 2008

Ford Reports June Sales Down 28%

DEARBORN, Mich. -- In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago.

Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford's first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

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2009 Ford Escape Delivers Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The 2009 Ford Escape, equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, is the coveted fuel economy leader among all small SUVs.

With fuel prices at record highs, the 2009 Ford Escape with front-wheel drive is the smart choice for SUV customers, thanks to its 28 highway/20 city mpg, fun-to-drive performance.

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June 30, 2008

Ford Waits as GM, Toyota Take Lead on Plug-In Hybrids

Ford Motor Co., under pressure to trim its reliance on trucks, said it's taking a measured approach on plug-in hybrid vehicles by letting rivals assume the risk of marketing the new technology.

"If customers aren't buying them, we're not making them," Ted Miller, Ford's senior manager of energy storage, said in an interview [last week]. "If there's going to be a true plug-in hybrid market, we're going to be there. It's just that that's a huge commitment to actually go to production."

That tack may force the world's third-largest automaker to play catch-up if plug-ins such as General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet Volt concept can be built in high volume. The chief hurdle is a rechargeable battery for extended electric-only use. GM and Toyota Motor Corp., the biggest automakers, are racing to introduce a vehicle able to recharge from household electrical sockets in 2010. Ford has a test fleet of 20 plug-in sport-utility vehicles, without a target date for selling them.

June 27, 2008

Study: Ford Focus most improved model

DEARBORN - The Ford Focus is the most improved vehicle in the industry's top study measuring customer-pleasing design, content, and vehicle performance.

In J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, Focus raised its score over last year by 88 index points - the biggest improvement in the industry.

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Ford recreates historic Le Mans race

Paris - Two unique and specially restored Ford race cars will return to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours circuit for the 2008 Le Mans Classic between July 11 and 13.

After painstaking restorations, the two cars, a 1923 Model T Montier and a 1973 Ford Capri RS2600, are taking to the track to compete again at the iconic Sarthe circuit under the 'Ecurie Ford France' banner.

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June 26, 2008

Model T: Driving it was only half the fun

DEARBORN, Mich., June 25, 2008 - More than one Model T owner has joked that he's not too worried about somebody stealing his historic car.

"If you don't own one, you probably wouldn't be able to drive one," said Mike Skinner, a Model T owner and board member of the group restoring the car's birthplace, the old Piquette Plant in Detroit.

Continue reading "Model T: Driving it was only half the fun"

Ford credit offers relief to Midwest flood victims

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest the option to delay some car payments. Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

"We understand that some of our customers have been affected by the terrible flooding in the Midwest. We hope our Disaster Relief Program will give them one less thing to worry about as they recover and rebuild," said Mike Bannister, CEO and chairman.

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Ford comment on Barack Obama meeting

The following statement is attributed to Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company:

DEARBORN, Mich. - "It was a very productive meeting. The vitality of our economy will depend on our government seeking a partnership with industry. I was pleased to share the perspective on the important role American manufacturers play."

June 25, 2008

Wisconsin Students Win Ford/AAA Auto Skills Title

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Crossing the finish line today in 73 minutes and 40 seconds, aspiring auto technicians Paul Bretl and Chris Cheek, 2008 graduates of Grafton High School, in Grafton, Wis., drove their fully repaired 2008 Ford Focus to victory in the 59th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills national finals.

In addition to thousands of dollars in scholarships, the winning duo earned the unique opportunity to "job shadow" the Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion team for a week at their race shop in Concord, N.C., and serve as honorary members of the pit crew at the July 12 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway.

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Lincoln MKS Debuts on Goodyear Tires

AKRON, Ohio -- The 2009 Lincoln MKS, a new luxury sedan scheduled to hit dealer showrooms this summer, will be riding on Goodyear tires as it makes its debut.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been chosen to supply the standard tire fitment for the new model, providing the popular Assurance ComforTred tires in size P235/55R18, and an optional 19-inch fitment, Goodyear's Eagle RS-A in size P255/45R19.

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June 24, 2008

Video: Lincoln Launches Mini-Movie to Market 2009 MKS

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, luxury automaker Lincoln is delivering a first this week with the television launch of a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS.

Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family - the 2009 Lincoln MKS - against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story.

Continue reading "Video: Lincoln Launches Mini-Movie to Market 2009 MKS"

More Ford Workers to Lose Their Jobs Soon

Ford Motor Co. has begun dismissing salaried workers as part of an effort to shed 15 percent of its salaried-related costs by Aug. 1 in the face of a toughening U.S. economy. The struggling market has resulted in an 11.2 percent sales decline for the automaker, with a disproportionate amount of the decline, 14 percent, hitting the profitable truck lineup.

In an effort to reach its objectives, the automaker is also forgoing filling many open positions and cutting benefits, such as tuition and scholarship programs for employees. Ford posted a $100-million profit in the first quarter of this year, but that small gain followed a $2.7-billion loss in 2007 and a record $12.6-billion loss in 2006.

June 23, 2008

2009 Lincoln MKS shipping to dealers

DEARBORN, Mich., June 18, 2008 - The much-anticipated 2009 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln's all-new luxury flagship, is now shipping to dealerships nationwide.

The new flagship sedan from Lincoln is an excellent value, thanks in part to its the comprehensive safety, convenience and comfort technologies.

Prices start at $38,465 (including destination), thousands less than facing competitors from Lexus and Acura.

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Ford F-Series sponsors Toby Keith's "Biggest and Baddest Tour"

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith kicked off his "Biggest and Baddest Tour," presented by Ford F-Series, Friday in Birmingham, Alabama.

"Toby Keith is the Biggest and Baddest star, and the new Ford F-150 is the Biggest and Baddest truck," said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck and SUV Communications Alliance manager, Ford Division. "It's a perfect fit."

Continue reading "Ford F-Series sponsors Toby Keith's "Biggest and Baddest Tour""

June 22, 2008

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Tires Selected for Ford Flex

AKRON, Ohio -- The 2009 Ford Flex is one of the most anticipated new vehicles in years, and it arrives in dealer showrooms this summer riding on Goodyear tires.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been chosen to supply the standard tire fitment for the 2009 Ford Flex, providing the popular Assurance ComforTred tires in size P235/60R18. It is a premium passenger tire made with a special cushion layer to help provide a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride.

Continue reading "Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Tires Selected for Ford Flex"

Ford Further Cuts Truck Production as Demand Slows

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company said it is making further reductions to its North American truck production plan while adding more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains, as the company responds to the continued deterioration in the U.S. business environment and the accelerated shift away from large trucks and SUVs.

"As gasoline prices average more than $4 a gallon and consumers worry about the weak U.S. economy, we see June industry-wide auto sales slowing further and demand for large trucks and SUVs at one of the lowest levels in decades," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally.

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America's Best Teen Auto Techs Battle for National Crown

Fifty pairs of high school students will represent their high schools and home states in a battle for the coveted title of best high school student auto tech team in the nation.

In addition to vying for $7 million in scholarships, the students also will compete for the opportunity to "job shadow" the Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion team at its Concord, N.C., race shop and serve as honorary AAA pit crew members during the July 12 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Continue reading "America's Best Teen Auto Techs Battle for National Crown"

June 20, 2008

Ford delays rollout of 2009 F-150

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. said today it will delay the introduction of the 2009 Ford F-150 and make deeper cuts to North American truck production plans as industry sales worsen.

The 2009 F-150 will be delayed by two months because of the need to sell down inventory of the current model, Ford said. The revamped model will now go on sale in late fall.

Ford cut its third-quarter production plan by 50,000 vehicles. It now plans to produce 475,000 vehicles in the third quarter.

Ford Spells FlexAbility

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Flex-ability: Ford's hottest new crossover, spelled out with vehicles in the front parking lot at Ford World Headquarters, the all-new 2009 Ford Flex is now available in Detroit. On June 19, 40 Metro Detroit area Ford Dealers took possession of their first 2009 Ford Flex at a special drive-away event.

Flex is full of class-leading technologies, including Ford SYNC, voice-activated navigation with reverse camera system, SIRIUS Travel Link, new premium sound from Sony and innovative, surprise-and-delight features like EasyFuel™ capless refueling and an exclusive refrigerated console is arriving in dealerships now.

Ford's Green Plant Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

DEARBORN, Mich. - When Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant Manager Rob Webber looks out his office window at the facility's "living" roof he sees a field of green where Canadian geese, mallard ducks and killdeer nest and raise offspring. Seeing wildlife flourish at the Rouge Center would have seemed farfetched five years ago.

"You wouldn't have seen this when the Rouge was just black top, concrete and steel," Webber said. "The greening has transformed it."

Continue reading "Ford's Green Plant Celebrates Fifth Anniversary"

Ford statement on Tracinda meeting

"Representatives of Ford Motor Company - including Executive Chairman Bill Ford and President and CEO Alan Mulally - met with representatives of Tracinda Corp. on Tuesday. The informal meeting was positive and a chance for the leaders of both companies to discuss elements of Ford's transformation plan that we have announced publicly. We continue to welcome confidence in Ford by our various stakeholders."

June 18, 2008

Ford Partners With Charity for Ultimate Urban Adventure

LOS ANGELES -- Ford has partnered with the "Band From TV (BandFromTV.org)" to create the Ford Flex Rally, a scavenger hunt-style charity challenge in greater Los Angeles that allows 10 celebrity teams to put the new 2009 Ford Flex and its interactive technologies through its paces.

The event is scheduled for June 21 and will be hosted by "Band From TV." The event will feature a host of stars from TV, film and music, each of whom will ride in a Flex and attempt to answer a series of clues giving them directions to the next venue.

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Ford/AAA Provide 7 Million in Scholarships for Nation's Auto Tech Demand

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills continues to help answer the demand for more skilled automotive technicians by offering $7 million in scholarships to this year's competitors -- $1 million more than last year.

In addition to offering millions in scholarship opportunities, the unique automotive competition will bring 50 pairs of the best young automotive technicians to Ford World Headquarters, June 24, to represent their high schools and home states in a quest for the coveted national title, as well as a chance of a lifetime to join renowned race team Roush Fenway Racing for a week.

Continue reading "Ford/AAA Provide 7 Million in Scholarships for Nation's Auto Tech Demand"

June 17, 2008

Ford To Export More Than $800 Million in Goods to China

WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Company will begin exporting additional automotive products and transmission parts to China, thanks to agreements signed in Washington, D.C., today. The total value of the pact is estimated to be more than $800 million.

In one of the company's largest export agreements, Ford will sell more than 30,000 North American-built vehicles in China, starting in 2009.

Continue reading "Ford To Export More Than $800 Million in Goods to China"

Teens Still Dig Ford Mustang After 45 Years

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When he was in his early teens, Dan Vanderlip, Jr., of Clinton Township, Mich., fell in love with the Ford Mustang, so much so that he was determined to buy one when he turned 16.

Vanderlip, Jr. saved up all the money he earned working in his family's upholstery store, invested it wisely in the stock market (with a little coaching from his dad) and was on the verge of selling his beloved collection of rare baseball cards to come up with the remainder of the money he needed to buy the car - when his father stepped in to help.

Continue reading "Teens Still Dig Ford Mustang After 45 Years"

Ford closing Big-Ute plant due to demand drop

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. says it will temporarily close a Michigan plant making sport utility vehicles for nine weeks starting June 23 due to sagging demand.

Company spokeswoman Angie Kozleski said Monday the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne will be shut down until Aug. 25.

The factory makes the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs. Expedition sales are down 31 percent for the first five months of the year, and Navigator sales are off 22 percent.

June 15, 2008

Ford sells Atlanta property to developers

HAPEVILLE, Ga. - Ford Motor Company today announced the sale of the Atlanta Assembly Plant property in Hapeville, Ga., to Jacoby Development Inc.

Jacoby will redevelop the 122-acre site adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into an "aerotropolis" - an aviation-intensive business district that is expected to include office, retail, restaurant, hotel and airport parking.

Continue reading "Ford sells Atlanta property to developers"

June 14, 2008

Ford works with U of Mich on Transport Options

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company has announced it is working with researchers, academia, and public and private companies to develop long-term strategies to confront growing transportation and personal mobility challenges in large and increasingly congested metropolitan areas.

This announcement coincides with the release of the ninth annual Ford Sustainability Report and the 2008 Sustainable Mobility Summit hosted by University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11-12.

Continue reading "Ford works with U of Mich on Transport Options"

June 13, 2008

Ford of Europe Sales Continue to Grow

COLOGNE, Germany -- -- In the first five months of 2008, Ford of Europe sold 828,300 units in its 51 markets, an increase of 2.3 percent

Ford of Europe's business momentum continued through May despite the challenging economic environment. Year-to-date sales in the company's 51 markets have risen by 18,400, to 828,300 vehicles -- an increase of 2.3 percent compared with the same period last year.

Continue reading "Ford of Europe Sales Continue to Grow"

June 8, 2008

Ford retains leadership of UK vehicle market through May

BRENTWOOD, Essex – Ford was the UK market leader in total vehicle sales in the month of May and for the first five months of this year, according to figures from the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

So far this year total Ford retail sales have grown by 5.3 per cent to 73,930 – an increase of more than 3,750 over the same period last year. Share of the retail market has risen to 13 per cent.

Continue reading "Ford retains leadership of UK vehicle market through May"

Ford's productivity improve in annual report

The following statement is from Joe Hinrichs, group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, Ford Motor Company.

Dearborn, Mich., June 5 – Ford Motor Company is making continued progress in manufacturing productivity, and improved 3.7 percent – our sixth consecutive year of improved efficiency – in The Harbour Report™ North America 2008.

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June 7, 2008

Video: Ford Flex TV Commercial

Here is Ford's first foray into television marketing for the new Flex crossover.

Ford Launches Flex Marketing Campaign

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The new 2009 Ford Flex's unique, multi-faceted marketing campaign launches this weekend, with multi-media outreach that reflects the distinctive personality of Ford's newest crossover vehicle.

"The Ford Flex is electric. It provokes a reaction, so the approach that we're taking to launching the vehicle will be unconventional and quite unexpected," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications.

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Ford sells St. Louis property to developer

Hazelwood, Mo., June 5, 2008 – Ford Motor Company today announced the sale of the St. Louis Assembly Plant property in Hazelwood, Mo, to Panattoni Development Company, Inc.

Panattoni plans to demolish the existing structure and add new buildings totaling approximately 2.6 million square feet of warehouse, distribution and light industrial space on the 155-acre site.

Continue reading "Ford sells St. Louis property to developer"

June 6, 2008

Mustang first convertible to win top safety rating

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When Ford Chief Engineer for Safety Systems Steve Kozak decided to give a new car to his teenage daughter as a graduation gift only one model would do: the 2008 Ford Mustang GT convertible, the No. 1-selling and top safety-rated drop-top in the U.S.

The 2008 Mustang GT is the only convertible to earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests.

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Ford continues voice-activated research

DEARBORN, Mich. -- As the National Safety Council turns the country's attention to distracted driving next week, the Ford Sync in-car communications and entertainment system continues gaining popularity as one of the most advanced answers yet to the distractions nearly 190 million Americans encounter as they talk on cell phones while driving.

A recent survey found that more than 80 percent of mobile phone owners said they talk on the phone while driving, and 40 percent of teen and 20-something American mobile phone owners admitted to composing and sending text messages while driving.

Continue reading "Ford continues voice-activated research"

Ford brand quality improves faster than industry average

DEARBORN, Mi. – Ford brand vehicles improved in quality at a rate faster than the industry average, according to a customer-based initial quality study released today by J.D. Power and Associates. Ford brand also is the only full-line brand to show continuous improvement since 2004.

The research firm's 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) showed Ford brand improving by eight points over last year's study, besting the industry average seven-point rate of improvement and continuing its five-year upward trend.

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2008 Ford Escape Hybrid brings $33,000 at auction for Heal the Bay

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient SUV sold in America, generated $33,000 for the environmental group Heal the Bay at the organization's annual charity auction.

Ford donated a 2008 Escape Hybrid SUV to Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica-based environmental group dedicated to improving water quality along California's coastline.

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2008 Ford Focus, Escape nominated for “Interior of the Year” honors

DEARBORN, Mich. – Two redesigned Ford vehicles – the 2008 Ford Focus and the 2008 Ford Escape – have been nominated by the editors of WARD’s AutoWorld magazine for WARD’S Interior of the Year awards for their styling, safety, comfort and refinement.

The Ford Focus is nominated in the category “Economy Priced Cars under $16,999.” The 35 mpg Focus, which was launched last fall, is one of the hottest-selling small cars, with retail sales in April up 88 percent. That was the best April sales for Focus since 2000.

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Ford's Fumes-to-Fuel system turns emissions into 'green' fuel

OAKVILLE, Ont. -- Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) in Ontario, Canada, will begin producing 'green' energy this summer through the use of the company's patented Fumes-to-Fuel system, an eco-friendly, industry-leading pollution-control system that converts emissions from the plant's paint shop into electricity to help power the plant.

The experimental Fumes-to-Fuel system at OAC already is turning emissions from the plant's paint shop into useable fuel, which will later be used to power a fuel cell that generates electricity.

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Ford purchased $4.2 billion from minority suppliers in 2007

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company North America set a new record in purchasing spend from minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) in 2007.

Ford purchased a record $4.2 billion in goods and services from tier one minority-owned suppliers and broke through the billion-dollar barrier by spending $1.2 billion with tier one women-owned suppliers.

Continue reading "Ford purchased $4.2 billion from minority suppliers in 2007"

Ford completes Jaguar, Land Rover Sale to Tata Motors

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company has completed the sale of its Jaguar Land Rover operations to Tata Motors.

The sale is the culmination of Ford’s decision last August to explore strategic options for the Jaguar Land Rover business, as the company accelerates its focus on its core Ford brand and “One Ford” global transformation. It also allows Jaguar Land Rover to focus on delivering what is best for its business.

Continue reading "Ford completes Jaguar, Land Rover Sale to Tata Motors"

June 5, 2008

Ford begins production of 2009 Flex

OAKVILLE – Further building its strength in the rapidly growing crossover vehicle market, Ford Motor Company has announced the production launch of the 2009 Ford Flex at the Ford Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC).

“Today, we’re providing still more evidence that Ford is committed to delivering more products people want, further building on our crossover leadership,” Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas told more than 1,000 employees, government officials and Canadian Auto Workers representatives at the launch celebration. “Flex drives as good as it looks, and the Oakville team is going to deliver another high-quality crossover for customers.”

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Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008

Pickup truck sales dropped 36.1% in the U.S. in May, and as they say, that's gonna' leave a mark.

For the year to date pickup sales are down 21%, with only the Toyota Tundra selling more than last year [8.5%].

Even with plant idlings and closings, it's becoming pretty obvious there is overcapacity in the market, and we wouldn't be surprised if one of the manufacturers pulls out or shuts down pickup truck production altogether.

Best selling pickups trucks for May 2008:

Continue reading "Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008"

Ford Offers Employee Pricing on F-Series Pickups

In the wake of a 30% drop in pickup sales in May, Ford has announced they are resurrecting employee pricing for all F-series pickups, through June 30, 2008.

The deal includes all 2008 F-Series: F-150, F-250 and F-350, but excludes Harley Davidson and chassis cab models.

And get this -- the memo from Ford says consumers will also be able to take current cash incentives, about $2,000, in addition to the employee price. Currently advertised on the Ford website, that means you can get a base F-150 for $16,274.

Report: Initial Auto Quality Improves Considerably

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Initial quality in the automotive industry has improved significantly in 2008, with substantial gains demonstrated by nearly three-fourths of the 36 ranked nameplates, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released today.

Overall quality improves to 118 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2008, down from 125 PP100 in 2007.

Continue reading "Report: Initial Auto Quality Improves Considerably"

June 4, 2008

Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008

With total SUV sales down 19.5% in May, not even the crossover segment was able to escape unscathed -- the smaller ute/station wagon category was also down 5%, as consumers decided they didn't even want mini-SUVs over more fuel efficient cars.

Besides the usual suspects a couple vehicles did well in consumers' quest for smaller wagons, including the Dodge Journey, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. Also of note is that GM placed both the GMC Acadia and Saturn Vue in the top 15, which is good news for that new platform, and for the parent company that suffered a big blow for the month.

After the jump, the top 15 best selling crossovers for May 2008:

Continue reading "Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008"

Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the United States for May 2008

American consumers voted with their wallets at car dealerships in May, and overwhelmingly chose fuel efficient cars over trucks and SUVs, by the highest margin in recent history. Nearly 60% of vehicles bought were cars, while bigger vehicles dropped to 43% of purchases.

There was big news in the battle for the best selling car, as the Honda Civic pulled in front of Toyota's Camry and Corolla, with the Nissan Altima taking its usual fifth spot behind the Honda Accord.

But even the domestics did well in this new reality environment, as Chevy posted three best sellers to the top ten, and Ford had two, with the Focus that has been doing well, but also with the Fusion sedan that had its best sales month ever.

Top Ten Best Selling Car in the United States for May 2008:

Continue reading "Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the United States for May 2008"

June 3, 2008

Ford Reports May Sales Down 16%

DEARBORN, Mich. -- For the second time in its nine-year history, Ford Focus sales eclipsed the 30,000-unit milestone in May.

Focus sales totaled 32,579, up 53 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers more than doubled (up 105 percent). The first time was October 2001, when industry sales soared in response to zero-percent financing.

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Lincoln MKS: The all-new Lincoln luxury flagship

Lincoln MKS, the new full-size sedan, makes its production debut, continuing the momentum for Lincoln and offering customers dynamic, modern design and some of the most sophisticated safety, convenience and comfort technologies available on any car.

"The Lincoln MKS ensures a high level of comfort for all passengers, thanks to a class-leading interior package," said Brett Wheatley, Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager.

Continue reading "Lincoln MKS: The all-new Lincoln luxury flagship"

Hyundai Elantra Tops Toyota Corolla in Small Sedan Test

YONKERS, N.Y. -- After testing a group of compacts and subcompacts, Consumer Reports judged the Hyundai Elantra SE best with an "Excellent" overall road test score. But three other compact cars, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, also achieved "Very Good" ratings in a report on gas-saving sedans published in the July issue.

The Corolla achieved a very impressive 32 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' real-world fuel economy tests. That's among the best gas mileage CR has seen in a conventional gasoline-powered car with an automatic transmission. Only the smaller Honda Fit (32 mpg) and Toyota Yaris (33 mpg) subcompacts do as well or better.

Continue reading "Hyundai Elantra Tops Toyota Corolla in Small Sedan Test"

June 2, 2008

Video: 2009 Ford Flex

The 2009 Flex is Ford's entry into the "people mover" segment, as it dropped its minivan and larger SUVs are down in the dumps.

May 31, 2008

Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Tornado Victims

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the recent devastating tornados in Iowa the option to delay some car payments.

Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

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May 30, 2008

Ford reaches out for Mustang research

DEARBORN, Mich. -- There are more Mustangs on the road in Tampa, Fla., than anywhere else in the country, so Paul Randle and his team headed south.

The Mustang chief engineer gathered about 40 of the vehicle line's key team members - those responsible for everything from product development to personalization to marketing - and flew from Dearborn to Florida to interview nearly 70 performance car owners last month.

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Ford to begin Fiesta production in 2010, adds hatchback model

MEXICO CITY – Ford Motor Company today announced the new Ford Fiesta small car for North America will be produced at the company’s transformed Cuautitlán Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010 and a sporty European hatchback model is being added to the North American lineup alongside the popular sedan.

Transformation of the facility near Mexico City begins this year, as the plant is converted from its current production of F-Series pickups for the Mexican market to small cars for all of North America.

Continue reading "Ford to begin Fiesta production in 2010, adds hatchback model"

Ford focuses on small details for Flex

With the new Ford Flex, cleaner pants come standard: The 2009 Ford Flex is easy on the eyes - and the dry cleaning bill.

Ford designers stretched the width of the Flex to wrap around the sill, bringing the step-in area inboard for much easier access for passengers. In combination with a new concealed rocker, the Flex door was designed to wrap under the sill, effectively sealing out the elements.

May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

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May 28, 2008

Ford Focuses on Production Quality for new Flex

BUFFALO, N.Y. – When the 2009 Ford Flex arrives in dealership showrooms this summer, customers will enjoy a quiet, yet dynamic ride in one of the most stylish vehicles on the road today – thanks in large part to Ford’s Buffalo Stamping Plant.

“Our stamping operations play a key role in delivering the exceptional level of quality customers will find in the Ford Flex,” said Paul Kosaian, director, Ford Stamping Business Unit Operations. “The sheet metal sets the stage for the smooth styling, a dynamic ride and an incredibly quiet interior in this beautiful new vehicle.”

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May 27, 2008

Ford Opens 200th Dealership in China

CHONGQING, China -- Changan Ford Sales Company, Ford Motor Company's joint venture in China, today announced the opening of its 200th full-service dealership, completing a sales and service network that now covers the whole country.

"We're continuing with the rapid expansion of our authorized Ford dealer network in China to support our exceptional sales growth in the market, which has outpaced the overall industry for the past several years," said Nigel Harris, vice president of Ford Motor China and General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company.

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May 23, 2008

Ford Donates Customized Escape Hybrids to LA County Lifeguards

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Company is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to help save lives while protecting the environment.

Today, Ford presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline.

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May 22, 2008

Ford Lowers Production; Profit Outlook Revised

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today said it is making adjustments to its production plan and revising downward its near-term North American Automotive profit outlook, while planning further manufacturing capacity realignments, additional cost reductions and changes to its product mix to respond to the rapidly changing business environment in the U.S.

The company said it is increasing 2008 North American production of the hot-selling Ford Focus, Fusion, Edge and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner, as well as the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX. At the same time, Ford is reducing 2008 production of large trucks and SUVs, as gas prices soar and customers move more quickly to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers.

Continue reading "Ford Lowers Production; Profit Outlook Revised"

Ford remains Neutral on Tracinda Tender Offer

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company announced today that its Board of Directors has determined that Ford will express no opinion and is neutral with respect to Tracinda Corporation's tender offer to purchase up to 20 million shares of Ford's common stock at a price of $8.50 per share, net to the seller in cash.

The shares sought in the tender offer represent just less than 1 percent of Ford's outstanding common stock. According to the Schedule TO filed by Tracinda on May 9, 2008, Tracinda's tender offer will expire on June 9, 2008 at 5 p.m., New York City time, unless the offer is extended.

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2009 Ford Flex named great road trip vehicle

DEARBORN, Mich., May 20, 2008 – Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today named the 2009 Ford Flex one of its “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles.”

“The functionality, cargo capacity and interior space of the Ford Flex coupled with its high feature set make it a pretty ideal cross-country commuting vehicle,” said Micah Muzio, road test editor, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “It’s the kind of vehicle that you could put lots and lots of miles on in a day and then not feel fatigued in at the end.”

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May 20, 2008

Report: Volvo on the chopping block

Ford is cutting production at one of Volvo's two plants in Sweden, offering buyouts to about 700 workers, according to the Wall St. Journal.

The move is intended to cut costs, and possibly position Volvo for an eventual sale within the next 18 months, as Ford continues to trim its model line and expenses in pursuit of a turnaround.

Ford F-150 might get a smaller cousin

Ford is considering building a new, smaller pickup based on the current F-150 platform, according to published reports. The proposal would make the truck a little bigger than the current Ford Ranger, and would likely be powered by a V6 engine, partly as a response to gas prices and also due to Ford's recent announcement that the '09 F-150 will only come with a couple V8 options.

The Ranger, which used to be the U.S. market's best selling small pickup, has not been updated by the company, and the chances are good that production may halt altogether next year.

Ford is considering calling the F-150 cousin the F-100.

May 19, 2008

'48 Ford Pickup Bouquet from Teleflora

LOS ANGELES -- Teleflora, the world's leading floral service offering the best choice in floral arrangements, is paying tribute to 60 years of the Ford Truck F-Series with its '48 Ford Pickup Bouquet.

As part of its license agreement with Ford Motor Company, Teleflora created this exclusive floral gift just in time for Father's Day, Sunday, June 15.

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May 17, 2008

Kate Voegele promotes safe teen driving for Ford

CHIGAGO, IL -- Kate Voegele, a recording artist and guest star of TV's "One Tree Hill," has joined forces with Ford to encourage teens to drive safely during prom season.

The goal is to continue the safety improvements that resulted in a dramatic 61 percent drop in teen auto fatalities in Illinois from 57 in Jan. 1 - April 15, 2007 to 22 during the same period this year.

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May 16, 2008

Ford Europe sales up 6.4% in April

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe's business momentum continued with another strong sales month in April.

Ford sales in the Euro 19 countries were up by 6.4 percent to 129,500 units, for a market share of 8.1 percent. When sales in Russia, Turkey and the 30 Ford European Direct Markets are added, Ford of Europe's sales for April totaled 161,140 units, an increase of 8 percent over the same month last year.v

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May 15, 2008

Ford Flex features super-cooling armrest fridge

When designing the Ford Flex’s new in-vehicle refrigerator, Ford engineering created a cooling and freezing unit that not only performed as well as a standard home refrigerator, but was 40 percent faster.

In freeze mode the refrigerator unit can chill two half-liter bottles of water from a room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) to 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) in just two and a half hours.

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Ford's SYNC leading auto industry in connectivity

Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

Beginning later this year, SYNC will also provide accident assistance through ‘911 Assist,’ and will be able to send customers Vehicle Health Reports on key systems to help them plan routine service appointments and alert them to critical systems issues.

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Video: Peter Horbury on Lincoln MKS design

Ford's Executive Director of Design for the Americas, Peter Horbury, talks about the design of the Lincoln MKS.

Ford takes the cap off the gas tank

The EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System eliminates the gas tank screw cap for more simple fuel fill ups. No more gas odor on hands or gloves, or the unwanted amber dash light because the gas cap wasn’t screwed on tightly enough.

In addition to eliminating these hassles, EasyFuel helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and contribute to global warming.

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Ford uses Sirius Travel Link for in-car data delivery

SIRIUS Travel Link technology provides customers with a valuable tool that can be used daily to get just-in-time details about traffic, current weather conditions, gasoline prices, movie theater details and sports updates. The system will be available on several 2009 models including Ford Flex, F-150, and Lincoln MKS.

Specifically, Travel Link delivers:

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Lincoln MKS to debut Ford’s EcoBoost

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy. With gasoline prices rising, that 20 percent can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars remaining in customers’ wallets.

Using an average fuel price of $3.25 a gallon and estimated 15,000 miles driven, an EcoBoost V-6 engine will save customers about $340 a year in fuel costs compared with driving a V-8.

Continue reading "Lincoln MKS to debut Ford’s EcoBoost"

May 14, 2008

Ford engineeering Flex for minimal road noise

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When customers take their new Ford Flex for its first spin this summer, they may be surprised by what's missing: the noise.

Flex delivers a quieter ride than competitors including the Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia, according to Ford tests. That's good news for customers, who tend to directly relate a vehicle's quietness with its quality, says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "Quietness is a very good proxy for quality in a vehicle."

Continue reading "Ford engineeering Flex for minimal road noise"

Ford working to make Escape, Mariner more fun to drive

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are more engaging to drive than ever.

For 2009, the compact SUVs combine improved performance and responsiveness with fuel-economy savings. Improvements include powertrain upgrades, new low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamics refinements – all of which contribute to a more dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.

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Ford designers virtually create color

DEARBORN, Mich. – The same virtual process that enables Ford designers to create new vehicles without the use of clay is helping designers develop colors without opening a single can of paint. It’s all part of Ford’s continued advancements in virtual design, which are helping the company bring more products to market faster.

“There is no room in our competitive industry for waste,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director, Design for The Americas.

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Ford challenges students to build $7,000 car

DEARBORN, Mich. – A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford is challenging five universities from around the world to dream big and create a Model T concept for this century.

In 1921, the Model T accounted for almost 57 percent of the world's automobile production. Today, Ford is launching an important new small car – the Fiesta – around the world, and the company continues challenging people to create truly ground-breaking vehicles.

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Ford 's "Operation Goodwill" to give $1 million to Chicago area

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund announced today that they plan to invest more than $1 million in Chicago community programs and charities in 2008.

The contribution is part of "Operation Goodwill," a Ford Fund initiative launching this year to increase Ford Motor Company's commitment to local communities, such as the Chicagoland area.

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May 13, 2008

Henry Leland, Father of Cadillac and Lincoln

Investor's Business Daily has an interesting article about Henry Leland, a hard-working engineer who was involved in the early day of three iconic American car brands -- Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Lincoln.

Around the turn of the 20th century, the American auto industry was struggling to invent itself, and in the early days, most of the cars were miraculous for the fact that they ran at all, never mind for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Henry Leland was an engineer who pioneered the concept of identical mass production of parts, machined to exact tolerances, so that they could be switched in and out of models. His reputation landed him transmission and engine work at Oldsmobile, and that reputation got him the job of taking over the early Cadillac. Once he turned that brand around, the firm was sold to General Motors -- prompting Leland to go off on his own to found the Lincoln brand of cars, which was later sold to Ford.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe Appearing on American Idol

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on America's hottest television show -- "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television.

"Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price," said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 11, 2008

Team Mustang Member to Tell Her Story on NBC's 'Today' Show on Mother's Day

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When Ford Mustang business manager Jackie DiMarco was working on the development of the "Warriors in Pink" package for the 2008 Mustang, which was designed to raise money for breast cancer education and research, she had no idea that the project would hit so close to home.

"We were ready to roll with the 'Warriors in Pink' program in the fall of 2006, and in February of 2007, I discovered a lump in my breast that turned out to be malignant," said DiMarco, who shares her story on Sunday's NBC's "Today" show.

Continue reading "Team Mustang Member to Tell Her Story on NBC's 'Today' Show on Mother's Day"

May 10, 2008

New Ford transmission gets improved MPG

DEARBORN – Ford Motor Company is fitting the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with the automaker’s newest, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, further demonstrating its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for customers.

The new 6F35 front-wheel-drive transmission offers a 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel economy versus conventional 4- and 5-speed automatics, in addition to improved acceleration.

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Ford Kuga crossover driving sales in UK

BRENTWOOD, Essex – The launch of Ford's new crossover, the Kuga, will strengthen the appeal of the blue oval, which has seen popularity rise by over six per cent with private car buyers.

The Ford Kuga goes on sale next month in the expanding compact 4x4 segment. With the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment, the Kuga is expected to be another winner with retail customers.

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Tom Joyner cruise sponsored by ford Flex

MIAMI -- Ahoy, Ahoy, Ahoy; Attendees of the Ninth Annual Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise will find more than lounge chairs and an Olympic size swimming pool aboard the cruise's ship.

In fact, they'll find the new 2009 Ford Flex parked in the pool deck area of this luxurious cruise ship. This marks Flex's world debut aboard a cruise and will also be the first time that most attendees will get a chance to get intimate with Ford's newest vehicle.

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Ford launches Operation Goodwill in Arizona

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund announced today that they plan to invest more than $1 million in Arizona community programs and charities in 2008, an increase of more than $600,000 over last year.

The added funds are primarily from Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford’s philanthropic arm, as part of its Operation Goodwill initiative.

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Ford previews safety programs in Arizona

Chandler, Arizona -- Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association have teamed up to help keep teens and families safe on Arizona roads and highways.

The number one killer of teens across America is driving fatalities. A top priority for Ford is automotive-related safety, and the company is honing in on Arizona as a locale to tackle auto safety issues.

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Rab McDonald receives 2008 Jim Clark Memorial Award

BENALUP, Spain -- One of the unsung heroes of the motor racing world has been recognised. Rab MacDonald was presented with the Jim Clark Memorial Award for 2008 in recognition of his commitment to the sport.

In a career spanning more than four decades Rab has travelled the world as the MSA Scrutineer and FIA Technical Delegate. Alongside his wife Sheila, Rab from Lasswade, near Edinburgh, was presented with the trophy at a ceremony in Benalup, Spain, on Saturday night.

Continue reading "Rab McDonald receives 2008 Jim Clark Memorial Award"

Ford advises shareholders to ignore Tracinda actions

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today recommended that its stockholders take no action at this time in response to the announcement by Tracinda Corporation that it has commenced a tender offer to acquire up to 20 million shares of Ford’s common stock at a price of $8.50 per share.

The company’s Board said it will review and consider Tracinda’s offer and will advise stockholders of the Board’s position regarding the offer by May 22, 2008, as required under applicable securities law.

Ford doubling 6-speed transmission production

DEARBORN, May 7, 2008 – The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number – to 1.4 million – of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

The advanced transmissions provide customers 4 to 6 percent improved fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quieter and more refined driving experience.

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Hip-Hopper Common Announces 'Lincoln Spotlight' Grand Champion Lyricist

DEARBORN, Mich. -- West Hollywood, California resident and aspiring lyricist Jael Gadsen has been chosen the grand champion of the Lincoln Spotlight online music competition by a panel that included Grammy Award-winning hip-hop superstar Common, Grammy-winning music producer Bryan Michael Cox, VIBE magazine editor-in-chief Danyel Smith, music executive Derek Dudley and renowned DJ Tony Touch.

Lincoln and Common began the nationwide search for the best and brightest aspiring lyricists in February. Gadsen will be presented with a prize of $10,000 and an opening spot for Common at one of his 2008 performances.

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Ford Canada website partners with Yahoo!

OAKVILLE, Ontario, May 8, 2008 – In an unprecedented move, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and Yahoo! Canada today unveiled a global and industry-first feature on www.ford.ca.

The Ford automotive section of Yahoo! Answers has been imported directly into ford.ca. By clicking on the Ford Answer Centre, users can ask questions and find answers from actual Ford drivers in Yahoo! communities across the country.

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May 7, 2008

Ford Drive One Campaign Bringing Converts to the Edge

DEARBORN, Mich. – Before she was approached to participate in Ford’s “Town-to-Town, Friend-to-Friend” campaign, Christine Wall thought the only thing the company made was trucks. She had never even heard of the Ford Edge.

“When they showed me the car I’d be test-driving, I was shocked,” says Wall. “I said, ‘That’s a Ford?’ ”

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Ford sells 9 millionth Mustang

STORY CITY, Iowa – Iowa farmer Thomas Krumm went to his local Ford dealer to order a Mustang GT convertible and unwittingly ordered a piece of history – his Mustang is the 9 millionth built by Ford Motor Company.

He discovers that today when he picks up his milestone Mustang at Gookin Ford in Story City, Iowa.

Krumm, a farmer from rural Story City, became interested in Mustangs through his daughter, Rachael, a Mustang enthusiast who saved enough money to buy her first Mustang at age 17.

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Ford Accelerates Shift to Fuel-Efficient 6-Speed Transmissions

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number -- to 1.4 million -- of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

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Ford presents 10th annual Ford Freedom Award

DEARBORN, Mich. – Coretta Scott King and Dr. Dorothy Height were honored this evening as this year’s recipients of the Ford Freedom Award for their outstanding achievements at the 10th annual program.

The two were heralded at a dinner at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Ford’s partner in the program.

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Ford development earns enviro award

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Ford Motor Company's Fairlane Green retail and recreational development, today received the national Phoenix Award for excellence in brownfield development.

The Phoenix Award recognizes projects that remediate environmentally challenged sites while stimulating economic development.

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May 6, 2008

Ford first automaker to join The Climate Registry

DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2008 - Ford is taking an industry-leading move by becoming the first automaker to join The Climate Registry (TCR), building upon Ford's leadership in facility greenhouse gas (GHG) initiatives globally. Ford supports the global harmonization of GHG monitoring and reporting practices. TCR represents a significant step toward that goal.

TCR is a non-profit organization established to measure and publicly report GHG emissions using a single reporting standard across industry sectors.

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Lincoln Joins Forces With Harry Connick, Jr. to Make 'Dreams' Come True in New Orleans

DEARBORN, Mich. -- In the true spirit of giving back and inspiring people to experience their dreams, Lincoln once again joins forces with Harry Connick, Jr. and the New Orleans Area Habitat to rebuild and celebrate the community spirit of the Musicians' Village in New Orleans.

During the week of May 12, Lincoln will form a MODEL Team and join Habitat and the Jimmy Carter Work Project in the Upper Ninth Ward to help rebuild homes and celebrate 25 years of building in metro New Orleans.

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May 4, 2008

Top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008

Americans rediscovered cars in April 2008, with small cars in particular accounting for nearly one in five of all vehicles sold in an otherwise down month.

Toyota had four vehicles in the top twenty, General Motors had three; Nissan, Hyundai and Kia had two apiece. And Dodge has a hit with the Caliber, which made the list at number 9.

With people paying nearly $4 per gallon of gas nationwide, it appears that the free market has achieved what environmentalists have been clamoring about for years -- to conserve fuel by buying smaller vehicles.

The top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008:

Continue reading "Top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008"

Top ten best selling crossovers for April 2008

Overall, pickups and SUV sales were down 17.4% in April and are down 13.5% for the year to date. The one bright spot is the crossover and small wagon category, which was down 0.4% for the month but has edge up 1.9% for the year.

In general, crossover utility vehicles are built on car platforms, while traditional SUVs are built on truck frames. CUVs are smaller, lighter and get better gas mileage than big SUVs -- one way to think of them is that they are really modern station wagons, but shorter and with a higher profile.

This months list of the top ten selling crossovers features three vehicles from General Motors, and two each from Ford and Toyota. Also of note, the new Nissan Rogue made the list at number ten.

The top ten best selling crossovers for April 2008:

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Top ten best selling cars for April 2008

With gas prices at record highs in the U.S., consumers are buying cars in greater percentage than light trucks and SUVs, a reversal of a long-term trend.

In April, 52.6% of vehicles sold were cars, a gain of 5.2% over the same month last year.

Of particular note is that both General Motors and Toyota both notched three cars apiece in the top ten.

The top ten best selling cars for April 2008:

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May 1, 2008

Ford Focus Posts Huge Gain in Overall Down Month

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford's new Focus continues to defy gravity -- and the U.S. economy -- with a 88 percent jump in retail sales versus last April and the highest total Focus April sales since 2000.

"Focus is the right car at the right time," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "This is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with outstanding fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive and the right price, right along with the rest of our newest cars and crossovers."

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2008 Navigator Owners Can Now SYNC Their Rides

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Lincoln Navigator owners wishing they had Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-vehicle communications system, need wish no more.

Ford has introduced an affordable, dealer-installed SYNC accessory kit that allows select 2008 Navigator and Navigator L customers to enjoy the award-winning voice-activated communications system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

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Ford ranks among tops in corporate sustainability

BOSTON -- For the second time in five years, Ford Motor Company has won the award for “Best Sustainability Reporting” from the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Ford previously earned the honor in 2004, and shares this year’s award with Timberland clothing company.

“Ford’s commitment to sustainability reporting isn’t surprising,” said Brooke Barton, Ceres manager of Corporate Accountability.

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April 30, 2008

Top Five Finalists Announced in 'Lincoln Spotlight' Music Competition

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Lincoln, the fastest-growing luxury brand in America last year, and Grammy Award winner Common today announced the five (5) finalists in the Lincoln Spotlight online music contest.

The contest, which debuted in February of this year, was a nationwide search for the best and brightest aspiring lyricists.

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April 29, 2008

2008 Ford Focus named cool car under $18,000

DEARBORN, Mich. – Editors of Kelley Blue Book today named the 2008 Ford Focus one of the “Top Ten Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.” It is the fourth consecutive year that a Ford has been recognized with the honor and the fourth year that the Focus has made the list.

“There is a combination of things that make the new Ford Focus sedan and coupe cool,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

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Chrysler Statement Regarding Tentative Agreement Between Ford and CAW

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC just learned today of the Canadian Auto Workers Union's (CAW) plans to announce a tentative agreement with Ford Canada. As a result, the Company will review the terms of the agreement, in order to gain a better understanding of the economics put forth in the Master Economics Offer.

Chrysler views the bargaining process with the CAW to be confidential in nature, between the Company and the Union, therefore it refrains from discussing or negotiating details in the media.

April 28, 2008

Ford Shelby GT500KR Balances Driving Dynamics, Raw Power

For performance enthusiasts, the new 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR’s driving dynamics should be as big of an eye-opener as its acceleration, torque, horsepower and stopping performance.

The new model features an array of enhancements designed to give it the same poised and predictable handling at 120 mph as it has at 60 mph, according to the performance engineering team at Ford SVT in collaboration with Shelby Automobiles.

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Ford responds to Kerkorian's 20 million share bid

The following statement is attributable to Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally:

Dearborn, Mich., April 28 –“We welcome confidence in Ford and the progress we are making on our transformation plan. Any investor can purchase Ford shares, which are sold on the open market. The Ford team remains focused on executing our plan to transform Ford into a lean global enterprise delivering profitable growth for all.”

Editor's note: Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. announced Monday that it has purchased 100 million shares of Ford stock this month and that it plans to acquire an additional 20 million through a tender offer. Once completed, Mr. Kerkorian will have a 5.6% stake in Ford.

April 27, 2008

High School Auto Techs Compete for Opportunity with Roush Fenway Racing

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Roush Fenway Racing, AAA and Ford announced today that the nation's best young automotive technicians, as identified during the 59th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, will receive an opportunity to spend a week behind the scenes with Roush Fenway Racing.

They'll learn about the race team's operation first-hand, at the shop and the track.

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April 26, 2008

Ford and Funkmaster Flex team up for Season 4 of "Car Wars"

DEARBORN, MI. –Coupling their passion for cars with the new 2008 Ford Focus SES was all a part of the daily grind for four of some of the hottest and most passionate car customizers in the country.

On Saturday, April 26th, viewers will get a chance to be a part of the mayhem as the fourth season of "Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex" debuts. The reality show, which is hosted by Funkmaster Flex, chronicles the real life drama of four customizers competing in a seven-week race to customize a new 2008 Ford Focus SES.

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April 24, 2008

Ford Motor Posts Huge Income Gains

DEARBORN, Mich., April 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported net income of $100 million, or 5 cents per share, for the first quarter of 2008.

This compares with a net loss of $282 million, or 15 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2007.

Ford’s first quarter pre-tax operating profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was $736 million, up $669 million from a year ago.

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Ford Motor Credit Posts Sharp Earnings Drop

DEARBORN, Mich., April 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Credit Company reported net income of $24 million in the first quarter of 2008, down $169 million from earnings of $193 million a year earlier. On a pre-tax basis, Ford Motor Credit earned $36 million in the first quarter, compared with $293 million in the previous year.

The decrease in earnings primarily reflected higher provision for credit losses, higher depreciation expense for leased vehicles and higher net losses related to market valuation adjustments from derivatives.

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St. Clair Seniors Are Michigan's Best Young Auto Techs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Alex Super of St. Clair and Bob McClain of Ruby, seniors at St. Clair Tech Center, took first place in the Michigan state final of the 15th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition, held today at the Macomb Community College Expo Center in Warren.

The victory over nine other two-person teams from Michigan high schools means more than $43,000 in scholarship prizes and automotive merchandise for Super and McClain.

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April 23, 2008

Ford Focuses on Bringing Fuel Cells to the Masses

Ford Motor Company is not content to take a backseat position in protecting the environment. With the world’s enormous reliance on fossil fuels, Ford has no choice but to seriously contend with the matter of global warming. That’s why the company has launched an urgent, multilevel approach to finding solutions.

Ford’s strategy for sustainability is built around a variety of technologies that attack this challenge from several angles. Today’s focus is:

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April 22, 2008

Ford Reduces Global Environmental Footprint

DEARBORN, Mich. – Earth Day (April 22) is a time to reflect on what society is doing to address climate change and energy security, and a reminder that preserving the earth is the responsibility of all who use it.

As part of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to do its part, the company is dramatically improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations worldwide and increasing the use of renewable or “green” energy sources.

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Lear Receives Three 2007 World Excellence Awards from Ford

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Lear Corporation (NYSE:LEA) today announced it has received three Ford Motor Company World Excellence Awards for superior performance in 2007, tying for the highest number of awards for any single supplier.

There are three types of World Excellence Awards -- Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement.

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April 21, 2008

Hybrid Vehicle Registrations Leap 38%

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 registrations in 2007 - a 38 percent increase from 2006, according to R. L. Polk & Co. The Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations - 51.2 percent of hybrid market share.

"Auto buyers are benefiting from new hybrid launches, and fleecing of old models that didn't work. There is a lot of excitement being generated within the industry as manufacturers adjust plans to adapt to consumer demand," said Lonnie Miller, director of Industry Analysis at Polk.

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Ford's Model T Turns 100

LOS ANGELES – A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America’s most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.

“Henry Ford’s Model T was simple, affordable and reliable. It changed the way we live, work and play, providing mobility and prosperity on an undreamed-of scale,” said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO.

Continue reading "Ford's Model T Turns 100"

Ford Model T Facts

-- October 1, 1908 marks the anniversary of the first Model T built for sale.

-- The Model T was the first low-priced, mass-produced automobile with standard, interchangeable parts.

-- The Model T was equipped with a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with a top speed of approximately 45 miles per hour, weighed 1,200 pounds, and achieved 13-21 miles per gallon.

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April 20, 2008

Ford six-speed transmission is more fuel efficient

New transmission technologies are at the heart of Ford’s commitment to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles. The advanced transmissions deliver 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on average compared with typical four- and five-speed gearboxes.

Approximately half of the 2009 Ford lineup will feature fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmissions including the new 2009 F-150.

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Ford moving forward on plug-in hybrid research

Ford has teamed up with the independent, non-profit organization Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop and evaluate new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), study how they would fit into the nation’s electric grid and help accelerate the introduction of the eco-friendly vehicles.

This new partnership will work in conjunction with Ford’s existing project with Southern California Edison (SCE). For SCE, Ford is building 20 Escape PHEVs for testing in the Los Angeles area.

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April 19, 2008

Ford leads in bringing Virtual Technology online

Ford has been advancing its approach to digital ergonomics work since it began using virtual tools to improve vehicle product development processes and quality since 2000. As a leader in virtual technology, Ford is involved in two major consortiums working to advance the use of virtual ergonomic technology:

The Human Motion Simulation Laboratory at the University of Michigan predicts and evaluates realistic human movements.

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Ford quality increases in GQRS study

Ford is now in statistical tie with Honda and Toyota according to the first quart

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