Ford Motors has entered a joint venture with Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) which resulted in a new plant that will be put up in Chongqing China. The plant is scheduled to be completed by 2012 and is Ford’s ticket towards expanding in the Asian Pacific and African regions.

The new plant is said to be capable of producing 150,000 units a year which jacks up the total annual production capacity of the CFMA to 600,000 to cover the growing demands for Ford brands in China. The investment was said to be valued at $490 million.

The new, highly flexible facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art automation and utilize Ford’s global manufacturing processes and systems. Capable of producing a diversified range of products in the future, the plant will begin manufacturing Ford’s next-generation Ford Focus in 2012.

(Source) Press

Tags: african regions, art automation, asian pacific, cfma, changan ford, chongqing china, diversified range, flexible facility, ford focus, ford motors, joint venture, manufacturing processes, Mazda, mazda automobile, next generation, state of the art

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Ford Motors is setting its sights on unveiling new compact car made for the Indian market. The new car model is the Ford Figo, a new and fresh face which is Ford’s bet to compete with the growing demand for small cars in India. Only the exterior design was revealed to the public at the press conference held in New Delhi and further details will be unveiled once the vehicle production launches in 2010.

For the record, Figo is an Italian word for “Cool”. Production for the Ford Figo will be held at the expanded integrated manufacturing facility near Chennai.

Image Courtesy: BBC News

(Source) Press

Tags: BBC, car model, compact car, debut, figo, ford motors, India, integrated manufacturing, italian word, new car, new delhi, new ford, news source, small cars

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If you have been watching The Jay Leno Show, the guest appearances are sure to be one of the most anticipated segments you would want. Guests are normally celebrities or famous personalities. But a car? Apparently there is a new twist on the next show via NBC. This time it is not a human celebrity but a car celebrity. And that car celebrity is the electric Ford Focus.

The appearance of the electric Ford Focus is actually part of the “Green Car Challenge”. Jay Leno will make use of the electric Ford Focus as the official vehicle that will be driven by the rich and famous and find out who can lap a track at the quickest time. With the Ford Focus scheduled to be unveiled by 2011, this may be a good teaser and publicity gimmick to build on the fortunes of Ford Motors.

The prototype vehicle that will be used on The Jay Leno Show was developed by Ford in partnership with Magna. Tune in to NBC and watch the Jay Leno Show at 10 p.m./ 9p.m. central and see which personality can drive the electric Ford Focus the fastest!

(Source) Automobile Mag

Tags: car challenge, celebrities, famous personalities, ford focus, ford motors, fortunes, gimmick, green car, guest appearances, Jay Leno, jay leno show, m central, magna, NBC, new twist, prototype vehicle, publicity, segments

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Ford Motors continues to invest in vehicle safety highlights with the continued improvements to its line of vehicles. Ford has announced that it will continue to use HyperWorks simulation suite and RADIOSS to maintain its niche as a class leader in producing and distributing occupant and pedestrian safe vehicles.

The highlight of their concentration on safety was seen first on the Ford Fiesta. The highly scalable and repeatable nature of the solver, combined with Ford UK’s state of the art engineering methods and development processes, successfully achieved an outstanding five star crash performance when rated by EuroNCAP.

(Source) Press

Tags: art engineering, class leader, concentration, crash performance, development processes, Ford, ford fiesta, ford motors, ford uk, highlight, improvements, niche, occupant, radioss, simulation suite, state of the art, vehicle safety

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Ford Motors found the perfect place to unveil their latest vehicle, the Ford Transit Connect. The new Transit Connect, designed for small business owners, was officially unveiled at the Loft On Lake. The Loft on Lake is a photo studio and event venue located in the up and coming West Loop of downtown Chicago which opened on January 1, 2009.

The media got to experience the versatility, maneuverability and the volume capacity of the vehicle, which sets it apart from its competitors. When they weren’t out driving the Transit Connect, they were back at Loft on Lake asking questions and watching video demonstrations while enjoying lunch.

The Ford Transit Connect targets businesses and commercial sectors for their varied transport needs. Expected to arrive in dealers this summer, these lightweight vehicles will surely be something for consideration, especially for businesses who want something economical and efficient to drive towards the administrative and operations needs of their business.

(Source) Press

Tags: business source, commercial sectors, downtown chicago, Ford, ford motors, ford transit, january 1, lightweight vehicles, loft, maneuverability, photo studio, small business owners, versatility, volume capacity, west loop

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For the 8th year in a row, Ford Motors has kept in step with the consistent Japanese car manufacturers as far as brand quality is concerned. While many would think that Ford would have dropped due to the impending crisis and of course the celebrated “Bailout” issue, Ford is still up there with its Ford and Mercury brands.

Ford is in a statistical tie with Japanese car brands based on a study by J.D. Power and Associates. Overall the Ford brand improved by 10 points since last year’s study.

“It is gratifying to see our commitment to quality paying off,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. “Ford has demonstrated consistent and continuous quality improvement. We’re now tied with the best of the Japanese automakers and we won’t be satisfied until Ford is the industry’s global quality leader.”

Among the cars that have contributed to Ford’s success included the Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable. But as far as Ford is concerned, that achievement is nothing. The goal, like any other car company to date, is to be the global leader in the car industry.

(Source) Press

Tags: bailout, brand quality, car brands, car industry, ford f 150, ford group, ford motors, impending crisis, industry source, j d power and associates, japanese automakers, japanese car, mercury sable, quality ford

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Today, the call to turn to electric vehicles is apparent and has already settled in the minds of motorists who place premium in their transportation needs. But to make sure, another company has joined forces with Ford Motors to push for electric vehicle use.

Consumers Energy and Ford Motor Co. have come together to submit a pilot project which will enhance promotions in the use of electric vehicles. Ford will be supplying the utilities with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles to use in their daily operations.

The utilities also will develop and install “smart” charging facilities for the vehicles. The data from the vehicle use and charging systems will be shared and used to help shape the power infrastructure needed to meet customer needs as the use of electric vehicles expands.

John Russell, the president and chief operating officer of Consumers Energy, said the proposal provided an excellent opportunity for the utility to support Ford and be part of the automaker’s efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles.

(Source) Press

Tags: automaker, charging systems, consumers energy, electric vehicle, Ford, ford motor, ford motors, hybrid electric vehicles, john russell, motorists, pilot project, power infrastructure, promotions

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Due to slumping demand, Ford Motors has halted operations for its plant in Russia. For now, it seems that workers will have to make do with the one-third pay from their normal wages for the duration of the shutdown phase. Operations are said to continue in June although this will only be for a four-day work week until October.

“We have suspended production at the Vsevolozhsk factory because of the market situation and forecasts for falling sales in the automobile industry,” spokeswoman Yekaterina Kulinenko

Ford’s assembly line in Vsevolozhsk, near Russia’s second city, has produced the Focus and Mondeo models for sale on the Russian market since 2002 and employs about 200,000 people.

The highest selling vehicle of Ford in Russia is the Ford Focus. However, due to the spreading economic turmoil, Ford is also experiencing a sales slump thus the need to make the necessary preventive measures to avoid adding more loses for the embattled U.S. car making giant.

(Source) AFP

Tags: assembly line, automobile industry, duration, economic turmoil, Ford, ford focus, ford motors, ford plant, giant source, market situation, models, mondeo, phase operations, preventive measures, Russia, russian market, second city, spokeswoman, wages

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It looks like the Mercury Milan from Ford Motors Corp. is here to stay despite the issues surrounding the cost of owning one. Critics have been harsh on Ford for the actual price of this vehicle although one thing they have failed to do is provide support in justifying their complaints. That has made all the difference since consumers who want improved technology know for a fact that the price to pay is no walk in the park.

The Mercury Milan aims to help in providing fuel-efficient cars which is pretty much important as far as motorists are concerned today. This and of course the smooth ride more than helps as a convincing factor that this car really lives up to its billing as a car that holds true to its cost.

As far as speed and design, take note that hybrids manufacturers did not focus on this as the primary aspect of the car. The Mercury Milan still carries the same external and internal quality expected with some adjustments. However, it still remains that the real intention of this car is really on the fuel-savings technology to which is really the rant of the vehicle industry today.

Though a bit pricey at $33,735, you just have to consider that there is a price to pay for innovation and also the standard cost of getting quality vehicles from Ford Motors Corp. But you can bet you are getting your money’s worth!

(Source) Asia One

Tags: Ford, ford motors, fuel efficient cars, fuel savings, hybrids, Mercury, mercury milan, motorists

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The 2010 Mustang has been pegged as the vehicle to watch. And you can add another feather to the cap of Ford Motors as the 2010 Ford Mustang has garnered a 5-star rating as far as safety is concerned. Ford Motors has been known to deliver in ensuring safety for its customers, covering potential crashes and rollover performances.

The secret here is the type of materials that they use. The Ford Mustang makes use of high strength steel and ultra high steel in door intrusion beams that make it armed for side impacts. In short the overall structure is ready for anything and this is something that has become the main reason as to why the Ford Mustang is reliable and safe for drivers who are wary of road issues that anyone may encounter today.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

(Source) Press

Tags: accident protection, beams, benefit, body stiffness, body structure, crashes, deformation, Ford, ford motors, ford mustang, high steel, side impacts, star rating, star safety, strength steel

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Getting the opportunity to test drive one of the highly anticipated cars is something that is rare and combining this with the hottest show to date, you know that Ford Motors is going to be a hot topic in the coming days.

As “American Idol” excitement reaches a fever pitch, Ford fans across the country will get the opportunity to attend a special private showing of the first night of the two-night “American Idol” finale at cinemas nationwide on May 19. Ford is hosting the cinema events through National CineMedia in celebration of the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America and the official vehicle of the hit television show.

Invitations to the red carpet cinema viewing parties can be obtained simply by test driving a Ford Fusion or Fusion Hybrid at select events nationwide during the month of May.

VIP passes for the Tuesday, May 19 private cinema viewing parties in each city will be distributed at the test drive locations on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached. Once the VIP passes are distributed, a $10 gift card to a local major retailer will be presented to Fusion test drivers. All test drivers will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the live “American Idol” finale in Los Angeles and a limited edition 2010 “American Idol” Ford Fusion. Grand prize winners will be notified on May 17, 2009.

(Source) Press

Tags: american idol, american idol finale, cinema events, fever pitch, first come first served basis, first night, ford fans, ford fusion, ford motors, gift card, grand prize winners, hot topic, hottest show, invitations, limited edition, national cinemedia, private cinema, red carpet, television show, test drivers

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While the stock market may be down for investors, trying to get a piece of Ford Motors may not be so bad to consider. Ford Motor Company announced today a registered public offering of 300 million shares of its common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share. Ford said it also expects to grant to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 45 million shares of common stock.

Net proceeds to Ford from the offering are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including to fund with cash, instead of stock, a portion of the payments the company is required to make to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) retiree health care trust with the United Auto Workers.

Ford has filed a registration statement – including a prospectus – with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before investing, investors should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Ford has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Ford and this offering.

(Source) Press

Tags: beneficiary, common stock, corporate purposes, Ford, ford motor, ford motor company, ford motors, health care trust, investors, net proceeds, par value, prospectus, public offering, retiree health care, stock market, underwriters, united auto workers, veba, voluntary employee

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In what is perhaps a move to prepare for the mass production of Ford’s next-generation Focus global small cars along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market, Ford Motors has reportedly transformed its Michigan plant into a lean, green and flexible manufacturing complex.

The plant, formerly the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus – Ford’s first all-electric passenger car – debuts in 2011.

As part of the retooling, Ford will consolidate its operations from Wayne Assembly Plant. When production launches in 2010, approximately 3,200 employees will be building the new Focus at Michigan Assembly Plant. At the plant, Ford and United Auto Workers are developing modern new operating practices to ensure high quality and even greater efficiency.

“The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant embodies the larger transformation under way at Ford,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is about investing in modern, efficient and flexible American manufacturing. It is about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles. It is about leveraging our expertise and vehicle platforms around the world and partnering with the UAW to deliver best-in-class global small cars. It is about skilled and motivated teams working together in new ways to create the future of automobile manufacturing in the United States.”

(Source) Press

Tags: automobile manufacturing, electrification, focus ford, Ford Expedition, ford motors, fuel economy, michigan plant, new focus, united auto workers

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Today, they are awarded $100,000 for their ingenious business plans that may very well be used by Ford Motors. But as a whole, you have to wonder if this contest was really aimed to bring out the best business plans according to the eyes of yuppie entrepreneurs or a strategy that can be considered by Ford Motors to help enhance its business operations.

The next generation of business leaders took home top prizes at the 2009 Ford HBCU Business Classic in Atlanta, GA on April 17. The business plan competition was held at Clark Atlanta University and showcased the best and brightest minds from Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country. Student teams from Florida A&M University and Howard University were awarded $100,000 in scholarship prizes for their groundbreaking business plans.

Students were challenged to test their entrepreneurial ambitions before a panel of judges, comprised of influential entrepreneurs from the business community. Each team was scored on the viability of their business plans, their overall presentation and the business plan’s potential benefit to the community.

(Source) Press

Tags: ambitions, black colleges, business classic, business leaders, business operations, business plan competition, business plans, community source, ford motors, panel of judges, scholarship prizes, showcased, top prizes, viability, yuppie

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We all know that the debacle that the big three are facing is bad but with these numbers, no one ever thought it would be this horrific. Ford Motors announced that it lost US$1.4 billion (S$3 billion) in the first quarter, and said its restructuring was on track to achieve “breakeven or better” results by 2011.

The automaker is the only member of the Detroit Big Three, which includes Chrysler and General Motors, that has not received emergency government aid.

Ford said it “remains on track to meet or beat its financial targets based on current planning assumptions, including the target for its overall and North American Automotive pre-tax results to be breakeven or better in 2011, excluding special items.”

(Source) Asia One

Tags: automaker, Chrysler, debacle, Ford, ford motors, General Motors, government aid, planning assumptions, restructuring

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