The Orange Peel

SYNC Accelerates into 2013 as Standard Equipment on New Ford Fusion and Flex

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Ford SYNC MyFord Touch

2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC^® as standard equipment on all trim levels

Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles

Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC^®, which is available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in NorthAmerica. That population is set to grow even more for 2013 as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment.

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has been recognized as the industry-leading system for connecting mobile phones and media players and enabling hands-free use through a simple and reliable voice-control system.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch^® interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth^®.

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use SYNC Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

In the event of an accident, SYNC 911 Assist^™ can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

Upgradeability

Fusion and Flex drivers aren’t limited to the SYNC functionality that was built in when they bought the car. As new features are added to SYNC, owners can visit SYNCMyRide.com to download free updates to a USB flash drive that can be loaded into the car.

Drivers today spend more time on the road than ever before, and Ford recognizes the need to stay safe and connected. The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex will lead the way to a projected 9 million more SYNC-powered vehicles over the next three years.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About Orange Motors – Ford & Mazda Dealer in Albany NY
We have been proudly serving the Capital Region in Albany for over 90 years. We take pride in providing a great selection of New Ford and Mazda Cars, Truck & SUV's as well as a selection of over 150 great quality Pre-Owned vehicles. We feature a start to finish ownership process here at Orange catering to all your vehicle needs for the life of your ownership. Our service department is nothing less than top notch. We feature more service bays and Master Certified Ford and Mazda Technicians than any other dealer in the region. For you this means fast, quality service and we do it right the first time! Please visit www.orangemotors.com

New Escape All-Wheel-Drive System Thinks Faster and Improves Handling, Giving Drivers More Control

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:00 +0000

During snowy and/or wet conditions that cause wheels to slip, the intelligent “torque on demand” all-wheel-drive system on the all-new Ford Escape can send up to 100 percent of the vehicle’s power to the front or rear wheels to better grip the road
The Ford-developed software behind the all-new Escape with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, providing a precise blend of handling and traction
The all-wheel-drive system seeks to correct understeer and oversteer more quickly and improves traction and handling
The system provides appropriate front-to-rear torque at all times

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 7, 2012 – As winter rain, ice and snow slows travel across the country, the all-new Ford Escape’s all-wheel-drive system offers drivers a little extra traction in slippery and snow-ridden conditions.

Advanced Ford-developed software behind the new Escape’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system pre-emptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction at all times.

If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is on pavement, the all-wheel-drive system can send all the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear, putting power where the driver needs it.

“This is a very robust system, tested and tuned around the world in many conditions,” said Joe Torres, senior engineer, all-wheel-drive system development.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions as well as excellent off-road traction.

Greater confidence when entering and driving through turns is enabled by the technologies Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control, which are available together for the first time in an SUV in the all-new Ford Escape.

The system always pre-emptively splits the torque produced by the powertrain between the front and rear axles. Splitting the torque offers several benefits to the driver. First, it transfers the power, which means when a driver corners hard, the vehicle will better follow the intended steering path. For example, if the vehicle is understeering – the tendency to go straight when cornering – the system will automatically split more torque to the rear wheels to help counteract that effect and provide more neutral steering.

Second, and new to this all-new SUV, are feedback sensors and software that calculate – based on the driver’s steering angle – where the driver wants to go versus where the vehicle is heading, and make the appropriate split.

An advanced computer uses all the inputs from an array of sensors and data – such as lateral acceleration, driver-demanded torque and steering angle – and processes that information to get the vehicle to turn in the direction the driver wants it to go. The Ford system builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

All of these adjustments, corrections and calculations are made every 16 milliseconds, which is about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

Both the brains (the control software) and the brawn (the rear axle) were developed in-house by Ford.

The driver can see the power distribution displayed on a screen inside the dash.

The system faced rigorous testing from the mountains of New Zealand to the California desert. Testing included snowy conditions, long mountain passes, extended hill climbs and high-temperature, off-road environments.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

MAZDA ANNOUNCES PRICING OF ALL-NEW 2013 CX-5 COMPACT CROSSOVER SUV

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

2013 Mazda CX-5

All-New Mazda is First to Feature Full Suite of SKYACTIV®[1] Technologies
and Offers Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

IRVINE, Calif. (February 6, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing of its all-new 2013 CX-5 five-passenger compact crossover SUV, the first vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully encompass SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, the brand's all-new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engineering philosophy. Through these efforts, CX-5 achieves the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America at 35 miles per gallon (mpg) and offers the best overall fuel economy of any non-hybrid compact crossover SUV at 29 mpg combined.

"The 2013 CX-5 is a look to the future of the Mazda brand," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Our achievements in Research & Development have led to breakthrough engineering with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It shows not only in the CX-5's impressive fuel economy but also with its dynamic handling and performance, which only Mazda can bring to the compact crossover SUV segment."

The 2013 CX-5 Sport starts at a competitive $20,695[2] MSRP, which is well below the segment's sale leaders. Paired with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level Sport trim is equipped with high-level standard amenities such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as stylish exterior cues in body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna.

The comfortably-appointed cabin offers plush Black or Sand Beige cloth seat upholstery (both with seatback pockets), push-button start, power windows with driver's side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports - all standard.

CX-5 Sport models equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission start at $22,095 MSRP. When equipped with Mazda's all-new active torque-split all-wheel-drive (AWD) system (6AT models only), the starting price is $23,345 MSRP. A Bluetooth® Audio Package is available for an additional $400 MSRP and includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch in-dash color information touch-screen monitor and HD Radio^TM Technology.

Moving up to the Touring model, the Bluetooth® Audio Package for Sport models becomes standard as are fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera (viewable via the 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor), an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth® and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive becomes standard on Touring models, which start at $23,895 MSRP with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and $25,145 MSRP when equipped with AWD.

Available package options for CX-5 Touring are the Moonroof/Bose® and Technology packages. The Moonroof/Bose® Package ($1,130 MSRP) adds a moonroof and a 225-watt Bose® Centerpoint® nine-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, which features advanced lightweight materials and components yet offers sound clarity and performance similar to larger sound systems. The Technology Package ($1,185 MSRP) adds an in-dash TomTom technology-based navigation system, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink®, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers and an anti-theft alarm. Sirius Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription is a stand-alone option ($525 MSRP) for Touring models.

For those with a sweet tooth for more decadent luxury items is the CX-5 Grand Touring. The 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels of the Sport and Touring models are swapped for 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/55R19 Toyo all-season tires. Other premium standard features include automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moonroof. Standard cabin amenities include leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System and Sirius Satellite radio. Available in either FWD or AWD configurations, the Grand Touring model starts at $27,045 and $28,295 MSRP, respectively.

A Technology Package, similar to the Touring model, also is available on the CX-5 Grand Touring. Priced at $1,325, options include an in-dash TomTom navigation system, bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

All 2013 CX-5 models are equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At 13:1, SKYACTIV-G features the world's highest compression ratio for a mass-produced car. By comparison, a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar has a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The SKYACTIV-G engine produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A $425 MSRP trailer hitch (with harness and cover) option also is available on all CX-5 models for consumers to fully utilize the vehicle's 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Never an option, safety is at the forefront of the CX-5's SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis to ensure a vehicle structure as reinforced and quiet as it is rigid and impact-absorbing. The chassis includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format to return a precise, predictable feel to give drivers and passengers the peace of mind of control and stability. The body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel for a lighter, stronger structure, and also utilizes 1,800MPa ultra-high tensile steel - a first for any production vehicle - in the front bumper.

Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain) with rollover protection, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, a collapsible steering column and fold-away brake pedal assembly, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is standard on Touring and Grand Touring models only.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit us online at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll is available by visiting The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

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[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

[2] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

Ford to Triple EcoBoost Vehicle Production Capacity in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Ford EcoBoost vehicle badge

Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost™ engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles. Expanded availability in high-volume nameplates helps make fuel economy more affordable for hundreds of thousands of drivers

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection to bring customers the power they want and the fuel economy they need

EcoBoost engines are a key element of the power of choice Ford offers buyers seeking fuel-efficient solutions. From EcoBoost to hybrids and from plug-in hybrids to full electric vehicles, this year Ford will offer nine vehicles reaching an anticipated 40 mpg or more

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 26, 2012 – Now that record sales of 127,683 EcoBoost^™-equipped vehicles in 2011 are on the books, Ford aims to more than triple production capacity of cars, utilities and trucks using this fuel-efficient technology in 2012.

Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year withthe fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.

These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.

The power of choice

Ford’s top-selling F-150 pickup provides another example of how the company is meeting its promise to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy.

In 2010, all F-150 trucks sold featured a V8 engine. Just one year later, 56 percent of 2011 F-150 customers bought pickups with a fuel-saving V6, either the base 305-horsepower 3.7-liter or the award-winning 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost. These engines are EPA-certified at 23 mpg and 22 mpg highway, respectively, and deliver both leading fuel economy and capability.

Ford’s electrified vehicle portfolio expands this year with the introductions of the new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Focus Electric battery electric vehicle.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford Uses Kenaf Plant Inside Doors in the All-New Escape, Saving Weight and Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Kenaf, a tropical plant related to cotton and okra plants, is being used to replace oil-based materials in the doors of the all-new Ford Escape

Use of this eco-friendly material is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin annually in North America

Kenaf reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25 percent and improves fuel economy

Kenaf is also used in cosmetics and kenaf fiber is an alternative to wood to make paper and cardboard; its leaves are edible

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 26, 2012 – Drivers of the all-new Ford Escape may be surprised to find out there is a plant inside the door.

As part of its overall effort to make vehicles more sustainable, Ford is making the material inside the door – known as the bolster – in part from kenaf.

Kenaf is a tropical plant that looks similar to bamboo and is related to cotton. The plant replaces oil-based materials inside the doors of the all-new Ford Escape.

The use of kenaf is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin per year in North America; use of this eco-friendly material reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25 percent. Weight savings translate into fuel savings for drivers.

“Kenaf and the other renewable materials in the Escape have made the vehicle more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient,” said Laura Sinclair, materials engineer for Escape.

Kenaf oil is used in cosmetics and kenaf fiber is used as an alternative to wood in the production of paper. The upper leaves and shoots of the plant are edible.

The kenaf is combined with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture inside the door of the Escape. International Automotive Components (IAC) manufactures the door bolsters in Greencastle, Ind.

Kenaf part of a greener Escape

The new Escape, which will be available to customers this spring, features several eco-friendly components in addition to the kenaf inside the doors.

Materials that are recycled, renewable, and that reduce impact on the environment include soy foam in the seats and head restraints; plastic bottles and other post-consumer and post-industrial materials in the carpeting; climate control gaskets made from recycled tires; and more than 10 pounds of scrap cotton from the making of denim jeans.

Wide use of more environmentally friendly, recycled and recyclable materials complements the projected best-in-class fuel economy of the all-new Ford Escape, further boosting the vehicle’s environmentally responsible credentials. The new Escape meets the USCAR Vehicle Recycling Partnership goal that 85 percent of the vehicle is recyclable.

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About Ford Motor Company

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Ford Racing unveils 2013 Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup redesign at Charlotte Motor Speedway during NASCAR Media Tour.

2013 Sprint Cup car features full redesign by Ford designers to mirror 2013 Fusion production car and return brand identity to the track.

New Fusion race car will debut at Daytona 500 in February, 2013.

Reveal will be streamed live at www.fordracing.com and www.facebook.com/OfficialFordRacing.

CONCORD, N.C., Jan. 24, 2012 – Manufacturer brand identity is back in NASCAR.

The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, unveiled today as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour, was worked on by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport. The result is undeniable with the 2013 Sprint Cup car mirroring the recently unveiled 2013 Ford Fusion production car.

Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” stated Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”

This marks the third time Ford simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino. Legendary NASCAR driver David Pearson drove the Torino to back-to-back NASCAR championships in 1968 and 1969. The second time came in 2006, when the then newly introduced Ford Fusion appeared in showrooms and on the track.

Ford took a different approach with the development of the 2013 Fusion racer. Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.

“This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that,” continued Allison. “The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans.”

Ford designers, led by Nicoghosian, addressed three main issues to mirror the 2013 Sprint Cup Fusion to the 2013 production Fusion found on showroom floors.

Design Features of the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup Car

Designers addressed the overall proportion of the race car to reflect proportions found in the production Fusion.
Brand and design cues in the side of the vehicle.
An identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.

“It looks fun to drive and very much eager to go and tear up the track. It has a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside. From all angles the vehicle exudes performance and I think it reflects our general attitude of how we go about setting up our cars very, very nicely,” said Nicoghosian. “It brings a certain level of nimbleness and lightness and agility to the NASCAR platform, much like we do in our production cars, because all of our production cars have that nimbleness and agility and eagerness about them.”

The new NASCAR Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

All-New Ford Escape Gives Drivers Quieter Ride Thanks in Part to Mirror That ‘Sees’ Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:13:00 +0000

2013 Ford Escape In Testing Facility

Ford reduces wind noise in all-new Ford Escape by using an elliptical acoustic mirror to measure noise

This is the first use of this technology to test wind noise in a Ford sport utility vehicle

The mirror is like a satellite dish with a microphone placed a short distance from the Escape, traversing it lengthwise to collect sound

Acoustic mirrors were a precursor to radar, intended to detect airplanes

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2012 – When Ford engineers sought out innovative ways to reduce noise in the all-new Ford Escape, they looked in the mirror.

But these engineers did not look into any mirror; they focused their eyes on an elliptical acoustic mirror.

This high-tech device was used for the first time on Escape to reduce wind noise and deliver a quieter interior. The mirror resembles a satellite dish with a microphone. The mirror identifies “hot spots” where noise penetrates the interior of the vehicle, allowing drivers to listen to music or conversation inside the car instead of external noises.

This technology is deployed more commonly by European luxury vehicle manufacturers and is considered a breakthrough among U.S. manufacturers. The mirror measures noises on the surface of the vehicle and in the airflow.

Mirror reflects changes

The engineering team was able to make changes to the Escape shape, specifically the mirrors and A-pillar, while in the early clay model phase to test theories and validate expected results. Work was done in the Ford Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel in Germany.

“We previously didn’t have this tool available,” said Peter Kleesattel, interior quietness development engineer. “Essentially we were able to optimize the shape earlier. In noise and vibration, the basic idea is you have noise sources outside the vehicle and you have the path.

“The path could be through the glass, door or insulation. Now we’re able to optimize the shape early on, reduce the exterior source and create a quieter interior.”

The optimized shape means the new Escape is quieter than the outgoing vehicle, and preliminary data show it will be among the leaders in interior quietness. In particular, the tuning work on the A-pillar helps ensure better noise performance in crosswind situations.

Wind noise performance has been optimized through more than 160 hours of engineering. In a typical eight-hour block, more than 20 configurations can be tested, including glass, mirror sealing and door sealing.

“Using the elliptical acoustic mirror helped the team pinpoint the source of the noise,” said Bill Gulker, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) supervisor. “Previous technologies required more of a trial-and-error approach to finding the issue.”

The science behind acoustic mirrors dates back almost 100 years. The technology was a precursor to radar, used for “listening” for and detecting enemy aircraft along the coast of Great Britain during World War I.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Fusion Earns Autoweek’s Highest Honor: Named Best in Show at North American International Auto Show

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Fusion Award at NAIAS 2012

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2012 – Just days after being revealed to the world, the new Ford Fusion is already bringing home awards. The Autoweek editorial staff has chosen Fusion for its Best in Show award at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The selection is based on one compelling measurement – the car people will remember most five years from now.

“It’s very rare for a midsize sedan to win Best in Show,” said Autoweek Editor Wes Raynal. “I think it’s the first of a lot of awards the Fusion is going to win this year.”

To read the Autoweek story, click here.

The highest award from Autoweekcomes just one day after the car received the prestigious Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s EyesOn Design award at NAIAS.

Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford. It is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

“I’ve been with the company for 13 years,” said J Mays, Ford chief creative officer, “and I can truly say this is the best car ever to come out of the design and engineering center in Dearborn. We are delighted for the entire global design team, because this really was a global effort.”

Fusion is being revealed in North America in S, SE and the range-topping Titanium series, and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

Smart, sleek and fresh, the new Fusion is set to change how people think about midsize sedans, elevating the game with jaw-dropping fuel economy and the smart technology and refinement typically found in cars costing thousands more. From its groundbreaking design to its enhanced craftsmanship, Fusion is setting a higher standard.

The all-new Fusion will be on public display – along with other award-winning Ford vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 22.

The story behind the new Fusion

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring plenty of unique content including articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or blogs.

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About Ford Motor Company

2013 MAZDA CX-5 OFFERS BEST HIGHWAY FUEL MILEAGE OF ANY SUV SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:53:00 +0000

2013 Mazda CX-5

DETROIT (January 9, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced official fuel economy figures for the all-new 2013 CX-5 compact SUV, as rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with highway mileage of some models as high as 35 miles per gallon (mpg). As expected, Mazda's first vehicle fully engrained with SKYACTIV®^{^[1]} TECHNOLOGY, the brand's breakthrough engineering and manufacturing approach to its next generation of vehicles, offers unprecedented non-hybrid best-in-class fuel economy for all transmission and drivetrain configurations.

Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission are EPA rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined mpg. When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive models, which return an estimated fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

These figures apply for both Federal Tier2 Bin5 and California LEV II ULEV emissions standards. With a 14.8-gallon fuel tank in front-wheel-drive models (15.3 gallons in all-wheel-drive versions), the 2013 CX-5 has a driving range upwards of 500 miles.

All 2013 CX-5 compact SUVs are equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which features the world's highest compression ratio for a mass-produced vehicle at 13:1. This means SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is able to squeeze more energy out of every gallon of gasoline than conventional internal combustion engines. CX-5 also is the lightest compact SUV in its class, weighing in at a total curb weight of 3,208 pounds for entry models and up to 3,426 pounds for premium trim levels.

With its all-new 4-2-1 exhaust system, CX-5 delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; redline is reached at 6,500 rpm. With a choice of transmissions in either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an optional all-new all-wheel drive system, the 2013 CX-5 truly offers a little of everything for everyone.

Pricing will be available closer to the vehicle's launch in Spring 2012.

For more information on fuel economy and how estimates are determined, visit www.fueleconomy.gov, a joint website venture between the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

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SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

Ford’s Interactive Display at NAIAS Reaches New Heights – Literally

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Elevated Display at NAIAS 2012

Ford’s display at 2012 NAIAS features a 20-foot-tall elevator that takes show guests up into “the Cloud” for an immersive cinema experience that showcases the future of in-vehicle technology

First-ever Blue Oval Card program provides visitors with a personalized and shareable experience on the Ford show stand

The all-new Ford Fusion will be revealed at Ford’s press conference on Jan. 9 in Joe Louis Arena

VIDEO: An early look at the Ford Stand

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2011 – The Ford show display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show will give attendees a view from above of what may be in store for the future of in-car vehicle technology. The Ford Living Connected Experience demonstrates how trends will drive future customer in-car technology needs.

Ford’s Living Connected Experience will give visitors a peek of what might be in store for new vehicle technologies. Leading up to their visit to “the Cloud,” groups of 12 visitors are guided through five stations that explain how Ford technology is addressing future trends, including Changing Population Demographics, Emerging Technologies and Living Green. The group will then board a 20-foot-tall elevator that takes them into “the Cloud,” where visitors enjoy a 360-degree film showcasing the future of in-vehicle technology from Ford.

The interactivity on Ford’s 2012 show stand extends beyond the Living Connected Experience Through the use of augmented reality; visitors can drive with Motorsports star Ken Block, take a ride in a Mustang on the dyno, or use trivia to plan out their next great “Escape.”

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to come up with new and exciting ways to engage our visitors from the moment they step foot on the Ford show stand,” said Darrell Bryja, director of Global Auto Shows and Events. “Auto shows offer us valuable time with customers to inform them of Ford’s newest products and technologies.”

Statistics show this effort is paying off. Last year’s visitors to the show reported significantly higher Favorable Opinion, Consideration, and Purchase Intention than the general population for Ford. The Ford display continues to be a big draw for attendees overall. At last year’s show, 97 percent of the 735,000 overall auto show attendees visited the Ford display, and 88 percent of those rated the display as providing a positive impact on the brand.

The Ford display will feature the first-ever Blue Oval Card at this year’s show, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register online to receive a Blue Oval Card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand. Visitors can capture videos that play on the Ford stand, share an on-stand photo with their Facebook friends or even submit an opinion that will be displayed on the LED screens that appear on the stand.

“Being able to personalize an experience is becoming more important to people, and the Blue Oval Card allows just that on the Ford stand,” said Bryja. “We want our customers to walk away from the Ford stand with a lasting memory that will draw them into a Ford dealer’s showroom.”

The Blue Oval Card experience extends to the all-new Ford Fusion, which will be revealed at the Ford press conference, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, in Joe Louis Arena. This is the first time that Ford will hold its press conference in Joe Louis Arena due to the construction taking place at Cobo Arena, where Ford previously hosted its press conference.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:04:00 +0000

2013 Ford Fusion

New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost^™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology

Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

Soundbites: All-New Ford Fusion

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

For more information on the importance of the midsize car market, please follow this link: http://youtu.be/7C2ipp5A7gQ.

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost^™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

2013 Ford Fusion Energi

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC^®communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch^®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design

“The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans

Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet

Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter

Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability

New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

“The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer,” said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

“This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

Fusion will be produced at Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

The story behind the new Fusion

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Lane Keeping System Helps Fusion Drivers Stay Alert and Between the Lines

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Ford Fusion Lane Keep Screen

All-new Ford Fusion will offer available Lane Keeping System to alert and assist the driver when the car is drifting out of the lane

Windshield-mounted digital camera detects lane markers and the car’s position on the road

Electric power steering provides a vibration alert that simulates rumble strips to the driver through the wheel and assistance to stay between the lines

Persistent drifting consistent with a drowsy driver triggers chimes and warning lamp alerts to stop and rest

Fact Sheet: Lane Keeping Technology
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 30, 2011 – With many of us driving long distances to visit friends and family during the holiday season, drowsiness can easily creep up when behind the wheel. That’s why the all-new Ford Fusion will offer a Lane Keeping System (LKS) to help drivers stay between the lines.
The new Ford Fusion, which will debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, is the first mainstream midsize sedan in North America to offer this technology. Ford will roll out the Lane Keeping System to a wide range of its vehicles over the next several years. In addition to the new Fusion, the Ford Explorer also will offer the feature in 2012.
The Lane Keeping System uses a digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror, allowing the Fusion to watch the road ahead to detect an unintentional lane departure. The Ford Lane Keeping System has three levels of assistance available to the driver depending on what is happening: Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.
“Fusion’s Lane Keeping System combines a digital imaging sensor with our own state-of-the-art control software to process images and determine what level of warning or assistance to provide to the driver,” said Michael Kane, Ford development engineer. “We’ve put a lot of effort into ensuring the accuracy of the lane detection and the smoothness of the assist.”
The driver must turn on the Lane Keeping System. Once the vehicle speed is above 40 mph and lane markers are clearly visible on the road, an icon that looks like a car between two lanes lights up green in the instrument cluster to indicate the system has been enabled. Ford’s Lane Keeping System takes advantage of the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) used in the new Fusion to provide a vibrating alert to the driver and then gently steer the car back into the lane if the driver doesn’t respond.
When the system detects the car is approaching the edge of the lane without a turn signal activated, the lane marker in the icon turns yellow and the steering wheel vibrates to simulate driving over rumble strips. If the driver doesn’t respond and continues to drift, the lane icon turns red and EPAS will nudge the steering and the vehicle back toward the center of the lane. If the car continues to drift, the vibration is added again along with the nudge. The driver can overcome assistance and vibration at any time by turning the steering wheel, accelerating or braking.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes occur every year as a result of drowsy drivers, leading to 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.
“Ford’s Lane Keeping System software monitors the car’s position in real time,” said Kane. “But it also keeps track of behavior over a longer period while driving. If a driver is tired, this can often be detected by the car constantly drifting back and forth across the road.”
Drivers can monitor whether the system is detecting behavior consistent with drowsy driving with an alert gauge in the instrument cluster that features a steaming cup of coffee. As the indicator gets closer to the coffee cup, the driver should consider taking a break to rest.
If the driver doesn’t take a break and the system detects a driving pattern consistent with being tired, an audible chime and a visual alert will suggest the driver stop and rest. If the same conditions persist and the driver doesn’t stop, a second, more assertive warning will be issued. As soon as the driver stops and shuts off the engine or opens the door, the monitor resets its information.
Whether it’s a gust of wind, a momentary distraction or heavy eyelids that cause the vehicle to wander, the Lane Keeping System in the 2013 Ford Fusion effectively provides drivers with an extra set of eyes on the road and hands on the wheel to help them arrive at their destination safe and sound.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford Offers Top 10 Safe Winter Driving Do's and Don'ts

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:06:00 +0000

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 19, 2011 – With winter officially beginning this week, and as drivers prepare for the height of the holiday travel season, Ford offers a Top 10 list of driving safety do’s and don’ts to help drivers and their families stay safe on the roads this season:

10. DO allow a few minutes to brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for visibility and removing snow or ice from the top of your car will spare cars behind you from encountering an unexpected snow assault, impairing visibility or even cracking a windshield. DON’T forget to clean snow and ice off your headlights and taillights as well.

9. DO use winterized windshield wiper fluid to make sure your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over or crack, preventing you from washing away dirt and salt.
DON’T try to melt ice from your windshield by pouring hot water on it. Using hot water can crack the windshield.

8. DO wash your car regularly to remove salt and dirt from the roadways.
DON’T let road grime prematurely age the body of your vehicle by neglecting to bathe it.

7. DO maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent unnecessarily stranding yourself in adverse conditions. To help get the most out of your tank, Ford offers fuel-saving technologies such as its EcoBoost® engines, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and hybrid electric vehicles.
DON’T forget to check that all fluids are at proper levels and ensure all tires, including the spare, have the required pressure and tread.

6. DO prepare your car for an emergency. Essential items to keep in the trunk are a blanket to stay warm, proper attire (boots, jacket, hat and gloves) in case you have to be outside for an extended period of time, a shovel, flashlight with fresh batteries and snacks. Keep your cell phone charged to call help if necessary.
DON’T forget the kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow.

5. DO remain aware of what’s around you on the road, including checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for pedestrians or lost reindeer from Santa’s sleigh.
DON’T follow too closely. The general rule is the vehicle ahead should pass a road marker two seconds before you. In slippery conditions, it is recommended to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front.

4. DO apply even pressure when braking in slick conditions if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Keep in mind anti-lock brakes do not shorten stopping distance, but they do help you maintain control.
DON’T become overconfident in snowy and slippery road conditions. Always test road conditions with cautious driving when the surface area is wet or icy, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

3. DO turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide when driving on snowy or icy roads until you gain control.
DON’T apply power or change directions suddenly on snow or ice.

2. DO stay calm if you find yourself stuck in the snow or broken down on the side of the road in adverse conditions.
DON’T leave your car unless available shelter is close by. If you need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow so the interior stays clear of harmful carbon monoxide.

1. DO make sure you are awake and alert behind the wheel. If necessary, take a break and grab a coffee.
DON’T lose track of how many eggnogs you consumed at the holiday party. The most important holiday safe driving tip of all is to refrain from drinking and driving under all circumstances. If you think you will drink, arrange for alternate transportation ahead of time.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:22:00 +0000

Ford Focus Electric

Ford Introduces Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected; Nearly a Third of Lineup Now Offers 40-mpg Model

Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
Nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012
Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets
C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America

Visit the Ford Electrified Vehicles Media Site for more information.

WAYNE, Mich., Dec. 14, 2011 – Ford’s world-class Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger, all-electric car to achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating.

Focus Electric also is the first of its kind to feature faster charging, which will halve Nissan Leaf’s time to fully recharge the battery and help drivers to more than double the expected single-charge range in a busy day of driving and recharging.

The car headlines Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company’s commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

“The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Whether people want a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.”

Even with relatively stable gas prices, fuel economy is the top purchase consideration for new vehicles. Nearly 45 percent of customers say fuel economy is their top consideration based on a Ford survey of Americans in 36 cities this fall. Styling is the next consideration, with only 16 percent of study participants saying it is their top purchase driver.

Ford’s rollout of electrified vehicles began in December 2010 with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford’s other 40-mpg vehicles include:

Focus SFE
Fiesta SFE
Focus Electric
C-MAX Hybrid
C-MAX Energi
Three vehicles yet to be announced

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents on the hybrid technology used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Faster charging

Focus Electric is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. Its expected 100 MPGe is better than Chevrolet Volt and all electric vehicles with seating for five.

It will be the first electrified vehicle to offer faster charging with 240-volt outlets, which can be installed in customer homes. The battery can be recharged in just more than three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 30 miles per charge hour – so they can more than double the vehicle’s range with multiple charging stops during a busy day of driving.

A unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, will help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

Elec-tech

Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch^® driver connect system especially for electric vehicles and a smartphone app called MyFord^® Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback is designed to deliver real driving enjoyment as well. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver steps on the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph.

The Focus Electric is a dynamic driver’s car, sharing the steering, handling and braking feel with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it’s based. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets also include Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

MAXimum efficiency

The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are Ford’s first compact multi-activity vehicles (MAVs) in North America and offer high mileage and low emissions as well as a distinctive design and flexible interior.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the company’s next-generation powersplit hybrid technology in combination with a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system. Both models provide maximum fuel efficiency by pairing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This technology enables the gasoline engine to run less than the previous generation.

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver better MPGe in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, like the Focus Electric, have been engineered and built to deliver engaging driving dynamics and technologies. In addition, C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric will offer MyFord Touch and MyFord Mobile, designed to make charging and driving the vehicle even more efficient, affordable and easier to live with.

Hybrid transmission leader

When C-MAX Hybrid launches, Ford becomes North America’s largest maker of hybrid transmissions.

Ford engineered the transmission and upgraded the controls with a goal of creating the industry’s highest-performing and smoothest-operating hybrid transmission. Among the hybrid transmission’s innovations:

Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds
A new, super-efficient cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive
Optimized gear ratios enabling improvement in fuel economy
More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive
Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy

This is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Production is moving from a supplier in Japan to the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., which also will assemble battery packs for Ford’s hybrid and electric vehicles.

Building green vehicles cleaner

Ford completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., into an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability.

With the new electrified vehicles and the new Focus ST performance model also coming in 2012, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is the first facility in the world capable of building a full array of vehicles – gas-powered, EcoBoost^®, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – all on the same production line.

The plant also features one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state as well as several electric vehicle charging stations, allowing the facility to operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity.

Renewable energy collected by the solar panels directly feeds the energy-efficient microgrid, helping power the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the stored solar energy will provide power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Projected energy cost savings are approximately $160,000 per year.

The plant also has 10 electric vehicle charging stations that recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities – saving an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.

Plus, 50 percent of the parts arriving for the all-new Focus are packed in cardboard, are carefully collected, sorted and recycled, as is the bubble wrap, the Styrofoam and the water bottles used by employees.

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About Ford Motor Company

With Its Unbeatable Combination of Top Fuel Efficiency and Capability, Ford F-150 Is Motor Trend's 2012 Truck of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award

2012 Ford F-150 has been awarded the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year^® award, the fourth time F-150 has won the accolade. F-150 has won the award more times than any other truck
F-150 outshone all other contenders in various tests that evaluated the truck’s design, engineering, performance, efficiency, safety and value
With class-leading fuel efficiency, capability and durability coupled with affordable technology, the 2012 Ford F-150 meets the demands of today’s full-size light-duty pickup customers

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12, 2011 – The 2012 Ford F-150, which established a new standard for full-size pickups with best-in-class fuel efficiency and capability, today was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year^®.

“The 2012 F-150 is a no-compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer’s needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck owners,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their top choice.”

This is the fourth time the F-150 has won the award – the most awards for any truck since Motor Trend began presenting its Truck of the Year award in 1989. The Ford pickup received the magazine’s prestigious award for previous groundbreaking new models in 1997, 2004 and 2009.

Motor Trend editors applauded F-150 because, they said, “F-150s are built to work and felt better the more they were challenged. Ford offers an enormous variety of configurations and designs, making the truck tailorable to just about any need. It’s the combination of advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and the performance of intended function that has earned the Ford F-150 the title of Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.”

With more than a half-million sales through November and a lead of almost 150,000 sales versus the nearest competitor, the Ford F-Series is on track this year to extend its streak of truck leadership to 35 straight years.

Helping spark the F-150’s continued success is the powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, which now accounts for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales and is on pace to exceed 100,000 sales in less than a year on the market.

More capability, more technology

The 2012 F-150 offers customers plenty of technologies that boost capability, performance, driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency. One such technology is the class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). The system has been carefully tuned with sophisticated speed mapping to deliver accurate responses at high speed while remaining light and manageable in parking maneuvers. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

A 4.2-inch LCD message center that features information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading, SYNC^® AppLink^™ and SiriusXM Travel Link also are among the customer conveniences available.

New features for 2012 include:

36-gallon fuel tank on 4x4 F-150 EcoBoost-equipped units providing best-in-class 756 miles of driving range
Two-speed automatic 4x4 system on Lariat, King Ranch, Harley-Davidson and Platinum models for improved all-weather traction
Hill Start Assist, which helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing
Best-in-class payload capability of 3,120 pounds

Fuel-efficient and powerful offeringsAll of the changes for the 2012 model year complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. Ford is also the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Engine highlights include:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6:

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8:

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8:

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost:

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
22 mpg highway, 16 mpg city (4x2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Employees Help Ensure High-Quality Launch of New MyFord Touch Upgrade Through Innovative Beta Test

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Ford MyFord Touch Bluetooth and Infotainment System

Ford to launch major upgrade to MyFord Touch® on 2013 models, delivering a faster, simpler and easier experience
About 1,000 Ford employees to receive the new software early and test for a month
Beta-testers have been chosen at random from the Ford management lease vehicle population in Southeast Michigan

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12, 2011 – Ford customers will soon benefit from a major software upgrade to MyFord Touch® following a real-world beta test with about 1,000 Ford employees.
The software upgrade is coming for 2013 models – and to owners of existing MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles – and the employee beta test is part of a new, innovative approach to ensure a high-quality launch of the improved system.
“Employees are a great source for quick feedback, and the best part is that they are eager to help,” said John Schneider, chief engineer, Infotainment, Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Employees who have been MyFord Touch users since it was first launched will test the new upgrade on employee lease vehicles so they can provide us real-world feedback, helping us polish the final product before it goes to our customers.”
The upgraded system will launch with 2013 models of the new Ford Escape, Taurus and Flex, and will be applied to existing vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch including Ford Explorer, Edge and Focus. The new MyFord Touch upgrade is designed to make the system faster, simpler and easier to use.
Ford designers and engineers want to ensure the changes are ready for customers before issuing the software into production. Employee participants should begin receiving a USB flash drive containing the software upgrade later this week. The beta test is scheduled to last approximately a month.
“Ford has been listening and learning from our customers about their ownership experiences in order to continuously improve it,” said Schneider. “The new upgrade exemplifies the importance of customer feedback and showcases the flexibility and speed we now have by leveraging software to evolve Ford technology.”
Touch screens will look new, while featuring simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Improvements make the button reaction and screen transition times feel twice as fast as the current system.
Other enhancements include better phone compatibility, support for tablet computers and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and destination entry. Voice recognition also has been enhanced – an important fact since Ford research indicates nearly 80 percent of owners use voice commands to operate their systems.
Beta-testers have been chosen at random from the Ford management lease vehicle population in Southeast Michigan. Because the upgrade strictly involves software, no vehicle hardware maintenance is required. Instead, a single USB flash drive loaded with the necessary software to complete the upgrade will be sent to testers.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford Focus and Boss Mustang are 10Best for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Ford Focus and Boss Mustang are 10Best for 2012 by Car and Driver Magazine’s 10Best cars for 2012 includes the Ford Focus and Boss Mustang. Focus, editors say, has “one of the best front-wheel-drive chassis on the road right now, supple yet precise, and it allows the Focus to get around many more expensive, more powerful, more overtly sporty cars on a twisting stretch.” It’s “as much sports sedan as economy sedan.” Also giving pricier luxury marques a run for the money is the Boss Mustang, Car and Driver says. Built off the Mustang GT – already “near perfection” – the Boss Mustang creates a new standard for muscle-car makers. Click here for the full article.

Hands-Free Holiday, Go Stress Free with the new Ford Escape

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:59:00 +0000

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

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.

Ford helps you ‘Escape’ the stress of the holidays

Consumers around the country can submit their own stress-saving tips to enter for a chance to win prizes that can help them “Escape” the stresses of the season, including a chance at a hands-free shopping experience.

Beginning Black Friday, Nov. 25, and continuing through Dec. 23, submit your most helpful stress relief tip through http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday and be entered to win a chance at the daily gift card giveaway.

Six grand prize winners will be awarded a $500 shopping spree and a Ford Holiday Helper to truly reward them with a “hands-free” holiday. The Ford Holiday Helper will assist winners and up to two of their friends with their shopping for a day. From carrying bags to waiting in lines and those long trips down the rows of parking lots to load packages, Ford Escape hopes to give you a hands-free holiday.

All-new Ford Escape

Escape is Ford’s newest sport utility vehicle. Nearly 2 million Escapes have been sold since the model was first introduced a decade ago, making it the best-selling small SUV in the United States. The new SUV has 11 exclusive features. These include the new class-exclusive hands-free power liftgate. Escape fuel economy is projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Voted Best Car To Buy - 2012 Ford Focus, Rated by The Car Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Wow, The all new 2012 Focus was just rated Best Car To Buy - The Car Connections annual new vehicle under $50K survey.

View the Car Connections Full Article

Here's a clip, but click the link above to read their full article:

TheCarConnection's Best Car To Buy 2012 is the 2012 Ford Focus.

Each year, our team rates each new vehicle we review based on styling, performance, utility, safety, and features. As the year progresses, we begin to see some winners emerge from the usual pack of 50 to 70 brand-new or significantly updated vehicles we drive each year--at home, or around the world.

The Focus' win over vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque, Hyundai Veloster, Mercedes M-Class and Chevy Sonic, comes down to personality. Even in a day where dull, droning econoboxes are the exception rather than the rule, the 2012 Focus grabs attention, both for the way it looks and for the way it handles. That's held true for each of the more than half-dozen differently-equipped Focuses our editors have sampled.

The Focus' winning styling earned a 9 from our editors, as much for its aero-crisp exterior as for its flamboyant interior--and though we prefer the sleek five-door, the four-door sedan's rendered about as well as anything in the class. The Focus also earned a score of 8 for performance, a high rating for a compact car with just 160 horsepower on tap. Even before a turbo ST edition arrives, the Focus feels alive, with sweet steering and a sporty ride overcoming its lackluster optional automatic transmission.

The new 2012 Ford Focus is available now for sale at Orange Motors in Albany NY. Specializing a a large selection of colors and options. Visit us online for more information.

Mazda 'i-ELOOP' World's First Capacitor-Based Regenerative Braking System for Passenger Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:36:00 +0000

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has developed the world's first passenger vehicle regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor. The groundbreaking system, which Mazda calls 'i-ELOOP', will begin to appear in Mazda's vehicles in 2012. In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, 'i-ELOOP' improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent.

Mazda's regenerative braking system is unique because it uses a capacitor, which is an electrical component that temporarily stores large volumes of electricity. Compared to batteries, capacitors can be charged and discharged rapidly and are resistant to deterioration through prolonged use. 'i-ELOOP' efficiently converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components.

Regenerative braking systems are growing in popularity as a fuel saving technology. They use an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity as the vehicle decelerates, thereby recovering a portion of the vehicle's kinetic energy. Regenerative braking systems in hybrid vehicles generally use a large electric motor and dedicated battery.

Mazda examined automobile accelerating and decelerating mechanisms, and developed a highly efficient regenerative braking system that rapidly recovers a large amount of electricity every time the vehicle decelerates. Unlike hybrids, Mazda's system also avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery.

'i-ELOOP' features a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. 'i-ELOOP' starts to recover kinetic energy the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to decelerate. The variable voltage alternator generates electricity at up to 25V for maximum efficiency before sending it to the Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) for storage. The capacitor, which has been specially developed for use in a vehicle, can be fully charged in seconds. The DC/DC converter steps down the electricity from 25V to 12V before it is distributed directly to the vehicle's electrical components. The system also charges the vehicle battery as necessary. 'i-ELOOP' operates whenever the vehicle decelerates, reducing the need for the engine to burn extra fuel to generate electricity. As a result, in "stop-and-go" driving conditions, fuel economy improves by approximately 10 percent.

The name 'i-ELOOP' is an adaptation of "Intelligent Energy Loop" and represents Mazda's intention to efficiently cycle energy in an intelligent way.

'i-ELOOP' also works in conjunction with Mazda's unique 'i-stop' idling stop technology to extend the period that the engine can be shut off.

Mazda is working to maximize the efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles with its groundbreaking SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. By combining this with i-stop, i-ELOOP and other electric devices that enhance fuel economy by eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption, Mazda is striving to deliver vehicles with excellent environmental performance as well as a Zoom-Zoom ride to all its customers.

Ford to Commercialize New Method of Attaching Windshields Through Cleaner Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Ford has invented a new method of preparing vehicle windshields for attachment to cars and trucks that is simpler, more cost-efficient and eco-friendly
Ford is working with companies like Elgin, Ill.-based Plasmatreat U.S. L.P. to bring new technology to market

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 17, 2011 – Ford wants to innovate the way vehicle windshields are installed through a new patented process that makes the attachment less costly, simpler and more eco-conscious than current practices.

One patent covers cleaning and activating the edge of the windshield glass in less than 10 seconds. A second Ford patent covers the application of a plasma-reacted nano-coating that modifies the surface for bonding of the adhesive that holds the windshield in place. The entire patented process takes less than one minute.

Larry Haack, technical expert, Ford Research & Innovation, said there are several benefits of the new patented technology including elimination of the primers that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“The new patented process has the potential to reduce costs because it requires far less material to create the ultra-thin bond coating, and the fully automated process is much less labor-intensive,” said Haack. “This new process also lessens the use of chemicals including VOCs, which is good for the environment.”

Ford’s corporate sustainability efforts call for reduction of VOC emissions in its facilities while still meeting Federal safety requirements.

The typical method to attach a windshield – used currently at Ford and throughout the industry – is to first wipe the glass with a solvent cleaner, then apply a primer and adhesive to secure the windshield to the vehicle. Part of the problem, said Haack, is that this method releases a small amount of highly undesirable solvent emissions.

The Ford patented technology eliminates the use of the solvents that contain VOCs and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing steps, such as wiping the glass clean.

Ford recently signed a nonexclusive, worldwide license agreement with Elgin, Ill.-based Plasmatreat U.S. L.P. that grants the right to use Ford’s new process patents and incorporate the Ford technology into Plasmatreat’s own equipment and patented processes. Also, Ford will provide technical assistance to Plasmatreat and its customers to implement technology using Ford’s experience and know-how.

Chris Danowski, technology commercialization director, Ford Global Technologies L.L.C., said the new technology will be offered worldwide first in equipment that Plasmatreat plans to sell or lease to Ford, other automotive OEMs, the heavy truck market, motor home and bus industries and other customers who want to use it.

“Ford is excited about working with companies like Plasmatreat to commercialize new technologies and make them available to the market faster,” said Danowski. “Such relationships are very beneficial as we are simplifying the manufacturing process and making it more environmentally friendly, too.”

Ford Global Technologies manages intellectual property for Ford and commercializes technologies for use inside and outside the automotive industry.

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Plasmatreat US LP

Plasmatreat, the market leader in atmospheric plasma-jet technology, is a global enterprise with leading innovation engineering centers located in Germany, the United States, Canada, Japan and China. The company focuses on the development and sale of atmospheric-pressure plasma products and manufacturing equipment to automotive OEMs and their supply base. Plasmatreat’s patented “Openair-Plasma” technology is also utilized in production of many other industrial sectors around the globe. For further information, please visit www.plasmatreat.com.

All-New Ford Escape: Smarter Utility Vehicle Saves Customers Fuel, Money; New Technologies to Make Owners' Lives Easier

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Ford’s newest sport utility vehicle (SUV) arrives next year, bringing clever technologies and features designed to make life easier, and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market
Versatile vehicle features new hands-free technology – including liftgate with motion-sensing technology similar to video games’ and upgraded MyFord Touch® system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier
New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engines save customers fuel and money
Customers globally will start seeing this sleek small SUV next year, too. Named the Ford Kuga in Europe and China, this vehicle makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will offer unique powertrains and features for customers in those markets

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling SUV, will raise the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.
“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”
Sixty percent of Americans shopping for a vehicle next year will look at either a midsize car or small SUV, making Escape part of one of the most cross-shopped and fastest-growing segments in the auto industry.
“Escape is America’s best-selling utility vehicle, and the Ford team has worked hard to make sure we deliver even more of what small SUV owners really want,” Kuzak said.
In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than today’s vehicle, the new Escape delivers:

Eleven features no other small SUV offers
Clever technologies that make Escape even more versatile, including an available hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot
Projected best fuel economy of any compact SUV, up to 5 mpg better than previous Escape
Driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road and a new Ford Intelligent 4WD System that provides even better traction off-road
Sleek new design, with better interior materials and more finishing touches

Escape technology makes life better
An array of clever technologies adds to the new Escape’s versatility, helping make life easier for its owners. Key features include:

An available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and is enabled by motion technology used in today’s video game systems. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch

SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. Upgraded system includes new look, making phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls even easier to use

Parallel parking the Escape is virtually stress-free with active park assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control only the gas and brake pedals

Maneuvering parking lots and traveling open roadways becomes even safer and less stressful with Escape’s sensor-based BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. BLIS displays an alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-traffic alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides, such as when Escape is leaving a parking space in reverse

The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on pristine pavement and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road

Spirited performance with outstanding fuel economy
Escape offers Ford’s broadest nameplate range of EcoBoost® engine choices yet. Strong fuel economy comes from either the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine or 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, which makes its American debut in the new Escape.
Both new engines combine EcoBoost’s core technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and add twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver even better miles per gallon and save customers money on fuel.
In Escape, EcoBoost engines are mated to specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmissions, which are standard and allow drivers who want more hands-on experiences to manually control gear selection from a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.
The gearbox features a new torque converter for improved driving feel, silky smooth shifts and even better fuel economy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations.
The standard engine in North America is an updated 2.5-liter, giving the new Escape a comprehensive lineup of four-cylinder offerings. It also is matched to a SelectShift Automatic six-speed.
Also aiding fuel economy is Escape’s sleeker design. The new model is nearly 10 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.
Plus, the new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, reduces wind resistance. Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Versatility and capability come standard
Stowing and towing are even easier in the new five-passenger Escape, thanks to a low liftover height of 27 inches, more innovations and cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row.
The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.
Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose among maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.
When properly equipped, the all-new Escape maintains a trailer tow rating of 3,500 pounds.
Engaging driving performance through seamless system
Using new advanced software and sensors, the new Intelligent 4WD System analyzes data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.
The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.
New SUV goes global
Following its world debut in Los Angeles, this new vehicle will head to Europe, where sales of compact sport utilities have grown 200 percent since 2000. It will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March for European customers as the all-new version of the Ford Kuga and will have unique powertrains and features. Chinese customers also will see the all-new Kuga next spring.
“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” Kuzak said. “By being smarter, this utility vehicle will help customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

MyFord Touch Upgrade: Coming soon - details revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Faster, Simpler, Better: MyFord Touch Upgrade Provides New and Existing Customers Enhancements and New Features

Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFord Touch^® beginning with 2013 models – no-charge upgrade will be available to existing owners
Simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls are among the many enhancements to the voice-activated in-car connectivity system

Click here to visit the 2011 L.A. Auto Show Media Site.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 7, 2011 – Ford customers said MyFord Touch^® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback.

“SYNC^® has clearly been a game-changing technology and now we’re changing the game again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto industry.”

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners.

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

For a video demonstration of the improvements, please visit: http://youtu.be/c3k4iDZyhYE

Listening to customers

Since MyFord launched last fall, Ford has held four customer clinics in which hundreds of owners talked directly to Ford engineers about their experiences with the new technology. Owner feedback was clear and consistent, revealing that MyFord Touch was a key purchase reason.

A survey of 2011 Ford Edge owners shows that four of the top seven purchase reasons were elements of the MyFord Touch system: the touch screen, steering wheel controls, voice recognition and dashboard styling.

While owners reported that they love the system, there were distinct areas where they wanted improvements. Earlier this year, Ford started delivering on their requests, beginning with more instructions and information on how to best utilize the capabilities of the system.

Ford launched two programs modeled after what consumers experience when purchasing a new electronic device. First, the company added a new MyFord Touch owner support website featuring how-to videos at www.syncmyride.com. Second, free “SYNC My Ride” personalized training sessions for new owners are now offered through Ford dealers – scheduled at customers’ convenience.

“The keys to continuous improvement are simple: Listen, learn and respond. That’s how we’re going to keep our customers happy,” said Gary Jablonski, manager, SYNC Platform Development. “Evolving the software with meaningful enhanced features was part of our plan from the very beginning. It’s no different than the experience with our smartphones and laptop computers – except now, it’s your car that gets better.”

Upgrade your ride

All of the new improvements will be offered to existing owners of MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 and 2012 models of Ford Explorer and Edge and the 2012 Focus. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Lincoln MKX crossovers will also receive the upgrade for their MyLincoln Touch^™ systems.

“We’re seizing the opportunity to continuously improve the Ford ownership experience, and revolutionize what it means to own a car,” said Reitz. “Introducing new technology is only one step in our journey to become known as a technology company. Consistently improving it based on what our customers are telling us marks another milestone in that journey.”

Early next year, owners located in the U.S. will be mailed a USB flash drive with the software upgrade for installation that they can do at their own convenience. If they prefer, owners may also visit their local Ford or Lincoln dealer for the software installation. The upgrade mailing will include instructions informing owners how to simply plug the USB flash drive into the MyFord Touch Media Hub’s USB port in order for installation to automatically begin.

New look

The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look.

“Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, User Interface Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.”

The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older.

New features

Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market.

Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system.

Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:

Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance

Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed
Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”
Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in parenthesis or brackets
Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

Tablet device compatibility

Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection

Audible.com audiobook support

Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ

Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks
Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images
Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

Phone compatibility

Automatic Bluetooth^® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved
Noise and echo cancellation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

Gracenote^® album cover art database

Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience
Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames

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About Ford Motor Company

Looking for an Electric Vehicle: 2012 Ford Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Ford Opens Reservations for 2012 Focus Electric

2012 Focus electric is Ford’s first all-electric, 100% gas-free, passenger car and the first of five planned electrified vehicles

Detailed product specifications and virtually build and price available at online website: http://www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012/

Ford Certified EV dealers in California and New York/New Jersey markets will begin taking first orders for the 2012 Focus Electric

SEATTLE, WA., Nov. 2, 2011 – Starting today, drivers that want to go completely gasoline-free will be able to configure the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric online at Ford.com and place their orders with a Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealer.

“Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company’s first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle – the Focus Electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company. “The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford’s overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric.”

Drivers interested in learning more about the 2012 Focus Electric will be able to see detailed product specs and virtually build and price one at a dedicated online website: http://www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012/ starting Wednesday.

Focus Electric comes standard with: MyFord Touch with 8-inch touchscreen; two driver-configurable 4.2-inch color LCD displays in cluster for unique EV driving screens; MyFord™ Mobile App (for remotely monitoring and scheduling battery charging with owners’ smartphone as well as remote start); HID Headlamps; 17-inch aluminum wheels, ambient lighting, seats made from 100-percent recycled material; Rear Camera with Rear Parking Sensor; Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start; MyKey®; voice-activated Navigation System; Particulate Air Filter; hands-free SYNC® Bluetooth telephone connectivity with Traffic, Direction and Information Services; electronic traction control; Sony®-Branded audio with nine speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and HD Radio™.

The only options on well-equipped Focus Electrics are leather seats and two paint colors.

“Ford believes driving electric doesn’t mean consumers should have to sacrifice on driving experience or vehicle quality,” said D’Arcy. “The Focus Electric comes with more standard features than any other comparable all-electric vehicle.”

In addition to silently cruising past gas stations, Focus Electric drivers will never need oil changes or any of the other service required on gasoline engines. Focus Electric exclusively stores energy in an advanced lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack uses liquid-cooling to help ensure a long-life and optimal performance under all weather and driving conditions.

The Focus Electric’s battery can be recharged in just over three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Drivers also can top off the battery any standard 120-volt outlet using the included charging cord.

The online site also provides potential customers the ability to find the location of their nearest Ford Certified EV dealer so they can place their order.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey regions. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand next year to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets include: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Markets were chosen based on several criteria, including commuting patterns, existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification.

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.

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford Poised to Give More Drivers Safer Texting Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:37:00 +0000

New SYNC Software Update Adds Bluetooth MAP Standard; Ford Poised to Give More Drivers Safer Texting Alternatives

Latest Ford SYNC® software updates will give owners of select SYNC Generation 1-equipped 2011 and 2012 vehicles access to the emerging Bluetooth® standard – Message Access Profile (MAP) – so SYNC can stream and read text messages aloud from compatible smartphones

Ford elected to voluntarily adopt MAP in an aggressive effort to improve the number of phones that will work with the hands-free text message readback feature of SYNC

Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) sees growing MAP adoption among leading cell phone manufacturers

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 18, 2011 – Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.
Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone.
Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.
“A limited population of phones has the capability to work with the text message readback feature of SYNC,” said Mark Porter, supervisor of SYNC Product Development. “With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of SYNC and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we hope we are setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phonemakers and the wireless industry to help drivers find smarter alternatives to hand-held texting while on the road.”
According to Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers is still in its infancy but the growth needle is starting to quiver.
“Texting is becoming a ubiquitous part of our day, so it stands to reason the remote message access profile is an essential addition for handsets, automobiles, headsets and aftermarket car kits,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director Bluetooth SIG. “The Bluetooth MAP standard gives users the ability to simply and smartly manage incoming text messages from their vehicle while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. We are seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phonemakers, in particular with recent qualifications from manufacturers such as HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG.”
Ready for an update
Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several significant and simple software-based updates. And owners are taking advantage, with software downloads recorded on www.syncmyride.com ranging up to nearly 14,000 each month in 2011.
Major SYNC updates that have been released to date include:

G1 V2.0 – availability of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report for 2008 SYNC-equipped vehicles (dealership installation required) (December 2008)
G1 V3.0/V3.1 – availability of SYNC Services for Traffic, Directions and Information services for 2010 SYNC-equipped vehicles (June 2009)
G1 V3.2 – improved voice command structure, constant display of turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates for 911 Assist for 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicles (April 2010)
G1 V4.0 – AppLink™ software application for hands-free voice control of smartphone apps for the 2011 Ford Fiesta only (December 2010)
G1 V3.2.2 (non-AppLink)/V4.0.2 (AppLink-equipped) – increased MAP support for select 2011 and early-release 2012 SYNC-equipped vehicles with AppLink such as Ford Mustang (May 2011)

Ford owners interested in finding out if their SYNC-equipped vehicle is eligible for any of the available SYNC updates can visit www.syncmyride.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If eligible, owners can simply download the update to a USB memory stick and bring into their vehicle for installation through SYNC’s USB port.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.