The Alternator Blog

Ford Flex flatlines, New minivan to fill void

2012-09-24T13:16:00.001-07:00

If at first you don't succeed, try again. If again you don't succeed, rethink what you're trying to do.

Sources inside the glass house indicate that a planned next generation version of the Flex fullsize crossover has been scrapped, and the concept will die at the end of the current, refreshed for 2013, lifecycle.

To fill that slot in the lineup, Ford brass are now planning on reviving a model they've never quite nailed: The Minivan.

The new family hauler is thought to be an all new globally developed, next-generation Galaxy, Ford's current European minivan.

The new Galaxy will likely be a Taurus platform mate, with both set to ride on a lengthened CD4 platform.

Sources indicate the new Galaxy could be ready to launch in the 2015-16 timeframe, just in time for Ford's next big product blitz.

Just The Facts: April 2012 Car Sales

2012-05-01T11:36:00.004-07:00

April, 2012 sales results, with YTD sales in parenthesis.

B SegmentKia Soul: 10,716 (43,290)
Nissa Versa: 8,335 (43,530)
Chevrolet Sonic: 6,387 (28,250)
Hyundai Accent: 6,160 (24,644)
Ford Fiesta: 5,135 (20,657)
Toyota Yaris:4,274 (14,443)
Kia Rio: 4,006 (14,709)
Fiat 500: 3,849 (12,699)
Honda Fit: 3,202 (15,827)
Scion xB: 1,617 (6,482)
Scion iQ: 962 (3,485)
Scion xD: 916 (3,466)
Chevrolet Aveo: 6 (48)
Continued after the jump

C Segment
Toyota Corolla: 24,804 (93,232)
Honda Civic: 24,423 (101,592)
Ford Focus: 19,425 (85,468)
Chevrolet Cruze: 18,205 (75,288)
Hyundai Elantra: 16,836 (61,237)
VW Jetta: 15,658 (54,424)
Nissan Sentra:7,410 (39,173)
Kia Forte: 7,053 (25,557)
Buick Verano: 2,989 (7,969)
Scion tC: 2,008 (7,241)
Dodge Caliber: 1,408 (6646)

C/D Segment:
Toyota Camry:36,820 (142,225)
Honda Accord:35,385 (96,517)
Chevrolet Malibu: 21,906 (80,456)
Ford Fusion: 21,610 (85,559)
Hyundai Sonata: 20,521 (75,716)
Nissan Altima:16,239 (112,599)
Chrysler 200: 13,343 (44,981)
Dodge Avenger: 11,147 (32,776)
Kia Optima: 11,021 (43,401)
VW Passat: 10,096 (34,635)
Buick Regal: 2,852 (9,952)

D Segment
Chevrolet Impala: 14,965 (65,342)
Dodge Charger: 7,991 (30,496)
Chrysler 300: 7,763 (27,729)
Ford Taurus: 6,664 (21,535)
Buick LaCrosse: 4,545 (18,023)
Hyundai Genesis: 3,542 (11,780)
Nissan Maxima:3,444 (20,934)
Toyota Avalon: 2,881 (12,924)
Hyundai Azera: 953 (1,112)

Pony Cars
Chevrolet Camaro: 9,627 (31,551)
Ford Mustang:7,801 (27,934)
Dodge Challenger:4,102 (14,626)

Touch-y Subject: Banishing Buttons Brings Backlash, Bragging Rights

2012-04-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

BMW iDrive controller

In the beginning...

Since BMW's much maligned iDrive system way back in 2001, interior designers and engineers have been trying to evolve the dashboard beyond the simple rows of buttons, switches, and dials we're accustomed to. While iDrive's mission was noble, its execution was deplorable. The system was novel, and a great "gee whiz" feature to one-up your neighbor with, but from a usability point of view it was a step backwards. Auto rags derided it, enthusiast forums roasted it, but the competitors slowly started developing their own versions. Bad execution does not a bad concept make.

Those nutty Bavarians, not willing to surrender and retreat, continued to evolve iDrive into the much more user-friendly iteration we have today. Lexus (Enform) and Mercedes (mbrace) both have iDrive-esque systems on the orderforms now, but iDrive's early introduction, despite being far from fully-baked, helped BMW establish themselves as a leader in new luxury technologies.

2008 Ford Focus with SYNC

Getting SYNC'd, Moving Forward

Fast forward to 2007, and Ford is making hay with the successful launch of their SYNC system on the new-for-2008 Escape utility and Focus car. While SYNC's purpose was different from the all-encompassing mission of iDrive, it bundled several already available features into one streamlined, refined, and easily marketed system. By combining Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio integration, and a good voice recognition system all wrapped up in a big bow of branding, they, like BMW previously, established themselves as a leader in the in-car technology field.

As a $295 standalone option, SYNC was a commercial success. The software-based system was quickly spread across the Ford and Lincoln range, and work on a 2nd generation system went into overdrive. For the next gen setup, Ford sought to further distance themselves from the competition with a drastic move: Moving dozens of in-car controls into a virtual dash via a large, centralized touchscreen.

When the updated 2011 models of Ford's Edge and Lincoln's MKX debuted, the button-free interior was quickly the talk of the industry. Billed as MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch), the new system worked in conjunction with SYNC to control Entertainment, Navigation, HVAC and comfort, and other interior attributes via voice, touchscreen, or a few touch-sensitive "buttons" on the center stack. The design was sleek, the implementation was groundbreaking, and initial response was positive.

It didn't take long, however, for problems to surface. Hard resets, loss of Bluetooth connection, or dreaded black screens of death were reported by owners and reviewers alike. The 2012 Focus and Explorer launched with the system largely as it was, with only a string of small software patches to correct some of the issues. While the system was groundbreaking, it was also apparently halfbaked.

2011 Ford Edge with MyFord Touch

Ford Calls a Mulligan

Not long after the ball dropped to welcome 2012, a completely reworked version of the software was shipped to all owners via a USB drive. Vehicles also began leaving the factory with the new setup installed, and while still not perfect, the new system largely addressed the complaints in both usability and reliability. Fonts and iconography have been refined, layout has been streamlined, and the overall user experience is dramatically improved.

There are still complaints to be found if you poke around online forums, but hey, it's the internet: You could also find complaints if Ford elected to give out puppies and snocones just for a testdrive.

Cadillac's 2013 CUE system

Blazing Trails Can Be Worth The Burn

Should Ford have released the 2010 version of MyFord Touch? In hindsight, maybe not. The hit they took in quality studies, consumer magazines, and auto rags did attach a stigma to the system. However, looking at the market today, Ford's early release placed them ahead of the pack and forcing others to play catch-up. GM and Toyota are just now launching their versions, and only Chrysler's uConnect comes close to the Ford system in terms of scope and operation.

It's also key to remember that the first to the party picks the best seat. With Ford's implementation of the logical "four corners" layout (each corner of the screen denotes one of the system's four core functions) combined with color coding each function, they've forced their competitors to either develop something entirely new (a risk with a technology still foreign to drivers), or copying Ford's layout (a risk both legally and perceptionally). GM's system, which comes with different names and graphics for their four different brands, has taken a smartphone-like approach, using rows of equally sized icons to represent different functions.

While they may have taken a black eye initially with a not-ready-for-primetime product, that injury has healed and the suffering was worth it: Ford (and, by extension, Lincoln) has maintained the position they gained back with the first showing of SYNC.

Family Fuel: Midsize Cars, Compact Efficiency

2012-04-11T15:38:00.001-07:00

The midsize sedan segment used to be chock full o' mediocrity.

The Camrys and Accords piloted by suburban families were moderately stylish, moderately affordable, and moderately efficient. While the segment's mainstays made a name for themselves with sterling quality and ease of ownership, the benchmark for the ubiquitous family sedan was a faint beige stripe on an off-beige wall.

New players and new attitudes injected some much-needed zest into the segment over the last 10 years, but never before has this race been so rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive. 2012 is quickly shaping up to be "the year of the car", and with gas prices lingering just below the $4 mark, just about every automaker is introducing a fuel sipping midsizer.

2013 Ford Fusion

Ford's Fusion has quickly made a name for itself in this segment since its introduction as a 2006 model. On the heels of a successful 2010 enhancement which saw the addition of a 40-mpg Hybrid variant, the 2013 model is all new and looks to shake things up. The standard Fusion will come with a choice of 3 powerplants: The base engine will be a 2.5L 4 cylinder making 170hp, a fuelmiser "EcoBoost" twin-turbo 1.6L 4-cylinder will be optional with 179hp and making 26/37MPG, and a larger "EcoBoost" twin-turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder will top the range with 237hp and achieving 23/33MPG.

In the way of non-conventional powerplants, the Fusion offers two more choices: Fusion Hybrid returns to the lineup with a smaller, 2.0L engine making 185 horsepower and 44/47mpg, and Fusion Energi plug-in electric hybrid which is rated at 100MPGe.

Noticeably absent is a V6 engine option, but I don't expect many customers to notice. 2013 Fusion goes into production this August.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2008 Malibu made the midsize Chevy a serious contender in the class, but a lack of updating (and decontenting, in come cases) have left it near the bottom when compared to other brand's newer entries. The 2013 version, vaguely familiar yet new, is already in production and on sale, though only in "Eco" mode. The 2013 Malibu Eco, featuring GM's "eAssist" BAS mild hybrid technology, is currently selling alongside the 2012 model until production of other 2013 trim levels ramps up later this year.

The Eco model combines GM's 2.4L Ecotec engine and a 15kW motor and Lithium-Ion battery, delivering 187hp and 25/37MPG. Later this year, a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine and turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder will come online. Figures for the 2.5L haven't been released yet, but the turbocharged 2.0L has been rated at 259 horsepower. Mileage figures are still unavailable.

2013 Nissan Altima

Nissan shocked just about everybody when they pulled the wraps off the newest version of their hot-selling Altima last week, debuting a car that was lighter, more efficient, and more affordable. The new Altima, which goes into production later this year, hits the market with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to an updated version of the much maligned Continuously Variable Transmission with a class-leading 38MPG. A 3.5L V6 engine, carried over from the 2012 model, will also be available. Nissan says the Altima will start at $21,500, plus a $760 destination charge.

The Rest of the Pack:

Toyota's venerable Camry just received a thorough refresh for 2012, gaining new exterior syling, an all-new interior, and some powertrain changes. The 2.5L 4-cylinder carried over from 2011 mostly unchanged, though fuel economy has been bumped to an estimated 25/35MPG. The 3.5L 268hp V6 carries over as well, returning 21/30MPG. The Hybrid model got the most attention, with an updated drivetrain presenting 200hp combined and 43/39MPG.

Hyundai's Sonata and Kia's Optima, both new-for-2011 model, soldier on with strong sales and a 200hp, 35/40MPG powertrain.

The Chrysler 200 / Dodge Avenger duo also continue on with only minor changes since their 2011 freshening (and, in the case of 200, renaming), returning 20/31MPG in their most fuel efficient guise.

The Bottom Line:We're in the midst in a "gas war" of sorts, and as consumers, we stand to gain the most. These new midsize sedans are packing gobs of style and technology into packages that deliver compact or subcompact-like fuel efficiency. If you're in the market for a family sedan later this year, you're in luck. There's never been better choices out there.

Welcome Home

2012-04-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

We've packed up the UHaul and moved to a new web address: thealternatorblog.blogspot.com. Archives from the old blog can still be found at Auto News and Commentary.

We're trying to make some improvements to make our content easier to access and interact with.