2011 Ford Edge debuts: Gets edgier styling

2011 Ford Edge shows off its new nose (Courtesy: Ford)

Ford debuted its new 2011 Ford Edge crossover last week at the Chicago Auto Show.

To view the new Ford Edge from all angles, check out the slideshow in this link which is packed great photography.

The first thing that the casual observer may notice is the Edge's new styling up front.  It looks like the Ford Edge is ready to go toe to toe with with GMC Terrain when it comes to boldness of design.

If that grille wasn't enough for you, how about the 22" wheels on the new Edge Sport model?  The Edge Sport also comes with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias.

The big news on the inside of the 2011 Ford Edge is the MyFord Touch driver connect technology.  MyFord Touch technology, which you have seen previously labeled as MyLincoln Touch in the 2011 Lincoln MKX offers various ways for the driver to control operate features in the car:

• Five-way buttons mounted on the steering wheel, naturally placed for a driver’s thumbs to control menu commands and select functions
• An 8-inch LCD screen in the center stack and 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster provide vehicle and infotainment information
• Voice control, including a new “flattened grammar” voice-control system that simplifies common commands and introduces voice control for more features, such as audio tuning and climate control

Ford continues its recent trend of emptying its technology cupboards for  the 2011 Edge with standard and available technologies such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™, Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, (pause to take a breath) Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support, HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability, LED auxiliary lamps, rear view camera; rain-sensing wipers, remote start, available HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps, power liftgate and mind control.  Okay, I made up the last feature, but I am sure Ford will soon add it.

In addition to a revised tire and wheel lineup, the 2011 Ford Edge has three engine choices, a retuned suspension, new four wheel disc brakes and many revisions to the subframe, glass and aero to create a quieter cabin.  Ford likes to tout the 2011 Edge as having "Less noise, More poise."

The 3.5-liter V-6 sticks around and produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 in the Edge Sport delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque.  A 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 will also offered.  Ford is not willing talk numbers on the EcoBoost mill, but it says that it will offer  "Best-in-class fuel economy and impressive performance and torque."

We will be finding out more about the 2011 Ford Edge as its arrival at Ford dealerships approaches.  Stay tuned to all the latest news by subscribing to this author's e-mail list and receive notification when a new article is fresh out of the oven.

 

 

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Wyoming residents: Ray Romano wants you to reserve a Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta brand manager, Sam DeLaGarza (Ford)

First things first:  Ray Romano has nothing to do with the Ford Fiesta.  The Fiesta's brand manager, Sam DeLaGarza, who I think looks a lot like Ray Romano, posted on his Twitter account today that the only state not yet represented in the 2011 Ford Fiesta reservation program is Wyoming.

View the Fiesta in all its glory in this linked slideshow.

I interviewed Sam back in June of 2009 and he and I discussed the smart fortwo reservation system.  I had stated that in my own experience, I was disappointed that smart had not reached out to early reservationists with any special treatment such as sending out small trinkets or e-mail status updates as the year progressed towards the official launch. Sam said that Ford had heard the same thing from focus groups.  All of this would imply that Fiesta reservationists should be hearing from Ford while they wait.  Who knows, maybe Ford will even send you a little something (no promises, just a theory).

Ford is throwing in its SYNC system as an enticement to order early.  The reservation is non-binding and unlike the $99 smart fortwo program requires zero upfront payment.

In a side note, the real Ray Romano wants me to tell you about his new show, Men of a Certain Age, which is featured on TNT.

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Liter have it: 2011 Ford Mustang gets its 5.0 back

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8:  (Source: Ford)

Ford’s official announcement yesterday that the Mustang GT will once again wear a 5.0 badge has many Mustang faithful feeling pretty happy.    The V8, which pumps out 412 hp at 6,500 rpm and 390 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm, was previewed to journalists on December 17 at Ford’s Product Development Center showroom.  Many of you heard about this about two seconds after we did when information about the V8 spread around social media sites like wildfire.

If you want to see more of the 5.0L engine and the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, then be sure to check out this linked slideshow.

While I waited for the preview to take place, I looked around the showroom and wondered about all the great reveal parties that must have taken place there over the years.  This particular debut was a low budget affair, as are most car reveals these days, with two cars under wraps, chairs lined up in near rows and some loudspeakers.

The event started with some historical Mustang commercials.  Just to set the mood for this article, I have embedded a few Mustang commercials for your enjoyment.  You just have to love the fantastic 7.9% promotional financing they are offering!  Where do I sign up?



After the Mustang commercials were over, it was pretty clear what was next:  We were going to see the return of the 5.0 V8!  Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Engineer, has this to say about the new engine:

What we've done is taken a brand new five liter engine it's all aluminum, with TiVCT technology, or twin independent variable cam timing, that's producing 412 horsepower, and 390 ft.lbs of torque, and married that up with a brand new six speed transmission, and we've also made some aerodynamics improvements in the vehicle, all of that together is going to give you a sports car that again produces 412 horse and gets 25 miles per gallon.

The wraps were lifted off the 2011 Mustang GT and the sound of the new engine being wrung out on a dyno screamed from the loudspeakers.  Nice.  My friend Sam-I-Am Abuelsamid over at Autoblog has written up a nice "Deep Dive" on the 5.0 motor and can read all about it in this linked post.

The 2011 Mustang GT also receives some additional updates to keep things fresh.  Some of the highlights include a Brembo brake package will be available to help reign in all that power,  upgrades to the instrument cluster, rear-head rests that are deployable, you can move them out of the way when you're not using them for rear passengers,  integrated spotter mirrors, that allows you to see in the blind spot.  Ford’s MyKey system will also be available. so if a parent actually wants to let their kid drive their Mustang, they can limit the speed and radio volume, etc.

The second car that was under wraps was the new Boss 302R, but that car deserves another post.  For now I will leave you with this great footage of the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0L GT going through its paces...



Ford Motor Company covered my expenses so that I was able to attend its media preview.

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Attention California: Bill Ford would like you to buy more Fords

Bill Ford, Jr (courtesy: Ford)

Whenever Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. arrives in California to attend an eBay board of directors meeting, he sees something he does not like:  A lack of Ford products on the road.  In a brief interview at a product preview in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday, Bill Ford told me that he really wants to improve Ford’s position in the sunshine state.
View a gallery of current Ford products and their place in the company's revival in the slideshow below this article.
“California or Bust” is not necessarily a new mantra for domestic automakers, but for the first time in a long time they actually have the goods to make their goal a reality.  For example, Californians crave hybrid cars and Toyota has positioned itself nicely in this segment.  Now Ford is able to respond to this threat with well received hybrid offerings of its own, Ford Escape hybrid and Ford Fusion hybrid, and consumers and fleet buyers are taking notice. 
Also playing into Ford’s California push are its technology efforts.  Whereas Ford vehicles of long ago may have been dripping with chrome or in some unfortunate cases actual fluids, its new vehicles are dripping with technology and Ford is filling its trophy cases with awards for quality.
An effective marketing campaign is also very important piece of the puzzle and in this respect Ford is also demonstrating its ability to conquer new media outlets by using programs like the Fiesta Movement to spread advance word of new products or its “Drive One” marketing campaign that uses actual owners to provide testimonials.
The media preview I attended was held in a factory that once produced Lincoln Navigators and Ford Expeditions and is now in the process of being refitted to build a new generation of smaller Fords.  As I stood in that factory, looking at the work in progress, I could not help but breath in a sense of renewal (along with a heavy odor of what I believe was fiberglass).  The venue certainly was not a posh affair, but the focus was on the future and the hope that it brings.  While Ford has asked us not to speak about the products that we were shown, I can tell you that they showcase a continued resurgence for the domestic car maker.
The difficulty for Ford or General Motors, both of which have vastly improved product portfolios, is that they must make a solid case to consumers who have been well served by imported brands.  After dumping a domestic product years ago in favor of a Honda for example, what are the motivating factors for a buyer to consider domestics again if each successive Honda has met or exceeded expectations? 
Style would certainly be one such motivating factor.  If domestic products can pull emotional strings with more compelling designs than their imported counterparts, buying patterns such as “I’ll just buy another Honda” can be disrupted.
Unique features can also be a motivator for buyers.  For example, Ford’s SYNC system offers a rich technology package that many competitors currently cannot match.  Ford's "Active Park Assist" self-parking technology has also been well reviewed.
Offering more car for the money is also an effective strategy.  A buyer of a Honda Fit would be greeted with hard plastic on his dash whereas a Ford Fiesta buyer would have a more premium, soft  touch dash surface and the availability of luxury options not usually available in its class.
Nothing in life is guaranteed and the competition certainly will not stand still, but Ford’s chances in California are brighter than they have been in a long time.  While Bill Ford Jr., might not see as many cars as he would like in the eBay parking lot, he will likely see his family name on more trunks and hatches than in the past over the next few years.
It is not a sudden transformation, but just as a newly planted field takes awhile to show real growth, so will an increase in Californian's interest in domestic products.  Domestic manufacturers have lost their arrogant attitudes that caused them to slip behind and now have returned, hat in hand, asking consumers to once again consider brands they had dropped from their lists.  It would be to the detriment of consumer's themselves if they do not give domestics a second chance.
Ford Motor Company covered my expenses so that I was able to attend its media preview.

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Ford will not sell global Ford Ranger in United States

Ford Ranger in Thailand is living like a rock star!

Meanwhile the US Ford Ranger gets a white background

My brother-in-law will be crushed, Ford CEO Alan Mulally has told the industry trade publication Automotive News that the United States will not be getting the Australian developed "global" T6 Ranger when the current Ranger sold here in the States finally heads to the glue factory.

Could there be a conspiracy within Ford to favor international versions of the Ranger? Probably not, but let's say there is a conspiracy and have some fun in this slideshow.

Currently, the ancient (but lovable) Ranger sold in the United States is not related to the Ranger you can buy elsewhere in the world. Many websites, including the highly regarded PickupTrucks.com have speculated that the forthcoming Australian design T6 Ranger would be a strong possibility for the USA. Given the "One Ford" strategy, it would only make sense that one version of the Ranger be designed for sale around the world instead of unique versions sold in certain markets.

Mulally's did not say what Ford's US Ranger plans are for the future, but it seems hard to believe that the Blue Oval will give up the Ranger legacy. Ranger owners are loyal and their pickups take on family member status. You cannot buy that kind of car/owner relationship and to simply walk away from it would be foolish. So far Mulally and his team have not given us any reason to believe that they are foolish, so what gives?

Back when the Ford F-100 project was in full swing, there was speculation that the sub-F-150 model would supplant the Ranger, but when the F-100 got the axe so did this Ranger replacement theory.

It is unclear, since Automotive News does not provide a direct quote, exactly what Mulally meant when he said the US will not get the global Ranger. Does he simply mean that we will get an exact copy but in fact a semi-unique variant or does he truly mean no T6 whatsoever. Seeing as how I do not have Alan on my speed dial, I cannot give him a call to clarify.

The US Ranger rang up 3,910 sales in October 2009, a 0.5 percent increase from 3,891 in October 2008.

Mulally also told Automotive News that the Ka will not be sold in the States either.

Please note: While this article refers to the forthcoming, T6 Ranger, the international model shown in this article is the Thailand Ford Ranger.

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Mulally: Ford Ka not headed to the United States

Ford Ka shares frame with Olga Kurylenko (source: Ford)

The diminutive Ford Ka will not be heading to the United States according to a recent Automotive News interview with Ford CEO Alan Mulally. In the interview, Mulally stated to the trade publication,

Our view is that the Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States.

Some industry watchers had speculated that because Fiat will offer the Ka's sister vehicle the Fiat 500 in the United States, Ford might team up and sell the Ka here as well. If Ford were to have shared a North American manufacturing facility like it does with Fiat in Poland it would have been a relatively thrifty way to dip its toes in the water.

View a slideshow of the current Ka and its predecessor in the the gallery below this article.

Apparently, Ford doesn't think that enough of a market exists and it might be right. The Fiat 500 will sell, at least initially, because it is as cute as a bug, but the modern looking Ford Ka might have tougher go of things. My own experience with the previous generations of the Ford Fiesta and Ford Ka led me to the conclusion that the Fiesta would be as small as I would likely go. Of course, the latest Ka is a more substantial vehicle, but in terms of pricing and content, I think the sweet spot in the USA will be the Fiesta.

Europhiles should not complain about Ford denying Americans its Old World finery, however, because the company is bringing a slew of European models such as the Fiesta, Focus (current Euro generation shown, we get the next version), Grand C-Max and Kuga (Kuga not officially announced for USA) over the course of the next few years.

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Honey I shrunk the minivan! Future of mini-minivans in USA

2005 Toyota Wish (courtesy wikipedia user Mytho88)

When it comes to the current crop of American minivans, there is very little that is actually "mini" about them. In the land where the recliner is king, the workhorse people haulers have morphed into front wheel drive versions of the rear wheel drive mastodons they replaced. The 2011 model year will offer a clean slate of new offerings from the Japanese, but with the exception of perhaps the next Nissan Quest, Honda and Toyota vans will likely keep their current stout stature.

View this slideshow for some of the current crop of small people movers and a view towards the future.

Chrysler has abandoned the short wheelbase minivan segment, leaving the Dodge Journey to pickup the slack, but I have a feeling that may change when Fiat announces its future plans for its American offerings. I expect to see a smaller van/people hauler slot below the Chrysler Town and County and Dodge Grand Caravan based off of Fiat underpinnings.

Currently, if you want a smaller people shuttle, you have to look to the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo. That will be changing in the very near feature. Chevrolet will be replacing its HHR with the Orlando and Ford will be offering its Ford Grand C-Max. Honda has continually teased us with its Honda Stream and while Toyota has given no hints, how far off could the Toyota Wish be? General Motors will also be offering a Chevrolet Aveo (Gamma) based people mover as well. In speaking with a Buick designer at a recent event, the designer mentioned that the "Baby Enclave" Gamma-based vehicle is deceiving in that its exterior size is quite small but its interior dimensions are quite large.

Over the next few years, when it comes to people movers, small may be the new big!

For more info: Information for this report comes from Automotive News and previous articles written by this author.

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This commercial doesn't blend in with the others: Ford Fiesta in a Blendtec blender

Piece of boron steel about to go into a Blendtec

Let’s take a walk through this morning’s inbox, shall we? Something from Audi about Chicago enthusiasts, GM press advisories for tomorrow’s 230 event, weekend racing racaps, a Ford Fiesta in a blender, Twitter follower updates, something from the White House. Wait…A Fiesta in a blender? I’ve gotta see this one!

View the slideshow below for photos of the Fiesta and Miss Scotland.

I’ve been very complimentary of the Fiesta Movement marketing campaign and this new Blendtec tie-in is another reason why. I have already covered what happened when a tire attempts to become a passenger in a Fiesta, but now we know why: The Fiesta's boron steel refuses to become one with a blender!

Fiesta agent Ryan Dembroski, who looks for all the world like Dwight Schrute from The Office in the video, helms this production (along with the Blendtec guy of course). He's not a kooky, sexy Fiesta Agent like Brittani Taylor, but the video is very entertaining and like many a good pitchman, doesn't really make you feel like you are watching a commercial.

For more info: Check out my interview with the Fiesta's brand manger.

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Next generation C-MAX nabbed! Focus in on this future US bound Ford

Ford Iosis MAX concept from Geneva show source:ford

As mentioned in previous coverage of Ford's plans for 2010 and beyond, the United States will almost certainly be receiving a copy of the Ford of Europe C-MAX people mover.

The current generation model (click to view gallery) is a bit of a snore, but looking at the racey lines of the Iosis Max concept, this look a lot more promising.

We will see the production version of the next generation Focus-based C-MAX at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, but why wait until then? AutoExpress has a whole cache of camouflaged C-MAX mules on the road!

What is unclear as far as the US is concerned is which models we'll get. More than likely, the US will only get a 5 seater but who knows, maybe Ford will pull a Kia Rondo and give a seven seater as well.

For more info: Visit AutoExpress

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Ford future cars and product plans: 2010 and beyond

One-off Mustang AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll'

Recently I have covered Ford's entire 2010 lineup in a three part series. You can read the story by clicking here for Part I, Part II and Part III. I have also covered the Future of Lincoln, 2010 and beyond. You can read the Lincoln post by clicking here. Now attention turns to Ford, what can we expect to see over the next few years.

View the slideshow below for a look into Ford's European vacation inspired future.

The big news for 2010 Fords were the amazing number of refreshes that its cars received. The Fusion, Mustang and Taurus all became much better cars for the 2010 model year. Turkish made Transit Connect compact van has also arrived on the scene. EcoBoost also became available in the 2010 Taurus SHO (standard) and Ford Flex (optional). The Explorer Sport Trac may cease to exist in 2010.

In 2011 the European Ford Fiesta (summer 2010) and Ford Focus (late 2010) will arrive on the scene. The cars will be fine tuned for American's, but still pack a lot of Euro flavor. The Fiesta will be available in sedan and five door hatch configuration and it is this author's belief that the Focus will arrive with the same configurations as well. Automotive News is forecasting a sedan and three door hatch for the Focus, but I believe this is incorrect. Ford officials have made it clear to me that they feel that three door hatches would not generate enough volume to warrant sales in America. The Focus could begin assembly in late 2010 and thus arrive at dealerships in early 2011 as a 2012 model. Also in 2011, the Edge will receive a refreshing, likely with EcoBoost offerings. The Ford Explorer will also attempt to become relevant once more, moving from body on frame to lighter unibody construction. This former sales champ has lost its way as consumers shunned fuelish, heavy SUVs. Ford would dearly love to have the Explorer return to the top of the sales charts. The F-Series Super Duty will get a refreshing with a reworked exterior and interior improvements (how's that for vague?). Ford may kill the Crown Victoria and Ranger pickup in 2011 as well, however, both of these models seem to be invincible, so those dates are tentative at best. Ford just gave the Ranger an extension by equipping it with safety gear to live on past 2010 and the "little pickup that could" has done very well for the Blue Oval. Ford may elect to bring an Australian developed small truck here to the U.S. to keep the Ranger franchise alive.

The small Ford Ka is as if yet still unlikely for this market, however the fact that Ford's partner, Fiat, will be assembling the Ka's sister vehicle the Fiat 500 in North America must be very tempting to Ford. It would seem to be a very cheap way for Ford to offer the Ka to Americans. Don't count the Ka out! The excellent Ford Mondeo will not be making the trip but the next generation Fusion will likely be merged with the Mondeo. Likewise, the attractive Ford Kuga will not make it to the States until the Escape is ready for a do-over. Look for a Focus based people mover, likely the next generation European Ford C-Max, to make its way into our lineup. There a no big changes, other than EcoBoost, for the likes of F-150 and Expedition. That does't mean Ford doesn't have a few tricks up its sleeve to keep these models fresh, it's just that we don't know about them. At some point the Econoline will give way to the global Ford Transit van, the wet dream of Ford executives for decades, but the timing for that changeover is still unclear.

Whew! That's a lot of product! As you can see, Ford is relying heavily on Ford of Europe products and platforms. The automotive press have long begged for these excellent products to make it our way, but in the past Ford has stubbed its toe. It's doubtful that Ford will fail this time around.

In addition to the slideshow below for a look into Ford's European vacation inspired future, you might also be interested in these photo galleries:

2010 Ford and 2010 Lincoln photo gallery

2010 Ford and 2010 Lincoln photo gallery (Part II)

2010 Ford and 2010 Lincoln photo gallery (Part III)

Lincoln and its future

Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus

For more info: Information for this report comes from other articles written by the author and Automotive News.

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2010 Ford lineup Part II

Ford Motor Company is delivering its freshest lineup ever for the 2010 model year with a series of new, high-quality, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers and an unprecedented investment in advanced new powertrains.

Ford today is rolling out its entire 2010 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup for North America and announcing plans for 30 new powertrain actions globally – 22 in North America alone – by the end of 2010.

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

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

• 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO
• 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid
• 2010 Ford Mustang and Shelby GT500
• 2010 Ford Flex with EcoBoost
• 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
• 2010 Ford Transit Connect
• 2010 Lincoln MKT and MKT with EcoBoost
• 2010 Lincoln MKZ
• 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost
• 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid

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

• New SYNC® applications with Traffic, Directions & Information delivered through customers’ Bluetooth-capable mobile phones
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), which alerts drivers when obstacles are in their blind spot
• Automatic Park Assist, which guides vehicles into parallel parking spaces, hands-free

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

Additional improvements include:

• A new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine will go on sale in the 2010 calendar year. It is the first EcoBoost engine to include Twin-Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) and will deliver a 10 to 20 percent fuel economy improvement versus larger-displacement V-6 engines, without compromising performance
• A 6.2-liter V-8 – producing approximately 400 horsepower – first appears in the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor on sale later this year
• A 3.7-liter V-6 iVCT, producing 274-horsepower, and helping the Lincoln MKT achieve best-in-class fuel economy
• A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 – Ford’s first EcoBoost engine, featuring better fuel economy than V-8 competitors – is offered in the Taurus SHO this model year with 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque; EcoBoost engines in Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT deliver 355 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque
• A 3.0-liter V-6 iVCT – featuring an industry-first Cam Torque-Actuated Variable Intake Cam Timing system that improves low-end torque and delivers better fuel economy – is available on the Fusion, Milan, Escape and Mariner later this model year

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2010 Ford lineup Part I

• 2010 model lineup is "freshest" in Ford history
  Among the new and substantially upgraded 2010 model vehicles are:
  • All-new 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO
  • 2010 Ford Flex with EcoBoost™
  • 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
  • 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost
  • 2010 Lincoln MKT and MKT with EcoBoost
  • Industry-leading levels of new convenience and safety technologies and features

• Fuel efficiency improves yet again
  • Average fuel economy of Ford's vehicle lineup will improve approximately 20 percent through the end of 2010 versus 2005, and the company is on track to improve fuel economy by more than 35 percent by 2015
  • Ford's fuel economy improvements are driven by more than 30 new powertrain actions globally through the end of 2010; 22 slated for North American products
  • Ford announces a new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine to go on sale next year

• Ford quality, customer satisfaction now top of the industry
  • For the first time, Ford's customer satisfaction equals Toyota, according to a just-released study by the RDA Group
  • Also for the first time, Ford has the fewest number of "things gone wrong" in the industry – with initial quality statistically equal to Toyota and better than Honda

• Strong new products are winning new customers
  • Ford attracting new buyers; conquest rates climbing – especially for cars
  • Ford vehicles post all-time highs in favorable opinion and purchase consideration
  • Ford outperforms industry in transaction prices while reducing incentive spending
  • Ford vehicle resale values increase, closing the gap with imports

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2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Ford Focus on schedule for North American launch in 2010

This European Ford Fiesta

In 2010 Ford Motor Company is not planning in dipping its toes into the small car waters, it is planning to cannonball right in!

In 2011 Ford Fiesta will the first to hit the water and as you may have previously read, it is a very competitive car that should give the Honda Fit actual fits.

Later in the second half of 2010 Ford will pump out a new Focus that will once again sync the United States' edition with the European model. Currently if you were to hop in a 2009 Ford Focus here in the States and then jump in a 2009 European Ford Focus, you would think that some sort of cruel joke had been played up us Americans

"Right now, both of those programs remain on target," Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development for Ford, said in an interview with Automotive News. "And on the Fiesta side, launching in the U.S., we will be building on some very good momentum because the vehicle has already launched in other regions of the world."

America will be getting four door sedans and five door hatchback configurations for both the Focus and Fiesta. In a previous interview with Fiesta’s brand manager, Sam De La Garza, it was mentioned that Ford doesn't believe there would be enough market demand for a three door hatch model in the States.

For more info: This story was based in part on previous interviews conducted by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Ford Fiesta Movement agent meets Eleanor

Agent 21 behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta

I am continually impressed with the quality of work that Fiesta Movement agents are pumping out. For little more than the price of a car rental, Ford is getting expansive social media coverage of its 2011 Fiesta produced by very creative people. What's not to like?

You might recall my interview series with San Francisco Fiesta Movement agent White Menace that I conducted last month. Today I highlight another agent, Burbank's Brittani Taylor (AKA Agent 21). In the embedded episode below, Brittani takes her Fiesta over to Cinema Vehicle Services to check out the life of a Hollywood car coordinator.

The embedded clip below doesn't really focus on the Fiesta (no pun intended), but it does keep it the back of your mind. In this clip, Jerry Bruckheimer's Shelby GT500 Eleanor from the movie 'Gone in 60 seconds' makes an appearance. Overall the clip is pretty silly, but I enjoyed it. In my opinion this is grassroots marketing done right!

For more info: Check out my interview with the Fiesta's brand manger.

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2010 Mustang opens the eyes of blind man

Roger Keeney behind the wheel

With the warm Arizona wind pelting his forehead and his entire body vibrating from the mighty roar of the engine, Roger Keeney took a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang convertible on an amazing ride, doing donuts on the pavement and amassing speeds of up to 90 mph.

This would be a thrill for anybody but what makes this truly remarkable is that fact that Keeney has been blind for the past 20 years.

Sixty-two-year-old Keeney, who lives in Athens, Ga., won the chance to drive the new 2010 Mustang by participating in "The '10 Unleashed" promotion, which asked people to describe their ultimate Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less. A video diary chronicling his extraordinary ride will be featured starting today at www.the2010mustang.com.

"When I got the phone call from Ford saying that I had won, I thought someone was playing a joke on me," said Keeney, who lost his sight in a farming accident.

It was definitely not a joke, says Ford Car Communications Manager Patricia Piedrahita.

"Without a doubt, his essay caught our attention," she said. "His submission hinted that he may be blind, so we had to talk to him to learn more. Upon speaking to him we knew he would help us see the Mustang from a different point of view."

On May 7, 2009, Ford flew Keeney down to the expansive Ford Proving Grounds just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. With safety their number one concern, the Mustang team arranged for former professional racer Tommy Kendall to ride shotgun in the car.

"Tommy said, 'When you were a teenager, did you ever do donuts?' And I said, 'Yeah.' So I got it rolling a bit in first gear, cranked it hard to the left and revved it up and popped it and did three donuts before we stopped. When we stopped, we could hear the camera crew cheering from clear across the field. I was in awe of both the car and the experience, it was truly a dream come true."

"The most life-changing thing you can do for folks with disabilities is put them in a situation that everyone else has told them is impossible. The experience for me in the Mustang with Tommy Kendall next to me and driving that wonderful automobile was really great," Keeney added.

For more info: The rush and exhilaration of Keeney's dream come true is brought to life through the video chapters available for viewing at www.the2010mustang.com.

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Cha-Ching! Ford, Nissan and Tesla expected to receive advanced technology government loans

According to Associated Press sources, the Energy Department will announce on Tuesday that Ford, Nissan and Tesla will be receiving loans from a $25 billion fund setup to help the development of fuel-efficient vehicles. GM and Chrysler have been excluded from the first round of funding because of a stipulation that the loans only go to "financially viable" companies. Although the program is not limited to electric or hybrid technologies, all three companies have electric vehicles either in production or in the works.

The loan program was created in 2007 legislation but not funded until last fall. According to the official rules of the application process, the loans are intended to help with the costs of reequipping, expanding, and establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles, and components for such vehicles. These vehicles must provide meaningful improvements in fuel economy performance.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu is scheduled to make an official announcement on the loans in Dearborn, Michigan.

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Ford interviewed by 'a Lexus'

Yes, folks, I played a little trick with the headline. Bill Ford Jr is interviewed by Alexis (not a Lexus) Glick of Fox News channel. We don't get any shocking revelations here, but Ford is certainly has the upper hand on his hometown competition when it comes to public perception and it shows in his interviews.

Ford talks about his current ride, a 2010 Taurus, and his hopes for a more certain future for gasoline prices. Ford also reiteratives the belief that his company has enough liquidity to ride out this economic maelstrom.

Ford has made a commitment to being a fuel economy leader in every segment in which it competes. In each interview that I have had with Ford staff, fuel economy is always on the tip of their tongue. If Ford can continue work its magic with EcoBoost, PowerShift and fledgling technology like the ethanol boosting Bobcat engine then things certainly look bright.

As covered in many previous posts, Ford has the Fiesta arriving next year and a new Focus will be appearing shortly as well. Both of these cars promise to be attractive, fuel efficient and sporty. My concern for Ford is its Lincoln division (Mercury is a non-starter right now). I simply have not seen any stand out models from that division as of late and that's a crime because the RWD LS showed such promise. The FWD/AWD MKZ has never properly replaced the LS and I find the brand's signature bow-wave grille to be heavy handed.

Enjoy the interview!

For more info: Visit Ford's website.

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John McCain chooses Ford Fusion hybrid as next car

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid

No Model T jokes, just the straight up news that, according to his Twitter page, Senator John McCain has chosen a Ford Fusion hybrid as his next car. The next question comes to mind, "At which of his many houses will John park the Fusion?"

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1 Million miles in a 2011 Ford Fiesta (Part II)

One of the Fiesta Movement cars (European model)

This is part two of my interview with the Ford Fiesta’s brand manager, Sam De La Garza. You can catch part one of my interview by clicking here.

Ford expects its Fiesta Movement agents to log over 1,000,000 miles before the program concludes. That kind of mileage will get the Fiesta in front of a lot of potential customers and also allow Ford to capture a lot of feedback from its agents. Ford intentionally designed the program run a bit longer, six months instead of one or two, so that the agents would get past the honeymoon phase of new car ownership. What doesn't bother you during the first month or two of owning a car might drive you nearly insane a few months later. Combining the Fiesta Movement's agent feedback with data harvested from its 100,000 test drive program, Ford will better understand what its customers are looking for.

When the Ford Fiesta debuts next summer as a 2011 model, it will be offered in both sedan and five door hatchback models. A three door is a very remote possibility as Ford doesn't think there is enough demand. Normally, one would expect a sedan to pull in the lion's share of sales (70 to 80 percent) but De La Garza says that Ford is expecting the model mix of sedan/hatch to be almost 50/50. Ford thinks this will occur because customers will appreciate the utility of the hatch and let's face it, the hatch is a looker! All Fiesta's will sport around town with a 1.6L engine, but how about transmissions? Certainly there will be a manual, but more enticing is the prospect that the Fiesta will feature the recently announced dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission with fuel saving dry clutch technology. It should be noted that Mr. De La Garza did not confirm the Fiesta will be PowerShift equipped, but he certainly didn't deny it and said that there would be an exciting announcement closer to the launch date of the Fiesta. You can do your own math on this one, but certainly this transmission would help Ford to achieve a class leading highway 40MPG (a stated goal of the program) and offer something unique in the segment. Stay tuned!

De La Garza said that no hybrid or diesel models are currently planned for the United States as Ford is focusing on EcoBoost. Could the Fiesta get the EcoBoost as a performance option? De La Garza wouldn't commit to this, but if you go to the 2011 Fiesta website, Ford asks buyers if they'd be interested in a turbo kit. With regards to a performance model, De La Garza did state that Ford is bringing over a couple of Fiestas to take on Pike's Peak International Hill Climb and that this could foreshadow Ford's performance intentions. Wink's as good as a nudge, if you catch my drift.

Ford will not be ripping out the Euro model's interior and replacing it with something much cheaper. De La Garza said that Ford wouldn't bait and switch customers, showing them one thing with the Fiesta Movement and then trying to sell them something drastically different. Instead, look for subtle changes to things like armrests and cup holders. SYNC will most definitely be available and Ford is also considering offering class unique items such as moonroofs and leather interiors. By featuring higher content, Ford can command a wider price range for its Fiesta and also meet consumer's demand for such luxuries. Pricing should fall into the $13,000 to $18,000 range with an average of $15,000. Of course, those numbers are not hard and fast, but if you look at the price range of the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, the Fiesta will play in the same space.

For more info: Check out the 2011 Fiesta website. Read my interview with a Fiesta Movement agent. Visit the Fiesta Movement website.

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1 Million miles in a 2011 Ford Fiesta and 1 Million Questions for Fiesta’s brand manager (Part I)

Ford Fiesta (International version)

Recently I have posted several articles on the forthcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta. I’ve test driven a European example, spoken with a Fiesta Movement agent and now I’ve had a chance to chat with the Fiesta’s brand manager, Sam De La Garza. What follows is a comprehensive look at the 2011 Ford Fiesta and how Ford is working hard to reach out to prospective customers.

It’s been awhile. That’s how Mr. De La Garza described Ford’s absence from the B-Segment (subcompact) in the United States. Ford’s early 1990s effort, the Festiva / Aspire, was the last time that Ford tried to sell to the B-Segment to Americans. Ford found that many people aspired to drive something else (my phrasing, not Sam’s) and subsequently left the segment here in the United States. The auto sales landscape has been altered dramatically since that time and now Ford is ready to take a fresh look at small cars in the United States. The question is, “How does Ford go about creating a successful launch?”

Firstly, Ford has to have one heck of an offering. The new Fiesta has been widely praised by the international media. The Fiesta has been awarded a prestigious ‘red dot’ design award for international product design with 28 leading designers and design experts from 19 countries calling the Fiesta one of the most stylish cars in the world, stating the design as “innovative and dynamic.” The Fiesta has been selected as “Car of the Year” by various publications. Topping it off, the Fiesta has been a sales champ since its launch in Europe. All of that is good and well, but Ford does have memories of its past European imports in the United States such as the Merkur line and the Contour/Mystique. Ford is determined to make sure that history does not repeat itself with its new “One Ford” initiative. But how? How can Ford make sure that the 2011 Fiesta is a car that people want to buy and not something they are compelled to buy because of a low price or massive incentives? It’s a simple answer with a creative approach: Find out what the customer wants, but not just through clinics and surveys...(to be continued)

In Part II of this interview, you’ll find out much more about the 2011 Fiesta. What is Ford’s fuel mileage target? Will a three door be offered? What about a performance model? Any chance of a diesel? Will the U.S. car get the same soft-touch plastics as its Euro brethren? What has Ford learned so far from the Fiesta Movement? What is this about 1,000,000 miles in a Fiesta? All of this and much more shall be answered! Stay tuned!

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