Bill Kay Ford

2012 Chicago Auto Show: 650-hp 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible

2012-02-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

The question few have asked, concerning a car even fewer can afford, was answered at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show this week when the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible took the stage. How can Ford outdo the 2012 GT500 and the 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1? Bristling with a 650-hp supercharged V8, the next GT500 answers the call by pushing the boundaries of topless American muscle.

Based on the updated 2013 Ford Mustang, the latest Shelby GT500 elevates the pony car to near-supercar status, with a special 5.8-liter engine, track-tuned suspension, high-performance Brembo brakes, carbon-fiber driveshaft, and upgraded transmission and clutch. An optional performance package can further enhance the GT500, with electronic-adjustable Bilstein shocks. And the one trick the convertible has over the coupe introduced at the LA Auto Show is that it has a power cloth top. While that may not be ideal for track days, it can add appeal for relaxed cruising or tearing through the countryside.

This Shelby GT500 commemorates the 20th anniversary of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), the performance mavens responsible for the 1993 Mustang Cobra, F-150 Lightning, F-150 Raptor, SVT Contour, SVT Focus, and numerous Mustang iterations.

Clearly, the Shelby GT500 is much more Mustang than most drivers need. For those on a more modest budget, the Mustang V6 and Mustang GT are highly entertaining. And relatively speaking, the 305-hp Mustang V6 is a veritable bargain.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/02/2012-chicago-auto-show-650-hp-2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible.html

2012 Car Brand Perception Survey: Ford leads all brands in awareness

2012-01-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota have a commanding lead in car brand awareness, as determined from interviewing car owners for the 2012 Car Brand Perception Survey.

In conducting our random, nationwide perception survey, we ask car owners to name the automotive brands they are aware of--this determines our baseline. By dividing the total number of times that a particular make was mentioned as an exemplar across seven car-buying factors by awareness, we can compensate for awareness in calculating the brand perception score. This ensures every brand has an equal chance of leading a category, not just the best-selling or most well-known brands. While not the focus of the survey, looking at just awareness does provide insight into the industry.

The leaders this year mirror the rank order from 2011, although the scores have edged up slightly. Ford (87 percent), Chevrolet (76 percent), and Toyota (70 percent) have a clear advantage over other brands. With 57-percent awareness, Honda fits between the three top-ranked brands and those that form a third tier with scores in the 40s.

In the middle of the pack, we see that Chrysler and Dodge have made significant advances, climbing six and 12 percentage points, respectively. The company’s reinvigorated product line and aggressive marketing seems to be working, along with recurring coverage in national media regarding restructuring efforts.

Similar gains were made by many other brands, as well. BMW, Hyundai, GMC, and Volkswagen all improved by at least 10 points.

We’ve seen that as perception index scores have dropped almost universally, the leaders were brought closer to the mid-pack brands. This suggests that consumers see fewer brands dominating car-buying factors even if the companies are know for safety, quality, or performance. Instead, consumers are recognizing that many brands excel in the seven factors explored in the survey, and consequently, automakers face a tougher struggle to stand out.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/01/2012-car-brand-perception-survey-ford-leads-all-brands-in-awareness.html

2012 Detroit auto show video: 2013 Ford Escape

2012-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

In Detroit, we took another look at the upcoming 2013 Ford Escape to share our initial impressions as the upcoming crossover continues to make the rounds on the show circuit.

Ford’s popular Escape SUV is thoroughly redesigned for the 2013 model year, better positioning it to compete with the latest crop of small sport/utes. Along with the sleeker appearance, the new Escape boasts a number of new features and technologies, although it won’t offer a hybrid or V6 variation.

The Escape will come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but two other fuel-efficient engines are offered--a 2.0-liter or 1.6-liter EcoBoost. Fuel economy on the EcoBoost engines is claimed to be 5 mpg better than the outgoing model.

The Escape will come with a hands-free power liftgate enabled by motion under the center of the rear bumper and the upgraded Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment system is also standard. The SUV will also have park assist, blind-spot sensors, curve control, and torque control. These latter systems will help slow the vehicle when cornering and accelerate through a turn.

The new Escape promises to have more cargo room and more space behind the first and second rows and the rear seats and head restraints fold flat with a touch of a button. The SUV also has a new 4WD system for improved handling on and off-road.

We look forward to buying one next summer one it goes on sale and see how it compares against the latest, small SUVs. For a preview of the new Escape, check out the video below.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/01/2012-detroit-auto-show-video-2013-ford-escape.html

Inflatable Seat Belts a Big Hit for Ford

2011-12-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Automotive safety is like ice cream: everyone loves it. Right now, no one seems to be doing as great a job with safety as Ford, and no surprise, one of its newest safety features—inflatable seat belts—is a big hit in the Ford Explorer.

“The inflatable belts are proving to be very successful and take rates are increasing as people become more aware of them after being introduced in the spring,” says Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.

Of the 122,000 Explorers sold through November, Ford says that 40 percent of customers have bought the $200 optional inflatable belts, which reduce pressure on the chest, controlling head and neck motion for rear passengers in an accident. Ford expects the take rate to increase as more consumers become aware of the technology, which is said to be more comfortable than traditional belts, thereby encouraging belt usage.

“We do not yet have early quality data for them, but can say our research indicates that people not only like the innovative safety advancement but think the belts are more comfortable because they’re padded and have rounded edges,” he says.

The inflatable belts have been such a surprise hit that Ford has confirmed they will soon appear in its other crossover, the Flex, and two other Lincoln models.

Ford Dealers in Chicago

Stress-Free and Easy: All-New Ford Escape Delivers a ‘Hands-Free Holiday’ This Season

2011-11-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

All-new Ford Escape and award-winning stress relief expert Susie Mantell team up to share tips on how to make holiday shopping less stressful
Ford Escape features a segment-first hands-free power liftgate; gentle kicking motion opens and closes the liftgate without the need to fumble for a key, making loading packages into the vehicle stress-free
Consumers can enter to win daily gift card giveaways or a chance at their own “hands-free holiday” by submitting their holiday stress-saving tips through http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday beginning Nov. 25

FACT SHEET: ‘Escape’ Stress This Holiday Season

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 22, 2011 – Holiday stress? Difficulty finding a store or parking spot? The all-new Ford Escape and award-winning stress expert Susie Mantell are hoping to make this holiday season more enjoyable with some simple tips that can help you “Escape” the stress of the holidays and make navigating this busy season much easier.

During the holidays, 87 percent of American adults experience stress when shopping, and auto-related activities have a tendency to induce the most stress. Nearly 55 percent of Americans say that traffic jams, locating a parking spot and getting packages into the vehicle with their hands full are among the top stressful activities.

The Ford Escape, which debuted last week, has technologies and features that – when paired with these simple tips – can ease holiday stress. From active park assist to turn-by-turn directions and a hands-free power liftgate, the Escape is certain to make holiday shopping easier.

From setting a speed limit on spending to recharging your own battery, Susie Mantell and the Ford Escape have created 10 tips to help you “Escape” stress this holiday season. To see the full list of tips, visit Escape on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday.

“The Ford Escape offers a number of technologies that can ease stress during the holiday season,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “The hands-free power liftgate is the newest Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier. New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages down.”

Ford recently introduced its all-new Escape featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key. Escape is the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate.

Consumer Reports: Ford updates MyFord Touch - Customers speak, automaker listens

2011-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ford’s high-tech touch-screen dashboard interface, MyFord Touch, has proven to be a lighting rod for criticism. To address this, Ford today announced interface and performance upgrades for the system. These changes launch with the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape and updated 2013 Flex and Taurus. They will also be available as a free upgrade for current owners of MyFord (and MyLincoln) Touch-equipped vehicles.
Ford states that these changes are a response to customer feedback. It’s very likely that they also address complaints that we had in our review, as well as reliability issues highlighted by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power surveys. Ford’s press release notes that MyFord Touch was a key factor in buyers purchase decisions. However, while the system looks impressive in a showroom, the need for these upgrades show that customers have found the technology to be frustrating on the road.

We had a long list of complaints with MyFord Touch. Many on-screen fonts and “buttons” are small, and the screens are cluttered. There are also performance issues, including slow-to-update screens. Some owners, including us, have had the system completely crash and reboot.

While there have been earlier patches to fix some of the most immediate performance issues, these updates go deeper. The interface is now less cluttered with fewer buttons, larger fonts, and bigger touch points. Ford also states that the system will be much more responsive and reliable.

One paradigm shift is that owners with previous MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles will be able to update their system by downloading software from a flash drive at home. This saves a trip to the dealer, although customers can also have it done at the dealership if they prefer.

When the update becomes available, we’ll try it out on one of our test vehicles and see how the process and new interface work.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/11/ford-updates-myford-touch---customers-speak-automaker-listens.html

Tiny Cell Technology Wins Engineering Award, Helps Boost Fuel Economy in New Ford Escape

2011-11-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Ford named “Grand Award Winner” at the 2011 Society of Plastic Engineers “Most Innovative Use of Plastics Awards” competition for MuCell instrument panel innovation on the new Ford Escape

The MuCell® process, invented at MIT and then developed for commercial use by Trexel, involves the highly controlled use of a gas such as CO2 or nitrogen in the injection-molding process, which creates a uniform microcellular material structure

This is the first-time the MuCell process technology, which supports lightweighting and results in fuel savings, has been used in a vehicle’s instrument panel

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 10, 2011 – Microscopic cells are helping to save weight, and ultimately fuel in future Ford vehicles, starting with the instrument panel of the all-new Escape. It is the first time the MuCell process has been used in an instrument panel, the largest automotive component molded using the process.

Invented by MIT, and subsequently acquired by Trexel in 1995, the MuCell process was initially created for development and commercial use in the injection molding industry worldwide. The MuCell process involves the highly controlled use of a gas such as CO2 or nitrogen in the injection-molding process, which creates millions of micron-sized bubbles in uniform configurations, lowering the weight of the plastic part.

“Ford is focused on leveraging innovations in materials that save weight and boost fuel economy, helping our vehicles travel farther on less gas,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of global product development. “MuCell is a great example of this effort.”

Creating the instrument panel structure in microcellular foam saves an estimated $3 per vehicle in the United States vs. solid injection molding. Weight also is reduced by more than 1 lb., molding cycle time is reduced 15 percent and molding clamp tonnage is reduced 45 percent.

“We are pleased that Ford recognizes the immense potential MuCell holds for vehicle cost and weight savings,” said Steve Braig, president and CEO of Trexel. We’re now working with Ford to apply the MuCell process in a strategic way for many more applications as they incorporate MuCell into their design guidelines.”

MuCell first makes its debut in the instrument panel (IP) of the all-new Ford Escape, helping to reduce the weight of the IP by one pound. Weight savings of a little more than one pound may seem insignificant, but plastic parts are an area where it is particularly challenging to save weight without sacrificing strength, durability or function.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35594

2007 Ford Escape at Bill Kay Ford Midlothian

2011-11-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

2007 Ford Escape- imagine driving this Blue 2007 Ford Escape, equipped with a 4 Cyl. engine and an automatic transmission with 70,046 miles. enjoy an impressive 23 miles to the gallon on this great SUV with features like Keyless Entry, Tilt Steering Wheel, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, AM/FM Radio, Air Conditioning, Driver's Front Airbag, and much more. Enjoy the drive and have peace of mind in this 2007 Ford Escape. see us at Bill Kay Ford today!

America’s Favorite Classic Mustang – the ’65 Convertible – Returns with All-New Ford-Approved Body Shell

2011-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The original Mustang – America’s favorite classic convertible – can now be assembled complete with all-new Ford-approved restoration parts
New first-generation Mustang body shells can be made into ’64½, ’65 or ’66 models, depending on the trim and powertrain that is installed during the rebuild
New ’65 Mustang body shells are made with stronger steel and use modern welding techniques, making them better than the original

Video: Reintroducing The 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2011 – It’s a classic car lover’s dream come true: Now it is possible to build a ’64½, ’65 or ’66 Mustang convertible from the wheels up using the all-new Ford-approved and officially licensed body shell.

The body shell for the original Mustang convertible, now in production and available for restorers as a Ford-licensed restoration part, gives classic car enthusiasts a new option in putting their classic dream Mustang ragtop back on the road.

“The 1964-66 Mustang is the most restored vintage vehicle. But the number of original 1964-66 vintage bodies is shrinking every year,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager. “Most of the original Mustangs left in scrapyards are rusted or wrecked beyond repair. The new body shell is made of virgin metal and uses modern welding techniques. It comes rustproofed, and after final adjustment and finish preparation of the body panels, it is ready for painting and final assembly.”

To build a restored Mustang using the new shell, the powertrain, suspension and brakes, the electrical systems, the interior and trim can either be bought new or transferred from an existing car to the new body. Original parts that can’t be reused from an old Mustang can be replaced with Ford-approved restoration parts. Mondrach says that nearly all the parts needed to build a complete new 1964-66 Mustang convertible, except for some minor body hardware, are now available from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers.

Ford-approved Mustang restoration parts can be found at www.fordrestorationparts.com.

For a restoration part to be approved by Ford, suppliers must meet or exceed the fit, finish and quality of the original, said Mondrach. In order to keep classic Ford-built vehicles on the road, Ford allows parts suppliers access to original technical drawings, blueprints and specifications for parts.

The new body shell not only can save restorers time and money, but enable them to build a strong, well-engineered classic.

“Instead of spending money fixing rust and welding in new panels, restorers can now simply transfer their powertrain, interior and trim parts onto the new body shell,” said Mondrach.

The ’65 Mustang body shell is constructed of higher-grade steel than the original, said Jim Christina, vice president of Dynacorn International, the Ford-approved company that is manufacturing the ’65 Mustang. “We use a modern universal automotive-grade steel that is actually stronger than the original, and modern welding techniques along with more welds to strengthen the body,” Christina said.

The ’65 body is in production now and can be delivered by freight truck to any address. The ’65 Mustang body includes the doors and trunk lid and all the sheet metal from the radiator support to the taillight panel except the hood and front fenders. Those items are available separately. The ’65 Mustang body shell starts at $15,000.

Ford to Demonstrate Smart Electrification Technology That Can Adapt with Green Cities Trend

2011-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ford researchers will demonstrate smart electrification technology that uses cloud-based computing and data to optimize a plug-in hybrid’s powertrain efficiency at the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford will be a keynote speaker and talk about his vision for the future of transportation
Ford researchers first gave a glimpse into how cloud-based technology could be used to improve powertrain operation at the Google I/O Developers Conference and since have highlighted it as part of Ford’s technology future in the Evos Concept car

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14, 2011 – Ford Motor Company continues its research into how cloud-based technology can make vehicles smarter and – for the first time ever – will publicly demonstrate the innovation during the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems next week.

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford will be a featured conference speaker and talk about the future of transportation. He will emphasize how intelligent vehicles and innovations such as smart electrification can help solve emerging transportation issues on roads around the world.

Meanwhile, Ford researchers and engineers will showcase technology designed to personalize the driving experience that is centered on three areas of cloud-based innovation: intelligent routing, intelligent driving and intelligent operation.

“With this technology we are talking about pure customer benefit – creating the right individualized and optimized experience for each person, vehicle and situation,” said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation. “As our transportation system evolves – say, with lower emissions zones – the research we are doing now will help us meet the future needs of our customers. For example, cars could one day adapt their powertrain performance to these types of varying driving conditions.”

At the Google I/O conference in May, Ford introduced its research and innovation into using the cloud to predict driver behavior in order to optimize vehicle control systems and improve vehicle performance attributes such as fuel or hybrid-electric efficiency.

Ford’s commitment to the technology was further showcased when the Ford Evos Concept was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Evos Concept explores the potential for connecting a vehicle to the cloud in order to tailor the driving experience based on variables such as personal tastes and moods of the driver.

“Ford already offers cloud-based services through Ford SYNC^®, but those services thus far have been used for infotainment, navigation and real-time traffic purposes to empower the driver,” said Ryan McGee, technical expert, Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design, Ford Research and Innovation, who will be presenting during the conference. “This technology has the potential to empower our vehicles to anticipate a driver's needs for various reasons, such as optimizing a vehicle’s powertrain efficiency.”

In the example that will be featured at the World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, researchers will show how a prototype Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) could use a combination of cloud-based and proprietary technology to learn when to switch from being gasoline-powered to all-electric upon entering a lower emissions zone. Cities such as London, Berlin and Stockholm already have such zones.

McGee said if a vehicle was able to predict exactly when it might be entering such a zone, it could optimize itself to comply with regulations and at the same time optimize energy usage over the total distance of the route by switching the engine to all-electric mode at specific times.

2013 Ford Escape Crossover Will Boost Gas Mileage, Drop V-6

2011-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

The 2013 Ford Escape, the first entirely new design in more than a decade for its popular compact crossover, will be officially unveiled next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

But before that, Ford is starting to trickle out bits and pieces of information to build buzz. The 2013 Escape will be very similar to the Vertrek Concept that the company showed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Yesterday, the company announced the engine lineup for the 2013 Escape: three different four-cylinder engines, but no V-6 option ... and no more Escape Hybrid either.

Ford did not release either power or torque figures for the three engines it will offer in the 2013 Ford Escape, but it said they will be:

2.5-liter four
2.0-liter EcoBoost four
1.6-liter EcoBoost four

The outgoing 2012 Ford Escape, by comparison offers a 171-horsepower 2.5-liter four as the base engine, along with a 240-hp 3.0-liter V-6.

(For the current model year, the Escape Hybrid model also combines a 155-hp 2.5-liter engine with a 94-hp electric motor, for a total combined output of 177 hp. That model will die altogether for 2013, to be superseded by the front-wheel drive C-Max Hybrid.)

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066924_2013-ford-escape-crossover-will-boost-gas-mileage-drop-v-6

2012 Ford F-150 Adds New FX Appearance Package, More Capabilities and Technologies to Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

2011-09-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

    •    2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package, and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines

    •    Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating
surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel

    •    All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission

DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2011 – Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient and capable full-size pickup on the market – is getting fine-tuned for 2012, with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. “It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”

The new FX appearance package is available on both FX4 and FX2 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX’s interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.
Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35340

Facebook Fans to Get Exclusive Progress Reports on New Ford Focus ST

2011-09-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Exclusive video and photography of the all-new Ford Focus ST to be shared first on the Focus Facebook page, highlighting the car’s technology, performance and practicality
Videos will give global Focus fans insights into the project from key members of the development team, as well as previously unseen vehicle footage ahead of next year’s launch
Online campaign will be ongoing, helping Focus Facebook fans – more than 300,000 strong – stay up to speed with the progress of Ford’s first global performance car

Video: Testing Focus ST on Global Road Surfaces

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 1, 2011 – Since Ford first announced its all-new Focus ST, performance car fans around the world have been eager to find out more. To answer this demand, Ford will begin actively sharing both exclusive video and photography, first on the Ford Focus Facebook page, to keep enthusiasts up to date on the development of this sporty new model.

The materials will explore technical highlights, the driving experience and high levels of refinement that make up the core DNA of the new Focus ST, which is expected to deliver an estimated 247 HP/250 PS when production begins. The more than 300,000 fans of the Focus Facebook page will be able to access newly generated and previously unseen footage of Focus ST development cars undergoing testing, plus insights into the car’s features from key members of the Global Performance Vehicle team.

“Our Facebook page allows us to reach out to enthusiasts around the world for the first time and share with them the final stages of development of the new Focus ST as it happens,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications.”

Updates will start with a look at the specific work involved in developing a global performance car and how the Global Performance Vehicles team has been testing Focus ST in numerous weather conditions and over a wide variety of road surfaces.

The video clips will then explore some of the cutting-edge features of Focus ST, including enhanced Torque Vectoring Control, the advanced Electronic Stability Program and innovations applied to the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost® engine and finely tuned suspension.

As the team continues its testing regime and as Focus ST gets closer to its 2012 launch, Ford will keep fans of the page updated, reporting from the company’s proving grounds at Lommel in Belgium, the infamous Nürburgring in Germany, from hot weather testing trips in Spain and the United States, and from driving quality tests over twisty B-roads in the U.K.

“We are determined that the new Focus ST will meet the very high expectations of our fans around the world,” said Capito. “Focus ST will deliver on the promise of great technology, exciting driving dynamics and high levels of refinement – making it as enjoyable to use for everyday driving as it will be on exciting and challenging roads we performance enthusiasts deliberately seek out.

“Our Facebook series is equally exciting,” Capito added, “as it lets us connect directly for the first time with performance and Ford enthusiasts alike, and takes them with us through the final stages of development for the new Focus ST.”

To follow the new Focus ST story and get involved in the action, visit Ford’s Focus Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fordfocus

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35172

2012 Ford Explorer - Review

2011-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Ford Explorer isn't the typical green car. A seven-seat crossover vehicle, the Explorer gets an intriguing new option this year in the form of a turbo four-cylinder drivetrain, rated at up to 28 mpg highway--and that's why it earns our attention, and a rating of 7 here at GreenCarReports.

The standard-issue drivetrain in the 2012 Ford Explorer pairs a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It's rated at 17/25 mpg, not bad numbers for a traditionally styled and sized off-roader. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers those numbers to 17/23 mpg, though.

New for the 2012 model year, Ford's EcoBoost four-cylinder gives green-car shoppers a reason to be more interested in the Explorer. For $995 extra, the EcoBoost brings direct injection and turbocharged along with its downsized displacement. The net: 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which give the EcoBoost Explorer competitive acceleration with the V-6 version. The gulf widens in fuel economy, where the front-drive-only EcoBoost model is rated at 20/28 mpg. Our test drives of the new EcoBoost model show it's a suitable alternative for crossover drivers who don't regularly tote a full complement of people or cargo. The EcoBoost model gets winded more quickly, and in fact it's rated at only 2000 pounds of towing capacity, while the V-6 model has a 5000-pound rating. The turbo four also generates a fair amount of noise under full throttle, with turbo whistle and four-cylinder grumbling blending into a reasonably muted voice.

With its top fuel economy rating, the Explorer also brings some of the best dynamics in its class. The electric power steering helps to save fuel, and its light and quick tuning brings the crossover something approaching sharpness. Plus, with an optional system, it lets the Explorer park itself, using sensors and cameras, with the driver maintaining control over braking. The Explorer's ride quality is very good, and its brakes are strong.

The Explorer seats up to seven passengers, which helps even the V-6 model in its quest for efficiency. Those passengers will have plenty of room, especially in the front two rows, where bucket and bench seats are surrounded by good leg and in particular, good head room. The middle-row bench can be swapped out for bucket seats, while the child-sized third-row bench folds away by hand or at the touch of a button. The Explorer's cargo space of 21 cubic feet with the third-row seat raised, expands to about 81 cubic feet when the second- and third-row seats are folded.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/overview/ford_explorer_2012

Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks, SUVs; Future Telematics Standards

2011-08-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ford and Toyota are collaborating as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of a new advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs
New co-developed hybrid system ready for use later this decade on Ford and Toyota rear-wheel-drive light trucks and SUVs, delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the capability they want and need
Ford and Toyota also will collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics and Internet-based services

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DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 22, 2011 – Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”

Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, said: “In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford – and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology.”

The two companies also agreed to work together on enablers to complement each company’s existing telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally.

Under the MOU agreement, the two companies will bring the best of their independently developed hybrid powertrain technology and knowledge to a new co-developed hybrid system, which will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade. Specifically, Ford and Toyota will:

Jointly develop as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs
Independently integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles separately

For years, both Ford and Toyota have been working independently on similar new rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems aimed at delivering higher fuel economy in light trucks and SUVs. When the two companies began discussing this potential collaboration, they discovered how quickly they were able to find common ground.

2009 Ford Focus - Bill Kay Ford - Midlothian IL 60445

2011-08-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

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Ford and SunPower to Sell Electric Focus Owners Home Solar-Power System

2011-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

If purchasing an electric vehicle nets you a green badge of honor, then buying an electric car and an array of photovoltaic cells to charge it surely earns you a Nobel Prize. Well, eco-nerds, clear out a space in your trophy cases, because Ford has teamed up with solar-panel-integration specialists SunPower to offer Ford Focus Electric buyers a tailored solar-power generation system for home installation.

The 2.5-kW solar-panel array won’t deliver electricity directly to the Focus’s charger. Instead, the panels were designed to offset the power used to juice the Focus by feeding an equivalent amount of electricity to the home over time. It should be noted that Ford and SunPower’s electric-performance stats assume the photovoltaic cells produce an average of 3000 kWh of electricity annually, and that the Focus Electric owner averages 1000 miles of driving per month in the car. Drive 1001 miles in a month in your new Focus Electric and you won’t fully offset the power used to charge your car, causing catastrophic ecological havoc. Or something.

So what does this greengasm cost? In addition to the as-yet-undisclosed cost of the Focus Electric, Ford promises the SunPower system will command less than $10,000 after federal tax credits. Financing options for the solar array will be available, and SunPower will even throw in an iPhone app that allows homeowners to remotely monitor the system.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/ford-and-sunpower-to-provide-electric-focus-owners-home-solar-power-system/

Ford Heavy Duty Trucks to Receive Plug-In Hybrid Option

2011-07-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

You’re rolling down the road, when you hear the roar of a full-size truck’s brand new V-8 rushing past you. The towers and haulers of the world love their trucks, and many chuckle as they blow past what they see as wimpy hybrid drivers. But Karma’s about to get them, as Ford is announcing a partnership with Azure Dynamics Corporation to install plug-in hybrid technology on its full-size, heavy duty trucks.

Azure Dynamics is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. The PHEV system will initially be featured on the F-550, which will roll out in early 2013. However, the agreement does include providing other super duty platforms, such as the F-350 and F-450, with the plug-in hybrid technology, although no timetable has been set yet.

“As interest in alternative energy products continues to grow, consumers are looking for more powertrain options that are both environmentally friendly and fit their driving needs,” said Rob Stevens, commercial vehicle chief engineer for Ford.

While individual truck owners may not be too fond of the idea, fleet owners just might love it. Like everyone, rising fuel costs are putting pressure on their bottom line, and reducing fuel consumption could pay off big down the road. If the Azure technology proves successful and popular enough, it could even show up in half-ton light-duty pickups at some point. As Ford has shown with its own EcoBoost V-6, which is standard in the 2011 Ford F-150, truck enthusiasts are perfectly happy to get better fuel economy, as long as there’s no decrease in power.

Azure already worked with Ford before, installing its PHEV technology in the Ford Transit Connect Electric. That project was announced in 2009, and in just 13 months the electric Transit Connects hit the road. Consumer Reports took this van for a spin, and wasn’t overly impressed to say the least.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Logs Impressive Quality Record to Help Achieve Highest Hybrid Customer Satisfaction

2011-07-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ford Fusion Hybrid customers are the most satisfied hybrid owners and are experiencing remarkable quality performance
Fusion Hybrid achieves 41 mpg city – 10 mpg better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid – which is helping attract 75 percent of customers from competitors, the highest conquest rate of any Ford vehicle
Ford’s battery cell reliability, the subject of much customer interest, has been tested around the clock in high-mileage, extreme-usage hybrid taxis around the country – including more than 80 million miles of operation in California, quadruple the Toyota Prius’ service
Ford introducing five new electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013

FACT SHEET: Ford Fusion Hybrid: Impressive Quality, Leading Hybrid Satisfaction

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DEARBORN, Mich., July 21, 2011 – The Ford Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel-efficient sedan and may be the highest-quality hybrid based on hundreds of millions of worry-free miles its owners have traveled.

Ford’s hybrid taxi fleet has logged more than 80 million miles in California alone during the past decade – more than quadruple the number of miles logged by Toyota’s Prius lineup. Yet, among the nearly 43 million battery cells Ford has tested or seen put to work in customer vehicles, only five issues have been documented.

This impressive quality record has surprised taxi operators who expected to experience more issues as they led the adoption of Ford’s patented hybrid technology. The Fusion Hybrid, which a leading consumer magazine rated America’s most reliable sedan of any hybrid or conventional model, also has taken hold with customers who give it a 91 percent “overall vehicle quality” score compared to 80 and 71 percent for the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids, respectively.

The Fusion Hybrid’s success is affirmed by the 2010 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) report that tracks initial quality and was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

“Ford’s battery technology is so strong, the odds of experiencing an issue with one of our hybrid battery cells is around 8.5 million to 1 – about the same odds as a person being struck by lightning twice,” said Chuck Gray, chief engineer, Global Core Engineering, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “Ford understands that for new technology, reliability can be a concern for customers, so we work extra hard to deliver a trouble-free product.”

Customers are noticing the strong performance, too. The Fusion Hybrid is delivering a 75 percent conquest rate, bringing more new buyers to the brand than any other Ford vehicle.

The durability and longevity of batteries – which Ford has been developing and testing since the 1980s – is essential as the company expands its electrification plan, building on its leadership with five new electrified vehicles arriving in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013.

“Our customers have put hundreds of millions of miles on our hybrids with virtually no powertrain issues, which is a testament to the quality of our batteries,” Gray said. “We have checked the battery life simulations with test data and with real-world customer vehicle data, and now we’re applying that knowledge to make the customer experience in our future products even better.”

Fusion Hybrid amps up customers

The Fusion Hybrid hit the streets in 2009 with a leading 41 mpg city rating, 10 mpg more than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Since then, the car has wowed customers from coast to coast – leading to a hybrid-best customer satisfaction rate of 88 percent compared to 80 percent for Prius from 2009 to 2011, according to GQRS.

According to Ford internal customer data, Fusion Hybrid has changed the game in other ways. It has:

Helped increase Ford’s favorable opinion among hybrid intenders by 20 percent between 2009 and 2011
Achieved nearly double the percentage of sales in California compared to the gas-powered Fusion (15 versus 8 percent) and attracted more than double the number of customers with postgraduate college degrees than the conventional Fusion (39 versus 17 percent)

Ford Hits Hatchback Sweet Spot

2011-07-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

DEARBORN, Mich., July 11, 2011 – Customers seeking more versatile vehicles with better fuel economy are finding what they’re looking for in hatchbacks and U.S. sales of these popular five-door cars continues to skyrocket.

It’s a trend reflected in sales of two of Ford’s hottest-selling cars. Approximately 50 percent of retail sales of the 2011 Fiesta have been for hatchbacks. On the market for just a few months, 41 percent of retail sales for the all-new 2012 Focus have been for the hatchback – a number Ford expects to continue rising.

“The hatchback is hitting an unmet need for versatility as people continue to downsize their vehicles,” said Paul Russell, Focus brand manager. “No other competitor in the top-five of total market share offers a hatchback option in the small car segment.”

The total number of hatchbacks available in the U.S. market increased 63 percent between model years 2006 and 2010, going from 291,853 to 475,048, according to Ward’s Auto World data.

“American car buyers have become appreciative of the convenience and flexibility that hatchback bodystyles offer after years of owning SUVs and crossovers,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst.

“Combined with the generation of younger drivers who have been exposed to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks.”

Unsure of how the market would react to new hatchback offerings, Ford prepared itself by investing in flexible plant capacity. This flexibility ensures Ford is able to react quickly to changing tastes, providing a vehicle mix – hatchback or sedan, base model or fully loaded Titanium – to serve varied customer demands.

Hatchbacks for space and fuel efficiency

Today’s hatchbacks offer more cargo space than sedans. The five-door Focus hatchback provides an additional 10.6 cubic feet compared with the sedan model and features a wide cargo opening and fold-flat load floor.

The Focus delivers up to 40 mpg on the highway. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recommended the 2012 Focus hatchback as a ride that’s fit for students who long for the open road, due in part to the extra cargo room afforded by the hatchback design.

The five-door Fiesta hatchback also brings additional cargo room to the table, providing 15.4 cubic feet of space.

“Our fun, vibrant Fiesta customers like the versatility of the hatchback’s access to cargo both inside and outside the vehicle,” said Sherryl Brightwell, Fiesta brand manager. “The additional square footage allows the on-the-go customer the ability to maximize cargo space when needed.”

The hatchback Fiesta is styled to have a “sporty, Euro-racing” feel, along with impressive fuel economy that delivers up to 40 mpg.

Hatchbacks for style and technology

Ford Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks offer more than additional space.

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus redefines the small car category with impressive fuel economy, distinctive design and strong driving dynamics. Focus offers class-exclusive technologies and first-to-market features such as hands-free SYNC®, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, push-button start, six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, heated and leather-trimmed seats and active park assist.

The Fiesta offers a vibrant, expressive design and a global track record that redefines small car expectations for customers along with 15 class-exclusive technologies and features.

The Ford Fiesta and Focus recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list.

Combined sales for the Fiesta and Focus in June were 26,920, up 66 percent from June 2010. Fiesta sales were 5,535 and Focus sales were 21,385, up 41 percent from the prior June – making it the best-selling Ford car of the month.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34903

Chicago Ford

Ford Helps Prevent Fuel Theft as Reports of Illegal Gas Siphoning Increase Along with Price at the Pump

2011-07-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ford-exclusive Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) system deters fuel thieves from siphoning gas with a unique mis-fueling inhibitor
Inlet check valve reduces the chances of fuel theft by automatically closing after the fueling process
Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States; some cities warning residents about the thefts attributed to the increase in fuel prices

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2011 – The only thing worse than paying more for gasoline is paying more for gasoline and having it stolen out of your gas tank. As reports of fuel theft continue to rise, Ford owners can feel a little more secure knowing their vehicles have fuel system innovations such as the Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) feature.

The Ford Easy Fuel feature is designed to easily let fuel in and make it difficult to get fuel out.
That’s important as gas prices hover at the $4 per gallon mark, and demand remains high with drivers in the United States consuming about 400 million gallons of gas daily.

“Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,” said Brian Aitken, supervisor, Fuel Systems. “But if it also slows down would-be thieves. Ford customers benefit that way as well.”

Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States, from New Jersey to California. The West Sacramento, Calif., Police Department, for example, issued a warning to residents about a rise in fuel theft that it attributed to the increase in fuel prices.

One report from Atlanta centered on a man who was caught running a garden hose from his house to a nearby car he didn’t own.

“It’s not a shock that illegal siphoning is rising with the sharp increase in the price at the pump,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, an independent website that monitors the fuel industry. “Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”

Ford’s capless full filler deters gas theft two different ways. With Easy Fuel, a spring-loaded flapper door is held closed by latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. This eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release, and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flapper door to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flapper door automatically is forced closed by the spring.

Easy Fuel has a unique mis-fueling inhibitor to reduce improper refueling and siphoning. The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a gasoline-powered vehicle, the latches will not release.

“Unless they understand how the mis-fueling inhibitor works and come prepared, many would-be fuel thieves are unsuccessful in siphoning fuel from Ford vehicles,” said Aitken.

Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is associated with the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system. The main purpose of the system is to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process. Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is an inlet check valve that is part of the on-board refueling vapor recovery system. While the valve is primarily designed to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process, it also can thwart siphoning effortrise in theft, bu theft, bu process. s because it closes automatically after the fueling process. It does so by detecting the pressure of liquid fuel as it passes. On many Ford vehicles, this valve will thwart the siphoning effort by thieves.

Still, Aitken said that despite the fact that technologies built into Ford vehicles may prevent siphoning, not all fuel thieves will be deterred.

“For another level of deterrence, a customer can purchase a locking cover,” Aitken said. The locking covers are available for purchase from Ford and Lincoln dealers.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34859

Chicago Ford Dealers

Ford Adds 17 Companies to List of Preferred Suppliers Selected for Long-Term Relationships

2011-06-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

New additions to Ford’s global Aligned Business Framework (ABF) bring total network to 102 companies
ABF list expanded to include service providers such as roadside assistance and contact centers

DEARBORN, Mich., June 14, 2011 – Ford Motor Company is expanding its preferred supplier network into new areas by adding 17 parts and service providers to the Aligned Business Framework (ABF).

The new ABF companies come from a variety of industries, including roadside assistance and contact center services, roof system manufacturers, and powertrain and interior component firms. With the latest additions, Ford now has 102 companies in its ABF network of suppliers chosen for close collaboration over the course of long-term relationships.

“Our ABF companies represent the backbone of Ford’s global supply network,” said Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing. “As we add new companies each year, we are building a core group of suppliers that are integral to carrying out the One Ford plan of profitable growth for all – including our suppliers.”

The ABF was launched in September 2005. Ford has built the network into a diverse group of suppliers that are playing a key role in its global sourcing plans, helping improve Ford quality and lower development and production costs.

As Ford brings more vehicles to market from global platforms, it is increasing the use of common parts and suppliers. For example, 80 percent of the parts on the new Ford Focus are common around the world, while 75 percent of the suppliers are the same wherever the car is built. ABF is also paying off for suppliers. Last year, 55 percent of Ford’s production sourcing came from ABF companies, up from 49 percent in 2009 and 34 percent in 2006.

ABF companies enter into long-term relationships with Ford to strengthen collaboration and drive mutual profitability and technology development. Ford’s commitments to ABF companies include long-term sourcing, improved parts commonality and more information sharing of product and manufacturing plans, as well as forecasts. Supplier commitments include increased financial data transparency, commitment to minority- and women-owned enterprises and bringing leading-edge technology innovations to Ford.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34782

Location, Location, Location: Ford Identifies Optimal Location for Electric Vehicle Charge Ports

2011-05-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ford engineers researched several locations for the Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi charge ports to ensure the port was in the best possible place for customer use
The team used market research studies to identify consumer expectations about how owners would charge the vehicle
The front and rear of the vehicle were determined as unsuitable locations for the charge port because they are areas with high risk of damage in small crashes
Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013

Dearborn, Mich., May 27, 2011 – When owners of the Ford Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid charge up their cars, they’ll find a natural, instinctive fit. That’s not by chance – it’s by design, and it’s because Ford engineers did their homework in ensuring customers had the perfect place to “fuel” up.

“After benchmarking multiple competitive vehicles, we found there wasn’t much consistency in charge port location,” said Susan Curry, Ford Electrified Vehicle Technology Integration supervisor. “We wanted to give customers a location that made the most sense for them and would seem as simple as filling up at the gas station.”

Finding the best charge port location may seem inconsequential. However, an electric vehicle owner is likely to plug in or disconnect his or her car four times a day, or nearly 1,500 times a year. This is compared to the once a week or 52 times a year frequency of filling up a gas tank. The higher frequency of interaction the charge port entails played a role in Ford wanting to make sure the location was just right.

The team used market research to find out how customers expected to charge up. The research showed most customers would charge their vehicle at home, which was helpful in determining the best place for the port. Feedback also indicated the location should be kept out of areas with high risk of damage in the event of small crashes. This was a driving factor in the choice of the side of the vehicle rather than the front or rear.

To meet customer usage patterns, engineers considered the driver side, the passenger side and the front and rear of the vehicle. Placement in the front could have created problems with customers having to bend down to plug in or out, snow packing, dead insects or debris, and potential damage from car accidents. The rear of the vehicle would have invited the same issue, with damage from fender benders, as well as less accessibility when trying to connect to a charging station.

“The left front fender location keeps the charge port in sight, before the customer enters or exits the car, for an easy reminder to unplug or recharge,” said Mary Smith, Ford Electrified Vehicle Technology Integration supervisor. “It creates an intuitive placement for owners that also has aesthetic appeal.”

Style and function

Additional thought went into the port location from a style perspective to ensure it would provide that “wow” factor. Being positioned on the side of the vehicle delivers the best visibility, especially when lit to show the charge state, as opposed to being buried in the front with the grille and other style cues.
Other considerations included maximizing commonality with the entire Ford electrified vehicle portfolio, meeting the usage patterns of North American and European customers, and maximizing investment efficiency in terms of new tooled parts and magnitude of the investment.

The demonstration fleet of Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles also uses the driver side of the vehicle for the charge port. Engineers received positive feedback from customers on that placement. And they would know best; the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid demo fleet has logged more than 400,000 miles.

The power of choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34698

2012 Ford Focus Electric Edges Closer To Production With New Microsite

2011-05-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Nissan Leaf and 2011 Chevrolet Volt had better watch out.

The Blue Oval’s contender in the zero-emissions segment, the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus Electric, is edging closer to production. This week it gained a new microsite on the official Ford website.

We already had a look at the car earlier this year at its official world debut at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, and again at a special presentation in New York, but now many of the upcoming car’s specs are open for Joe Public to ogle.

Visiting the site, we noticed immediately that Ford is keen to underscore the performance advantages that come with an all-electric drivetrain.

Highlighting the electric motor and its single-speed transmission, the site promotes the Focus’ acceleration and high torque, producing what it terms “no-compromise driving fun.”

We also get info on the car’s elusive miles per gallon equivalency (MPGe) rating, as well as Ford’s own electric-car app, charging information, and regenerative brake technology.

The new Focus Electric is scheduled to hit showrooms towards the end of the year.

For more information, check out the 2012 Ford Focus Electric on the page below.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1059789_2012-ford-focus-electric-edges-closer-to-production-with-new-microsite

Ford EcoBoost V-6 Gamble Paying off with F-150 Sales

2011-04-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Truck owners are notorious for their demand for engine power, especially torque. Thus, truck fans and the press were more than a little nervous when Ford announced it would be introducing its EcoBoost twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 engine for its F-150.

Well, the gamble seems to be paying off. The EcoBoost has so far represented 35 percent of F-150 sales in April, and Ford notes that incoming orders are tracking even higher at 40 percent.

Although the 3.5-liter V-6 is unusually small-displacement for the full-size truck segment, its output of 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque matches or surpasses most of its rivals’ top V-8 engine offerings. At the same time, the EcoBoost nearly matches the fuel economy of the 302-horsepower normally-aspirated 3.7 liter base V-6, which itself is representing a surprising chunk of 2011 F-150 sales.

Having proven itself, at least initially, in the bellwether F-150, Ford is aggressively rolling out other versions of the EcoBoost formula in four-cylinder configurations in its other passenger cars and SUVs, including the 2013 Taurus, which will offer the choice of either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder EcoBoost, depending on model. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder will be positioned as the fuel economy leader and is expected to get 31 miles per gallon on the highway, while the 365-horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 will remain as the high-performance engine in the flagship SHO model.

via Ford courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

AUTO SHOWS: First Look: 2013 Ford Taurus

2011-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

For those of us who've been around long enough to witness the entire history of the Ford Taurus brand, from its seminal mid-1980s debut as a modern American design icon; to its mid-1990s battle for sales supremacy with the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry; to its millennial malaise as its maker kicked it to the curb in favor of SUVs; to its recent renaissance at the hands of Ford's make-it-happen CEO, Alan Mulally, the 2011 New York Auto Show is a bit of a mind-blowing experience. Ford brought in dozens of members of the nation's automotive media corps and staged two consecutive nights of events at a huge venue in Chelsea, including a live performance of the rock group Train to showcase its alliance with Sony, all in the name of promoting the Taurus, a car that until recently was synonymous with "rental car" in the minds of many, many Americans.

Yes, indeed, Ford is serious about the Taurus. The current car was introduced only in August 2009, and here we are less than two years later, and Ford's entire New York Auto Show message is about the 2013 Taurus which is still an entire year away from showrooms, set to go on sale in spring 2012. The exteriors of both the base Taurus and the high-performance SHO models have been mildly redesigned, and the tweaked interiors will be offered with Ford's MyTouch touch-screen interface, but the most significant changes are on the powertrain and performance fronts. Both front- and all-wheel drive will continue to be offered.

• The Taurus will be newly available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost (turbocharged) engine making 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque and delivering "at least 31 mpg on the highway," promises Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice-president for product development. It will, like all Taurus engines, be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

High-MPG 2012 Ford Fiesta: More Style With New Customization Packs

2011-03-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

To keep interest in its 40 mpg capable Fiesta bubbling along into the 2012 model year, Ford is introducing a trio of new customization packs for both the exterior and cabin of the already stylish minicar. The new packs should prove popular as around 40 percent of buyers of the 2011 model have opted for at least one accessory.

So what’s available for the 2012 Ford Fiesta?

Starting with the new exterior package, Fiesta customers can now get a European Focus RS inspired look with side mirrors, headlight and grille surrounds, a license plate header and rear spoiler now finished in a custom black paint scheme.

The package also offers 16-inch polished alloy wheels along with improved performance when ordered with a manual transmission. The package delivers improved performance through a shorter final drive ratio of 4.25 versus the base model at 4.07.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1057291_high-mpg-2012-ford-fiesta-more-style-with-new-customization-packs

Full Harvest of Ford Greener Fuel Solutions for Commercial Customers Showcased at NTEA Work Truck Show

2011-03-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

Ford offers a more comprehensive alternative-fuel solution to commercial customers than any other manufacturer
By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels
By 2020, Ford is targeting a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Europe

INDIANAPOLIS, March 7, 2011 – Ford Motor Company’s ever-growing portfolio of fuel-efficient products extends to commercial customers, including those interested in alternative-fuel vehicles to “green” their fleets.

Visitors to the annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) show can see firsthand how Ford delivers the most comprehensive alternative-fuel solutions for commercial customers. The wide variety of vans and trucks with alternative-fuel capability is backed by support for customers looking to switch their vehicles from gasoline power to another fuel, such as compressed natural gas or propane. By 2012, half of all Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuel.

“No other manufacturer offers the range of vehicles and alternative-fuel solutions combined with comprehensive support,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Truck. “We’re bringing our commercial customers the solutions they need in this ever-competitive environment.”

As businesses seek to be more environmentally responsible in all facets of their operations, greening a vehicle fleet is often a natural first step that can have an immediate and positive impact. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

With the wide variety of requirements for commercial vehicles – such as application, payload and driving cycle – Ford has developed an expansive suite of vehicles and alternative-fuel choices.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34177

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – First Drive Review

2011-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

Jim Farley, Ford’s group VP of global marketing, didn’t have to fly to California for the debut of the Mustang Boss 302. No one told him to. “It’s just that I’ve been driving my own Mustang right through the last two Michigan winters thinking about this project,” he said. “From a business standpoint, the Boss 302 shouldn’t have happened. But it happened. My dream for the car was that it would make a lot of money for a guy street racing. It should be a car that winds up on YouTube doing something illegal. I’ve been waiting 20-plus years to launch a car like this.”

The decision to resurrect the Boss 302 was made in the darkest days of the recession. Is Ford brave or what? Especially since it’s so rare that offspring are able to match the feats of legendary forebears, as Charlie Sheen can attest.

To eke out of the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V-8 a bonus 32 horses, Ford created a new intake manifold with runners resembling velocity stacks. Different cylinder heads were deployed—stronger alloy and altered ports—with each head undergoing 2.5 hours of CNC massaging. The bearings are race-spec and the baffled pan holds 8.5 quarts of synthetic oil.

The result is 444 hp at 7500 rpm, a happy medium between the Mustang GT’s 412 hp and the Shelby GT500’s 550 hp. The Boss’s V-8—unlike the brutish Shelby’s—doesn’t so often overwhelm its chassis. In fact, what you first notice—and this is very BMW-ish—is that the Boss’s engine, driveline, and suspension draw virtually no attention to each others’ eccentricities. It lends the package a gratifying sense of unity that inspires confidence.

This V-8 is so vigorous and charismatic that it ought to be carved on Mount Rushmore. The engine revs nearly as quickly as you can flex your right foot, feeling as if it displaces maybe three liters. What’s more, despite all that cam, it idles as smooth as a Camry.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_ford_mustang_boss_302_-first_drive_review

SYNC with MyFord Touch Leads Four Technologies from Ford Named as Finalists for 2011 Edison Best New Product Awards

2011-02-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

Innovative Ford safety and connectivity technologies will be recognized at Edison Awards Gala on April 5 in New York
Ford’s industry-first MyFord Touch™, MyKey®, SYNC® AppLink™ and inflatable rear seat belts are each finalists
Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford, to be presented with prestigious Edison Achievement Award

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2011 – Four of Ford Motor Company’s innovative new technologies that have helped draw new customers have now been named finalists by the internationally known 2011 Edison Best New Product Awards™.

Ford’s MyFord Touch, MyKey, SYNC AppLink and rear inflatable seat belts – each an industry-first innovation – are finalists in three categories honored by the Edison Awards.

MyFord Touch and SYNC AppLink are finalists in the Transportation – In-Car Driving Aids Category. MyKey is a finalist in the Transportation – Remote Driving Aids category. The rear inflatable seat belt system is a finalist in the Applied Technology category.

The distinguished awards symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, inspiring America’s drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

“This year’s awards recognize a broad array of innovations including far-reaching products, services and technologies that impact daily life,” said Sarah Miller Caldicott, a great grandniece of Thomas Edison and Edison Awards Steering Committee chair.

“The awards applaud the forward-thinking innovations for which Thomas Edison remains internationally admired. It’s exciting to see companies like Ford continuing his legacy of challenging conventional thinking,” Caldicott said.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34032

2005 Ford Five Hundred

2011-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.billkayford.com 2005 Ford Five Hundred- you will love this Gold 2005 Ford Five Hundred, equipped with a 6 Cyl. engine and an automatic transmission with 76,253 miles. enjoy an impressive 27 miles to the gallon on this great car with features like Leather Upholstery, Keyless Entry, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Driver's Seat, and much more. Enjoy the drive and have peace of mind in this 2005 Ford Five Hundred. see us at Bill Kay Ford today!

miles- 76,253

Ford Chicago

REVIEWS: 2011 Ford Flex Titanium

2011-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Love this Flex Titanium and its white and black color scheme, especially the black F L E X letters on the leading edge of the hood and the blacked-out, three-bar horizontal grille. I don't even mind the twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels, and I'm not usually a fan of such wheels. The whole look: white bottom, black cap greenhouse, works well for me. I think it looks quite cool.
- Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

I had the Flex in the teeth of a recent blizzard, and it was a superstar. It has been so cold that the freeway was still treacherously slippery two days after the bulk of the snow dump. Four-wheel-drive (which, by the way, doesn't work any better on ice, all of you SUV idiots in the ditch) was great on the east/west side roads that had drifting snow. And can we wave a little happy flag once again for the Ecoboost V-6? Super.

By the way, a very hip early-20s girlfriend of mine ran out into the frigid night when she saw the Flex in front of the house. She came back in to rave about the interior, and especially about the cupholder that was glowing blue in the dark.
- Jean Jennings ...next page >>

Chicago Ford

FORD SPARKS CONVERSATION WITH MORE THAN 135,000 EXPLORER FANS ON LIVE FACEBOOK PAGE

2010-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Explorer Live is a Facebook program that engages Ford and prospective Explorer customers in one-on-one conversations using text, videos and images
Explorer fans can get near real-time answers to questions from Ford experts as well as view video responses from engineers and celebrities such as Bret Michaels and Snoop Dogg
Explorer Live continues the Ford Explorer Facebook engagement that began with the all-new SUV’s live Facebook reveal on July 26, 2010
Since Ford began the Facebook page last March, more than 135,000 fans have joined the page

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is sparking up a conversation with more than 135,000 Explorer fans on Facebook as a way to build one-on-one relationships with owners and prospective customers and get real-time feedback on Ford’s all-new SUV.

Called “Explorer Live”, the Facebook program was set up in response to the outstanding reaction to the live reveal of the Ford Explorer on Facebook on July 26. More than 75,000 people logged in on that day to see the new Explorer for the first time.

“Explorer Live is a program that allows us to get to the Holy Grail of marketing – direct, unfiltered dialogue with thousands of customers with real-time responses to their questions and to our answers,” said Matt VanDyke, director, Ford U.S. Marketing Communications. “The ability to interact with customers and get feedback from them about what they really want from their vehicle allows us to tailor our marketing outreach accordingly."

Customers have used the Facebook page to ask questions and share information and, as Eric Peterson, Ford Explorer Communications manager explains, this gave the team an idea.

Ford Explorer Dealers

2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD – Road Test

2010-12-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Out of the Woods: Can the Explorer, once the bestselling SUV in the U.S., find its way back to sales success?

At the end of the 1990s and into this millennium, the Ford Explorer was a giant profit center for the Ford Motor Company. The Explorer was the bestselling non-pickup truck in North America, finding 445,157 buyers in calendar year 2000. By comparison, the Camry, Toyota’s star, posted 422,961 sales.

That was before the Explorer went from hero to zero, courtesy of the Ford/Firestone tire debacle. For those with short memories, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) went on a blue-oval witch hunt in 2000 after Explorers started rolling over with monotonous regularity. Firestone Wilderness AT 15-inch tires would suffer tread separation if they were overloaded and inadequately inflated, especially in hot climates, and unskilled drivers would end up on their roofs. A Car and Driver experiment showed that even if the rubber went pop!, a competent driver could bring an Explorer to a halt without crashing, but by then the Explorer’s reputation was already blown like so many Firestone tires. Predictably, sales deflated, too. By 2005, Ford sold about half as many of the SUVs as it did in 2000. And in 2010, that number was down to about 55,000, 12 percent of what the company did a decade ago.

While Ford was busy watching Explorer sales slide during the Aughts, the segment’s center of gravity began to shift. It moved away from body-on-frame, pickup-based SUVs like the Explorer to car-based crossovers that offer less towing and off-road capability but better road manners, gas mileage, and comfort.

Finally recognizing this trend, the all-new 2011 Explorer shares it underpinnings with the Ford Flex and Taurus and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. (This platform has its roots in the first-gen Volvo S80, so it’s not exactly a spring chicken.) At 197.1 inches, the Explorer is 3.7 inches longer than the old vehicle and is 5.2 inches wider, at 78.9 inches. It’s also 159 pounds lighter than the V-8 Eddie Bauer Explorer we tested in 2006. Mind you, it’s still a porker, at 4900 pounds, or 212 pounds more than a Honda Pilot Touring 4WD. The bigger exterior translates to more head and shoulder room in the front two rows, as well as 21 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, up from 14. But the old vehicle had 84 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats compared with the new one’s 81.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_ford_explorer_limited_4wd-road_test

Ford Chicago

NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS CRASHED MORE THAN 12,000 TIMES IN VIRTUAL AND REAL WORLD TESTS

2010-12-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

Ford engineers expanded safety testing for the new 2012 Ford Focus, including more than 12,000 virtual and real-world crash tests globally, to prove out its new safety technologies
The new Focus features advanced restraint systems with innovative next-generation airbags that provide enhanced chest protection
Ford Focus also provides enhanced side crash protection through a specialized B-pillar reinforcement

Download video: Focus Crash Test

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 13, 2010 – Ford safety engineers in the U.S. and Germany crash tested the new 2012 Ford Focus more than 12,000 times in real and virtual worlds to prove out innovative new technologies designed to protect occupants in crashes.

The new Focus, which debuts around the world starting early next year, underwent an exhaustive testing regimen of occupant and full-vehicle computer simulations. Those simulations have become so realistic that the number of physical vehicle crash tests has been significantly reduced.

“Developing the Focus to meet the global safety standards has resulted in improved crash performance to help protect occupants in crashes,” said Matt Niesluchowski, Focus safety manager. “Ford’s safety team had a head start in working together around the world, which helped tremendously in ensuring the new Focus meets or exceeds a complex web of global safety regulations.”

Crashed by Ford to take the heat

The thousands of computer aided engineering (CAE) crashes and simulations allowed engineers to test hundreds of designs. The physical crash tests, conducted after a battery of virtual simulations, verify and validate the computer simulations to ensure every internal and external requirement is met.

“We are using more computer simulations than ever to optimize the designs of all the components that make up a vehicle to help enhance safety,” Niesluchowski said. “The complexity of crash tests, with hundreds of parts and systems interacting, still requires physical testing to validate those simulation results.”

Improved interior safety features

The Focus offers a suite of new safety innovations, which includes Ford’s next-generation driver-front airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes.

Ford’s innovative side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.

Focus also will be Ford’s first car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the air bag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of Ford’s advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.

The new passenger airbag is designed to enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This innovative system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33686

Chicago Ford

Details on 2012 Ford Mustang GT500, including Price

2010-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Ford has released information on the upcoming 2012 Ford Shelby GT500, which receives a few minor updates for the new model year.

The tweaks for the 2012 model year are few and far between. Sterling Grey Metallic is no longer available as an exterior paint color, and the driver's side sun visor has been revised to incorporate an integral garage door opener. Buyers can now also opt for leather-trimmed Recaro front buckets with accent stripes, which add an extra $1595 to the window sticker

Other than that, little -- including pricing -- has changed. Ford tells us 2012 GT500 coupes and convertibles start at $49,495 and $54,495, respectively (including destination), just as the 2011 models did. Navigation and automatic climate control appear to remain a $2340 bundle, while the glass roof feature can still be added for $1995. The aforementioned SVT Performance Package also returns for 2012, although its price jumps $500 to $3995.

Ford hasn't indicated just when the 2012 GT500 will arrive in showrooms, but seeing as dealers can now take customer orders, we imagine the supercharged muscle machines should reach consumers shortly.

Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6734562/miscellaneous/details-on-2012-ford-mustang-gt500-including-price/index.html

Ford Mustang Dealers

Cars.com Shoppers Crown the Ford Mustang the Cars.com 2010 Shoppers’ Choice Winner

2010-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO – Cars.com, one of the nation’s leading resources for buying and selling a car, announced today that the Ford Mustang has been selected by the site’s users as the winner of its first annual Shoppers’ Choice Award. Finalists were selected based on key shopping indicators and owner feedback on Cars.com including leads to dealers, vehicle searches on the site and volume and quality of consumer vehicle reviews collected on Cars.com. Additionally, thousands of consumer votes via the Cars.com’s Facebook page were tallied, and the Ford Mustang rose above the other contenders as the Shoppers’ Choice Award winner.

“The Mustang is -- and has always been -- an iconic car with a loyal following,” said Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen. “Over the years it has remained a high-quality, fun car to own, and it’s no surprise it won. Ford should be proud of this win because it’s a direct recommendation from Mustang owners.”

The 10 finalists for the Shoppers’ Choice Award were (in alphabetical order):

Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Ford Expedition
Ford Fusion
Ford Mustang
Mazda6
Nissan Murano
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Prius

“Being a finalist is a huge accomplishment,” Olsen added. “Not only are these cars noteworthy in the minds of Cars.com’s shoppers, they also had to meet the highest standards when it came to feedback from our consumer reviewers. Only the cars with the highest ratings on our site were in contention for this award.”

Finalists were selected based on shopping behavior from September 2009 through August 2010. Consumer voting started Oct. 15 and continued through Nov. 15 via the Cars.com’s Facebook page. The winning vehicle was announced today at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33593

Ford Mustang

BlogCatalog

WOULD YOU GO ELECTRIC? NEW FORD WEB SITE GIVES CONSUMERS THE ABC’S OF ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE

2010-10-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

New Ford Web site, http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/, offers video, text and diagrams to help consumers understand differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles

Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall sustainability strategy designed to deliver affordable fuel economy options for consumers

Over the next two years, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric, a small commercial van (2010), the Ford Focus Electric passenger car (2011), two next generation lithium ion battery powered hybrids (2012) and a plug-in hybrid (2012).

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2010 – What’s the difference between a BEV and a PHEV? Or why is an HEV considered an electrified vehicle? As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work. To help provide jargon-free answers to electric vehicle questions, Ford has launched a new web site, http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/. The site offers the basic information consumers need to understand electrified vehicle and technology choices.

The site is part of Ford’s efforts to educate consumers about the range of electrified vehicles and help potential buyers determine which electrified option might best suit their specific driving habits and needs. Consumers who visit the site will be able to review videos, text and cutaway diagrams that illustrate the differences between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery electric vehicles like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Focus Electric and planned Ford plug-in vehicles.

The site does not offer opinions on which vehicle technology is better. Rather, it provides clear explanations about how gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles work to help consumers decide which vehicle could be the best option for them.

Electrification is one aspect of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy that includes a range of fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel technologies designed to offer consumers a portfolio of vehicle choices.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33487

FORD LAUNCHES MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT FULL-SIZE PICKUP: 23 MPG HIGHWAY WITH NEW 3.7-LITER ENGINE IN 2011 F-150

2010-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

The new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 Ford F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
The new 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
No other manufacturer offers better fuel economy in the respective segments

Click here to watch the live webcast of the announcement of the F-150's fuel economy leadership.
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is launching the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer – the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 F-150. It is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

“The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers – best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes.”

The new 3.7-liter V6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration. The new 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.

“Seventy percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they’d like improved most in their truck,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The 2011 Ford F-150 does exactly that with best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit their different needs.”

The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ truck engine. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011. Trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.

Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard.

This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33377

Ford Illinois

ALL-NEW MUSTANG BOSS 302 TAKES CENTER STAGE AT ANNUAL WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE

2010-09-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

New 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will make its Motor City debut as part of Ford display at the Woodward Dream Cruise. Mustang Alley also will honor the pony car’s heritage with more than 500 Mustangs lining the street at the event, to be held Aug. 19-21

On Saturday, Mustang Garage will give visitors the opportunity to add something special to their own cars. Owners of late-model Mustangs can personalize their cars by purchasing specially priced Ford Racing Performance Parts on-site then having them installed right before their eyes

Current Ford products, like the F-150 SVT Raptor, Shelby GT500, all-new Super Duty and Fiesta will also show their style at the Ford display in Ferndale, Mich.

Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 18, 2010 – The Boss 302 is back, and the Ford display at the Woodward Dream Cruise is the perfect place to check out Ford’s latest pony car, the recently unveiled 2012 Mustang Boss 302. The Boss 302, along with the track-ready Boss 302 Laguna Seca, will greet visitors to the Ford display in Ferndale, Mich.

Ford employees are also getting in on the fun, bringing an anticipated 10 original Boss Mustangs for display.

But that’s not the only Mustang eye-candy. Mustang Alley will showcase more than 500 Mustangs – one of the largest gatherings of Mustangs in the country. The Ford display, which extends more than a mile along 9 Mile Road, also includes the 2011 Mustang GT with the all-new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter engine.

“We’re celebrating our entire Mustang lineup with this display,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “We are letting enthusiasts get up close to learn about and experience our newest Mustangs and see the heritage of Mustangs at the same time.”

For visitors looking to take a piece of Mustang home, Mustang Boss 302 T-shirts will be given to fans. Ford also is selling Mustang Bears for $10, with all proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Additional Mustang and Ford merchandise also will be available for sale.

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33125

Illinois Ford

THE HATCH IS HOT: FORD FIESTA SALES SHOW TREND TOWARD FIVE-DOOR MODELS, PAVING WAY FOR FOCUS

2010-09-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

New 2011 Ford Fiesta hatchback sales are countering conventional wisdom about hatch popularity in the U.S. market; Ford also is preparing to launch its all-new Focus in both hatch and sedan bodystyles

When Focus goes on sale, Ford will be the only full-line auto manufacturer to offer its B- and C-segment small cars in both sedan and hatch bodystyles in the U.S. market

American buyers may be showing shift to the utility of hatch configurations seen in other countries; European hatch take rates approach 99 percent in C-segment vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 28, 2010 – The hot new Ford Fiesta is defying conventional wisdom about hatchback cars in the American marketplace.

Ford sales figures show more than 60 percent of early Fiesta sales have been five-door hatchback models – a take rate that is bucking the national hatchback trend of just 8.3 percent in the 2009 model year, according to Wardsauto.com, a leading industry trade publication that tracks bodystyle trends.

The numbers also bolster Ford’s decision to offer the all-new Focus, to be shown in Paris on Sept. 30, in both hatch and sedan variants in the U.S. market. The addition of Focus will make Ford the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer both sedan and hatchback versions of its B- and C-car lineup in America.

“American car buyers have grown accustomed to the convenience of hatch bodystyles after years of owning SUVs and crossovers,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “Combined with a generation of younger drivers who have been exposed via the Internet to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks.”

SMALL IS SAFE: FORD FIESTA EARNS 2010 TOP SAFETY PICK

2010-08-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Ford Fiesta has earned a 2010 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – it is the first mini-car to do so since the introduction of a new roof strength test
Fiesta’s energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment
Fiesta features the most standard airbags in the mini-car segment and standard stability control – a requirement for any Top Safety Pick vehicle
Ford has the most Top Safety Picks of any automaker

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 25, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010. The Fiesta is the eighth Ford Motor Company vehicle to earn the Institute's top designation – breaking a tie with Toyota for the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker.

Fiesta’s extensive use of high-strength steels, Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture® and advanced airbag technologies helped the car perform well in IIHS testing. Fiesta’s energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Plus, it features the most standard airbags in its segment, as well as standard electronic stability control – a must-have feature for Top Safety Pick eligibility.

“Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety, and earning a Top Safety Pick further demonstrates Ford’s commitment to providing all of our customers with world-class crash protection,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Fiesta combines rigidity and more airbags – smartly deployed – than its competition, as well as standard stability control.”

Read More: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33155

Ford Dealers

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 / Boss 302 Laguna Seca – Official Photos and Info

2010-08-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bringin’ Bossy back: Ford dusts off a vaunted nameplate and gets back to track-day business.

Bullitt. Cobra. Shelby. Mach 1. Ford’s charismatic Mustang has taken on many roles, many forms, and many names during its 46-year history, and the company’s modern marketing machine has pillaged pretty much all of them in the past decade. Boss, however, has stayed largely in the shadows, adorning a few track-only specials sold in extremely limited quantities.

The Boss Mustang is hitting the streets once again in the form of the track-oriented Boss 302 unveiled at the Rolex Historic Races at Laguna Seca. According to the company, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is the “quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford.” It pays homage to its track-star forebears by lightening and strengthening key components, juicing up the engine, and wrapping it all in the vintage color schemes that Boss Mustangs are known for still today.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/10q3/2012_ford_mustang_boss_302_boss_302_laguna_seca-official_photos_and_info

Ford Chicago

First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

2010-08-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact is the first fruit born of the automaker’s new One Ford strategy. The idea is to conserve resources and development costs by making every model uniform throughout the world. Ford has tried this sporadically over the last 40 years with only mixed success. The trick is finding a recipe that appeals equally in Beijing, Barcelona, and Boston.

The Fiesta was designed and developed by Ford of Europe as a home-grown Anglo-German product. The U.S. version, made in Mexico, retains its European-style sophistication in materials, workmanship, and driving dynamics, but can that perception of quality overcome the American market’s historic aversion to tiny cars?
We’re testing two Fiestas, a mid-trim sedan with an automatic transmission ($16,595) and a top-trim hatchback with a manual shift, which rang up at $17,795. The engine is a 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

The Fiesta brings refined road manners to a class not currently teaming with stars. Handling is agile, with quick and direct steering, and the ride is supple and controlled. Noise levels are relatively subdued--no mean feat for this class.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/08/first-drive-2011-ford-fiesta-.html

Chicago Ford

Ford Flex: Thoughts from inside the box

2010-08-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Ford Flex is one of those vehicles that everybody has an opinion about. Total strangers in the supermarket parking lot have no problem telling a Flex pilot just how ugly their car is, or how cool it is.
Nobody is on the fence. You either love it or you hate it.

At least it gets people talking.

I fall into the camp of those who like it, but the real beauty of the Flex is inside. There's a surprising amount of versatile space, with a huge second row and accommodating third row. Altogether, there's room for seven passengers in our Flex to travel in reasonable comfort. With fewer riders onboard, folding seats enable the Flex to swallow a whole lot of cargo—up to 47.5 cubic feet.
The Flex trumps the redesigned and much-ballyhooed 2011 Ford Explorer for interior usefulness, aided by four inches in length and right-angle shape. And while the Explorer will also accommodate seven, its more curvaceous styling brings some natural packaging compromises. Before rendering judgment, we'll purchase and test the new Explorer soon as it becomes available. But suffice to say, Flex is a prime hauler.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/08/ford-flex-thoughts-from-inside-the-box.html

Ford Dealers Chicago

2011 FORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON F-150 IS MOST POWERFUL, CAPABLE EDITION EVER OFFERED WITH 6.2-LITER ENGINE

2010-08-10T09:28:00.001-07:00

2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling line of trucks with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson
A new 6.2-liter V8 engine is now standard, making it the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever offered. The engine, which debuted earlier this year on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and maximum trailer tow capacity of 9,300 pounds
New standard content for 2011 includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System

STURGIS, S.D., Aug. 10, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines two rich traditions into an extraordinary package for customers who crave capability and long for the open road. With authentic styling, a new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology upgrades, it’s the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 yet.

“The new 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer. “Both companies have a passion for the road, which shines through in our specialized truck.”

Ford Chicago

MAJOR SUV FUEL ECONOMY GAINS, TECHNOLOGY, STYLE HIGHLIGHT REINVENTION OF FORD EXPLORER

2010-08-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ford reinvents the Explorer SUV with best-in-class fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and terrain management system – all wrapped in a modern, weight-saving design
Explorer raises the bar on safety with a class-leading array of airbags including industry-first inflatable rear seat belts, Trinity front impact structure, AdvanceTrac^® with RSC^®(Roll Stability Control^™) and Curve Control functionality
Explorer features MyFord Touch^™ driver connect technology and SYNC^® integrated communications and entertainment system to help keep a driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Explorer offers more technology than in-class competitors, rivaling content found in premium SUVs

2011 Ford Explorer Media Site

DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2010 – Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers’ expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

“The all-new Explorer will deliver today’s SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We’re proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SUV fuel economy and performance.”

The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Chicago Ford

2010 Ford Mustang

2010-06-17T14:53:00.001-07:00

2010 Ford Mustang
Internet Price:$23,857

Year: 2010
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Stock: P3917
Mileage: 23002
Engine Size: 6 Cyl.
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Blue
Vin: 1ZVBP8EN5A5107344

Ford Chicago

2009 Ford Flex Limited

2010-06-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

2009 Ford Flex Limited

WWW.BILLKAYFORD.COM 2009 Ford Flex Limited- At Bill Kay Ford, we know you are not just looking out for you. You need a vehicle for your entire family. Imagine driving this Black 2009 Ford Flex Limited, equipped with a 6 Cyl. engine and an automatic transmission with 26742 miles. Enjoy an impressive 22 miles to the gallon on this family SUV with features like Navigation System, Leather Upholstery, Keyless Entry, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, and much more. Enjoy the drive, feel safe, and have peace of mind in this 2009 Ford Flex Limited. See us at Bill Kay Ford today! Miles- 26742 VIN- 2FMEK63C79BA04160 Bill Kay Ford 14633 S Cicero Ave Midlothian, Illinois 60445 Phone WWW.BILLKAYFORD.COM

Chicago Ford