Ford, together with Microsoft, first announced their Sync system a few years ago and the system made its debut on the 2008 Ford Focus. Ever since its debut Sync has been offered in just about every Ford, Mercury and Lincoln model.

Well, Ford and Sync have come a long way as the automaker has recently stated that they have shipped their 1 millionth vehicle that was equipped with Sync. In fact, the millionth vehicle was given to Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, as a gift.

Futhermore, Ford also says that they have updated Sync’s software so that it can now check the weather, breaking news events, traffic reports and turn-by-turn navigation. Ford currently only offers the Sync system in English, Spanish and French but hope to expand it to German, Mandarin, Arabic, Italian, Dutch and Russian in an attempt to expand their market share.

It’s nice to see at least one US automaker is doing good in these tough economic times.

Read (KickingTires)

Tags: communication systems, In-Car, Lincoln, Mercury, Navigation, Software, Sync, system, technology, traffic reports, weather conditions

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It has been quite some time since we last saw a Ford Capri. In fact, it has almost been 30 years or so. But if rumors persist, we may yet see the return of the Capri in a smaller version like a 3-door hatchback. The new Ford Capri aims to compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco, offering a coupe-like hatchback with a heavy appearance on the rear.

Design will be influenced by the Ford iosis Max Concept that was shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The iosis Max Concept will also set the stage for the rest of the next-generation Focus lineup along with the next C-Max.

Power will come from the 1.6L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that made its first debut in the Lincoln Concept C – it was also featured on the iosis Max Concept. The engine produces up to 180-hp while providing fuel-economy that is 20 percent better than the conventional gasoline engines.

Would the Ford Capri become a hit once again? Only time will tell. But at the rate that some cars are slowly coming back, it may just have its share of customers though more buildup may be in order to really make an impact for its return to the automotive scene.

(Source) EGM Car Tech

Tags: appearance, c max, car tech, concept c, conventional gasoline, debut, ford capri, ford iosis, fuel economy, gasoline engines, geneva motor show, Lincoln, lincoln concept, max power, new ford, next generation, volkswagen, volkswagen scirocco

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One of the rarest cars in the world is coming up for auction. It is a 1936 Lincoln K Model V12 Limousine that quirky millionaire Howard Hughes reportedly took and converted it into what he imagined a 1936-37 Boat Tail Speedster should truly look like. The whole car was redesigned and restructured, resulting in a surprisingly aerodynamic vehicle that became known as the ‘Aero-Mobile’.

It has got classic good looks at the front while the tail has a home-made, bolted-on appearance on the back. It probably won’t win any awards based on beauty but it is a testament to Hughes’ ingenuity. The car will be sold at the Leake Collector Car Auctin in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 13th

Tags: 1936, Aero-Mobile, Howard Hughes, K Model, Limousine, Lincoln, v12

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Thanks to its continuous development and offering of new vehicles in the market, Ford has made great headway in improving its retail market share since December 2006. Ford estimates its retail share performance from October 2008 through March 2009 was the strongest of any major manufacturer compared with the same period a year ago.

Ford’s newest products drove the company’s retail share performance: the new F-150 pickup, Escape small utility, Flex full-size crossover and Lincoln MKS sedan. The sell-down of the previous-generation Fusion mid-size sedan also contributed to the company’s strong retail showing.

Growing awareness and consideration of Ford and its high-quality, fuel-efficient products are starting to take hold. Plus, through June 1, Ford is offering consumers additional reasons to “Drive one.”

The Ford Advantage Plan is effective on vehicles delivered from March 31 through June 1. The Plan offers payment protection up to 12 months for up to $700 per month on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if a customer loses his or her job. Plus, 0 percent financing from Ford Motor Credit is available on select vehicles.

(Source) Press

Tags: Drive, Ford, Fusion, Lincoln, Mercury, Sedan

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For now, the 2009 Lincoln MKS comes with just one engine: a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Force from the 3.7-liter V6 is only adequate and this engine doesn’t sound refined enough for a luxury sedan. The handling is borderline sloppy, with noticeable body roll, and steering feel that falls short. The MKS’s raised driving position and curb weight make it feel more like a crossover SUV than a flagship sedan.

The interior design is equal with other cars in this section, featuring standard leather upholstery and an appealing dash layout. Materials quality is a mixed bag, however, with a bit too much chintzy plastic. An beautifully laid out interior and a unusually comfortable backseat the 2009 MKS offers plenty of interior and cargo space while rear passenger space and comfort are particularly impressive. Overall, there are other cars in this class worth taking a look at first.

Tags: Lincoln, MKS

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Don’t let the Lincoln MKS fool you. The Lincoln has always been known to be the premier luxury vehicle from Ford Motors and apparently, the 2009 Lincoln MKS is really oozing with new technology to emphasize on that. The technology on the MKS is incredible, surpassing its competitors and leaving them in the dust as far as I am concerned.

Not only does the MKS offer SYNC technology, it offers a touch screen navigation system that tells you where to go if you get lost or for just general directions. It is also available with voice activation. Something unique about the technology and the navigation system is it can forecast the weather telling you what the temperature will be for the next five days. You can even select which city you want it to forecast.

Speaking of the weather, the MKS has optional rain sensing wipers that automatically turn on when it starts to rain. The only flaw I see with this type of technology is what happens if they malfunction. Typically, the more features you have like that on a vehicle, something is bound to go wrong.

With an easy push of the button, you have an option to set the climate controls on auto, which is where everything is set at the same temperature, or you can select the dual climate setting so the passenger can make their own adjustment to the climate. You can also activate the climate controls using the touch screen, which gives you several options.

(Source) eNews

Tags: 2009 lincoln mks, ford motors, Lincoln, luxury vehicle, sync technology, touch screen, voice activation

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In a development that is bound to make potential car buyers feel a lot safer from carjackers, Inilex will reportedly provide SmartAlert Advantage products to safeguard cars from being stolen.

Inilex’s SmartAlert products provide nationwide online vehicle tracking and security features and are available as dealer-installed licensed accessory items for both new and used vehicles at Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships nationwide.

By utilizing the latest GPS and cellular technology, SmartAlert is able to provide extremely accurate location information which is often not available through other radio frequency based products. Law enforcement agencies benefit from this GPS and cellular technology by having pinpoint information that does not require special tracking equipment. SmartAlert is complementary to Ford’s SYNC® system which already provides many in-vehicle features.

(Source) Press

Tags: car buyers, cellular technology, Ford, law enforcement agencies, Lincoln, lincoln mercury dealerships, Mercury, security features, sync system, vehicle features

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Lincoln unveiled a smaller Focus-sized concept care at the Detroit Auto Show this week called the Lincoln C. The Lincoln C combines the length of the Ford Focus with the width of the larger Lincoln MKZ sedan, and is meant to appeal to a younger, more urban market than traditional Lincoln products. Designers tried to give the Lincoln C unique sport lines with a low-slung body, large corner wheels, and a short bustle back. The result is a vehicle that looks a little bit like a racier, smaller version of a Chrysler PT Cruiser, except with the Lincoln name and price attached to it.

Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and a dual-clutch six-speed transmission, the Lincoln C is designed to achieve an estimated 43 mpg at highway speeds without sacrificing pick-up and verve.  If it makes it to production, the Lincoln C will include the new voice-activated entertainment system and will be built on a Focus platform. The Lincoln is being proposed as a replacement for the current Ford Escape.

Tags: focus, Lincoln, lincoln c

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Good news from Sync folks! Your 2010 Ford will get new features when it comes to traffic information. Sync will add turn-by-turn directions and traffic reports but it won’t stop at that. It will also offer news, weather and sports information. The first 2010 Ford models will be released later this year so you will be able to check the service for yourself. By 2011 every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will get the new Sync service. In case you were wondering the service is free for the first three years but then you might have to pay for it.

via Press

Tags: 2010, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Microsoft, Sync

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Some 2009 Ford and Lincoln models will have installed the new Collision Warning with Brake Support System. The BLIS or Blind Spot Information System seen on various Volvo models will be introduced in Ford cars next year.

Your safety will driving should be very important to you. It looks like it’s very important to Ford too. The Collision Warning with Brake Support system uses a radar which informs the active cruise control of vehicles head and it informs the driver both visually and audibly when a collision is imminent. The system will pre-charge the braking system to get maximum brake power in a short time.

The BLIS is alsw based on the radar and it will detect objects close to the rear of the car. It will also make a sound if there are cars in the blind spot. It will also make you aware that changing lanes isn’t safe right now if a car is in your blind spot.

via Press

Tags: 2009, BLIS, Ford, Lincoln, Security System

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The Lincoln MKT is expected to arrive in January at the Detroit Auto Show. Ford’s CUV will get you a choice between a 3.7 liter or a 3.5 liter Ecoboost V6 engine. You’ll also have a choice of six or seven passenger seat arrangement.

Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert are two systems meant to help you with your blind spot while driving. Two sonar modules will tell you every time a car is in your blind spot by turning on a light on the mirror outside.

The Lincoln MKT sales are going to start sometime in 2009 so you’ll just have to wait to get it.

Tags: 2009, CUV, Ford, Lincoln, Motor Show

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