Ford News Blog

"Incredible" Labor Day Event

2010-09-01T14:34:00.002-05:00

Our incredible Labor Day Event is here, 0% APR PLUS $2000 Labor Day Cash on select vehicles. Limited time 1 week Only…Don’t miss out. To view special offers click here.

The Google Auto Buyers Index

2010-08-25T09:20:00.005-05:00

The Google Auto Buyers Index tracks queries related to "car, blue book, toyota, kelly book" and so forth. To see more details on the queries that make up this index, visit Google Insights for Search. You can compare the index with actual stocks, the Dow Jones, or Nasdaq by entering the respective tickers in the Compare box. The Index is part of Google Domestic Trends.

The Index is set to 1.0 on January 1, 2004 and is calculated and displayed below as a 7-day moving average. The index is currently calculated only for US search traffic.

Pictured above is a sample of the Google Auto Buyers Index regressed against the price of Ford (F) stock price. The distinctive upward "blip" in 2009 represents the period of the government "Cash for Clunkers" program.

First Look at the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang

2010-08-19T08:07:00.000-05:00

See More at theFordStory.com

Dawn of the New Key Fob

2010-08-10T12:30:00.001-05:00

Can you outrun a zombie? Fiesta can! *><*

The 2011 Ford Explorer

2010-07-26T08:04:00.003-05:00

'Your Ideas' to Ford -- thumbs up or down?

2010-07-23T14:41:00.002-05:00

When Ford launched the Your Ideas section on theFordStory.com in April of 2010, we suspected that quite a few of you had an idea for a future feature or technology that you would like to share with Ford. Boy, were we right – more than 2,800 ideas have been posted since then!

This section is about more than just posting an idea, though. It allows you to develop the idea with comments from others. Visitors can participate in a community-based setting online where they can review and rate the idea with a thumbs-up or -down.

The most popular category to date is Performance/Driving Dynamics, with Comfort/Convenience running a close second.

Ironman Community of Athletes

2010-07-02T12:13:00.002-05:00

Ford recently expanded its role with Ironman through the creation of the Ford Training Team, a new online community for athletes at www.fordtrainingteam.com. It’s a place where people training for Ironman or any type of endurance sport can share stories, photos and videos.

“Many endurance athletes like to join clubs where they can compare notes and compete with other athletes,” said Peters. “This Web site provides a forum for them to do just that. It also offers tips on conditioning, nutrition and videos from the pros, like Ironman athlete Chris Lieto.”

Ford is teaming up with other Ironman supporters to offer rewards to participating athletes, such as heart rate monitors and wet suits.

Ford enters sixth year as title sponsor of Ironman

Ford is in its sixth year as title sponsor of Ironman events, a series of seven Ironman qualifying events in the U.S., and the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The series also consists of five additional Ironman 70.3 races (formerly known as the Half-Ironman) in the U.S. and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla., of which Ford is the presenting sponsor. Each full-distance Ironman race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run competition.

Ford's New "Curve Control" Technology

2010-06-29T10:20:00.002-05:00

The 2011 Ford Explorer will be the first vehicle to feature Ford's new curve control enhancement to electronic stability control and we get a first hand demonstration

Quick. Is it a Ninja or something else?

2010-06-25T17:32:00.007-05:00

Ford Explorer Program Manager, Julie Levine describes how the all new Explorer is being put to the test in a series of different on and off-road tests designed to drive quality and fuel economy improvements. You'll have to look closely at the above video because the Explorer is disguised using Ninja garb.

Letting the Fiesta Unwrap Itself

2010-06-24T19:12:00.002-05:00

So far, nearly everything about the 2011 Ford Fiesta introduction in North America has been unique. Now Ford is also changing part of the dealer experience, letting the Fiesta unwrap itself. When 2011 Ford Fiesta owners pick up their new car, they’ll learn about it in a whole new way through the use of an interactive USB.

The experience has three key elements. It kicks off with a short video featuring Fiesta Movement agents that is viewed on a kiosk located on the showroom floor. Following the video, consumers can have their picture taken with their new ride, which is then uploaded to the Fiesta Community site.

Next, owner can plug the preloaded USB into the Fiesta. This lets the car unwrap itself, guiding the owner through the cool features in their new car with nineteen minutes of infotainment-type audio. Topics range from push button start to the sound-deadening windshield glass.

Once they get home, customers can plug the USB into their home computer to download a Fiesta Community app, which is a place they can continue to engage with Ford, their dealer and other Fiesta enthusiasts.

Features of the Fiesta Community app include:

Fiestapedia: Serves as an online wiki, where owners can get tips from other owners and contribute their own ideas, with more than fifteen categories to choose from.
Photoshop: Users can retrieve their photo taken when they received their car, and Photoshop in a background, with more than fifty to choose from. After the photo is completed, it can easily be shared through social media channels like Facebook.
Online Community: Connects owners through collaboration with Fiesta Faction, an existing enthusiast club.
Dealer Store: Ties owners in with their dealer, so they can check out their Facebook page or website, and keep up-to-date with events.
Podcasts: Offers a dozen podcasts with greater detail about the features on Fiesta, such as safety and SYNC.
Fiesta News: Provides updated news on the world of Fiesta
Ford Connections: Makes it easy to connect with Ford, through www.fordvehicles.com, www.syncmyride.com and www.flmowner.com.

The Fiesta Movement has taught Ford that consumers want to continue the dialogue with the Company and other Fiesta owners.

Follow the Fiesta

How Many Laps Will It Go? Guess right and you could win a 2011 Mustang!

2010-06-11T08:11:00.001-05:00

Pick the correct number of complete laps and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a 2011 Mustang V-6. Entrants also must register to receive the Fast News email newsletter from Ford Racing (at no charge) to be eligible to win.

Read about the details here.

2 Days to World Cup!

2010-06-09T17:27:00.001-05:00

More Apps for SYNC (Still No Extra Fees)

2010-05-27T09:45:00.001-05:00

More services without more fees. That’s what SYNC® is becoming known for. Now horoscopes, stock quotes, movie listings and access to airlines, rental cars and hotels are just a voice command away for customers driving Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with the SYNC app Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI). Customers did not have to purchase anything additional to get this whole new set of services. All that is needed is an active owner account on www.syncmyride.com.

Top Gear: Jeremy's Extreme Ford Fiesta road test

2010-04-26T15:26:00.001-05:00

Ford Makes Selecting the Correct Four-wheel-drive Mode Easy

2010-04-15T09:31:00.003-05:00

When the all-new Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle goes in to production later this year, it will offer an advanced terrain management system that takes the mystery out of four-wheel drive. They system will optimizing powertrain behavior for specific situations and road conditions and make it easy for the driver to choose the correct setting for the terrain.

Ford Explorer with intelligent 4WD and terrain management eliminates guesswork, using simple icons to help drivers choose the correct setting at the simple turn of a dial for the climate or surface situation they may be driving. The icons depict the various settings to best suit driving conditions.

Ford, Utilities In Talks On Electric-Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

2010-04-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

A Ford Motor Co. executive said the auto maker is in talks with utility companies throughout the country about ways to develop an infrastructure to support the use of electric-powered vehicles.

Ford aims to collaborate with electricity providers to form a foundation that will allow consumers to power their vehicles, Paul Mascarenas, Ford's vice president of engineering for global product development, said on the sidelines of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress meeting Tuesday in Detroit. He didn't disclose any formal partnership.

The comments underscore the intensifying pressure within the auto industry to attack the hurdles facing mass adoption of electric vehicles while the Obama administration continues to tighten emission standards.

The biggest challenges to electric-power adoption are cost, power infrastructure and battery development that will allow vehicles to travel farther on a single charge.

Source: Ford, Utilities In Talks On Electric-Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - WSJ.com

New Vehicle for Ford's Latin America Markets

2010-04-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, today announced a new ARS 1.000 billion (U.S. $250 million) investment in its operations here during a meeting with Argentina President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The investment, which will be made between 2010 and 2012, will be dedicated to the production of an all-new vehicle currently not in production in any part of the world. In addition, the new investment will fund quality upgrades and improvements at the Ford Pacheco Plant in Argentina, which will manufacture this new vehicle for Ford's Latin America markets.

"One of the key elements of our ONE Ford Plan is the development of new global vehicles, offering customers around the world best-in-class safety, quality, fuel efficiency, smart design and value," Mulally said. "Today's investment announcement about bringing a new global vehicle to our operations here speaks about Ford Argentina's important role in this plan."

Through its investments in Argentina and Brazil, Ford is demonstrating its high expectations on the opportunities and growth potential for the Mercosur Region. The ONE Ford Plan includes a long-term growth strategy for South America and calls for Ford Argentina to play a key role in supplying key products for the Latin American markets.

"Our plan is to deliver even more new products and technologies people really want and value in markets around the world – including Argentina," Mulally said. "Ford is celebrating its 97th year in Argentina this year, and we're committed to continue delivering great products for customers here and supporting the communities where we operate."

Source: Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Ford Wants to Hear Your Ideas

2010-04-13T09:05:00.002-05:00

Ever wish you could share an idea for a future technology or product feature with Ford? The company wants to hear from you!

Your Ideas is a new section on theFordStory.com that allows you to post your idea and develop it with comments from others. Visitors can participate in a community-based setting online where they can review and comment on each other’s ideas. People can also rate the idea with a thumbs up or down. You can track what people think about your suggestions. Ideas that receive the most thumbs up ratings from viewers will be elevated to a most-popular ideas list. Once your idea is refined to the level that you’re satisfied with, you can share it with Ford Motor Company by clicking on fordnewideas.com.

The first step is to create a profile and login by clicking here to go to the Your Ideas section. Once logged in, you’ll have your own dashboard where you can keep track of the ideas you’ve posted, read comments that others have written about your ideas and view the ratings on your ideas.

The ideas will be divided by topic to make it easy for us and for others to peruse them. The topic groups will cover the vehicle from bumper to bumper: Fuel economy, performance, comfort, vehicle connectivity, personalization and safety.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more.

The New Mustang, Muscle or Girlie Car?

2010-04-12T20:33:00.001-05:00

Ford plans to introduce three new four-cylinder advanced tech powertrains

2010-04-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

Stepping up to meet rising consumer demand for smaller and more fuel-efficient engines, Ford announced today it plans to introduce three new four-cylinder advanced technology powertrains in the next year.

The three new engines joining Ford’s portfolio include a 1.6-liter Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) Sigma I-4, a 2.0-liter direct-injection Ti-VCT Duratec® I-4 and a 2.0-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost™ I-4.

The new powertrains will be just some of the topics Ford will discuss at SAE World Congress, where it is serving as host company and will offer show attendees firsthand experiences behind the wheel of several of its new vehicles. The conference kicks off on Tuesday, April 13.

The nation’s premier automotive engineering conference will include expanded ride-and-drive sessions during the three-day gathering. Ford is offering up the most comprehensive lineup of products and powertrains for test drives. Included are:

Ford Taurus SHO, with the award-winning 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine
Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 North American Car of the Year
2011 Ford Mustang, featuring the all-new all-aluminum 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6
Ford Transit Connect commercial van with fuel-efficient 2.0-liter Duratec DOHC I-4

A test version of Ford Focus Electric, being presented by Magna International, Ford’s vehicle development supplier and 2010 SAE World Congress Tier 1 Strategic Partner

True Enthusiasts Use Performance Parts

2010-04-08T12:32:00.003-05:00

For true enthusiasts of Ford’s 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor – the first high-performance off-road truck – performance parts can help customize Raptor for a personal touch. Through Ford Racing Performance Parts, a variety of parts are available, including the top-selling halogen lights and light bar. Additionally, for those anxious to get their hands on the 6.2-liter F-150 SVT Raptor, the wait is over – as it is now available for sale at dealerships across the country. The excitement is showing up in tangible numbers – more than 7,000 orders for the SVT performance truck have been placed so far, with nearly 3,000 of those for the 6.2-liter version.

Source: Ford Motor Company's photostream on Flickr

Find more info on F-150 SVT Raptor Ford Racing Performance Parts here.

Ford teams with Microsoft to boost electric-car prospects

2010-03-31T12:09:00.001-05:00

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Ford Motor Co. and Microsoft Corp. announced Wednesday that they are teaming again; this time in an effort to make widespread adoption of the electric car a reality.

Ford said it plans to use Microsoft's Hohm electric-car charging optimization service to help drivers determine the ideal time to charge their vehicles and how to best minimize impact on the grid.

Ford points out that powering up electric vehicles can effectively double home energy consumption and managing the expected spike in demand is critical

All New 2011 Explorer (from Concept to Production)

2010-03-29T15:32:00.003-05:00

See the all new 2011 Ford Explorer here!

Drive One 4 UR School

2010-03-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

The Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise money to support their sports and extracurricular activities. Read More

Google Auto Buyers Index

2010-03-11T15:12:00.001-05:00

Google Domestic Trends track Google search traffic across specific sectors of the economy. Changes in the search volume of a given sector on google.com may provide unique economic insight. You can access individual trend indexes by clicking on the left-hand navigation. The indexes are currently calculated only for US search traffic.

Google Auto Buyers Index

User searches related to car buying increased dramatically with the launch of the US Government's Cash for Clunkers program. We see that the Auto Buyers Index jumped to 1.4 at the end of July 2009.