The new Mustang GT continues Ford\'s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg
For 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings
For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine
The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.
Coyote in the lobby
Many of the engineers on the development team have worked in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building on the Dearborn, Mich., product development center campus. For years they walked past the original 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote Indy racing engine on display in the lobby, continually inspired by its mix of heritage, high technology and horsepower.
The powertrain development community had long wanted to develop a new 5.0-liter powertrain, with strategic discussions beginning in 2000. By 2007, the Mustang competitive landscape was beginning to change, a sign that the time was right for advancing the Mustang GT powertrain to world-class levels.
The team began 5.0-liter engine development with the objective of delivering 400-plus horsepower, on a timetable accelerated by 12 months without compromises in reliability, durability, fuel economy, or noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.
Development test engines and benchmarks included 5.0-liter blocks, employing different bore and stroke measurements, GT500 four-valve-per-cylinder heads and cams, various intake manifold runner configurations, differing compression ratios and a deep-sump oil pan. The team also evaluated Ford Racing\'s 5.0-liter \"Cammer\" V-8 crate engine for transferable best practices.
Extensive computer-aided engineering (CAE) modeling, development engine experimentation and evaluation in combination with intricate machine work brought this promising, all-new configuration to jaw-dropping life in an accelerated time frame.
The result of this development is an \"and\" solution, not an \"or.\" 2011 Mustang buyers will enjoy the benefits of a powerful engine as well as responsible fuel economy.
Ti-VCT
A critical element in the 5.0-liter V-8\'s ability to deliver 412 horsepower, with improved drivability, tractability and fuel economy over the 2010 Mustang GT powertrain, is enhanced Ti-VCT.
For a high-performance application, the team specified cam-torque-actuated variable camshaft timing. Using existing cam torque energy, with assistance from pressurized oil, meant that minimal upgrades to the oil pump were required, resulting in less parasitic drag. Increased volumetric and thermal efficiency gives faster Ti-VCT response at all engine speeds.
During the development phase, camshaft lift profile and port optimization started with higher-lift Ford Racing aftermarket units, modified for compatibility with various four-valve-per-cylinder heads. Extensive CAE and dynamometer testing was performed to fine-tune camshaft events and port flow for performance and fuel efficiency in conjunction with the variable camshaft timing.
The resulting all-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. Head structure was designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters to contain the higher combustion pressures.
The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high rpm, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiastic owner and driver. Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the significant performance increase. An additional element is the increased capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan to enable sustained high-rpm use and offer the convenience of 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Piston-cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and for faster oil warm-up on cold start.
Specially designed tubular exhaust headers were developed to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. A team analyst actually fabricated the tubular headers in his home workshop, bringing the CAE design to life.
Performance and fuel economy
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus the 2010 model year output levels.
The six-speed automatic transmission on the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for 2011 are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.
2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by the Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions in automatic or manual variations, EPAS and an additional rear decklid seal to enhance aerodynamics.
Fuel economy also is aided by engineering a lightweight powertrain. The engine, as shipped, weighs just 430 pounds. This represents a weight savings of more than 20 percent versus the previous 5.0-liter offering. Lower mass can be attributed to the aluminum block and heads, the lightweight composite intake manifold, composite cam covers and hollow camshafts. Improved driving dynamics EPAS has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. EPAS allows specific tuning for the Mustang GT application.
The 2011 Mustang GT features an enhanced rear lower control arm to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.
A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Added convenience content
For 2011, Mustang GT offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including:
Standard message center
Integrated blind spot mirrors
MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
Illuminated visors
Universal garage door opener
Sun visor storage
New look
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.
Three vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver.
Improved NVH control and convertible rigidity
For 2011, Mustang GT benefits from across-the-board NVH improvements. These include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, an additional seal between door and rocker panel to reduce wind noise and a real wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces.
Mustang GT convertible models feature enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. A tower-to-tower front strut brace is now standard, and the V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam also has been added to increase rigidity.
Quotes
\"This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio. It\'s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.\" - Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development Ford Motor Company
\"Nearly all of the team members have worked on other high-profile powertrain programs. They all had a clear vision of the work required on their particular component or subsystem. Their passion for engines, racing and delivering every last ounce of performance throughout the engine speed range really demonstrated that they put their heads and their hearts into this powertrain.\" – Mike Harrison, V-8 Engine Programs Manager, Ford Motor Company
\"This powertrain honors Mustang\'s heritage by raising the bar on performance while increasing fuel economy, For enthusiasts, such as the passionate members of the 5.0-liter V-8 team, it\'s like having your cake and eating it, too.\" - Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Powertrain Development, Ford Motor Company
Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) technology is a key element in helping the new 5.0-liter V-8 Mustang GT deliver class-leading performance and fuel efficiency
Variable camshaft timing in the Mustang GT 5.0-liter uses camshaft torque energy actuation, with assistance from pressurized oil, resulting in a broad torque curve
Camshaft torque will advance or retard camshaft timing based on internal routing, via one-way valves, resulting in more immediate response across a wide range of engine speeds
Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) will allow drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT to balance high performance and fuel economy.
Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT will notice abundant torque and class-leading fuel economy. An additional benefit of Ti-VCT is a reduction of emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.
Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved drivability and responsiveness across the torque curve.
How Ti-VCT works
The new 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2011 Mustang GT is a double-overhead-camshaft configuration that employs two camshafts per cylinder bank – one camshaft to operate the intake valves and one camshaft to operate the exhaust valves. Ti-VCT rotates the camshafts to advance or retard the cam timing, based on several measures including throttle opening.
An element unique to the Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 application is that Ti-VCT is actuated by camshaft torque, with assistance from pressurized oil. Using camshaft torque energy provides faster throttle response and maximizes use of existing energy, to aid fuel economy. Camshaft torque energy Ti-VCT actuation is a Ford innovation, introduced first on the 3.0-liter V-6.
Working like a ratchet, the one-way valves allow precise timing of camshaft events, continually optimizing timing to provide maximum thrust or fuel economy, based on driver input.
Quotes
"Ti-VCT is a win-win-win technolog. It helps our new range of engines to deliver high performance with unsurpassed projected highway fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and reduced emissions." - Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development, Ford Motor Company
Ti-VCT technology will continue to proliferate across the Ford powertrain portfolio. By 2013, you can expect to see this advancement available on 90 percent of our nameplates." - Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development, Ford Motor Company
Mike Harrison is team leader for developing and delivering the 5.0-liter V-8 that powers the 2011 Ford Mustang GT
A native of the U.K., Harrison was profoundly influenced by the rally success of the Mk. I Ford Escort, which swept the top three spots in the 1973 Rally of Great Britain
Motorsports has provided inspiration and motivation for Harrison's work in high-performance engine development
Mike Harrison's favorite Ford product is the Mk. I Ford Escort RS1600, a European-market model that established the Blue Oval as a rally force to be reckoned with.
"It was a wonderful rally car with great motorsports heritage," reflected Harrison, V-8 engine programs manager. "My father had a British-built Escort – a bright-red 1973 model – that sparked my interest in all things automotive and the Ford brand specifically."
Harrison says he grew up on a steady diet of watching rally and road racing, and indeed, motorsports has played an important role in his life, both inside and outside of his office at Ford's product development center in Dearborn, Mich.
Participating in Sports Car Club of America road racing events – in a wide range of vehicles from a near-stock Improved Touring C Ford Mk. I Fiesta to a vintage H Production MG Midget and a GT3 Mazda RX7 – has given Harrison the on-track, behind-the-wheel perspective to lead the development of successful racing engines.
In addition to leading development of the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8, Harrison's team delivered the all-new 6.2-liter V-8 for Super Duty® and Raptor, including the 500-hp Baja 1000 Raptor R race truck engine. Working with Roush, they also developed a normally aspirated 7.0-liter 800-hp V-8 for the Don Bowles Mustang drag racing car.
"Knowing our most enthusiastic Mustang GT customers will be aggressively driving their cars in club track-day events, autocrosses and other grassroots motorsports opportunities really pushed the team to make the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 a durable powerhouse," said Harrison proudly. "Oil drainback has been optimized to allow for sufficient lubrication, even under lateral, high-rpm conditions such as high-speed cornering at a closed track event."
Harrison is a native of the town of Nelson in Lancashire, England, and graduated from Loughborough University of Technology in the U.K. He started at Ford in 1983 as an undergraduate intern, and then advanced to engine calibration engineer when he accepted a full-time position. His tenure with the company has provided assignments in the U.K. and Germany as well as the United States, where he is now based.
"We're really having fun at Ford these days," he said. "For a performance and motorsports enthusiast, this is a wonderful place to be."
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
Mike, his wife Sharon and their four children – ages 8 to 16 – enjoy spending off-hours outdoors in Northern Michigan
He is a golfer and is currently restoring a Harley-Davidson™ motorcycle.
For 20 years, Mike has owned a 1972 British Racing Green MGB
Dave Pericak, chief engineer of the Ford Mustang, comes from a family that owned Fords; he wanted to own a Mustang while growing up
The Chicago native started his career as a manufacturing engineer in a parts plant
Pericak has a 1968 Mustang he likes to work on, as well as a 2000 Mustang GT convertible
Each work day for Dave Pericak is absolutely packed. And he couldn\'t be happier about it.
Pericak\'s dream while growing up was to own a Ford Mustang. It\'s a dream shared by many, as more than 9 million Mustangs have been sold, and the iconic muscle car has been the top seller in its class for 45 consecutive years.
Pericak has attained a position that other Mustang owners can only dream about: he\'s Mustang\'s chief engineer. That means he is responsible for engineering, manufacturing, quality, cost – in short, everything.
\"You hear a lot about how people have their dream job and how lucky they are,\" said Pericak. \"Well, I\'m definitely one of those lucky few. It\'s an honor to lead the Mustang team. This car, more than any other, represents the freedom we have in this country and it is raw power at its finest.\"
That raw power will get an even bigger boost with the return of Mustang GT to its rightful place, at its rightful displacement of 5.0 liters. This advanced Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine delivers 412 horsepower and – when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – improved fuel economy over the previous offering. This new engine – along with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions – will be available on the 2011 Mustang GT.
\"Mustang continues to evolve with more power, class-leading fuel economy, industry-first technology and a bold, muscular design evocative of classic Mustangs,\" said Pericak. \"What excites me most about the 2011 Mustang is that we will prove you don\'t need to trade performance for fuel economy.\"
Moving the legend forward
Pericak said one of his goals as Mustang\'s chief engineer is to bring even more edginess back to America\'s favorite sports car.
\"I want to take a great car and make it second to none,\" he said. \"The 2010 Mustang is outstanding, and the next couple of years will be some of the most exciting for Mustang. Our vision is to make Mustang a world-class sports car.\"
Pericak\'s first Mustang was the 2000 GT convertible. He also has a 1968 version he\'s restoring.
\"Owning the cars and having a passion for them keeps me grounded with customer wants and expectations as I am truly a customer of Mustang,\" Pericak said. \"This helps me as I make decisions about Mustang going forward.\"
City boy takes to country living
Pericak began his career at Ford as a manufacturing engineer at a parts plant working on door panels. This position afforded Pericak the chance to interact with several chief engineers and inspired his desire to direct a vehicle program himself.
\"For the program to be Mustang was almost too much to hope for,\" he said.
A native of Chicago, Pericak and his wife, KrysAnna (\"my high school sweetheart\"), have been married 13 years and live in Bruce Township, Mich., with their 20-month-old son Dominic.
\"The best thing about living here is the outdoors,\" said Pericak. \"My house is my favorite place to hang out. We live on a pond – I love to fish – and have a bit of land. The wildlife is awesome. I always feel like I\'m on vacation.\"
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
Pericak has been married to KrysAnna for 13 years.
They have one child, Dominic, 20 months
His favorite auto-themed movie is \"Gone in Sixty Seconds.\" Not surprisingly, the famous Mustang, named \"Eleanor,\" is his favorite car featured in a movie or TV show
In Pericak\'s garage are a 1968 Mustang, a 2000 Mustang GT convertible, a Lincoln MKT and a Ford Focus. \"I am going to add another Mustang soon,\" he says
Pericak recently wrote a chapter in the book Program Management Circa 2025
Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.
The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.
And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.
The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.
The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.
In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer's titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver's championships.
Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.
Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.
For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit www.fordracingparts.com.
Quotes:
"To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years. From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America's most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win." - Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
"We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing. The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing." - Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
"Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines. What's good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT." - Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
"We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project. Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars." - Andy Slankard, Ford Racing engineering supervisor and the lead engineer on the BOSS 302R project
At 14, Adam Christian envisioned his goal of designing engines for Ford Mustang
An Ohio native, Christian was profoundly influenced by his uncle, an engine builder and drag racer
Christian fabricated prototype 5.0-liter exhaust manifolds, after-hours, in his home workshop
Intake, Combustion and Exhaust (ICE) Engineer Adam Christian read an illustrated Mustang history book at the impressionable age of 14 that set a course for his career.
"Learning that Lee Iaccoca had earned a master's degree, on top of his bachelor's in mechanical engineering, I decided that would be my path, too," Christian reflected.
As a teen, Christian spent considerable time with his uncle, an engine builder and amateur drag racer. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he stayed close to home for college. At The Ohio State University, he earned both an undergraduate degree as well as a master's in mechanical engineering.
"Throughout college, cars and engines were always my passion," said Christian. "Between drag racing with my uncle and getting involved in road racing with some college buddies, my passion for cars is what kept me on track." During graduate work at OSU, Christian was mentored by Professor Ahmet Selamet, a specialist in internal combustion flow characteristics, thermal dynamics and heat transfer. In addition to participating in Selamet's Ford-sponsored research work, Christian was exposed to a pair of Ford-supplied dynamometers and a 1940s-vintage Ford flow bench. He was hooked.
After graduate school, Christian hired in with the Ford College Graduate (FCG) program. Part of his FCG rotation was spent with Ford Racing engineers, where he contributed to Ford's NASCAR restrictor plate program. He also took instruction from a top-ranked exhaust header fabricator at Roush-Yates Racing Engines.
Although Christian has only been with Ford for five years, he has observed significant and positive cultural changes in the organization.
"When I arrived, the conversation was all about the competition," he said. "Now, the customer is our unwavering focus. For veteran engineers, and relative newcomers like me, this has been both inspiring and empowering."
Christian is proud to be part of a team that has contributed to across-the-board improvement in Ford's powertrain portfolio, with each successive new engine delivering more power and increased fuel economy compared to its predecessor.
"Working on an icon like the 5.0-liter Mustang engine is the realization of the dream I've nurtured since the ninth grade," said Christian. "This engine – 412 horsepower with refinement and improved fuel economy – is for our Mustang customers and fans. They own it, not us."
Living a dream can make an engineer careful what he wishes for.
"The greatest obstacle we faced on the 5.0-liter was getting the fabricated exhaust manifolds into the program," said Christian. "Initial supplier prototypes failed to meet program objectives, and we were running out of time. Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst Beth Dalrymple and I quickly finalized the computer-aided engineering (CAE) design and I built the prototype manifolds in my home workshop." Christian's handcrafted manifolds were instantly installed on a development engine and dynamometer-tested, yielding an incremental increase of 6 horsepower and 14 additional ft.-lb. of torque. The home-grown headers became benchmarks for production pieces. The entire process took two weeks.
While Christian already owns two vintage Mustangs, he intends to purchase a 2011 Mustang GT with the new 5.0-liter V-8 as soon as it becomes available.
"This engine has so many attributes," said Christian. "It's got a broad, useful torque curve, high specific output and high technology. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) allows us to have our cake and eat it, too. Ti-VCT, the 11:1 compression ratio, aggressive fuel shutoff on closed throttle – all combine to allow this engine to deliver unexpected fuel economy."
Christian is married and in his spare time works on his vintage Mustangs, continually striving to optimize their performance.
"I'm lucky to contribute to the Mustang 5.0-liter program," said Christian. "Like so many of my teammates, my profession and hobby are truly the same magnificent obsession."
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
Adam owns two vintage Mustangs, including a modified 1966 Coupe – his first car
He is assisting, pro bono, in restoration of a museum-owned 1966 Ford GT Mk. II A
Adam is an annual ICE guest lecturer at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
His dogeared copy of Modern Compressible Flow is seldom out of his reach
Todd Brewer is Ford's top technical resource for cylinder head design
A native of Leadwood, Mo., Brewer led the team that designed and developed the free-breathing cylinder heads for the 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2011 Ford Mustang GT
A part-time mechanic in high school and fervent Mustang enthusiast, Brewer owns a cherished 1987 Mustang 5.0-liter
From Todd Brewer's perspective, breathing is as important to a high-performance engine as it is to a marathon runner.
"An engine is really a great big air pump," said Brewer, Ford's technical expert on cylinder head design. "The better the engine breathes, the better it performs. Better airflow improves volumetric efficiency as well as fuel economy – just like breathing helps marathon runners go the distance."
Designing and developing free-breathing cylinder heads for the new 5.0-liter V-8 presented a challenge and an opportunity for Brewer and the team.
"Breaking the 400 horsepower barrier, with uncompromised fuel economy, tractability, smoothness, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics was a tall order," said Brewer. "Striking the optimal balance between all of these attributes required us to do all the things we know how to do, only better – like optimizing port flow while still enabling all the needed features of the engine system, such as Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), to combine power and efficiency."
The Mustang 5.0 team members like to describe their new 5.0-liter V-8 as a "have your cake and eat it, too" proposition. It produces 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque, yet is projected to deliver the same fuel economy – or better, depending on the transmission specified – as its predecessor.
"We are all very proud of the 5.0-liter V-8," said Brewer. "It's the opportunity for the team to deliver a world-class engine in terms of specific output – more than 80 horsepower per liter – and improved fuel economy, while employing implementation-ready approaches and technologies. It's a high-volume, affordable engine that can compete with much more expensive and exotic engines."
Brewer hails from Leadwood, Mo., a former lead-mining village of 1,200 inhabitants. Working as a mechanic in high school got him excited about engines, so he pursued a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla.
During undergrad vacations Brewer worked two summer internships at Ford, which led to a permanent position with the company upon graduation. He later went on to earn a master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.
Like many of his teammates, Brewer is an enthusiastic Mustang fan.
"During my second Ford internship, I spent every extra penny I earned on a 1987 Mustang GT 5.0-liter," he said proudly. "To this day, I still own it."
For members of the team, the V-8 represents their best possible work from their heads, their hands and their hearts.
"I've never before seen such passion and dedication to a project," Brewer said. "This engine represents the very best of our collective experience. It returns the Mustang GT to its rightful place, at its rightful displacement of 5.0 liters."
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
Todd is single and lives in Dearborn, Mich.
He was a part-time mechanic in high school, which got him enthusiastic about engines
Prior to joining the company, Brewer served as a Ford college intern for two summers
Brewer has been with Ford for 15 years, working with cylinder heads for more than 10 of those years
The 2010 Ford Flex and the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have been named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine, one of America's leading automotive lifestyle publications.
The AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Stars are chosen by the AUTOMOBILE Magazine staff, its worldwide bureau chiefs and its contributors, following an intensive test drive of the year's most innovative and important new cars. Winners are selected based on design, value and performance, driving enjoyment and the vehicle's ability to redefine an existing category or create a new market segment.
The 2010 Ford Flex: Turning heads today and tomorrow
This year marks the second consecutive win for the Ford Flex. Last year, AUTOMOBILE Magazine described the 2009 model as a "class act among people movers."
In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, the 2010 Ford Flex was recently singled out for the 2009 "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" award from the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC). Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, predict Flex will be the vehicle most likely to turn heads at the Woodward Dream Cruise of 2034. Ford's unique crossover has been turning heads since its introduction in 2007.
For 2010, the Flex offers outstanding fuel economy in the full-size crossover segment with 17 mpg city/24 highway and an unsurpassed 20 mpg combined. It also offers a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, an auto-fold 60/40 second-row split bench seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the Ford-exclusive MyKey™ technology, which allows owners to program a maximum top speed – and radio volume – to encourage safe operation by teen drivers.
Banner year for 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2009 has been a banner year for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan was honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazine's "10Best" cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award. The Fusion Hybrid also is a finalist for North American Car of the Year.
Despite the slump in overall industry sales, Fusion sales are at an all-time high for 2009, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. And more than 60 percent of Fusion sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.
Additional awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:
"Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
2009 Ward's Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster
Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
Named one of America's Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine
Named 2009 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER
Named Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
Named one of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
Earned The Detroit News Readers' Choice Award for "Best Value"
Quotes
"The level of excellence found during our annual All-Stars competition was at an all-time high and the competition was strong, despite the auto industry coming off its worst year in recent history. We whittled down a list of 39 finalists to the 10 All-Stars, and the end results produced a list of true standouts."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine
"For 2010, Ford has equipped the Flex with its much-anticipated EcoBoost™ engine, thereby addressing the Flex's only weakness – power – and effectively transforming it from a well-rounded family hauler into a large sport wagon. The Flex is unique in a market brimming with compromised, look-alike utility vehicles and is one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine
"Its very ordinariness is what makes the Fusion Hybrid an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star. The Fusion Hybrid is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you're driving a hybrid."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine
Does the sight of a blinker flashing on the car in front of you for miles and miles drive you crazy? You’re not the only one.
This annoying habit is so frustrating to drivers that it made the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list by a leading vehicle insurance company, which surveyed thousands of drivers nationwide. Nicknamed Morse Coders in the survey, these drivers often cruise for miles without realizing their blinker is on. Meanwhile, they are annoying everyone behind them.
Most annoying driving habits:
1. Distracted drivers talking on cell phones (28.5 percent)
2. Slow drivers in the fast lane (21.6 percent)
3. Pushy drivers who tailgate (18.1 percent)
4. Drivers who weave through traffic to gain one or two car lengths (12.5 percent)
5. Obnoxious drivers who speed up to keep you from changing lanes (5.5 percent)
6. Hasty drivers who change lanes without signaling (4.9 percent)
7. Road Rage (2.7 percent)
8. Motorcyclists who race down the middle of a lane, between cars (2.1 percent)
9. Women applying makeup and men shaving (1.7 percent)
10. Drivers who leave their turn signal on for miles (0.92 percent)
Source: Hagerty Insurance
Coming this summer on the 2011 Ford Fiesta
Ford’s three-blink lane change technology is simplifying the way drivers maneuver on the road. With a simple flick of the switch – either up or down, depending on which lane the driver is moving into – the turn indicator will blink three times and automatically shut off. The switch can be held in the lane change position longer for additional blinks beyond the three minimum.
To engage the turn signal, drivers move the switch into the standard position, one more press past the lane change mode.
For motorists who drive behind the Morse Coders, this is welcome news: “Driving behind a car that’s blink, blink, blinking is enough of a driver annoyance that we’re putting the technology in our full Ford line going forward,” said Murphy. “Customers say this is confusing – and it bugs them. So we’re doing something about it.”
Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta is among the first vehicles in the Ford lineup to receive the new three-blink technology. The “annoyance avoidance” feature is yet another technology going into the expressive, fun-to-drive Fiesta that makes perfect sense.
With a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta is designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.
The 2011 Ford Super Duty is also set to receive the three-blink turn signal technology when it goes on sale in 2010.
Quotes
“Most drivers have found themselves behind cars that have their signals on after changing lanes. This can be confusing because there is no way of knowing if the signal is a real indication of an upcoming turn or not. To reduce this confusion, drivers want vehicles to automatically disengage the turn signal after making a lane change.”
– Jim Thomas, Senior Vice President of RDA Group
“This allows the driver to let go of the switch and concentrate on driving. Instead of holding down the switch, they can give a quick tap, show a three-blink warning that they are about to merge and change lanes. It’s that simple.”
– John Murphy, Ford Core Switch Product Engineer
From Mustang pool tables, children’s T-shirts and remote-controlled Raptor pickups, Ford is cueing up a sleigh full of gift items that are just in time for the last-minute holiday shopper.
Ford’s new line of licensed items will fit every budget – from $15 to $15,000. There’s a high-end Mustang pool table, a children’s line of JCPenney T-shirts, a 2010 Mustang calendar and even a dog collar with a seat belt buckle latch and matching leash.
The Mustang pool table is molded from a 1965 Mustang and can be ordered in any paint color. Complete with working lights, alloy rims and wheels and chrome decals, bumpers and hardware, this high-end Mustang replica looks like the real thing. The pool table can be ordered online at www.mustangpooltable.com or over the phone by calling 727.827.8268; it costs $14,995.
Two new styles of children’s T-shirts are available for $15.99 at JCPenney stores nationwide. One T-shirt, a Super Duty design, features a dump truck; the other has a Ford tractor with the phrase “Playin’ Dirty!” on it.
For those last-minute stocking stuffers, a 2010 Mustang wall calendar will help you keep track of your days, while showcasing the ever-popular pony car. With 13 pictures, covering the 1964-1/2 model to the 2010 Mustang, nothing was forgotten. The calendar can be ordered online from www.thetimefactory.com for $6.99.
And of course, we can’t forget our furry friends. Dog collars and leashes round out the selection of last-minute gifts for the holiday season. Logos available include Ford Trucks, Mustang, the Blue Oval™ and Built Ford Tough®. The collar retails for $25 and even comes with a miniature seat belt buckle that releases with the push of a button. The leash costs $22, and can be purchased online from www.beltsdirect.com.
For more last-minute holiday gift needs, check out www.fordmarket.com for other Ford-licensed merchandise.
Quotes
“People are sharing their passion for Mustang, F-150 and other Ford vehicles with our great line of toys and other gifts. We’ve already sold thousands of the Raptor remote-controlled trucks – a great example of how a niche truck can create a big halo.”
– John Nens, Ford Global Brand Licensing Manager
Leaping into the world of virtual engineering, Ford Motor Company now employs the same type of motion-capture technology used to create films like “Avatar,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Shrek” to design vehicles that are more comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Motion-capture, a technology that digitally captures movement, is used by Hollywood computer animators and video game designers to make nonhuman characters appear more lifelike. Ford uses the technology to create realistic digital humans that engineers use to test vehicles in the virtual world. Ford is the only automaker to use motion-capture software in this way for vehicle design.
Capturing motion in movies and cars
One of the newest ways Ford is using motion-capture technology is through a system called Human Occupant Package Simulator (HOPS), which combines motion-capture software with a special test vehicle to measure and evaluate body motion.
A human test subject is outfitted with up to 50 motion-capture sensors. The test subject performs a series of movements, such as swinging a leg outside of the vehicle or reaching for the seat belt. The markers record trajectories of the test subject’s movements. The recordings are then loaded into a database to create digital human models.
Ford engineers use the digital human models to evaluate movement using different virtual vehicle design proposals from a small car to a full-size pickup truck. The system also can be reconfigured to represent the driver and the front, second or even third-row passenger compartments.
The HOPS motion-capture technology allows engineers to apply a more scientific approach to understanding how people interact with vehicles.
Creating a holistic experience
Ford also is applying motion-capture animation software to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built. In Ford’s Immersive Virtual Evaluation (iVE) lab, engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views with buildings, intersections and pedestrians.
Two specialized tools used in the iVE lab are the Cave Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) and the Programmable Vehicle Model (PVM).
The CAVE is a room where images are projected in stereo onto three walls and the ceiling to generate real-time, virtual vehicle interiors and exteriors at actual scale. When you look around, you can see virtually everything inside and outside of a vehicle that is still only a design in a computer.
The PVM, an adjustable physical device that can be scaled to the actual dimensions of a car or truck, provides an even greater realistic experience by adding the element of touch.
Both virtual design tools help Ford improve the design aesthetics, engineering and ergonomics of its cars and trucks. They also enable the company to bring products to market faster and more cost effectively.
Quotes
“Just like in the movies, we hook people up with sensors to understand exactly how they move when they are interacting with their vehicles. Once we have all that motion captured, we create virtual humans that we can use to run thousands of tests that help us understand how people of all sizes and shapes interact with all kinds of vehicle designs. It’s an incredibly efficient way of engineering tomorrow’s vehicles.”
– Gary Strumolo, Manager, Ford Research and Engineering
“Comfort or discomfort is inherently a subjective measure. For a given vehicle, some people will say it’s comfortable to get in, while others may say just the opposite. The challenge is to find out why people feel that way and how we can change the design to improve the perception. Before HOPS, the only way to evaluate a given design was to have people get into a vehicle and tell us how they liked it. This took lots of time and guesswork. Now we can couple this subjective appraisal with objective measurements of their arms, legs and head movements, along with muscular efforts to quantify movement mathematically. Our design teams use the data as a guide for developing a variety of vehicle platforms that provide optimal comfort, regardless of a person’s size or shape.”
– Nanxin Wang, Ford Technical Leader
“This technology enables us to evaluate many vehicle exterior and interior alternatives in a virtual environment from any location – in the driver’s seat or hundreds of feet away from the vehicle – with animated characters and vehicles. We set up key dimensions – steering wheel, gas, brake, center stack, etc. – and then we put the virtual world around that physical model. Instead of being in a room, you’re actually sitting in a representation of the vehicle. You can touch and feel most everything, but what you’re looking at is digital.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Technical Specialist in Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization at Ford
Ford is celebrating a year of success for its best-selling small car, recently collecting the 26th major European honor for the Ford Fiesta in Bucharest – the Romanian Car of the Year award.
Over the past 12 months, the Ford Fiesta has been lauded across the globe, winning over 70 prestigious awards in 14 countries and regions to date – Australia, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Indonesia, Slovenia, Spain, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Catalonia. In China alone, the Ford Fiesta has collected an astonishing 44 accolades so far! (See the list.) Car of the Year
The awards have included national and individual publications’ overall Car of the Year awards and best supermini and B-segment honors – all awarded for the Fiesta’s all-round qualities. Other awards have been for Fiesta’s design or manufacturing excellence, and several for the Fiesta’s impressive environmental performance, most notably for the sub 100g/km CO2 Ford Fiesta ECOnetic model.
The large number of accolades the car has received highlights how well it has been received by the global media.
More importantly though, is the success new Fiesta has met with from customers, with over 540,000 examples sold since the car was launched just over a year ago. Of those, over 492,000 sales have been in Europe, where Ford Fiesta is the No.2 best-selling car overall, and the No.1 top-seller in its segment year-to-date.
Quotes
“We are extremely proud of the latest Fiesta model both in terms of what it has achieved and what it represents. The Fiesta is one of the vehicles that are key to how Ford Motor Company is transforming itself globally. We’re delighted that so many car buyers have chosen it, and that so many opinion formers have acknowledged its many strengths.”
– John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe
“With the Ford Fiesta continuing its global rollout in North America in early 2010, we hope it is only a matter of time before our best-selling car adds to its impressive collection of accolades.”
– John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe
Remember when having a rear-seat DVD entertainment system in your car made your family the coolest on the block? That’s so five minutes ago. These days, on-board infotainment options aren’t limited to a movie and its bonus features – it’s all about connectivity to the outside world.
That’s why Ford Motor Company will turn vehicles into rolling WiFi hot spots when it introduces the second generation of its popular SYNC® in-car connectivity system next year.
Getting connected
Inserting an owner’s compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an “air card” – into SYNC’s USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.
Studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show there are up to 77 million tech- enthusiast adult drivers, more than half of whom express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. Even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles.
Upgradeable and secure
The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.
The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor’s systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.
Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from “piggybacking” on the SYNC-provided signal.
Quotes
“While you’re driving to grandma’s house your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles. And you’re not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.”
– Mark Fields, Ford President of the Americas
“The speed at which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, make obsolescence a real problem. We’ve solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user’s existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we’ve helped ensure ‘forward compatibility’ with whatever connectivity technology comes next.”
– Doug VanDagens, Director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions Organization
“Using SYNC with existing mobile devices helps Ford provide the most value, the most flexibility and the most convenience for owners. Constant connectivity is becoming a routine part of our customers’ lives, and we’re making existing technology more accessible without adding costs: That’s the kind of value Ford drivers have learned to expect.”
– Mark Fields, Ford President of the Americas
When Ford Motor Company began researching ways to adapt Smartphone mobile apps for in-car use through voice control of its popular SYNC® communications system, the company first turned to the nearby University of Michigan-Dearborn campus to spur innovative ideas around “what’s next” for the connected car experience.
There, Ford enlisted the help of six computer science students, working with their professors to devise an extracurricular project that would net the young programmers invaluable real-world experience. It would also give Ford an education on the open software community, which was what the company wanted in order to take SYNC to the next level.
Back to school
To gain outside perspective on the app marketplace, the students headed for the same place millions of SYNC users visit every day: the iPhone App Store. With more than 100,000 applications created in just two years, explosive growth fueled by a spirit of “open innovation” has made the App Store an unprecedented success.
The initial task: winnowing the roughly 100,000 active App Store apps down to those that would be relevant for in-car use. The young developers would then be asked to modify the software to work with SYNC, using the vehicle buttons, displays and voice prompts to control the mobile app. And they had three months during which to work.
Ford was already working on an internal proof-of-concept application programming interface called “SYNCLink,” allowing connectivity between Smartphone mobile applications and the vehicle interface. This API permitted access to the automotive interface – buttons, voice prompts and vehicle displays – that would be needed to make the software work.
To gain access to the SYNC API in development, the students became the first ever to sign Ford’s new SYNC Developers’ License, in effect making them the only six mobile app developers in the world licensed to use the SYNC API for in-vehicle applications. Not only were the agreements drafted in a remarkably short time, but they marked an unprecedented release of proprietary technology by an automaker into the open source community.
Quotes
“When we started planning for mobile app functionality on SYNC, we knew we had to think and act with the ‘start-up’ mentality. The explosive growth in apps comes from community-created development, software geeks chatting about code on social media sites, open collaboration. That’s the genesis of app innovation, and that’s the spirit we wanted to capture for SYNC.”
– K. Venkatesh Prasad, Technical Leader for Infotronics, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering
While rumors that Ford is developing a totally self-driving car are exaggerated to say the least, the automaker will double the availability of its Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support system in 2010 – two technologies that help drivers stay aware of hazards ahead. The advanced, radar-based driver aid and crash avoidance technologies will be added to the next-generation Ford Explorer, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.
In 2009, Ford began offering Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support on the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. One in four owners of those vehicles opted for these state-of-the-art driver awareness features.
In 2010, the newly enhanced system will allow up to two drivers to program personal settings for both features, including their preferred lead vehicle distance warning times, and a more user-friendly graphical interface.
The radar advantage
More than 70 percent of vehicle accidents occur between two or more moving vehicles, with rear-end accidents accounting for nearly a third of all accidents documented. Most rear-end collisions are due to driver inattention and insufficient driver braking, both of which are addressed by the enhanced brake functionality offered within Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support system.
When activated, Adaptive Cruise Control operates just like normal cruise control, with one important exception. If its radar sensor detects slower moving vehicles immediately ahead, the system will reduce the cruising speed as appropriate. When its sensors detect traffic has cleared, the user’s vehicle resumes the set speed. The radar sensor can detect vehicles up to 150 yards away, track their status 20 times per second, and detect speed changes of as little as 1/4 mph.
For 2011, Adaptive Cruise Control will be pictorially represented on a high-tech LCD vehicle instrument display when activated, alongside other driver information such as the fuel gauge and speedometer. The appearance of the information will be similar to the 2010 Ford Fusion’s SmartGauge™ cluster, which uses animation of a growing vine to track fuel efficiency. Likewise, Adaptive Cruise Control will be represented by a “bird’s-eye view” of two car icons with distance bars in the gap between them. The distance between the icons is determined by driver-programmable preference.
Also for 2011, Collision Warning with Brake Support, which is packaged with Adaptive Cruise Control as an integrated system, provides the driver with a “heads-up” display of red LEDs that flash on the windshield, and provides an audible alert when its radar senses a reduction in traffic speed in vehicles ahead.
Collision Warning with Brake Support uses the same radar capability as Adaptive Cruise Control and can sense changes in the traffic flow, as low as 1/4 mph. If the driver’s response is delayed, the system will pre-charge the brakes to prepare the vehicle for more aggressive braking to help avoid rear-end accidents. If the driver lifts quickly off of the accelerator indicating a desire to slow down, the system will apply the brakes to a nominal level to begin decelerating the vehicle faster than the driver can move their foot to the brake pedal.
If the driver hits the brakes rapidly, the system will ensure that they are using the full braking capability of the vehicle to avoid or mitigate the potential threat. The feature can detect a change in traffic conditions within 250 milliseconds and provide a warning as quickly as 100 milliseconds later. The system’s activation sensitivity is determined by the driver’s programmable preference.
Learn more about Ford’s radar-enabled vehicle systems.
Quotes
“We’ve taken a great set of driver awareness features and made them more effective through the use of a more user-friendly interface that’s designed to provide an enhanced driver experience.”
– Steve Kozak, Ford’s Chief Engineer for Safety Systems.
“We’ve designed the chime and visual alerts to be effective at improving the reaction time from the driver when they’re not paying attention, to get them on to the task at hand, which is applying the brakes if needed.”
– Aaron Mills, Ford Senior Engineer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
“These radar-based systems build on Ford’s leading safety heritage. Many years of research and engineering work, leveraging experience gained in aerospace and other non-automotive applications, have enabled Ford to offer these crash avoidance and driver awareness systems on a growing number of vehicles. As a result, vehicle occupants may be better protected than ever before.”
– Jeff Rupp, Manager, Active Safety, Research and Advanced Engineering at Ford’s Research and Innovation Center
Ford vehicles are now among the quietest on the road – topping Toyota and Honda in key sound quality measures – and customers are taking notice.
Third-party initial quality research shows Ford customer satisfaction with interior quietness now far surpasses Asian rivals, and that Ford vehicles have fewer wind noise, squeak and rattle issues than any other volume automaker.
In fact, the new global Fiesta, headed for the U.S. in 2010, is not only quieter than the leading B-cars, but also quieter than the leading C-cars in both wind noise and rough road surface comparison tests conducted by Ford engineers.
Key to Ford’s success in crafting quiet cabins is the use of everything from traditional wind tunnels to sophisticated virtual reality tools to identify and eliminate unwanted sounds.
The competition among automakers to engineer the quietest vehicles on the road is increasing as interior noise becomes an ever more important factor for customers. More than 80 percent of new vehicle buyers rated quietness as very or extremely important in the Martiz New Vehicle Consumer Survey. Ford brands also have higher interior quietness customer satisfaction scores than their Asian competitors, including Toyota and Honda, according to the RDA Global Quality Research System (GQRS) surveys this year.
Material advancements
The process for designing a quiet vehicle starts from the outside in. Ford engineers stiffen certain parts of the vehicle, strategically mount engines, and tune the rear suspension to reduce vibration. This can contribute to a quieter and more refined sound for a sedan like Fusion or Taurus, or a sportier and more powerful ride for vehicles like the Mustang or F-150.
Advancements in materials, such as expandable foam pellets strategically placed in the doors, headliner and pillars, can improve sound-deadening efficiency by up to 20 percent. Interiors are further quieted with hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, sound-absorbing carpet, improved ceiling baffles, additional sound absorption in the trunk, and new interior and headliner materials.
Other ways Ford engineers have built interior quietness into the 2010 lineup include:
Acoustic laminated windshields that feature a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass
Improved body/door sealing to reduce wind noise
Expandable stuffers in the fenders and pillars
Constrained layer damping material on the entire floor to reduce road noise, especially generated by the tires
A retuned air induction system for a more refined powertrain sound
All-new acoustic headliners to further deaden interior noise
Learn more about how quiet vehicle interior are accomplished.
Quotes
“Customers connect a quiet cabin with a quality vehicle, and we know that. Step by step, we’re gaining in quality; we’re now on par with Toyota and Honda. And the strides we’re making in interior quietness are all part of the game plan.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“The key to world-class quietness is to pinpoint the source and location of every unwanted sound, no matter how subtle it is. Noise Vision already is paying off for Ford, with the new 2010 Taurus, Fusion, Flex and F-150 achieving the quietest interiors in their class.”
– Bill Gulker, Ford’s leader of Wind Noise Engineering
“We strive to continuously stay on the cutting edge of technology to find the most innovative ways to bring the highest-quality vehicles to our. We look at every angle, every method, to find ways to improve.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
Ford Motor Company has improved in fuel economy more than any other major automaker since 2004, according to a recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rated Ford’s combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.
Ford credits its recent gains in fuel economy in part to its introduction of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids and numerous incremental aerodynamic, mechanical, energy management and weight-saving improvements across its vehicle lineup. Going forward, it expects the 2009 introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids and its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines to further improve its fleet-wide fuel economy.
Fuel efficiency across the lineup
Dramatic fuel efficiency improvement is evident throughout Ford’s vehicle lineup – from cars and crossovers to sport utilities and trucks. Depending on powertrain specifications, the 2010 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid, Taurus SHO, Flex, F-Series and Transit Connect offer best-in-class or unsurpassed fuel economy. The same can be said of the 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT and Navigator, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid.
Ford expects to see its overall fuel economy continue to rise in 2010 with the introduction of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and redesigned 2011 Ford Focus – both high-mileage small cars.
Not only is the improved fuel efficiency good for customers’ wallets, it benefits the environment as well. As a result of the boost, Ford lowered its tailpipe CO2 emissions more than any other automaker with a fleet-wide average of 434 grams per mile – 37 grams lower than its 2007 total and 25 grams lower than 2008.
Learn more about how Ford has been improving its fuel efficiency.
Quotes
“2009 has been a breakthrough year for Ford, leading with the launch of EcoBoost and the introduction of new products that will result in further improvement in 2010. Our commitment to delivering affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles for millions has never been stronger or better demonstrated.”
– Sue Cischke, Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering
It’s been said that you can’t live – much less “live the dream” – in L.A. without your own wheels. In a town where image is everything, young up-and-comers are well advised to be seen in a vehicle that projects how hip and socially vibrant they are. Enter the Ford Fiesta.
The Ford Fiesta is used to being noticed online. After all, it had a starring role in the Fiesta Movement, a marketing platform that lives in the social media space. Its newest role will be on the new series, If I Can Dream, where this exciting new car will serve as an integral part of the cast.
If I Can Dream follows five young people as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood. All the while, their lives will be captured and streamed online in real-time, 24/7 on www.ificandream.com. In addition, a 30-minute show will be broadcast each week exclusively on Hulu, a Web site that offers popular TV shows and movies from commercial networks.
The show is also a natural extension of Fiesta’s vibrant life online. Like Fiesta Movement agents, the cast of the show will communicate with fans and followers via social media.
The Ford Fiesta already has the attention of socially connected consumers months before it goes on sale in North America next summer,” said Fontaine. “So when 19 Entertainment approached us to cast the Fiesta in If I Can Dream, it seemed only natural. The role that 19 Entertainment and Ford have created for Fiesta is really exciting and will provide viewers a different look at the cast members through amazing technology and the Fiesta.”
Fiesta has it all – and more
Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. With 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings fuel economy and convenience together.
It’s also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.
Quotes
“This is a natural role for Fiesta to play. Fiesta’s substantial role will allow customers to interact with the vehicle firsthand and experience the technologies and features before the vehicle goes on sale.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
“I am determined to continue challenging convention and pushing the boundaries of mainstream entertainment. The next frontier is the video world of authentic real-time interaction. If I Can Dream experiments with technology to provide for the first time a complete open-door experience that allows the viewer to experience reality in a way never before attempted.”
– Simon Fuller, creator of If I Can Dream
Human touch is highly subjective and complex, making it difficult to replicate in a lab. So designers of vehicle interiors have historically relied on direct feedback from customers to determine which visual and tactile interior environments pleased most people. However, the results were unscientific and sometimes resulted in customers feeling unsatisfied and uninspired by their driving experience.
To energize dull, lifeless interiors, Ford Motor Company has developed a secret weapon: A robot known as RUTH – short for Robotized Unit for Tactility and Haptics. RUTH enables Ford engineers to refine various touch points around the vehicle’s interior to objectively meet a wide range of subjective customer preferences. Ford is the world’s first automaker to use a robot to scientifically test the feel and appearance of switches and surfaces.
Engineers at Ford’s European Research Center in Aachen, Germany used the robot in developing the interiors of the European models of the new Focus and Fiesta, versions of which are coming to the United States in 2010.
Weird science
RUTH brings a scientific, three-dimensional approach to touch. Friction, force, roughness, softness and temperature are among the parameters measured throughout the vehicle’s interior. The measurements taken are then compared and correlated to consumer feedback on what is perceived as having a high-quality appearance and feel. The output from this research is helping engineers generate measurements for the “Ford DNA” – a consistent signature look and feel – for different parts of the interior, such as the armrest or steering wheel.
The advantage RUTH has over a human is its higher perception resolution. For example, Ford engineers can take a consumer’s perception of soft or cool and then establish scientific measurements that meet those characteristics.
Unlike some automakers that test components or materials in a lab setting, apart from the actual vehicle application, RUTH assumes the role of the driver and can feel components inside three-dimensional spaces, such as a design prototype. RUTH mimics complex human movements, from pushing knobs to adjusting the air vents, just as the customer experiences it. Other systems have only linear or rotary measurements, which typically fall short when it comes to replicating customer operation.
Some examples of RUTH’s uses include:
Measuring the resistance of pushing buttons and turning knobs to make sure they don’t feel too loose or have too much resistance. The robot also compares the different buttons and knobs to one another, to ensure they have a uniform feel.
Determining softness, hardness and texture of surfaces like the dashboard to ensure they fall within limits consumers have shown they prefer.
Taking the temperature of components so materials match expectations. For instance, a metallic-colored knob should feel cool, while a wooden trim piece should feel warm in order to be perceived as high quality.
Measuring the spaces between pieces to minimize gaps for a tight look throughout.
Ford modified the robot – typically a model used to package consumer products in manufacturing plants – for its specific scientific purposes. Besides the new Fiesta and Focus, Ford engineers have used RUTH to refine the interiors of Ford of Europe’s Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX and C-MAX. It’s been in use for about four years, with its work is now being reflected in Ford production models around the world.
Quotes
“Instead of telling our suppliers we want a certain surface soft, we can give them the data curve for a particular softness requirement based on RUTH’s calculations. This means a characteristic like soft is no longer a subjective input. We can provide our suppliers with objective data so that the final product is so precise that we practically eliminate the need for numerous iterations to get what we want.”
– Mark Spingler, Vehicle Interior Technologies Engineer for Ford of Europe
“All of these little measurements add up to a much greater sense of quality from the moment you sit down inside a Ford. We’re leading the way in measuring touch so that high quality interiors can be delivered in affordable cars, not just expensive luxury models. We’re able to convey in numbers exactly how something needs to feel and build exactly to those specifications. It takes the guesswork out and replaces it with science.”
– Mark Spingler, Vehicle Interior Technologies Engineer for Ford of Europe
Picture the Las Vegas Strip shut down and abuzz with visitors, casino hoppers and revelers anxiously waiting to witness one of magician Steve Wyrick’s biggest illusions yet. Shackled by the Las Vegas police in the middle of the strip, Wyrick embraces what is about to come. World champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. lights up the tires and suddenly races down the strip in a silver 2010 Mustang and slams right into Wyrick. As the Mustang races out the other side, the driver’s door swings open…
To watch Wyrick, Gittin and the 2010 Mustang perform the seemingly impossible on the Las Vegas Strip, check out the video that includes behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot at www.the2010Mustang.com.
This 10th and final experience is among several dream Mustang experiences Ford has brought to life with ’10 Unleashed. Along with Gittin sliding sideways around Japan, these include consumer Roger Keeney driving blindly, four gamers testing their Need for Speed SHIFT™ in real life at Willow Springs Raceway, and professional skateboarders Pat Duffy and Jake Brown skating the streets of Los Angeles. Each incredible video can be viewed on www.the2010Mustang.com.
Quotes
“My grandfather’s prize possession in life was a 1970 Mustang Mach 1, one of the sickest cars you could imagine. Knowing of my grandfather’s love for the Mustang, I wanted to incorporate the 2010 Mustang into one of my acts and unleash my Mustang side by performing one of my biggest illusions yet on the Las Vegas Strip.”
– Steve Wyrick, Las Vegas magician
“Our goal was to make the final ’10 Unleashed experience something truly unforgettable. To have Vaughn race down the Las Vegas Strip in Spellbinder after kicking off the campaign by drifting the Mustang around Japan was a perfect ending to a great campaign.”
– Steve Ling, N.A. car marketing manager, Ford Motor Company
What do Ford Taurus SHO’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engines have in common? Both offer best-in-class fuel economy and both have been named to the Ward's 2010 “10 Best Engines” honoree list.
The 10 Best Engines list marks North America’s only awards program honoring powertrain excellence and is designed to reflect the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America’s automotive landscape.
The EcoBoost V-6 engine won in its first year of eligibility; Ford’s hybrid engine was recognized last year as well, and earned a spot again with the latest generation improvements in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid.
Another accolade for EcoBoost
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 is the heart of the 2010 Taurus SHO. This advanced powerplant generates 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad range from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection into the intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowering the likelihood of knock.
The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold-start emissions and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full-load engine behavior. Customers experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.
The award-winning EcoBoost V-6 is also available in the 2010 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, and MKS. Next year, Ford will introduce the first global applications of EcoBoost with four-cylinder engines in displacement sizes of 1.6-liters and 2.0-liters. As EcoBoost forms the cornerstone of Ford’s commitment to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, the technology will quickly migrate across the global line-up of cars and trucks being available on over 90-percent of global nameplates by 2013.
Hybrid a repeat performer
Last year, Ward’s judges also selected the new 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine introduced in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids to their 10 Best Engines list. This year, the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid received the honor, due to the further improvements of Ford's hybrid technology.
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate longer at higher speeds in pure electric mode. The Fusion Hybrid can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. It also has an EPA-estimated 41 mpg rating in the city, earning it the title of America’s most fuel-efficient midsize car.
Quotes
“Earning a spot on the Ward’s list for one engine, let alone two, is an exceptional honor. Our EcoBoost and hybrid engines deliver on our promise of class-leading fuel economy with uncompromised power and performance. We’re pleased that Ward's has recognized both.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“Kudos to Ford for giving buyers two significant new powertrain choices this year – a powerful and versatile V-6 and an affordable hybrid that ranks among the world's best.”
– Tom Murphy, Executive Editor, Ward’s AutoWorld
“That hybrid technology is recognized two years in a row underscores the importance of continuously working to improve this technology. We’re continuously working to keep up with the demands of today’s consumers.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
The Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) have predicted that, among America’s new cars and trucks launched in 2009, the Ford Flex will become the most desired by future car collectors.
Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the “Collectible Vehicle of the Future” from the year’s new American-built cars and trucks. The Ford Flex was selected from eight all-new vehicles launched in 2009.
The award was presented to Ford executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Thursday, Dec. 10 at NAHC quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.
The NAHC is the world’s largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories and historic documents is open to the public.
Among recent previous winners were the 2005 Ford Mustang and 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
Quotes
“This selection is unique among all the ‘Vehicle of the Year’ awards, because it is selected by car buffs who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year’s new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2034.”
– Charles K. Hyde, Chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees
“We are delighted that the Ford Flex has been recognized by the NAHC as having a design that will become a collectible of the future. We knew from the start that we had a vehicle with stand-out design that looks like nothing else on the road, but that also meets the needs of our customers looking for passenger space with innovative technology and great fuel economy,” she said. “Reaction from our customers has been fantastic and we hope they will enjoy their cars long into the future.”
– Kate Pearce, Flex Marketing Manager
For the second consecutive year, Ford has captured Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com “Best Redesigned Vehicle” award, this time for the hot-selling Taurus sedan. Last year, the honor went to the 2009 Ford F-150.
In addition to its expressive, upscale design and engaging driving dynamics, the 2010 Ford Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable. Its impressive standard and available technologies add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™ parental programmability, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™.
Today’s recognition from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com is the latest in a string of accolades for the 2010 Ford Taurus. Earlier this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Taurus was named International Car of the Year, and it received kbb.com “2010 Best Resale Value Award” in the full-size car category. And in January, the 2010 Taurus will serve as the official car of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®) in Las Vegas.
For more information about the 2010 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, please visit www.kbb.com/best2010redesign.
Quotes
“This is not your father’s Taurus. For us it’s a massive departure. It reinvigorates a brand that everybody wants to be proud of, applaud, and be excited about. It’s the whole package – great value, great build quality and great technology. We at Kelley Blue Book couldn’t help but embrace the new Taurus.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
“What’s amazing about the Taurus is that it just bristles with technology at such a responsible and very acceptable price point. I think that’s what makes it somewhat revolutionary.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
“Just like the 1986 original, the new Taurus is redefining the full-size sedan segment. It is creating a halo effect in our showroom and attracting younger, more diverse customers to the Ford brand.”
– Pei-Wen Hsu, Taurus Marketing Manager
Listen. We know how important it is to have an ultra-capable, heavy-duty truck for your work. You need every added advantage you can get. That’s why our engineers are working overtime to deliver the most power, capability and fuel economy possible. Witness the all-new TorqShift six-speed transmission. It just may give you an unfair advantage.
All-new diesel and gasoline engines are key reasons why the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty maintains best-in-class towing and payload and adds enhanced off-road capability. Managing the increased horsepower and torque is the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission, which delivers power quickly and seamlessly while maximizing fuel economy.
Creating a transmission to serve both diesel and gasoline engines in a Super Duty application is a challenging proposition because the gearbox needs to deliver the substantial low-rpm torque produced by the diesel engine and efficiently use the higher rotational speeds of the gasoline engine. The solution was to use a proven architecture, but adapt it for heavy-duty use.
Lepelletier powerflow: New application of tried-and-true system
Ford’s 6R140 TorqShift transmission uses a Lepelletier-style powerflow, which is a proven technology in rear-wheel-drive vehicles but not typically used with larger diesel engines. A key benefit of the Lepelletier architecture is that it reduces the complexity in connecting the gearsets and clutches. The six speeds require only five clutches, and the speeds of the clutches relative to one another are low, increasing the efficiency of the system.
To handle the torque of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel, Ford strengthened the system by employing a unique powder-metal carrier in the compound Ravigneaux planetary gearset. The carrier consists of four pressed powder-metal components sinter-brazed together to form a rigid, power-dense structure. This solution ensures robustness and makes the architecture compatible with both the diesel and gasoline engines. A Ford-patented rocker one-way clutch is integrated with the carrier and helps improve 1-2 shift quality through the gearset.
A deep first gear ratio and two overdrive gears create a wider ratio span. This, combined with available lower axle gear ratios and a control system that automatically selects the most efficient shift schedule, provides an outstanding combination of pulling power and fuel economy.
Six-speed gearbox offers best of automatic, manual transmissions
The 6R140’s heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission balances convenience and control by automatically shifting during routine operation and also allowing complete manual control. It features SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality, which includes both Progressive Range Select and manual functions.
With Progressive Range Select, a toggle on the shift lever allows the customer to reduce the range of available gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select mode, the display shows the available gears and highlights the current gear state. This feature allows the driver to limit use of upper gears when heavily loaded or while towing on grades.
For full manual function, customers also can pull the shift lever into “M” for manual mode and use the same toggle switch to select the gear desired. The display will show the selected gear, and the control system will lock the torque converter and hold that gear for a full manual transmission feel.
Quotes
“Our new transmission perfectly complements our new diesel and gasoline engines to give the customer the best powertrain for Super Duty applications. Rigorous testing ensures our transmission and powertrain is up to the challenge of even our most demanding Super Duty customers. Overall, the 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission enables greater customer capability, efficiency and control than ever before.”
– Al Bruck, 6R140 Transmission Engineering Manager
“With this architecture, the new transmission can handle the enormous low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine as well as the high speeds produced by the new gas engine. The sinter-brazed gearset enables more torque capacity and greater engine speed capability.”
– Al Bruck, 6R140 Transmission Engineering Manager
Corrections/Clarifications - December 11, 2009 at 15:39
If you’ve been counting down the days until you can order your 2011 Ford Fiesta, the time is now – and there’s more than 1,000 people right there in line next to you. The new Ford Fiesta is off to a very fast start – with more than 1,000 reservations in less than a week on a new Web site that allows consumers to build, price and reserve the new car.
"The Fiesta Movement created an unparalleled awareness and interest for the Fiesta months ahead of it going on sale next summer," said Lew Echlin, car marketing communications manager. "Fiesta Reservations provides these prospective customers a customized experience for researching, reserving and following their Fiesta."
The Fiesta Movement helped generate momentum for Fiesta and resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers leading up to the car's reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fiesta Reservations program will hold the interest of potential customers, and give them a VIP experience in conjunction with Ford dealers.
Through the program, consumers who reserve a new Fiesta will receive prioritized order handling with automatic build updates, their personal Fiesta Reservations consultant, and SYNC® and Premium Sound package, worth $595, at no charge once their vehicle is delivered. With a vehicle purchase, participants will be able to share their vehicle information through social media sites like Facebook.
Fiesta reservations have come from 47 states, with customers from California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois leading the way in reservations. The program also will provide Ford with a better understanding of mix rates as well as accessory interest, as this is the first time prospective customers can build and price their Ford accessories.
Customized service at your fingertips
Fiesta Reservations consultants will be available 12 hours a day to interact with participants and provide a personalized experience. Adding to the level of customer convenience, dedicated Fiesta Reservations consultants with multilingual capabilities are available.
Other personalized activities by the consultant include updating a customer's reservation per his or her desire, introducing the customer to a "Fiesta specialist" at a local dealership and answering any customer questions.
Interested consumers can access Fiesta Reservations by visiting www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta or by texting "reserve" to 4Ford on a smartphone.
When Ford Motor Company hosted its Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration at the Palladium in West Hollywood Tuesday night it also set a Guinness World Record for the most attendees at a tweetup. A tweetup is any gathering of two or more people who know each other through Twitter, and this unprecedented event brought together 1,149 Fiesta Movement agents and Twitter friends.
In addition to the tweetup milestone, the event’s attendees also honored their favorite Fiesta agent, Courtney Force.
Sneak peek
The Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration also provided attendees with a sneak peek of the new Fiesta in advance of its reveal at the L.A. Auto Show. The Fiesta for the North American market shares the European model’s kinetic design, platform, performance and driving dynamics. Its body structure underwent minor adaptations to meet unique North American safety standards.
Building buzz
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites.
Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.4 million miles and have generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program has resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers.
Quotes
“Time and again, our Fiesta Movement agents have shown how social media, adventurous spirit and unbridled enthusiasm can bring people together in new, exciting ways. Never before has a group of car owners created such a sustained buzz for a new car. We’re thrilled to celebrate their collective accomplishment.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
“Over the past six months, our Fiesta agents have shown a lot of love for their cars, which were European spec. Judging from their reception for the North American model, that love affair will flourish in the coming year.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
Corrections/Clarifications - December 09, 2009 at 09:24
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Lincoln MKT are the perfect choice for people with active lifestyles, according to the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards.
The Fusion Hybrid took the title in the “green” category and MKT won in the “luxury on road” group, beating out the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2009 Audi Q5, respectively.
The Fusion Hybrid delivers a class-leading 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row luxury crossover, delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology. MKT offers abundant technologies aimed at making life luxurious for both the driver and three rows of passengers, including Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System.
About the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards
The awards program, now in its sixth year, recognizes new cars and trucks that best meet the needs of active buyers. The program is sponsored by AAA and the Active Network.
Twenty manufacturers participated in the 2010 competition, entering vehicles in seven categories. A panel of 12 automotive journalists drove the initial field of entries and pared the group down to 28 finalists.
Athletes on hand included members of Team Aquaphor, Active Network Media and the San Diego Triathlon Club, participating in sports that ranged from surfing and sprint triathlons to ultra-distance running. The athletes’ votes weighed 50 percent in the final tally, with jury panel votes comprising the remaining 50 percent.
Quotes
“The MKT and Fusion Hybrid were both vying in extremely competitive categories, and that speaks to the versatility and quality of the product, that it beat out all the competitive entries. The designers dealt with ergonomic challenges in the case of both vehicles. The standard safety available also was impressive because that’s tremendously important to people with active lifestyles.”
– Nina Russin, Active Lifestyle Vehicle Jury Coordinator
“Many Fusion customers have a very active lifestyle, often including outdoor athletic activities. They want a vehicle that supports their ‘On the go’ spirit and the Fusion delivers.”
– Chantel Lenard, Group Marketing Manager, Global Small and Midsize Cars
“MKT is versatile enough for any athlete. With plenty of cargo space for gear and three rows of seating for teammates or friends, we’ve got any sport covered. It also has the functionality of an SUV and the technology of a luxury sedan to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.”
– Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT Marketing Manager
Corrections/Clarifications - December 11, 2009 at 19:19
That paragon of domestic motoring bliss, the 2010 Ford Taurus, today was named International Car of the Year (ICOTY) at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The ICOTY award honors new-year model vehicles that foster an emotional connection with consumers. The all-new Ford Taurus was voted the winner of the 14th annual award by a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. representing top newspapers, magazines and Web sites.
With its athletic, upscale design, the 2010 Ford Taurus combines class-leading technologies with confident, engaging driving dynamics. It features an impressive set of standard and available technologies that add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™ parental programmability, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™.
Quotes
“This award is not centered on power and performance. It’s about how a car reflects our personalities, lifestyles and self-image and how well the automaker achieves that goal through the design and marketing of the vehicle.”
– Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY’s Creator and Executive Producer.
“Taurus is not just a car you need to get from point A to point B, it is a car you want to arrive in in style. The new Taurus gives you a little blast of attitude and turns heads around every corner.”
– Pei-Wen Hsu, Taurus Marketing Manager
The 2010 Ford F-150 today received the 2010 Residual Value Award in the Full-Size Pickup category from ALG, a leading provider of residual forecasting data and consulting services to the automotive industry.
The award honors vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.
ALG determines award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.
What you get
The F-150 provides customers with more choice than any other pickup truck, with models ranging from the popular XL work truck all the way up to the luxurious Platinum, the sporty Harley-Davidson and the four-wheeler of the year, the F-150 SVT Raptor.
The F-150 also offers many class-exclusive features like a flat load floor, Ford SYNC®, Box Side Steps, a Tailgate Step and the award-winning Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of productivity technologies developed for the commercial truck owner. Ford Work Solutions recently received the prestigious 2010 Best of Innovations for In-Vehicle Accessories by the Consumer Electronics Show’s Innovations Design and Engineering Award. Additionally, the technology was recognized this fall as “Outstanding Feature” by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
Quotes
“The F-150 redesign for the 2009 model year was especially significant under the skin. The most capable light-duty pickup is still leveraging that redesign for 2010, but it is also more refined and quiet around town. On top of the product enhancements, F-150’s competitive pricing makes it a great value story for Ford.”
– James Clark, General Manager, ALG
“Winning an award like this is great for all of our F-150 customers because it tells them that they made a smart decision. It also assures potential future customers that F-150s will not only run great and look great, but they will be worth more when it comes time to trade them in for a new truck.”
– Brian Bell, F-150 Product Marketing Manager
“Plus it delivers fuel economy of up to 21 mpg on the highway, and it does it at a price that represents a great value to the customer at the time of purchase as well as years down the road.”
– Marc Lapine, F-150 Consumer Marketing Manager
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Flex and Shelby GT500® – everybody wants these vehicles, including the editors of Edmunds Inside Line. For the 2010 Inside Line Editors Most Wanted Awards, F-150 SVT Raptor and Flex with EcoBoost™ snagged honors for Overall Excellence, and Shelby GT500 was named this year’s Instant Classic.
The awards are chosen, quite simply, as the name states – they’re the vehicles the editors of the magazine want the most. The only stipulation is that they must have been tested by the magazine before Nov. 1. Then the editors gather together to vote on which vehicles they would be willing to spend their own money on.
About the winners
The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, and it’s also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. Key enablers to Raptor’s exceptional performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme high-speed off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.
Ford Flex turns heads with its distinctive design and its available twin-turbocharged direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. This all-new engine gives Flex the power and performance feel of a V-8 with the fuel economy of a standard V-6. It’s not just the room for seven and myriad interior storage options that have Flex owners raving. Flex is also packed with available innovative, class-leading technology solutions.
The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too. The more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 has horsepower increased to 540 and torque increased to 510 ft.-lb., as well as downforce increased and drag reduced. New gearbox enhancements plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance while providing better highway fuel efficiency – up to 2 mpg compared to the 2009 model.
Quotes
“Instead of awarding five sports cars every year, we award a mix of vehicles that people need every day. We feel that the Flex with EcoBoost and F-150 SVT Raptor are affordable vehicles that anyone would be proud to drive – they stand out amongst their peers for 2010. The Shelby GT500 is a vehicle with a certain timelessness to engineering and design that people will appreciate for decades to come. We think it’s the car we’ll be shopping for on eBay for years and years.”
– Scott Oldham, Editor-in-chief of Edmunds Inside Line
“We’re honored that three of our vehicles were chosen. These three vehicles are shining examples of our exciting lineup, and we’re always gratified when the media take notice.”
– Ken Czubay, Ford Vice President, Marketing
For more than 60 years, dependability and reliability have been the hallmark of Ford’s F-Series trucks. For those who rely on their trucks 24/7 for emergency rescue work, the new 2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty XLT chassis cab – which can be upfitted as a fire department first-responder vehicle – will be showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The 2011 F-550 Super Duty is the cornerstone of a program enabling auto show attendees to aid the Los Angeles County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund. Ford will donate $10,000 to the fund at the outset, then $10 for those who visit the Ford display and $20 for those who test drive a Ford vehicle at the show to a maximum of $6,000 a day throughout the entire run of the show.
What’s new
Two key additions to the redesigned truck – the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and the new heavy-duty six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission – underscore why more municipalities count on Ford trucks than any other to perform their most demanding and critical jobs. Ford is ranked No. 1 in the Emergency Vehicle Segment based on R.L. Polk & Co. Class 2-7 emergency Vehicle Vocation registrations.
The all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel was designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford and will deliver significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy.
It features a block made of compacted graphite iron, which is stronger than cast iron to withstand the increased firing pressures of the new combustion system. The single turbocharger is engineered to provide the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (compressing more air to create more power) in one package. The new engine also can run on biodiesel blends of up to B20.
The increased power is especially important on applications such as fire fighting. The apparatus on the F-550 chassis cab first-responder unit includes:
300-gallon water tank
8-gallon foam cell
Two pumps
Electric rewind hose reel with 150 feet of hose
Three-stage winch with 8,000-pound capacity
100 feet of wire rope
Segment-exclusive Live Drive PTO helps put out the fire while the truck is moving
The all-new heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission offers available Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) for diesel customers. This application allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment, and the power is available any time the engine is running – and the truck is moving.
The Live Drive PTO is critical in fire-fighting applications because it allows the truck to spray water onto a brush fire or grass fire, for example, while the truck is stationary or moving. This is the first time Live Drive PTO has been offered in this segment.
The 2011 Super Duty will be built at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, and goes on sale next spring.
Quotes
“This is one small way we can give back to the families of these heroes and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens.”
– Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager
“The Los Angeles County Fire Department is grateful to Ford for remembering the family members of our fallen firefighters. We support their efforts to raise funds for the Los Angeles County Firefighters Memorial Committee.”
– Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman
The hot-selling 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor just got hotter as it has been awarded 4x4 of the Year by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine. This is the third award for the off-road performance truck, which went on sale in August.
Since its initial world debut in late 2008, the F-150 SVT Raptor high-speed off-road performance truck has been a hit. The Dearborn Truck Plant has been building the truck at maximum capacity to fulfill orders, and the media have been giving it stellar reviews and awards based on its off-road performance and daily drivability.
Vehicles were judged on a 1,000-mile trail that evaluated the suspension, engine, transmission, transfer case and styling, and of course, off-road performance. F-150 SVT Raptor beat out three competitors, including the Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Hummer H3T Alpha and Toyota 4Runner Trail.
Earlier this year, the F-150 SVT Raptor received a 2010 Automotive Excellence Award: Best Off-Road Ability from Popular Mechanics magazine. The F-150 SVT Raptor also helped power the F-150 lineup to win the prestigious Truck of Texas award from the Texas Auto Writers Association.
New powertrain coming in 2010
Available in early 2010, an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 producing 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque will be available in the F-150 SVT Raptor. This new engine will make Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will have the choice of two V-8 engines – Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery. The 5.4-liter-powered F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995 including destination and delivery.
The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, and it’s also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.
Quotes
“This truck can handle anything the off-road world can dish out. The F-150 SVT Raptor has been a fantastic halo for the F-150 line, with capabilities far beyond what any other manufacturer currently offers.”
– Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager
“Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) worked very closely with FOX Racing Shox and BFGoodrich to give the F-150 immense off-road capability, while still being civil on pavement. Even though the truck is focused on high speed, we took into account all aspects of off-road driving during development. This award is proof that the F-150 SVT Raptor is a well-rounded performer.”
– Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development
“The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup handily won this year’s test, despite being pitted against top-of-the-line competition. The pickup consistently placed well ahead of the competition in most areas, and great value and fun factors sent it over the top. Basic, solid construction gave us the confidence to take the truck wherever we wanted.”
– Rick Péwé, Editor-in-chief of Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was named Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power™ (EWP) at the Los Angeles Auto Show Tuesday.
The award is designed to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that helps to reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment, and support the mission to achieve energy through alternative sources.
41 and Loving It
The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been a strong seller since its introduction earlier this year. Hybrid sales account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales, and the majority of those sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.
According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
In addition to the EWP award, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was recently named one of CAR and DRIVER’s “10Best” cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup was honored with the prestigious MOTOR TREND 2010 Car of the Year Award®.
Quotes
“Ford’s Fusion Hybrid sedan has the styling punch of a powerhouse with authority built into the design. With unsurpassed fuel economy, this car has real ecological know-how. We call it purity on wheels.”
– Kevin Smith, Editorial Director of Edmunds.com and one of 19 national automotive editors and journalists who selected the winner of the EWP award
“Ford has worked diligently to make the Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan. It is very gratifying to see our hard work recognized by some of the most prominent automotive journalists in the country through the EWP award.”
– Jonathan Richards, Fusion Marketing Manager
Corrections/Clarifications - December 11, 2009 at 19:20
The 2010 Ford Taurus and the 2010 Ford F-Series Super Duty have earned Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Best Resale Value Awards for the full-size car and full-size pickup categories respectively. The awards, announced Dec. 1 at the L.A. Auto Show, honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership and that are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.
Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com say depreciation can be the largest expense faced in the first five years of driving a vehicle.
Best Resale Value: Full-Size Car Category
The 2010 Ford Taurus offers 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer, such as Ford SYNC®, Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™, Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert and MyKey™.
Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup Category
The 2010 Super Duty offers Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of productivity technologies developed for the commercial truck owner that was recently recognized as “Outstanding Feature” by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
Quotes
“We think the 2010 Ford Taurus is an excellent redo of a venerable Ford nameplate. It’s the kind of vehicle that we believe will catch on in the marketplace, and therefore, its resale value should also do very well.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
“People today are buying pickup trucks for what they should be used for – which is for work, for getting jobs done and for playing with big toys. We feel that the Super Duty really captures that ‘Get the job done’ spirit and that it will certainly hold its value over time. Ford Work Solutions is something that’s definitely going to provide an advantage over time.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
Brand content and alliance manager might not tell you much about what Connie Fontaine does for Ford Motor Company. But Fiesta Movement, Fusion41, Warriors in Pink and American Idol probably ring a bell. Fontaine, has been involved with all of these, and has a story or two to tell about making them happen.
Join the live chat on Friday, December 4, at 3:30 p.m. EDT to see what Connie has to say about these initiatives and more.
Connie has worked for Ford since 1985. She has held many positions within the sales organization. She has been responsible for leading the development and execution of many breakthrough ideas including the award-winning Warriors in Pink campaign and the current social-media phenomenon, Fiesta Movement. In fact, Connie was recently honored by Advertising Age magazine as a 2009 Media Maven for her extensive leadership on the Fiesta Movement project. Her team is best known for their ability to collaborate with producers and partners to create engaging consumer connections ranging from mass-media integrations and product placements to unique grassroots events.
If you thought Fiesta Movement agents rocked the social media world this past six months, just wait until the second chapter when 20 new agent teams begin spreading the word about the Ford Fiesta. A new group of agents will be enlisted to engage their local communities by developing communications about Fiesta, leveraging social media as the means to spread the word about Ford’s all-new 40 mpg car.
Twenty teams of agents in major markets across the country will complete a series of missions, where they will compete in challenges online and locally that immerse them in cultural movements, allowing them to ignite passion into their communities through social media while opening the discussion about Fiesta.
After completing the challenge, agents will produce and place the creative content on www.fiestamovement.com. The best content will be recognized based on online consumer interaction and consumers’ opinions about their work. Applications can be submitted on www.fiestamovement.com starting today and running through Jan. 31. The program launches in mid-February.
Mr. or Ms. Right
These new Fiesta Movement agents are socially vibrant individuals who are in tune with the latest happenings in their own communities and are followers of the first chapter of Fiesta Movement. “These teams are going to be made up of part-thinkers, part-social butterflies,” said Fontaine. “New agents will create content that taps into the unique cultures in each city, all the while sharing their experiences with Fiesta.”
The new agents give Ford an opportunity to create a dialogue that is consumer-driven, and engages people with the Fiesta. “People are talking about our brand right now,” Fontaine said. “Fiesta Movement Chapter Two lets us be involved in that discussion.”
Building buzz
Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.4 million miles and have generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program has resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers.
Quote
“The first chapter was about developing awareness, and now it’s about driving unparalleled consideration. We want to put Fiesta on the shopping list.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
At the 2011 Ford Fiesta’s North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show Dec. 1, Ford unveiled four tricked-out versions of the company’s first global car designed to whet the appetites of customization enthusiasts.
Fiesta showcases Ford Custom Accessories
The customized Fiesta models on display in Los Angeles feature a variety of Ford Custom Accessories, such as an upper rear hatch spoiler, body-side tattoo graphics and a 3dCarbon body kit.
The reveal of four Fiesta tuner cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show marks the first time that Ford is presenting customized cars in conjunction with a new model launch – a move Anderson says is perfect for the new Fiesta.
For performance-minded enthusiasts, Ford also will offer a selection of accessories from Ford Racing Performance Parts, including a performance-tuned suspension package, a performance exhaust and 17-inch Ford Racing wheels.
Ford Racing teamed up with Steeda Autosports to create a custom Fiesta that would perform as well on the track as it does on the street.
Also on display at the show is a Fiesta customized by H&R Special Springs, an aftermarket supplier of suspension parts. It features a lowered suspension that gives the vehicle more of a tuner stance, custom OZ wheels, Pirelli tires and free-flowing body graphics.
A variety of options for customization enthusiasts
The four tricked-out Fiesta models demonstrate that just about anything is possible with imagination. Customers can build and price their own personalized Fiesta by visiting www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta.
More than 80,000 people have expressed an interest in buying the new Fiesta months before the vehicle lands in dealerships thanks to the tremendous buzz created by the Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative that has 100 young trendsetters test driving and living with a European-spec Fiesta for six months and reporting their experiences online through a variety of social media sites.
Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.4 million miles and have generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions.
The customized Fiestas on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show include:
2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports
2011 Ford Fiesta by H&R Special Springs
2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories
2011 Ford Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks
Quotes
“We expect the Fiesta will be wildly popular among people who like to personalize their vehicles because of its affordability, great driving dynamics and award-winning design. We’ll offer these customers a variety of appearance and performance accessories to choose from so they really can make their Fiesta their own. The Fiesta provides a great canvas for the customer who wants to create a vehicle that expresses his or her personality. The possibilities are endless.”
– Melvin Betancourt, Ford Designer
“We want to make it as fun and as easy as possible for people to customize their Fiesta. Since all of the accessories are installed at the dealership, customers can literally drive away with the vehicle of their dreams.”
– Richard Anderson, Fiesta Accessories Manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization
“What makes the Fiesta special is that it captures the essence of European driving. It’s a cool car that delivers from both an appearance perspective as well as a vehicle dynamics perspective.”
– Richard Anderson, Fiesta Accessories Manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization
“Benefiting from its European heritage of superior driving dynamics, Fiesta is the perfect platform for taking it to the next level with performance upgrades, allowing the enthusiast to personalize it with content that complements all the cool appearance items that will be available.”
– Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Marketing Manager
Fiesta Movement agents are known for their creative videos and photos that push the limits. At an awards ceremony at the Palladium in L.A. Tuesday night, that creative content was honored. Whether it was helping out a charity, checking out a space shuttle launch or even getting married, Fiesta Movement agents showed the online world they know how to produce exciting content.
Awards presented include: Best Body of Work – Videos Natasha T. won for the following videos:
Social Activism – Natasha uses lavish costumes, arresting imagery and the contrast between gluttony and hunger in the world to illustrate the need for Meals on Wheels: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/391.
Adventure – Natasha took on an adventure that’s (almost) out of this world, by showing viewers the closest thing to zero gravity at Zero-G.: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/646.
Best Body of Work – Photos Agent Beto won this category. Using shots from all over San Francisco to pictures taken on a cross-country road trip, Beto made sure to show his Fiesta in the best light. And most importantly, in unique and fun settings. Check out his photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/mooncricketfilms/.
Best Travel Mission Agents Brad and Emma won for their video “Neither Rain Nor Snow.” Acting as “mules” for the day, they delivered packages from Harry & David to the National Guard Armory, and got a “taste” of Harry & David along the way. At the company’s headquarters in Medford, Ore., Brad and Emma worked on the conveyor belt helping make the gourmet treats, than packaged them up and delivered the food: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/24.
Best Technology Mission Agent Ryan won for his video “Will It Blend?” Taking his Fiesta to Blendtec’s headquarters in Orem, Utah, Ryan got the latest on the technology that makes the company’s blenders puree, whip, chop and blend up whatever you put into them. He was even asked to find something Fiesta-related to blend: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/118.
Best Style and Design Mission Agent Hillary won for her video “Heavens to Etsy.” Chronicling her journey from California to Tennessee to elope, Hillary shares the couple’s adventures along the way and the honeymoon after. With a little help from the Web site www.etsy.com, they prepped for the wedding before setting out: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/348.
Best Social Activism Mission Agent Hugh’s video, “To Moms, With Love,” won this award. Working to raise awareness for Mrs. Dude’s Boob Fund, a charity that aids cancer research and stricken families, Hugh sets up camp at the Sioux Empire Fair in South Dakota. Free T-shirts, a good cause and a good heart make this video a winner: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/488.
Best Adventure Mission Agents Brad and Maria’s video for the mission, “See Ya Later Alligator,” won this award. On a trip to Gatorland theme park in Florida, these agents take a walk on the wild side and learn how to wrestle with alligators. Watch your hands!: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/525.
Best Entertainment Mission Agent Jody’s video for her mission, “Big Tempin’ with Jordan Carlos,” ruled this category. In a rap video about living the life of a temp, Jody puts her skills to the test – and succeeds. She makes sure to touch on all aspects of office life, in a humorous and creative way: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/760.
People’s Choice The award went to Courtney Force. As voted on by Fiesta Movement fans and followers at www.fiestamovement.com, Courtney’s missions included organizing a can drive, testing out her feng shui design skills and showing off all the cool technology on her Fiesta. Check out her profile here: http://fiestamovement.com/agents/view/15.
Other awards handed out at a dinner before the ceremony include:
For Fiesta Movement followers who want to see the awards ceremony, Current TV (check your local listings) and Current TV Online – www.current.com – will play highlights from the ceremony today at 9:30 p.m. PST.
Building buzz
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with European-spec Ford Fiestas for six months, traveling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites.
Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.4 million miles and have generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program has resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers.
Quotes
“This was the perfect way to say thank you to our agents. We also got to present awards to agents whose videos went above and beyond our expectations, and really captured the spirit of Fiesta.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
“Pregnant” computer crash test models have it easy – no morning sickness or labor pains or worries about their butts looking too big in those maternity jeans, because they’re always seated. Then again, going through crash simulations over and over again can’t be any fun. At least it serves a worthy purpose.
Ford Motor Company is working with Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University researchers in the development of a computer-aided model that could be used to measure how crash forces affect pregnant women.
The effort builds on 15 years of Ford research that helped lead to one of the first adult whole body computerized crash models. These virtual crash models combine advanced computer simulations and medical research to virtually test how the human body – including the skeletal structure, internal organs and even the brain – are affected by crash forces.
The nearly complete three-year Ford-funded research project is now expected to provide Ford’s safety researchers with important data about pregnant women and their developing babies, such as abdominal shape and tissue properties. The data, collected by the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering, will help in the continuing development of the realistic “pregnant” human body model for virtual crash test simulation.
The human body model advantage
Computerized human body models, which simulate human beings in minute detail, are designed to help safety researchers better understand crash-related injuries. Ford’s research in this area, which has been ongoing for more than 15 years, already has led to the creation of adult models of a seated and standing average-size male. Dr. Jesse Ruan, passive safety expert in Ford’s Research and Engineering, says development of computerized models for other size vehicle occupants is under consideration.
These virtual models simulate regions of the body such as the head, neck, rib cage, abdomen, thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvis, and the upper and lower extremities, as well as the internal organs of the chest and abdomen. The models contain detailed representations of the bones and soft tissues of the human body.
Development of virtual human body models also may lead to the development of more lifelike crash dummies.
Pregnant women and seat belts
Ford also is launching a new effort to continue emphasizing proper seat belt usage to help address the 170,000 car crashes a year in the United States involving pregnant women.
Starting in 2010, owner’s manuals for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will include an explanation and graphic illustration for how pregnant women should wear seat belts – the No. 1 life-saving auto safety feature.
Pregnant women should always ride and drive with the seatback upright and the seat belt properly fastened. The lap belt, or that portion of a combination lap-and-shoulder belt, should be positioned low across the hips and worn as tight as comfort will allow. The shoulder belt should be positioned to cross the middle of the shoulder and middle of the chest.
Junell Nichols, who teaches trauma and advanced life-support courses to nurses and physicians in Longview, Texas, suggested Ford provide safety recommendations for pregnant women through www.fordnewideas.com – a Web site established to solicit suggestions from the public.
For additional information, see the Safety Advice Card at Fordowner.com.
Quotes
“This is another example of how industry and academia can work together to conduct important safety research.”
– Dr. Stefan Duma, Head of Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering
“Traditional crash dummies are very important, but the computerized human models allow us to see underneath the skin inside the body during a crash. Not all virtual models are the same. We chose to work with Virginia Tech and Wake Forest because we believe they better understand the biomechanics of pregnant women and could translate that into effective computer crash test models.”
– Dr. Stephen Rouhana, Senior Technical Leader, Ford Passive Safety Research and Advanced Engineering
“We developed new methods and techniques for this project in order to collect detailed internal pregnant geometry from MRI and CT scans, including accurate size and location of the uterus, placenta and fetus,”
– Dr. Joel Stitzel, program leader and director of the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics.
The hits keep coming for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, the Ford Fusion. The Fusion Hybrid has been honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazine’s “10Best” cars for 2010, just weeks after winning the prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.
“CAR and DRIVER is always looking for those cars that are most engaging to drive, and in our experience, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle that really delivers a fun driving experience,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, CAR and DRIVER, noting that the Fusion Hybrid is only the second hybrid ever to make the magazine’s “10Best” list.
“We were very impressed with how seamlessly the hybrid powertrain functioned,” Alterman said. “We were also impressed with Ford SYNC® and how seamlessly it worked.”
But Alterman says what really sealed the deal for the Fusion Hybrid is the simple fact that it’s fun.
“The vehicle is entertaining,” he explained. “It’s really fun to drive, and we had fun trying to improve our mileage using the SmartGauge™ technology.”
A total of 58 vehicles were in the running for the CAR and DRIVER “10Best” list. All of the contenders were put through a week of rigorous testing and judged based on three criteria: how well they perform their intended mission, i.e. luxury, sport; how engaging and fun they are to drive; and how much value they deliver.
Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 has been a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.
Fusion Hybrid awards and accolades
Additional awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:
“Top Safety Pick” rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster
Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.
Named one of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
Rated the #1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by CAR and DRIVER
Named 2009 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER
Named Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
Named one of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
Earned The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value”
Quotes
“Being ranked one of CAR and DRIVER’s ‘10Best’ cars for 2010 is high praise indeed. In addition to being fun to drive, the Fusion Hybrid offers unsurpassed fuel economy that our customers truly appreciate with an EPA estimated rating of 41 mpg in the city and the ability to travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Ford Global Product Development
Corrections/Clarifications - December 11, 2009 at 19:21
If you think you can’t have pulse-quickening power and acceleration as well as good fuel economy, you’ve got another think coming.
The 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.
For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It’s an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.
New 3.7-liter V-6 engine
With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor – despite its smaller displacement. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.
The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.
Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.
Fuel economy improvements
Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus. The numbers speak for themselves:
19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic – a 25 percent improvement over 2010
18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual
Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:
The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal
Learn more about the 2011 Mustang.
Quotes
“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine. Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about. It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-liter builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”
– Barb Samardzich, Ford Vice President of Global Powertrain Engineering
They’ll be telling this story to their children and grandchildren… Six months ago, 100 socially vibrant trendsetters each got behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta and hit the road. They shared their adventures through www.fiestamovement.com, generating more than 5.7 million YouTube views, more than 710,000 Flickr views and more than 3.4 million Twitter impressions. It’s been a wild ride, with many memorable moments…
The Fiesta Highlight Reel
Agent Brittani had hot chicks washing her car, but not the kind you think. These are bikini-clad and yellow-feathered chicks with oversized, yellow beaks, washing the car. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/videos/agent/21/13
Agent Natasha used lavish costumes, arresting imagery and the contrast between gluttony and hunger in the world to illustrate the need for Meals on Wheels. Dressed in costumes, Natasha and some of her friends piled into her Fiesta to deliver food to those in need. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/391
Agents Marc and Jennifer traveled Detroit and its suburbs to show off their favorite area and set their video to a song about what they saw along the way. Stops include the Detroit Institute of Arts, Tiger Stadium, Michigan Central Station and the Spirit of Detroit statue. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/16
Agent Jake got his Fiesta back after it’s towed in New York City. After repeated denials the city didn’t have the car, Jake gets to the bottom of the truth, and gets his Fiesta back too. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/106
Agents Joel and Mandy learned what Team Ford Racing thinks about the new Fiesta, with interviews from Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and more. The consensus is, they love it! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ljSVw23Qcw
Agent Beto created a music video highlighting his experience with the Fiesta. Showing the places he’s been and the people he’s met along the way, the video is a sweet ending to his adventure. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/772
Agent Deena ordered three items off the SkyMall catalog – a popcorn maker, a cotton candy machine and a sno-cone machine. For the fun part, she tests them out and reviews them. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/181
Agent Tim showed just how indestructible his Panasonic Toughbook is. While pretending the computer is a love interest, he puts it through three tests to prove it has the ultimate endurance. Check it out: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/130
Agent Jody created a rap video about living the life of a temp. She makes sure to hit on all the points of office life, in a humorous and creative way. Check it out here: http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/760
Chance to drive a Fiesta
With a kickoff in May and running through December, five regional test drive teams representing the Fiesta Movement are traveling across the country to engage consumers with the opportunity to test drive a European-spec Ford Fiesta.
The Fiesta Movement test drive is drawing huge numbers by engaging more than 140,000 consumers along the way.
The teams are visiting at least 200 cities over eight months, stopping in small towns and big cities, as well as making appearances at major and regional events and festivals. Information about drive stops, including monthly calendars, is available on www.fiestamovement.com under the “Test Drive” section. Site visitors also can sign up to receive test drive updates as they become available.
Quotes
“Our agents had the ride of a lifetime during the Fiesta Movement. The content they put out there was amazing – they told their Fiesta stories in such creative ways.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
“The Fiesta draws a crowd wherever it goes. The test drives were a perfect way to introduce Fiesta to consumers everywhere.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager
These days every automaker says it’s working on electric vehicles, but few own up to the fact that passing the electrification test will require a bit of homework. Ford Motor Company is teaming with the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) to retrain traditional automotive engineers, providing them with the skills and expertise to develop the next generation of advanced electric and hybrid vehicles.
As vehicle electrification plans expand, the automotive industry’s need for electric vehicle-savvy engineers also is growing, creating increased demand for electrical, mechatronics, systems and controls engineering education. Ford and UDM have collaborated to create a new graduate-level curriculum focused on key engineering skills for the development of electrified vehicles.
An aggressive training strategy for an aggressive product plan
The UDM program will supplement Ford’s internal electrical engineering training courses as the company retrains its own employees to deliver an aggressive electric vehicle product strategy. The course series, which begins in January 2010, is designed to advance the knowledge and capabilities of technological team members in the automotive and defense ground vehicle industries.
Ford engineers are already at work developing three distinct types of electrified vehicles – hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric vehicles. The vehicles include:
Transit Connect battery electric commercial van in 2010
Focus battery electric passenger car in 2011
Next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
Plug-in hybrid in 2012
The magnitude of the training program will be similar to the educational programs undertaken by Ford during the late 1980s when mechanical engineers were trained on electrical engineering.
The UDM Advanced Electric Vehicle Program will begin with the first group comprised of current engineers from Ford and its suppliers. Team members will apply the program’s coursework in developing the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles. Approximately 125 Ford engineers will participate in the program over the next several years.
The UDM courses are supplementary to Ford’s internal online training programs in battery cells and electrochemistry, power-split controls, regenerative braking, calibration and commodity planning.
UDM has created seven new courses that are directly responsive to the training needs of Ford and the entire automotive and defense ground vehicles industries.
Engineers in this program will select five of the seven newly created courses that are designed by competency teams of Ford and UDM experts to deploy the most current technology, strategies, methods and tools emerging from universities, corporations and national laboratories.
These five courses will be completed in one calendar year. Most courses will be offered at the Ford Training and Development Center in Dearborn; others requiring laboratory experiences will be provided at UDM’s McNichols campus in Detroit. The Advanced Electric Vehicle Program courses include:
Introduction to Advanced Electric Vehicles
Controls Modeling and Design for Electric Vehicles
Energy Storage Systems
Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles
Electric Drives/Electromechanical Energy Conversion
Innovation and System Architecture for Electric Vehicles
System Engineering for Electric Vehicles
Quotes
“The era of electric vehicles is here and it’s critical that we meet this technology challenge by retraining our engineers with a broad range of new skills and competencies. This program, together with internal training, will support Ford’s aggressive plans to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles in the coming years.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development
“We recognize a greater need for our teams to have access to programs to increase their knowledge of electrical, mechanical, chemical and software engineering. Ford has a large team of talented and dedicated engineers that are energized by the technological sea change we are seeing happen now in the industry.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford’s Director of Global Electrification
“The competencies achieved by these courses will enable teams from automotive OEMs and suppliers to develop the electric and hybrid vehicles that will keep the global leadership of the auto industry for this critical segment of the world’s transportation future right here in southeastern Michigan.”
– Dr. Leo E. Hanifin, Dean of UDM’s College of Engineering & Science
On the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford will celebrate all things Fiesta Movement-related – the agents, social media and, of course, the Ford Fiesta – during an awards celebration at the Palladium in West Hollywood.
Among the awards categories will be a viewer’s favorite, with fans and consumers having the opportunity to select their favorite Fiesta agent. Fans can visit www.fiestamovement.com to cast their vote now, and can vote once daily; voting closes Dec. 1.
The Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration, which takes place Dec. 1, will provide attendees with a sneak peak of the new Fiesta in advance of its reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2.
The band Parachute will be on hand for a live performance featuring its hits “She Is Love” and “Under Control” from the debut album Losing Sleep. Fiesta agents are no strangers to Parachute; four of them created a music video for “Under Control” for October missions. The agent videos will debut at the awards celebration during Parachute’s performance.
In keeping with the spirit of the Fiesta Movement and its use of social media platforms, the awards celebration will also play host to the world's largest corporate tweetup.
Building buzz
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites.
Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.1 million miles and have generated more than 5.5 million YouTube views, more than 677,000 Flickr views and more than 3.4 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program has resulted in more than 60,000 hand-raisers.
Quotes
“We’re celebrating the agents and all of the engaging content they created with this awards ceremony. Over the past six months, our agents have showed that they love Fiestas and we are thrilled to give three agents exactly what they want – a Fiesta of their own.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
No surprise here! The Ford Fusion – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – today was named MOTOR TREND’s 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.
The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.
To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition – including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan – in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.
The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.
The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines – all paired with six-speed transmissions – that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.
Fusion: A hit from the start
The Ford Fusion has been generating excitement among journalists and consumers alike since the nameplate first launched in the fall of 2005. In fact, the introductory model – which marked Ford’s re-entry into the midsize sedan market – was a finalist for MOTOR TREND’s 2006 Car of the Year award.
Since then, Fusion’s popularity has continued to soar – and so have sales. Fusion set a sales record in April – the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid – and overall sales are already at an all-time high for 2009.
With its quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, best-in-class fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Ford Fusion is clearly delivering the key attributes that midsize sedan buyers want.
The new Fusion Hybrid model has played an important role in Fusion’s success. The vehicle delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
Quotes
“Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers. The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America.”
– Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND Eitor-in-chief
“The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded. The Fusion's combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges.”
– Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND Eitor-in-chief
“The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup. Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Goup Vce Pesident, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team
“Even at a time when industry-wide sales are down 26 percent, Fusion sales continue to grow.” – George Pipas, Ford Sales Analyst
“Data show that high series models account for 50 percent of sales. Customers are also embracing technology offerings like voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”
– Jonathan Richards, Fusion Marketing Manager
It’s no wonder that the single biggest demographic for energy drinks also goes for Ford’s EcoBoost™ engine technology. EcoBoost is driving younger, more affluent customers to Ford showrooms. And many of these buyers are hot to trade in their competitive-make vehicles to get their hands on one equipped with the fuel-efficient direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine.
SHO-ing off
Living proof is the all-new Ford Taurus SHO, with EcoBoost as standard. The average SHO buyer is 54 years old – 10-plus years younger than the base-model Taurus customer – and second youngest in its segment. The median household income of the SHO buyer is $20,000 more than the base Taurus customer. And as for conquests, nearly 55 percent of buyers are trading in Toyota Avalons, Nissan Altimas and Chevy Monte Carlos, among other competitive products, to drive away in a Taurus SHO. That’s the second-highest conquest rate in the segment.
Moreover, Taurus SHO customers want more and are willing to spend more to get it. Ford is seeing transaction rate improvements as EcoBoost buyers tend to package more options in their purchase, and the vehicles are selling with fewer incentives.
Taurus SHO has the highest average transaction price in the segment, with customers paying $10,000 or more above base-model price to enjoy not only the fuel efficiency and performance of the EcoBoost engine, but other premium package amenities such as all-wheel drive, Ford SYNC®, 19-inch wheels and a reverse sensing system.
EcoBoost spread
Other vehicles that offer EcoBoost, such as the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS, are exhibiting other demographic phenomena.
Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost – along with Taurus SHO – is helping attract more 35- to 55-year-old males, a demographic the company has been working hard to bring back to the Ford fold. Ford sedans with EcoBoost are improving traffic with this demographic that has eluded Ford in recent years, says Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. This group of shoppers, in fact, represents nearly 35 percent of Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost buyers, which is more than 5 percentage points higher than the MKS equipped with the 3.7-liter engine. For Taurus SHO, it’s above 40 percent, more than double the 35- to 55-year-old males that purchase a base-model Taurus.
Other customers making the jump to Ford vehicles are hitting the Flex with EcoBoost equally hard; three out of four buyers are trading in a competitive product, including the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse.
More with EcoBoost
EcoBoost technology incorporates direct injection and turbocharging, allowing for the downsizing of engines, to provide customers with up to a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and 15 percent reduction in emissions versus larger-displacement engines. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, customers can expect V-8 performance but V-6 fuel efficiency.
Sales of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost-equipped vehicles have already exceeded company projections, with October sales twice as high as September.
Ford will complement the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with the launch of new 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder variants next year, which will be offered on several global Ford products, including midsize and large vehicles.
Quotes
“EcoBoost technology is helping bring in a new customer to Ford dealer showrooms. This customer is younger, more affluent, and more often trades in competitive products.”
– Amy Marentic, Ford Group Marketing Manager
“No one else offers the level of performance and versatility of Flex with EcoBoost. It’s a compelling buy in the crossover segment for customers who are looking for the power and performance of a traditional V-8 but do not want to sacrifice this for fuel economy.”
– Kate Pearce, Flex Marketing Manager
Flora and fauna are thriving at the doorstep of the automotive industry thanks to the efforts of Ford Land and Ford Motor Company employees.
Ford Land, which manages Ford Motor Company properties worldwide, has received 2009 Wildlife Habitat Certification for the Arjay Miller Michigan Arboretum at the Henry Ford II World Center campus and Research & Engineering Center campus, both in Dearborn.
The Wildlife Habitat Council’s Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes commendable wildlife habitat management and environmental education programs at individual sites. WHC certification adds value to programs by providing third-party credibility and an objective evaluation of projects.
Wildlife HQ
The Henry Ford II World Center campus is situated on 179 acres, of which 43 acres are available for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. The facility is located approximately ¼-mile from the main branch of the Rouge River.
The World Center maintains an arboretum of native Michigan plants called “The Arjay Miller Michigan Arboretum.” The purpose of the arboretum is to provide a living panorama of the great variety of trees and shrubs that are native to Michigan. The arboretum grew to be one of the largest in the United States devoted exclusively to trees and shrubs from a specific state.
The wildlife team established no-mow areas on the campus to increase forage and cover habitat for birds, small mammals and invertebrates. To provide forage opportunities for birds and pollinators, the wildlife team maintains sunflower and mixed prairie plantings. The sunflowers are left standing through the winter so that the seeds are available to migrating and overwintering birds. A “hedgerow” of wooded buffer is maintained along one edge of the property, which provides habitat for birds and small mammals along with foxes and coyotes.
Nurturing the natural world
Ford’s Research & Engineering Center is a 325-acre site near Detroit in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The property includes habitats such as oak-maple savanna, prairie, two ponds and vernal pools. The wildlife team actively manages 86 acres of the site for wildlife.
In 2008 and 2009, 200 employees participated in the “R&E Center Pride Day.” The objectives of this annual event include encouraging native fauna by providing additional native flora species, replacing the trees lost to invasive insects like emerald ash borer and red oak borer, and improving aesthetics of the campus. In 2008, employees planted approximately two acres with 1,200 perennial grasses and wildflowers, 250 shrugs and 200 tree saplings. An additional 100 tree saplings were planted over one acre in 2009. The wildlife team monitors the plantings for survival and maintains them by pruning dead branches, staking the trees and removing any plants that do not survive.
The team also continues to maintain its thriving one-acre prairies adjacent to the woodland. This habitat contains native prairie species such as beebalm, yellow coneflower, little bluestem, vervain, black-eyed Susan and aster. The team mows the prairie annually to simulate the fire that would maintain a natural prairie ecosystem. Team members also hand-pull invasive species as they are found and spot-spray with herbicide if necessary.
Sunflower fields that span 26 acres provide food and shelter to both migrating birds and birds that overwinter in the region. The sunflower fields are planted annually in mid-July to ensure that the sunflower seeds are available by the fall season.
Quote
“Although environmental education and ecological restoration may not be seen as core business intiatives in the automotive industry, we do them because they make a positive difference. They make a difference to the wildlife that inhabits the land and they make a difference to our employees who have the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty in or near their work environment.”
– Terry Burt, Ford Land Grounds Manager
Did you know: Today’s typical wind turbine stands as tall as a 20-story building and has three blades that span 200 feet across. The largest wind machines in the world have blades longer than a football field.
On November 16, two gigantic wind turbines, each with a height of 150 metres, spun into action producing 'green' electricity for the Genk plant in Belgium. Installed by local energy company, Electrabel, each unit has an output of two megawatts of power, enough to power 2,500 private homes. The wind turbines will deliver a significant part of the electrical power needed in the Genk Plant, production home of the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models.
The Turbinator: “Rise of the Machines” Did you know: Most of the wind power plants in the world are located in Europe and the United States. Although the U.S. ranks first in the world in wind power capacity, some countries such as Denmark generate about 20 percent of their electricity from wind.
Genk is not the only Ford of Europe plant to use electricity generated by wind turbines. Five years ago, the Dagenham Diesel Centre in the UK became the world's first automotive plant to meet all its electricity needs from two giant on-site turbines.
A third turbine is expected to come into service in Dagenham in 2010, allowing the plant to remain 100 per cent powered by wind-generated electricity, following the installation of a new 1.4/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine production line. A new three-bladed turbine, provided by Ecotricity, will be commissioned to produce two megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 1,000 homes.
A few miles away from Dagenham, Ford's Dunton Technical Centre is also powered by electricity from renewable sources. Since March last year, electric power on the 270-acre site, home to a team of around 3,000 engineers, has been purchased from 100 per cent renewable sources. The majority of the electricity, supplied by GDF, is sourced from a combination of hydro, wind and waste generation, and replaces energy from traditional sources that would have produced an estimated 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
An “energizer” that keeps going and going Did you know: Over half of renewable energy goes to producing electricity. The next largest use is the production of heat and steam for industrial purposes.
Similarly in Germany, Ford is sourcing renewable electricity to cover the power demands of its sites in Cologne. This includes the electricity needed for the production facilities at the Niehl Plant, the Technical Centre in Merkenich, and Ford of Europe's head office, also in Cologne-Niehl. This electricity comes from three hydro-power plants in Norway and Sweden.
Since January 2009 in a related development, Merkenich Technical Centre has been heated by steam provided by local utility provider, RheinEnergie, as a by-product of its co-generation power plant. The steam is fed to the Technical Centre's boiler house via a 2.6 km long pipeline. This innovation alone reduces annual CO2 emissions by 190,000 tonnes.
Electricity from another source – the sun – has for many years helped to power Ford's Bridgend engine plant in Wales with its roof-mounted solar/photovoltaic panels.
Quotes
“It is part of our ongoing efforts to implement a broad portfolio of environmental initiatives across our European plants that are aimed at further reducing the CO2 footprint from our manufacturing operations.”
– Wolfgang Schneider, Vice President, Governmental and Environmental Affairs, Ford of Europe
“Such developments demonstrate the substantial progress we are making and our commitment to further improving our environmental performance. We are building on that progress and continuing to look at ways to further reducing the carbon footprint of our manufacturing and office locations across Europe parallel to the carbon footprint of our products.”
– Wolfgang Schneider, Vice President, Governmental and Environmental Affairs, Ford of Europe
Remember when parallel parking kept you awake at night? Then, along came Ford’s Active Park Assist technology that made it so easy you could almost parallel park in your sleep. Well, almost.
Ford’s Active Park Assist technology won a 2009 “Best of What’s New” award today from Popular Science in the automotive category and will be featured in the publication’s December issue. This is the third straight year Ford has been honored by the world’s leading science and technology magazine.
How it works
Active Park Assist uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with camera-reliant systems. The Ford system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Unlike competing systems, Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, and is available as an optional feature on several 2010 models including Ford Escape, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT and Mercury Mariner.
The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space.
The system then prompts the driver to accept its assistance to park.
The steering system then takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.
A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.
While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.
Quotes
“We are honored to be recognized by Popular Science with a Best of What’s New award.. Active Park Assist is just one example of the smart technology features Ford is bringing to market not just for the sake of technology, but to meet the needs and wants of customers.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development
“For 22 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us – those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our views of what’s possible in the future. The Best of What’s New award is the magazine’s top honor, and the 100 winners represent the highest level of achievement in their fields.”
– Mark Jannot, Editor-in-chief of Popular Science
Soaring sales of the Ford Fusion have made 2009 already a record-breaking year for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.
Sales for 2009 already have reached 151,137 units, eclipsing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007. Importantly, Fusion sales are skyrocketing at a time when industry sales are the lowest they have been since the early ’80s.
Welcome to the Top 10
In the first ten months of 2009, Fusion sales were 15 percent higher than a year ago. Also, Fusion has moved among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car.
The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.
The diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand. Sales data show that consumers are taking notice. Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales. Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”
The hybrid attraction
Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.
The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Quotes
“It’s extraordinary that a car could set a sales record in an environment where overall industry sales are down 26 percent from a year ago.”
– George Pipas, Ford Sales Analyst
“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with six-speed transmission.”
– Jonathan Richards, Ford Fusion Marketing Manager
Four passionate gamers who have burned rubber on the racetrack through their video game consoles brought their racing dreams to life at an actual speedway for the eighth installment of the Mustang ’10 Unleashed campaign.
Ford called upon the gaming community and staged a tournament with the best Need for Speed™ players to determine who would face the ultimate challenge. As masters of the video game racing world, the winners played Need for Speed to hone their driving skills. The selected gamers competed against each other in the critically acclaimed Need for Speed SHIFT™, which includes the new 2010 Ford Mustang.
After they battled it out on their Xbox consoles, the four gamers received a chance to put the pedal to the metal at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif. The contestants included Kirby Anderson (25); Troy Alessi (22); Justin Keppler (24); and Jason Morrell (24).
With the help of driving teachers from Fast Lane Racing School, the gamers learned the ins-and-outs of the actual sport of racing. At the end of the day, the participants had their time added up from their video racing and their time on the real-life track, as they raced on the same track, in the same car. The person with the lowest combined time won bragging rights.
This experience is among several other dream Mustang experiences Ford is bringing to life with the ’10 Unleashed. Famous drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. slid sideways around Japan, consumer Roger Keeney drove blindly and 18-year-old consumer Derek Murrell drag raced his high school shop teacher. Each of the incredible videos can be viewed on www.the2010Mustang.com.
To find out who earned bragging rights on the virtual and real-life speedway, check out the video chronicling the Need for Speed experience at www.the2010mustang.com.
Quote
“The whole point of the Mustang Unleashed Campaign is to intersect the passions of our life-long Mustang lovers with their most creative, wildest, most impossible dreams,”. “We’ve taken two seemingly different worlds and weaved them into one amazing Unleashed experience for these four winners.”
– Steve Ling, Ford’s Car Group Marketing Manager
First, Ford used soy in car seats. Now, it’s using wheat in plastic. It’s all part of a complete breakfast. Now, how about dessert – a steering wheel molded in dark chocolate and a crepe air bag filled with whipped cream? Willy Wonka would be proud.
While we kid about edible car parts, it is true that Ford, working with academic researchers and one of its suppliers, is the first automaker to develop and use environmentally friendly wheat straw-reinforced plastic in a vehicle. (Ditto soy in seats.)
The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 percent wheat straw bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex’s third-row interior storage bins. This application alone reduces petroleum usage by some 20,000 pounds per year, reduces CO2 emissions by 30,000 pounds per year, and represents a smart, sustainable usage for wheat straw, the waste byproduct of wheat.
Collaborative effort
Ford researchers were approached with the wheat straw-based plastics formulation by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative – a multi-university effort between Waterloo, the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and University of Windsor. Ford works closely with the Ontario government-funded project, which is seeking to advance the use of more plant-based materials in the auto and agricultural industries.
The University of Waterloo already had been working with plastics supplier A. Schulman of Akron, Ohio, to perfect the lab formula for use in auto parts, ensuring the material is not only odorless, but also meets industry standards for thermal expansion and degradation, rigidity, moisture absorption and fogging. Less than 18 months after the initial presentation was made to Ford’s Biomaterials Group, the wheat straw-reinforced plastic was refined and approved for Flex, which is produced at Ford’s Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex.
The wheat straw-reinforced resin is the BioCar Initiative’s first production-ready application. It demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass. “Without Ford’s driving force and contribution, we would have never been able to move from academia to industry in such lightning speed,” said Leonardo Simon, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. “Seeing this go into production on the Ford Flex is a major accomplishment for the University of Waterloo and the BioCar Initiative.”
An interior storage bin may seem like a small start, but it opens the door for more applications. Already under consideration by the Ford team: center console bins and trays, interior air register and door trim panel components, and armrest liners.
Abundant waste material put to good use
The case for using wheat straw to reinforce plastics in higher-volume, higher-content applications is strong across many industries. In Ontario alone, where Flex is built, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with corn and soybeans. Typically, wheat straw, the byproduct of growing and processing wheat, is discarded. Ontario, for example, has some 30 million metric tons of available wheat straw waste at any given time.
To date, Ford and its suppliers are working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw needed to mold the Flex’s two interior storage bins.
Quotes
“Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers. We seized the opportunity to add wheat straw-reinforced plastic as our next sustainable material on the production line, and the storage bin for the Flex was the ideal first application.”
– Patrick Berryman, a Ford engineering manager who develops interior trim
“Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess. We have found a practical automotive usage for a renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it doesn’t jeopardize an essential food source. We see a great deal of potential for other applications since wheat straw has good mechanical properties, can meet our performance and durability specifications, and can further reduce our carbon footprint – all without compromise to the customer. ”
– Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford’s Plastics Research
Ask typical techies what they’d expect to see at International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and their top-of-mind response might be the latest and greatest in mobile electronics. If that’s the case, they’re thinking too small, and not just in terms of physical dimensions. That’s because “mobile electronics” has taken on a whole new meaning that makes Game Boys and iPhones look like kids’ stuff.
Ford’s wide-ranging, customer-driven in-vehicle technology and features continue to gain recognition and awards from industry experts. Both Ford Work Solutions and SYNC – two Ford-exclusive technologies – will be honored with International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.
Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories. SYNC’s latest application, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).
Here Come the Judges
Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and
engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 36 categories.
The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:
Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided
The product’s intended use/function and user value
Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace
Enabling greater productivity for fleets, commercial customers
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of technologies created to provide Ford commercial truck and van customers with connectivity, flexibility and security to better manage their businesses. Available on Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty, E-Series vans and the new Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:
An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation by Garmin. The first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production, the system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site. The office is now mobile.
Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in association with DeWALT™, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This technology enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system, offered with market-leading telematics specialist Microlise, provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
Cable Lock security system developed in association with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.
Keeping you connected
Ford SYNC’s latest application – Traffic, Directions & Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. It provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC’s established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report.
Introduced in 2007, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with SYNC, and more than 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road today.
2010 International CES
Ford Work Solutions and SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information will be on display at the 2010 International CES, which runs Jan. 7-10, 2010 in Las Vegas. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center and they will also be featured at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES on Jan. 5.
Quotes
“Our customers want the latest in connectivity and technology – making their drive experience more enjoyable and convenient. We’re honored that CES has recognized our efforts in providing these customer-driven features.”
– Mark Fields, President, The Americas, Ford Motor Company
“Ford Work Solutions is just another example of how we listen to our truck customers and deliver features and technology to help them do their jobs easier and more efficiently. We’ve been the leader in the segment for 32 years by delivering real-world solutions to our customers. For example, fleets using Crew Chief have experienced increases in fuel economy in excess of 20 percent.”
– Bill Frykman, Business Development Manager for Ford Work Solutions
Techies aren’t easily duped – if a technology doesn’t deliver on its promise the failure is quickly detected and poseurs are eliminated from the playing field. So, being called “official” anything at International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®) might as well be called the Techie Seal of Approval.
So, without further adieu, the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas is the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, the smartest full-size sedan in America.
Moreover, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show and a make-or-break event for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. There, Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company’s connected-car leadership position.
What makes Taurus tech-worthy?
As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.
As Frank Davis, executive director of Ford Product Development notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.
The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC – Traffic, Directions & Information – along with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC’s USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control – a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.
For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey™, a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.
In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:
EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals automatically, every time.
SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad – a feature that allows you to unlock the driver’s door by entering a five-digit code via a flush-mounted keypad
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support – a feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you’re getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert – a feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you’re backing out of a parking spot
Sony Audio® System – a surround sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy
In addition to being named official vehicle of the 2010 International CES, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.”
Quotes
“The all-new Taurus is Ford’s technology flagship, offering more user-friendly technology to help keep you safe and connected than cars twice its price. And there’s no better venue to show it off than CES. Even the most zealous techies are careful with their money. Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable.”
– Frank Davis, executive director Product Development
“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable. We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the ‘Official Car of CES.’ We also look forward to hearing Ford’s Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7.”
– Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES
Remember that Reese’s Cup TV commercial from the ‘70s in which Robby Benson of Ice Castles fame is walking down the street eating peanut butter from a jar and collides with Happy Days’ Donny Most who is eating a chocolate bar? That’s right: they get two great flavors in one bite.
Imagine that concept applied to automotive crash protection technologies and you’ll get Ford Motor Company’s latest safety innovation – the world’s first automotive inflatable seat belts, which combine attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.
The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.
Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.
Safer and more comfortable
Advances in air bag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.
In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
How it works
In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable belt’s increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts’ air bags. Each belt’s tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.
The inflatable belt’s accordion-folded bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the occupant’s body in about the same amount of time it takes a car traveling at highway speed to cover a yard of distance.
The use of cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction – which is typical of traditional air bag systems – means the inflated belts feel no warmer on the wearer’s body than the ambient temperature. The inflatable belts also fill at a lower pressure and a slower rate than traditional air bags, because the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant.
The inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt, which expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while providing additional support to the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores of the air bag.
Quotes
“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes. This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”
– Sue Cischke, Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering
“Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt.”
– Paul Mascarenas, Ford Vice President, Engineering, Global Product Development.
“It’s a very simple and logical system, but it required extensive trial and error and testing over several years to prove out the technology and ensure precise reliable performance in a crash situation.”
– Srini Sundararajan, Safety Technical Leader for Ford Research and Advanced Engineering
Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.
The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.
Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind “SEMA Special” silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.
A factory-built race car
For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.
The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.
Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don’t have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.
Much like Ford Racing’s previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.
The choices are clear
All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.
The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.
All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet.
Quotes
“The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do. We’re really proud of the car, but then again we’re always trying to make the next one better. With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition.”
– Brian Wolfe, Director, Ford North American Motorsports
Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck.
When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.
The Baja Beast
The F-150 SVT Raptor, launched in August with Ford’s proven 320-hp 5.4-liter Triton V-8, is off to a strong start. Orders for the Raptor equipped with the standard 5.4-liter stand at more than 3,000, and the plant is at maximum capacity producing the ultimate high-speed off-road truck. In addition, Ford Racing will soon offer the 2011 FR Raptor XT, making Raptor even more capable in the rough stuff, but without giving up the control and comfort found in the production Raptor.
Considered an off-road-only pre-runner, the FR Raptor XT from Ford Racing builds upon the production Raptor’s already impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. Essentially, FR Raptor XT is a turnkey professional pre-runner.
Electronically selectable 4x4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
Chromoly “4130” rollcage; extensive skid plating
Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
Factory seating with five-point restraints
Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting
The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing’s successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers. There will be a production run of 50 units carrying a price of $99,950. The FR Raptor XT is not street legal, and is intended for off-road use only. Production timing will be announced at a later date.
Ford Motor Company used its head-turning 2010 Ford Taurus SHO in an attempt to break up Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien’s “marriage” on national television.
The TV star’s long-running relationship with his 1992 Ford Taurus SHO was challenged when the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO made an appearance on the late-night comedy show on Oct. 29. A national audience saw firsthand whether O’Brien’s steadfast love for his Jewel green SHO could be tempted with this latest sexy head-turner from Ford.
O’Brien’s second-generation ‘Super High Output’ Taurus has been the focus of the late night comedian’s skits many times including during O’Brien’s premier as host of “The Tonight Show” earlier this year.
During the skit O’Brien, who is confident there could never be a better performance sedan than his ’92 Taurus SHO, is tempted by the 2010 model’s 365-horespower V-6 and its high tech features. Amy Marentic, Ford’s Group marketing manager for Taurus, teaches O’Brien a thing or two when it comes to the Taurus SHO.
Find out if the new 2010 Taurus SHO can win over O’Brien at www.thefordstory.com.
Quote
“We were very excited to get the chance to expose Conan to a much more modern and innovative Taurus SHO. There’s no comparison when it comes to comparing his nearly 20 year-old SHO to our new flagship but it was a lot of fun challenging him to find something about the new SHO to joke about.”
— Amy Marentic, Ford’s Group marketing manager for Taurus
So, you’re a small business owner looking for a way to cut your fuel cost by getting a pure electric vehicle, and your choice is an expensive boutique two-seater sports car with zero cargo room or an affordable compact but super roomy commercial van. Yep, some business decisions are just that easy.
Ford and Azure Dynamics have joined in a collaborative effort to deliver a pure battery electric Ford Transit Connect van for the United States and Canadian markets in 2010. Azure will integrate its Force Drive™ battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect van for commercial fleet and retail use.
The collaboration with Azure Dynamics for the Transit Connect BEV will build on the existing business relationship between Ford and Azure as well as their shared experience with battery supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.
The Transit Connect BEV will be built on Ford’s global commercial vehicle platform as part of the company’s One Ford global product vision. It is the first of four electrified vehicles from Ford that will become available over the next three years in the U.S. and Canada including:
Battery electric Transit Connect van in 2010
Battery electric Ford Focus passenger car in 2011
Next generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
Plug-In hybrid vehicle in 2012
Collaboration builds on existing business relationship
Azure Dynamics develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance™ Hybrid Electric, which is built on the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chassis for the medium duty commercial vehicle segment.
Oak Park, Mich.-based Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drive train into the Transit Connect BEV, which will have a targeted range of 80 miles minimum on a full charge and zero tailpipe emissions. Force Drive™ components have previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 25 million miles of on-the-road experience. The Transit Connect BEV will offer fleet owners the opportunity to eliminate the use of gasoline and help to lower operating costs. The vehicle will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure’s Force Drive logo.
Azure Dynamics has selected Johnson Controls-Saft as the supplier for lithium-ion battery cells and battery packs for the Transit Connect BEV. Azure Dynamics and Ford both currently utilize Johnson Controls-Saft battery technology for other products. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same proven cell technology that is currently deployed in the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid fleet that is on the road today. In addition, Azure had previously announced it would use Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion batteries for its E- 450 Balance Hybrid Electric beginning in the second half of 2010. The shared supplier business relationship is expected to provide additional synergy between Ford and Azure in the Transit Connect BEV project.
Transit Connect commercial platform ideal choice for battery electric power
The Ford Transit Connect already is a proven global success. Ford introduced the gasoline-engine Transit Connect to North America this year. With a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operation costs, it is an ideal choice for electrification. Commercial users often travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving in urban and suburban environments. For customers seeking sustainable mobility solutions, the Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle with Azure Force Drive™ will provide a zero emissions option.
The Transit Connect was designed, engineered and manufactured on a dedicated global commercial vehicle platform to beat tough commercial vehicle durability standards. The final manufacturing location for the Transit Connect BEV has not yet been determined.
Quotes
“We recognize an increasing interest in electrified vehicles and have an aggressive strategy to bring these vehicles to the marketplace. Our work with Azure to create a pure electric battery Transit Connect vehicle will allow us to offer our commercial customers an additional option for environmentally friendly transportation.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Global Electrification
“The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect BEV is a breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light commercial vehicle market. For Azure, it’s an important evolution of our existing relationship with Ford. From an industry standpoint, we are seeing delivery fleet and utility vehicle operators move to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. The Transit Connect BEV will come to market at an ideal time to meet this growing trend.”
– Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO
Even if you don’t know why, you probably have heard the name Funkmaster Flex. For more than a more than a decade Flex has been one of America’s top radio personalities, reaching more than 2 million listeners per week.
He’s also an avid car enthusiast, customizing new vehicles and building vintage cars with special attention to style and performance. Most recently, Flex customized the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, which he will debut at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. He has also developed his own car-customizing television programming.
He’ll be hosting a live chat from the show. This trade show attracts 100,000 automotive enthusiasts who are part of the industry. And you have to be in the industry to attend, as it is closed to the public.
Tune in on this Web page Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. EDT to see what the Funkmaster has to say about the SEMA show and his latest Ford rides, and see where the conversation goes.
Because the show is not open to the public, we’ll give you a peek into the show with an article from the event, in addition to this chat. Check back during the week of November 2.
Not only does Flex represent his own line of hi-octane automotive accessories, but he also developed and promotes an annual eight-city Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour, bringing the most exclusive and expensive candy-colored rides to fans in cities from Canada to Miami.
Who better to ask about the in-car technologies of tomorrow than the millennial generation, right? And what better time to ask than right now.
Ford Motor Company and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are working together to discover the next frontier of in-car-communications. The two have joined forces to launch a project that gives students access to a Ford developmental operating system so these students can test and program new applications in search of the “what’s next” for in-car connectivity.
The two-phase advanced research project called the “American Journey 2.0,” is aimed at finding new ways to harness the power of social networks and cloud computing to deliver the future of a grand tradition, the great American road trip.
Millennials’ market force
Ford is the industry leader for in-car connectivity and its award-winning SYNC system, co-developed with Microsoft, is the first to seamlessly integrate a variety of technologies providing emergency, diagnostic and information services as well as traffic reports and directions all through a user’s Bluetooth-paired mobile phone. Current technologies include: on-board text-to-speech engine, data-over-voice technology, a GPS receiver, and an off-board routing engine and information services network accessed through a voice portal.
The next breakthrough in the connected car experience – especially amongst the emerging market force of the Millennial generation – will be responsibly accessing social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, plus other internet data to further improve the driving experience.
The Microsoft “Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009” reported that 77 percent of those surveyed use social networking sites, 50 percent subscribed to more than one site; 64 percent frequented them daily; and 33 percent reported spending 30 minutes or more for each visit. In 2010, the Millennials will make up 28 percent of the driving population, up 9 points from just 2004, making it a powerful consumer group to target.
Such reach-out and collaboration with a university’s student body represents a developmental shift for Ford as it looks for ways to use novel models of open-source collaboration similar to how ideas are cultivated in Silicon Valley. This new way of innovating is aimed at delivering the driver with relevant and personalized content that is tailored for the individual driver’s unique in-car experience.
Phase One – Testing the Platform
Phase one of the project starts with a small group of computer and electrical engineering students beta testing a Ford prototype in-vehicle connectivity software platform that supports navigation, cell phone and digital music players, and has the enhanced ability to access vehicle performance data and act as an interface for newly-developed social networking applications.
The intense six-week student “test drive” of the open platform began in early October, with students tirelessly running multiple combinations of applications, trying to break codes and force the system to crash.
Phase Two – American Journey 2.0
The winter course will be open to 25-30 students of multiple disciplines, and will feature small teams collaborating on the Ford developmental software platform and building upon its connectivity capabilities with new applications.
A panel of judges from Ford, University of Michigan, Microsoft, Maker Faire, and other professions will pick the winning application set at the end of the course and the chosen student team will install their new connectivity programs in a specially prepared Ford Fiesta for what Ford has dubbed the “American Journey 2.0” – a group expedition to test and show off their efforts at the 2010 Maker Faire, the world’s largest do-it-yourself convention held next spring in California.
Quotes
“Already with SYNC, we have proven that we can access information in the ‘cloud.’ This research gives us the opportunity to harness the power of student innovation to explore beyond those capabilities and develop what’s next. We want the students to get creative and develop ways to responsibly connect the car to communicate and share with the outside world.”
– Venkatesh Prasad, Group and Technical Leader of Ford’s Infotronics team in Research & Advanced Engineering
“Research like this pushes the envelope of current technology and helps us identify and solve the next set of challenges in the evolving arena of vehicle connectivity. What excites me about this project is that it gives our students the opportunity to unleash their creativity using cutting-edge technologies to find the best ways to connect the vehicle and the ‘cloud.’”
– Dr. Jason Flinn, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan
“We are doing a complete shakedown of the development platform. It’s an awesome project because we are working on the bleeding edge, able to add our knowledge, insight and interests that could have real-world impact on how we drive, and how our commutes impact the environment and each other.”
– Dr. Brian Noble, Associate Professor of EECS at the University of Michigan
Editors at Popular Mechanics today announced the winners of the magazine’s 2010 Automotive Excellence Awards, and Ford Motor Company set a precedent, winning more categories in a single year than any other automaker in the history of the awards.
The Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in 10 categories. Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT500 won the award in the Performance category, Transit Connect took top honors in the Workhorse category and F-150 SVT Raptor earned the award in the Off-Road Ability category.
Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company, accepted the awards on behalf of the Ford team.
To determine award winners, Stewart says editors of Popular Mechanics travel the globe and spend thousands of miles behind the wheel of every new car and truck introduced by the world’s automakers. After months of hands-on testing and research, the team nominates a list of vehicles in each category, then votes on the winners.
2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – Performance Category Winner
The editors of Popular Mechanics describe the Mustang Shelby GT500 as a new superpower to contend with in the 21st-century muscle car wars.
“The Mustang Shelby GT500 – with its incredibly potent 5.4-liter V-8 engine – certainly impressed us,” said Ben Stewart, automotive editor, Popular Mechanics. “But it was Ford Special Vehicle Team’s (SVT) refinement of the chassis that made our staff declare the GT500 the best Mustang in the model’s long 45-year history.”
2010 Ford Transit Connect – Workhorse Category Winner
Popular Mechanics editors praise the Ford Transit Connect as a fresh alternative to a full-size van that is packaged to address the pressures of the economy, urban congestion and fluctuating gas prices.
“It was the brilliant combination of the Transit Connect’s efficient use of space – and fuel – that won over our team,” said Stewart. “This vehicle proves that small vehicles can handle big jobs, and it comes at an ideal time when contractors and other business owners are looking to downsize and save on fuel.”
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Off-Road Ability Category Winner
“The most extreme high-speed 4x4 pickup ever produced,” is the way editors of Popular Mechanics describe Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor.
“We spent time riding along with Ford SVT engineers at near race speeds and had a chance to climb behind the wheel of the truck ourselves,” said Stewart. “For the avid off-roader, the Raptor is the truck we’ve all been waiting for.”
Stewart says he was particularly impressed with the tuning of Raptor’s long-travel suspension.
“It soaks up high-speed desert terrain better than any production pickup truck we’ve driven,” he said.
Quotes
“Ford’s sweep of three categories in this year’s awards speaks to the onslaught of great products coming from Dearborn.”
– Ben Stewart, automotive editor, Popular Mechanics
“This important recognition reflects the strength and diversity of the Ford product lineup. From a performance car to a workhorse vehicle to an off-road pickup, Ford is building quality products that people really want.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company
Editors at Popular Mechanics today announced the winners of the magazine’s 2010 Automotive Excellence Awards, and Ford Motor Company set a precedent, winning more categories in a single year than any other automaker in the history of the awards.
The Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in 10 categories. Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT500 won the award in the Performance category, Transit Connect took top honors in the Workhorse category and F-150 SVT Raptor earned the award in the Off-Road Ability category.
Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company, accepted the awards on behalf of the Ford team.
To determine award winners, Stewart says editors of Popular Mechanics travel the globe and spend thousands of miles behind the wheel of every new car and truck introduced by the world’s automakers. After months of hands-on testing and research, the team nominates a list of vehicles in each category, then votes on the winners.
2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – Performance Category Winner
The editors of Popular Mechanics describe the Mustang Shelby GT500 as a new superpower to contend with in the 21st-century muscle car wars.
“The Mustang Shelby GT500 – with its incredibly potent 5.4-liter V-8 engine – certainly impressed us,” said Ben Stewart, automotive editor, Popular Mechanics. “But it was Ford Special Vehicle Team’s (SVT) refinement of the chassis that made our staff declare the GT500 the best Mustang in the model’s long 45-year history.”
2010 Ford Transit Connect – Workhorse Category Winner Popular Mechanics editors praise the Ford Transit Connect as a fresh alternative to a full-size van that is packaged to address the pressures of the economy, urban congestion and fluctuating gas prices.
“It was the brilliant combination of the Transit Connect’s efficient use of space – and fuel – that won over our team,” said Stewart. “This vehicle proves that small vehicles can handle big jobs, and it comes at an ideal time when contractors and other business owners are looking to downsize and save on fuel.”
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Off-Road Ability Category Winner
“The most extreme high-speed 4x4 pickup ever produced,” is the way editors of Popular Mechanics describe Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor.
“We spent time riding along with Ford SVT engineers at near race speeds and had a chance to climb behind the wheel of the truck ourselves,” said Stewart. “For the avid off-roader, the Raptor is the truck we’ve all been waiting for.”
Stewart says he was particularly impressed with the tuning of Raptor’s long-travel suspension.
“It soaks up high-speed desert terrain better than any production pickup truck we’ve driven,” he said.
Quotes
“Ford’s sweep of three categories in this year’s awards speaks to the onslaught of great products coming from Dearborn.”
– Ben Stewart, automotive editor, Popular Mechanics
“This important recognition reflects the strength and diversity of the Ford product lineup. From a performance car to a workhorse vehicle to an off-road pickup, Ford is building quality products that people really want.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company
Mike Hardie has responsibility for what may be one of the most challenging aspects building vehicles: Quality. Specifically, he develops the quality plan to drive quality processes and discipline throughout the design and production of Ford vehicles.
Join the live chat here on Friday, October 30, at 11:30 a.m. EST to see what Hardie has to say about quality, and what the team is doing to protect and improve quality at Ford.
During his career at Ford, Mike has held many positions in problem solving, reliability engineering and statistical applications. Prior to working at Ford, Mike was in the aerospace business, developing aircraft simulation systems for military programs.
Hardie, a native of Salem, Oregon, holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, and a masters degree in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan.
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Fiesta Movement agents have traveled more than 1 million miles, and they surpassed that mark as they were completing their adventure-themed missions for September. These missions weren’t easy, but they were definitely fun and unusual. Agents tried their hand at racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, went sailing in Chicago with Outside Magazine and even experienced what zero gravity feels like.
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites. Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have generated more than 4.8 million YouTube views, more than 600,000 Flickr views and nearly 3.2 million Twitter impressions
Missions accomplished
September missions had agents doing new things that got their blood pumping and their adrenaline running. Fiesta Movement agents are known for trying out the unusual, but these missions took that to a new level.
Videos that pushed the limits of creativity include:
“Outside Magazine: Chicago,” by Derek D., who teamed up with a staffer from Outside Magazine to have an urban adventure in Chicago, complete with a sail on Lake Michigan.
Derek D. started off his adventure by meeting up with a graphic designer from Outside Magazine at a marina. After getting situated on the boat and helping get the sailboat out of the marina, Derek D. began to take in the scenery and enjoy the sail, and he’s quick to point out the viewer should be jealous of this awesome experience. Check out “Outside Magazine: Chicago” at http://fiestamovement.com/missions/view/638.
“Who Needs Gravity,” by agent Natasha T., who took on an adventure that’s (almost) out of this world, by showing viewers the closest thing to zero gravity at Zero-G.
Following a 32-hour road trip to Houston, Natasha was ready to experience what zero gravity felt like with the company Zero-G. Natasha had her symptoms of hypoxia (loss of oxygen supply) tested, then headed to the airplane that would simulate the loss of gravity. After achieving zero gravity, Natasha flashes a bright smile and thumbs-up to show her delight. Check out “Who Needs Gravity” at http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/646.
“What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas…Unless…,” by agents Brad and Emma, who set out on an adventure to Sin City, where they headed to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to see how the Fiesta would look zooming around the track.
With two friends along for the ride, Brad and Emma put their Fiesta to the track test. They drove around the superspeedway and bullring to see what their Fiesta could handle, and had a blast in the process. Check out “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas…Unless…” at http://www.fiestamovement.com/missions/view/637.
Operation: Entertainment
Fiesta Movement agents are entering their final month of missions, and October has them having a blast with missions planned around the theme of entertainment. Missions include hanging out in the recording studio with Jukebox the Ghost, creating a music video for the band Parachute and watching them perform live and visiting Turn10 Studio, Microsoft’s racing studio. Throughout the month and after its completion, followers can keep up with agent activity on the Fiesta Movement Web site’s live feed – www.fiestamovement.com
Chance to drive a Fiesta
With a kickoff in May and running through December, five regional test drive teams representing the Fiesta Movement are traveling across the country to engage consumers with the opportunity to test drive a European-spec Ford Fiesta.
The Fiesta Movement test drive is drawing huge numbers by engaging more than 137,000 consumers, with more than 28,000 taking a Fiesta for a test drive.
The teams are visiting at least 200 cities over eight months, stopping in small towns and big cities, as well as making appearances at major and regional events and festivals. Information about drive stops, including monthly calendars, is available on www.fiestamovement.com under the “Test Drive” section. Site visitors also can sign up to receive test drive updates as they become available.
Quotes
“These adventure mission videos are fantastic, in every sense of the word. They put the agents in their element and let them share the Fiesta story in an exciting way.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager
“Our test drive tour is achieving exactly what we set out to do – build awareness for the Fiesta and let people experience it. They can see it, touch it and most importantly, experience it.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager
For two nights beginning on Monday, Oct. 26, Ford World Headquarters will glow pink to show support for breast cancer patients and survivors across the country. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Ford Motor Company is a 15-year supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and has dedicated over $100 million to the cause to date through its Warriors in Pink program.
Warriors in Pink
Ford Warriors in Pink is a campaign designed to recognize the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer 365 days a year. The Warriors in Pink program features symbols signifying hope, strength and unity to offer support for all those affected by this devastating disease.
Limited edition Ford Warriors in Pink apparel is sold exclusively at www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of the net proceeds directly benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. More than half a million pieces of Ford Warriors in Pink apparel and gear has been sold over the past three years, generating over $1.8 million for the Susan G. Komen foundation.
When you test-drive a Ford vehicle from now until December 31, 2009, Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® on your behalf – to the Komen Affiliate in the city of your choice.
Ford’s commitment runs well beyond raising funds. Because awareness leads to early detection and early detection saves lives, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign is committed to raising awareness of breast cancer.
Nearly 200,000 women and 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Quotes
“With the Ford Warriors in Pink program, we continually strive to encourage women and men everywhere to join the fight and be a part of the cure for breast cancer. For 15 years, Ford has been committed to fighting breast cancer, standing up for the cause no matter the month. Tonight’s ceremony is designed to show our support for all those affected by the disease.”
– Mark Fields, President of The Americas, Ford Motor Company
There are songs of love and hate. And there are songs of recklessness, too. So how about songs of safety?
Kate Voegele, recording artist of the new hit song "99 Times," is asking teens to write their own special songs that send a message about the importance of safe driving behavior. Vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 killer of teens in America, with teens accounting for three times as many fatal accidents as other drivers.
The nationwide "Belt it Out" promotion begins Oct. 23rd at www.DrivingSkillsforLife.com where soloists or small bands can send songs that incorporate Ford Driving Skills for Life (FDSFL) – the company's nationwide, award-winning teen safe-driving program.
In spring 2010, the public and Voegele will select the teen with the most creative and effective song submission for a top prize of savings bonds up to $5,000.
Quotes
"Music is such a great outlet and this gives teens a chance to create their own music about something important in their lives. I am doing this to encourage people my age to stay focused on their future and to understand the importance of their own driving behaviors. They need to learn to avoid driving distractions such as hand-held texting. Maybe music can help them remember that."
– Kate Voegele, Singer, Actress, Teen Driver Safety Advocate
"Teens listen to their friends and music more than anything else, which is why we are combining the two so our youngsters can help stop their friends from hand-held texting while driving.”
– Jim Graham, Community Relations Manager of Ford Motor Company Fund
The claim of “seeing sound” used to be reserved for the likes of Dr. Timothy Leary and other advocates of psychedelic recreation, but neuroscientists have since determined that mixed-up sensory perception is both real and natural. Now, seeing sound has a practical application as well.
Ford is using a new technology that allows engineers to actually see unwanted sounds and eliminate them during vehicle development to ensure new vehicles have the quietest interior cabins.
Ford is the first automaker in North America to use the new “Noise Vision” tool, which is part of Ford’s drive to lead the industry in top vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Customers connect an ultra-quiet cabin with overall product quality and satisfaction, and quietness is one of the top reasons to buy a vehicle, according to third-party customer satisfaction studies.
How it works
Noise Vision is a small sphere that is placed inside the vehicle cabin. It is equipped with more than 30 highly sensitive microphones and 12 special cameras. Powerful software reads data from Noise Vision and creates a computerized image showing interior noise “hot spots,” including wind noise, a squeak or rattle, or unwanted feedback from the engine or the road.
Ford began using Noise Vision – formally known as the Noise Source Identification Tool – to develop new vehicles for the 2010 model year. The high-tech tool is similar to technology used in military work and medical research.
In the past, Ford engineers worked long and hard to identify unwanted rattles, squeaks or knocks. Finding an unwanted sound often was a process of elimination, which could take days or weeks.
Noise Vision streamlines the process to hours, and it’s saving money, too. In the past year alone, the technology has allowed Ford’s North American NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) engineers to reduce 200 hours of wind tunnel testing time a year – saving more than $300,000 in testing costs.
Quietness and quality leadership
Today, Ford’s initial vehicle quality is equal to Toyota and Honda. Ford vehicle interior quietness also rivals many luxury brands, including Lexus, according to third-party consumer research.
In fact, Ford has the fewest wind noise, squeak and rattle issues of any full-line vehicle manufacturer, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Ford brands also have higher interior quietness customer satisfaction scores than Asian counterparts, according to the RDA Group’s Global Quality Research System. Ford’s U.S. vehicle leadership includes:
The Ford F-150 is the top model in its segment for quietness, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. F-150 also is No. 1 in quietness customer satisfaction, according to the RDA Group.
The Lincoln MKZ beats the current Lexus ES350 in key interior quietness attributes, such as road noise at 30 mph and wind noise at 80 mph, according to the RDA Group.
Ford Escape is tied with the Honda CRV for first place in the small utility segment for interior quietness customer satisfaction, according to the RDA Group.
Quotes
“The key to world-class interior quietness is to pinpoint the source and location of every unwanted sound, no matter how subtle it is. Noise Vision already is paying off for Ford, with the new 2010 Taurus, Fusion and F-150 achieving the quietest interiors in their class.”
– Bill Gulker, Ford’s Leader of Wind Noise Engineering
“We used to rely on trial and error to make a vehicle quieter. It was a process of elimination that often led us to mask the issue with thicker glass or more sound insulation. Noise Vision literally shows us where the noise is and allows us to eliminate it once and for all.”
– Bill Gulker, Ford’s Leader of Wind Noise Engineering
While Ford’s rumored development of a flying car is greatly exaggerated, it’s fair to say that the future of hybrid vehicles is in good shape. In fact, Ford and the University of Michigan are working together on a new project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles.
Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.
Working with U of M, Ford has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date and continues to conduct about 50,000 a week – a development speed that otherwise would not be possible.
Other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy – often at the expense of drivability. Ford and U of M are looking at the marriage of both.
The new hybrid controller design method has the potential to offer consumers more choice in efficiency and drivability. They may have multiple operational modes or offer customers the ability to customize their driving experience.
The research is still in its early stages, but initial results are promising.
Read more about Ford Motor Company’s hybrid vehicles.
Quotes
“The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster.”
– Ryan McGee, Supervisor of Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design in Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering.
Working together with the University of Michigan research team, we are testing the boundaries of hybrid vehicle technology, exploring innovative ways to raise the bar on fuel economy and drivability. This joint work on hybrid software development shows great promise in helping us lead the development of more efficient hybrid systems for the future.”
– Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering
Are you a social media mover and shaker? Do your friends hang on your every word or at least enjoy your online photo galleries and YouTube videos? Most importantly, are you a Fusion fanatic? Then, your moment in the spotlight may have just arrived?
Ford is conducting a nationwide search for passionate 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid owners to participate in Fusion 41, a consumer program designed to build awareness and excitement around the all-new 201 Ford Fusion.
The Fusion 41 program – named for the unsurpassed 41 mpg fuel economy that makes Fusion America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, and the 41 participants – builds on the success of the Ford Drive One advertising campaign, which focuses on actual customers experiencing new Ford vehicles and sharing their stories with others. The Fusion 41 consumer story will come to life on the Internet, through social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
How Fusion 41 works
Eight 2010 Fusion owners from throughout the country will be selected to participate in the Fusion 41. They will be chosen based on their passion for Fusion and their ability to share compelling information about the vehicle on the Internet. Applicants must have a current Facebook profile with a minimum of 100 friends and an active photo collection.
Each of the eight Fusion owners will then choose four friends or family members to join their team, and each team will be given a 2010 Ford Fusion or Fusion Hybrid to drive in an automotive relay race. To complete the relay, each team member must fulfill an assigned task within 41 hours, tracking competitive variables such as miles driven, stops made or the number of passengers picked up.
The winning team will be chosen based on their ability to complete the activities and provide proof by uploading photos and videos to various social media sites, including Facebook. The Fusion owner of the winning team will have their vehicle paid off, and team members will win free gas for one year.
2010 Fusion owners interested in competing in Fusion 41 may apply at www.fusion41.com between now and November 6.
Ford fuels social media
Research shows that social media sites are increasingly one of the best ways to reach out to consumers. Prior to the development of the Fusion 41 program, Ford expanded its presence on Facebook with a new application for its “Fusion + Hybrid” profile called “You Speak Green” that enables visitors to share their sustainable lifestyle suggestions. Since its launch in mid-July, more than 104,000 Facebook users have downloaded the application to their profile pages and 15,000 have posted tips.
Another example of Ford’s groundbreaking social media outreach is its support of the Fiesta Movement campaign to promote the company’s sporty, savvy new small car through social media agents. Agent postings have garnered significant numbers on social media sites, including more than 4.8 million YouTube views (www.fiestamovement.com), more than 600,000 Flickr views and more than 3.2 million Twitter impressions.
Quote
“Fusion 41 is a fun way to engage customers and get them talking about the all-new 2010 Fusion. There’s no better way to spread the word about our new products than by putting them into the hands of prospective customers and enabling them to experience our vehicles firsthand.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager
As part of their research into the cause and effects of distracted driving, Ford Motor Company researchers are using high-tech goggles that measure the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road to help validate in-vehicle technologies such as GPS navigation systems.
The special “occlusion” goggles are used in testing at Ford’s Human Machine Interface Verification Laboratory – or “Distraction Lab.” Ford engineers and technologists use the data to accelerate the safer design of telematics systems that keep drivers connected and informed.
How it works
In occlusion studies, the test subject wears goggles equipped with small liquid crystal display (LCD) screens that rapidly blink open and closed in a regulated sequence while the subject views graphics and text information on a new device such as a navigation screen. Open goggles represent eyes-off-road time, or when the driver is looking away at a device. Closed goggles represent eyes-on-road time.
If 85 percent or more of test subjects are able to complete a task on screen in the time allowed – such as reading and selecting an address on a navigation screen – the task is considered compliant with industry guidelines. However, if the test subject cannot complete the task in time, the function is designed to be locked-out when the vehicle is in motion, and can only be operated when the vehicle is stopped.
Thanks in part to occlusion testing, the information displayed on Ford’s latest-generation navigation system is purposely limited to comply with industry guidelines and help reduce the risk of driver distraction.
The hands-free, voice-operated advantage
Occlusion testing also was instrumental in determining the appropriate amount of information provided to drivers who use the latest SYNC application – Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI).
The feature leverages SYNC’s industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS and Bluetooth-capable phones to provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather. This information is provided through the car’s audio entertainment speakers, allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
A recent study showed that SYNC, Ford’s fully integrated voice-operated in-car communications and entertainment system, significantly reduced the level of distraction when test participants selected a phone number or chose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations using hand-held cell phones and music players. For example, the research conducted by Ford shows study participants spent an average of 25 seconds with their eyes off the road to select a song with a hand-held MP3 player compared with two seconds for those choosing a song using SYNC. Read more about this and other related research here.
Quotes
“Occlusion testing is faster and a lot more efficient than other methods for determining eyes-off-road time and the potential for visual distraction. In the past, we used occlusion testing primarily to verify other research, but over the past couple of years we’ve been able to develop test models with the technology that allows us to rapidly complete research faster than ever before.”
– John Shutko, Ford Technical Specialist in Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics
“Studies show voice-operated systems like SYNC offer significant safety benefits over hand-held manual devices. If people are going to use nomadic devices – and there’s no reason to believe that they will stop – Ford wants to offer our customers a safer way to use them, through SYNC.”
– Dr. Louis Tijerina, Ford Senior Technical Specialist
Customers for years have turned to the Ford F-Series Super Duty as the right work truck for the most demanding work. In short, it’s the right tool for the job.
Like the new 2011 F-Series Super Duty, Chris Brewer is the right choice as the vehicle’s chief engineer. His background includes degrees in engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and business from The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), plus he’s a native of Texas – the epicenter of tough trucks.
“Yeah, yeah, I sound like a Super Duty commercial,” Brewer said with a laugh. “But I really enjoy being part of the Super Duty team. No other Ford vehicle has such a diverse set of customers – retail, ‘fleet-tail,’ fleet and commercial accounts – who buy a wide range of trucks from work trucks to chassis cabs to high-end Lariat and King Ranch pickups.”
Join the chat on Friday, October 23, at 2:30 p.m. EDT to see ask Brewer your questions and to see what he has to say.
Serving all those customers in a challenging economic environment isn’t easy, but Brewer draws on his acumen in engineering and business to help deliver the best Super Duty possible. He started his career at Ford on the business side, working as a product planning analyst between his first and second years in business school.
“I found that I really enjoyed working on what’s easily the world’s most complex consumer product, and came back to Ford full-time after business school,” Brewer said.
Super Duty attributes mirror engineer’s talents
Brewer stays busy away from Ford watching and coaching his kids’ soccer games, going to a park or pool with his family or heading out to a baseball game. He has been to more than 30 Major League parks (past and present) and hopes to get to all of them someday.
In his spare time, Brewer also plays duplicate bridge, a form of bridge where skill, rather than luck of the draw, determines success: just like the new Super Duty.
“Super Duty customers are diverse and demanding,” Brewer said. “They absolutely depend on them for their livelihood – in many cases it’s literally their office. The 2011 Super Duty has more capability than ever before and is ready to exceed the expectations of our customers.”
Brewer lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., with his wife and four children – three girls and a boy ranging in age from 8 to 3. He describes himself as low-key but intense, and someone who likes to have fun while getting the job done.
Cowboy hats, chili cook-offs and Ford trucks – some things just never go out of style in the Lone Star state.
The 2010 Ford F-150, powered by the all-new SVT Raptor, was named 2009 “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the seventh consecutive time a Ford F-Series truck has won the award. Additionally, F-150 SVT Raptor was named best “Full-size Pickup Truck.”
Ford trucks also took the “Truck Line of Texas,” a distinguished honor recognizing the best-in-class capability and durability of Ford’s lineup.
Another top honor, “Outstanding Feature,” went to Ford Work Solutions, a suite of productivity technologies developed for the commercial truck owner. The system includes an in-dash computer that connects with the home office; Tool Link that keeps track of costly tools and equipment; Cable Lock, which locks up tools in the open truck box; and Crew Chief, a telematics system, giving the fleet manager more control of his/her fleet of vehicles.
Class-leading capability
Ford F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.
With the launch of the all-new 2009 model, the truck improved its fuel economy by an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup, thanks to a wide range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume three-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. Plus, the F-150’s SFE package – which is available on highest-volume XL and XLT series – delivers unsurpassed fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
This summer, Ford introduced the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure. Raptor also is versatile enough to handle the daily commute. To test the capability and durability of Raptor, Ford took a modified pre-production Raptor to the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 this past November. The early-build Raptor not only survived Baja, it earned a podium finish in its class.
Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. The Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance.
Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road. In addition to the shocks, Raptor has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel.
The F-150 SVT Raptor comes standard with the proven 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine that produces up to 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. In early 2010 customers will have the option of an even more powerful new 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
Customer anticipation has been extremely high, with 3,000 orders already received for the 5.4-liter F-150 SVT Raptor. In fact, initial dealer orders have the Dearborn Truck Plant building Raptors at maximum capacity, reflecting the strong demand for the first-ever factory high-speed off-road truck.
Starting price for the F-150 SVT Raptor is $38,995 including destination and delivery charges.
In total, Ford won eight of 18 awards, including Lincoln MKX as “Mid-size CUV,” Ford Flex as “Full-size CUV,” and Ford F-150 King Ranch as “Luxury Pick-up Truck,” and Ford Expedition as “Full-size SUV.”
More Information Ford F-150 Fact Sheet
Quote
“Winning the Truck of Texas is a distinct honor. Texans know their trucks, and this award is further proof of why the F-Series remains America’s number-one selling pickup. We built F-150 SVT Raptor for truck enthusiasts. And we’re gratified it’s gaining recognition for both its unequaled off-road performance and confidence-inspiring on-road demeanor.”
– Mark Fields, President, The Americas, Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company was announced as one of the 2009 Fellows’ Choice Award Winners for Brand of the Year by the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR). The foundation awarded Ford this honor because of the innovative way the company has been using social media to improve communication with its stakeholders.
Ford continues to experiment and interact online by engaging with influencers over many popular online platforms, including its social media hub TheFordStory.com . In addition to having a daily presence on social networks, Ford is noted for the Fiesta Movement, in which 100 digital influencers were loaned European-spec Ford Fiestas in advance of the 2010 launch of the small car in North America. Their videos, photos, tweets and more are captured in real time on FiestaMovement.com and Ford has collected their feedback to share with engineers before the vehicle goes into production. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program have resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers; 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford. And the Fiesta Movement has driven brand awareness for the small car to levels equivalent to models that have been on the market for two to three years.
SNCR is a global non-profit research and education foundation and think tank that focuses on the latest developments in new media and communications. They measure these tools’ impact on business, media, culture and society.
Ford Motor Company’s, Scott Monty, will be on hand at the award ceremony November 5-6th at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Quotes
"We are honored and humbled that SCNR and its fellows have chosen us for this award. The past year has been a tumultuous one for the global automotive industry and we've managed to demonstrate how Ford is different with our strong business plan and our great products. We aim to make the world a better place by integrating social media into our marketing and communications efforts and humanizing the company at every turn. We realize that our success is not only about how and where we tell our story, but how we listen and engage with our communities. Our customers will decide if our efforts and our products resonate with them, and we've already begun to see the forward momentum."
-Scott Monty, Global Digital & Multimedia Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company.
Smith College and Ford Motor Company today celebrate the dedication of Ford Hall, a $73 million, 140,000-square-foot, “green”-certified facility that serves as home for the college’s Picker Engineering Program and computer science, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology curricula.
The Ford Motor Company Fund’s $10 million lead gift, pledged in 2001, represents the company’s strong support for advancing opportunities for women in engineering, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability. The celebration includes a traditional ribbon cutting, open house and panel discussion about the future of engineering and the sciences at Smith College.
In addition to the building investment, the Ford Fund contributed an additional $2.6 million for a variety of activities in support of the engineering program at Smith, including scholarships, curriculum development, K-12 outreach programs and sustainability efforts on campus.
Sustainability for scholars
Ford Hall is certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “green” facility – the first LEED-certified structure built on the Smith College campus. It incorporates green roofs, porous pavement, vegetated swales, environmentally responsible mechanical systems and the use of a combined heat and power cogeneration system.
A student design team, under the supervision of project professionals, developed a unique combined heat and power cogeneration system used to support a portion of Ford Hall’s energy needs through renewable means. Smith also installed other innovative energy technologies including fuel cells and solar panels to provide additional environmental and financial benefits.
The emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency for Ford Hall places the building in the forefront of energy efficient architecture. The building’s designers incorporated numerous initiatives to reduce the consumption of energy resources and the cost of operation. In addition, Ford Hall serves as a learning lab and a teaching tool for sustainable design. The emphasis on sustainability in the new building is the largest undertaking in a campus-wide effort by Smith College to promote and implement energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
That’s Miss Smith to you
Established in 1999, Smith’s Picker Engineering Program is the nation’s first and only accredited all-women engineering program. It is focused on developing broadly educated, well-rounded engineers capable of assuming leadership roles in corporations, nonprofit organizations and technology-related fields. Thirty percent of Smith students major in the sciences – more than three times the national average.
Smith College is the largest undergraduate women’s college in the country, enrolling 2,800 students from nearly every state and 61 countries. By linking the power of the liberal arts to excellence in research and scholarship, Smith is developing leaders for society’s challenges.
Quotes
“We’re proud of our partnership with Smith College and the opportunity to participate in the building of Ford Hall. We are confident that together we can make real advances to safeguard the health of this planet and protect its resources. With Ford Hall, we are joining with faculty and students of Smith College as engineers of a better world for future generations.”
– Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund
“Ford Hall represents the essence of a sustainable future. It is an example of how we need to think and build going forward – with sustainable materials, energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. Ford Hall is also a challenging and enabling environment for our future generations of women scientists and engineers – those who will generate the ideas and make a reality tomorrow’s collaborative solutions for long-term sustainability.”
– Nancy Gioia, Director of Global Electrification, Ford Motor Company
“In location and design, Ford Hall is a crossroads. The most pressing problems of our time lie at the intersections of engineering and other disciplines.”
– Linda E. Jones, Director of the Picker Engineering Program and Rosemary Bradford Hewlett ’40 Professor of Engineering
Techno troglodytes rejoice! Tech assistance is at hand!
Ford Motor Company has teamed up with the industry’s largest electronics retailer, Best Buy, to help bring consumers closer to the industry-leading SYNC® in-car communications system. Through Best Buy Mobile, the retailer will offer thousands of specially trained associates to assist with Ford SYNC education, training and phone compatibility tests to ensure consumers are maximizing the SYNC experience.
Get expert assistance
Beginning in October, Best Buy stores in Texas will conduct a pilot program involving more than 30 Best Buy locations where consumers will be able to experience live SYNC demos and Ford, Lincoln and Mercury customer clinics. The SYNC demos will show participants how their mobile phones can interact with the voice-activated system, while customer clinics will help new Ford customers improve their understanding of SYNC capabilities using their actual phones and vehicles. Local dealers will participate to offer additional expert assistance on SYNC.
Local dealers will remain the primary touch point for consumers interested in purchasing SYNC; however, Best Buy Mobile experts will serve as another resource for consumers looking to learn more about the compatibility of their mobile devices. Under the agreement, Best Buy Mobile associates will provide Ford owners with phone pairing information, helping them get comfortable with SYNC and enabling them to either connect their existing handset or choose a compatible mobile phone.
Best Buy also will include Ford SYNC mobile phone compatibility results in its monthly Best Buy Mobile Buyer’s Guide to identify which of the latest mobile devices work seamlessly with Ford SYNC. The ratings are based on phone compatibility tests conducted by Best Buy’s tech services unit Geek Squad, and are updated frequently. The SYNC ratings can also be found at www.syncmyride.com.
National SYNC ad campaign rolls out
Earlier this month, Ford launched its new advertising campaign for SYNC, called “SYNC: Say the Word,” to further increase awareness around its current voice-activated applications. The SYNC ads will target young, tech-savvy drivers and appear in various print and online mediums.
“SYNC: Say the Word” will feature robotic “voice agents” that act as personal assistants as voice commands are activated. There will be a total of nine robots that will each showcase the various applications of SYNC including turn-by-turn navigation, 911 Assist, music search, audible text message reading, hands-free calling, business search, Vehicle Health Report, real-time traffic and My Favorites – news, sports, weather.
To complement print advertisements, Ford will also release 30-second video spots with select robotic voice agents to build awareness of how each SYNC application can be activated by simple voice command. The company will also make available a total of 11 instructional videos that highlight each SYNC feature on its redesigned consumer education Web site, which can be found at http://www.fordvehicles.com/innovation/sync/.
As SYNC capabilities expand, more experts essential
Ford SYNC seamlessly integrates a variety of technologies such as an onboard text-to-speech engine, a customer’s mobile phone and network, data-over-voice technology, an off-board routing engine and voice portal. Combined, these technologies enable:
Voice dialing allows users to press the “Push to Talk” button on the steering wheel, then say the name of the person they wish to call. SYNC will automatically connect with the names in the mobile phone’s contact list.
Voice control of MP3 devices lets users browse the music collection on a connected digital media player, mobile phone or USB drive by genre, album, artist and song title using simple voice commands, such as “Play Genre Rock,” “Play [artist]” or “Play Track [song title].”
911 Assist can place a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an accident involving the activation of an air bag or, on certain vehicles, the emergency fuel pump shutoff. If an occupant cannot respond, SYNC can deliver a recorded message to the 911 service to alert an operator that a crash has occurred.
Vehicle Health Report gives customers the ability to monitor and manage their vehicle’s health in a single, easy-to-read report and receive important notifications. The report includes diagnostic systems’ statuses, scheduled maintenance, needed repairs from the last dealership visit, and will even alert owners of any open recalls.
Traffic, Directions & Information, SYNC’s newest application, can deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather – without the need for a built-in or aftermarket navigation system.
New SYNC applications introduced in 2009 have dramatically expanded the system’s capabilities, and continue to set the standard for ease of use. SYNC allows customers to move seamlessly between their home, car and office, staying connected wherever they go.
Quotes
“With the ever-changing technology landscape, it was a strategic decision to work with Best Buy to provide our customers another expert resource on the Ford SYNC platform. “As we expand the capabilities of SYNC, we will need to educate our customers on the full benefits and expanded services of newly added applications. We couldn’t think of a better way for consumers to learn about new SYNC features than from the experts at Best Buy that they’ve learned to trust.”
– John Felice, General Manager, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing
“We have a strong belief that mobile technology should serve people and help them stay connected whether it’s at home, at work or in the car. We are excited to partner with Ford to educate consumers on its SYNC technology. Best Buy Mobile helps thousands of consumers every day get connected with mobile devices and services that make their lives better, and now we’re ready to do the same thing for Ford SYNC users.”
– Shawn Score, Best Buy Mobile President
“With the cadence of new product releases, we’ve found it is essential to assist our consumers with education on features, benefits and usage. While very intuitive, we’ve taken a proactive approach to SYNC marketing because it’s important that consumers understand just how SYNC has evolved beyond voice-activated music controls. Through these efforts, Ford has provided a touch point for drivers both online and offline to help maximize their driving experience while staying connected to the information they want, when they want it.”
– John Felice, General Manager, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing
Ford Warriors in Pink, in its 15th year of support for breast cancer health, is joining forces with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) to focus on breast cancer treatments and awareness with a special Warriors in Pink episode of the daily syndicated how-to series, “The Martha Stewart Show” airing on Oct. 16 (nationally syndicated, check local listings).
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia will help support Ford’s fight against breast cancer with an entire hour devoted to this important cause. Homemaking icon Martha Stewart will host a special studio audience of Warriors whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. This important initiative will culminate with the giveaway of two 2010 Ford Tauruses outfitted with Martha Stewart-inspired items.
Symbols of a Warrior
Ford creates limited-edition Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories featuring important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in its commitment to the fight against breast cancer. Sold on FordCares.com, Ford donates 100 percent of net proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure 365 days a year.
As a special addition to this year’s campaign, Ford Warriors in Pink is unveiling an all-new stamp kit inspired by the team of crafting experts at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. This crafting tool provides Warriors with a creative way to show their support for the fight against breast cancer. Each stamp features one of Ford’s “Symbols of a Warrior,” evoking themes of peace, healing and strength in the battle against breast cancer. Because personal connections to breast cancer are varied, every symbol represents a distinct message of power that is personalized for every Warrior’s journey.
Raising awareness
As a long-standing partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ford has dedicated more than $100 million to the breast cancer cause and remains committed to innovative ways to drive breast cancer awareness. The company’s commitment runs well beyond raising funds – as a national series sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Ford is present at all 121 races nationwide. For more information please visit www.FordCares.com.
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“This partnership helps broaden the reach for Ford Warriors in Pink with a different approach by teaming up with the biggest name in home design. As a 15-year partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we know that awareness leads to early detection and early detection saves lives. This special episode of ‘The Martha Stewart Show’ brings a new element of creativity to drive awareness and further our commitment in the fight against breast cancer.”
– Connie Fontaine, Brand Content and Alliances Manager for Ford Motor Company
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Ford Warriors in Pink to help raise awareness about breast cancer. Breast cancer touches the lives of so many women and their families. We’re proud to be tapping the power of our media platforms to develop a creative, integrated program that resonates with our passionate consumers and spurs action.”
– Janet Balis, EVP Media Sales and Marketing at MSLO
“One of the unique elements of the Warriors in Pink initiative is its ability to unite people who have been touched by breast cancer. Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories demonstrate support for the cause while making a contribution, and now this year consumers can personalize their support with the stamp kit. It allows people to feel as though they are a part of a larger force – an army of Warriors fighting the disease together.”
– Connie Fontaine, Brand Content and Alliances Manager for Ford Motor Company
While the economic forecast is still a bit overcast, there are some bright spots shining through. Ford’s hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year in sharp contrast to a 14-percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry.
The fuel economy and durability of hybrid versions of Ford Fusion and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner also are winning over large numbers of conquest customers, many of whom are previous import owners. Through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, up 73 percent versus the same period in 2008, according to figures from Autodata Inc.
Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford. More than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been from non-Ford owners, and more than half of those are customers coming from import brands, mostly from Toyota and Honda.
Ford’s strong 2009 hybrid sales have been fueled by the introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road. Both vehicles deliver a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
Durable and fuel efficient
While the introduction of the Fusion Hybrid has spurred sales from non-Ford owners, Ford’s longest-running hybrid nameplate, the Escape Hybrid, has proven particularly popular with Ford customers operating taxi, lifeguard and government fleets due to the combination of fuel efficiency and durability. The front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid delivers 34 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market.
In 2005, San Francisco became one of the first cities to adopt hybrids into taxi service, with hybrids accounting for 14 percent of its current fleet. Each of the original fleet of 15 Escape Hybrids exceeded 300,000 miles per vehicle before being retired and replaced with more Escape Hybrids. There are almost 200 Escape Hybrid taxis on San Francisco’s streets today.
New York has more hybrid taxis in service than any other city in North America with 13,237, of which more than 2,000 are Escape Hybrids. The Big Apple recently has begun retiring its original fleet of Escape Hybrids put into service in the 2005 model year after accumulating 300,000 to 350,000 miles per vehicle.
“Greening” the federal government fleet
Government fleets also are seeking cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrids are filling that need. In 2009, federal agencies have purchased more than 3,000 hybrids from Ford, more than any other automotive brand. Included in the sales were 1,900 vehicles acquired through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the purpose of improving the fuel economy of the federal fleet. The U.S. Army was the single largest purchaser among the government fleets, acquiring 400 Fusion hybrids.
Saving lives and conserving fuel
In 2008, Ford began delivery of a fleet of 45 Escape Hybrids to the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline. After the first 11 months of service, lifeguards reported that Escape Hybrids had played a crucial part in thousands of rescues and more than a million rescue preventions at L.A. County beaches.
The Escape Hybrid fleet enabled L.A. lifeguards to reduce their entire fleet’s fuel usage by 25 percent – more than 5,000 gallons of gas – during the first six months of service. That fuel cost savings has helped L.A. County to maintain its critical front line staffing despite the economic downturn.
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“We’re extremely pleased with the performance of the Escape Hybrid in taxi service. Not only have they proven very reliable, they’ve also saved taxi drivers money on gas and contributed to lower tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions in the cities that use them in taxi fleets.”
– Gerry Koss, Ford’s Fleet Marketing Manager
Break out the cuff links and cummerbunds. Lincoln dealerships across the country will be celebrating the brand’s all-new lineup of cars and crossover vehicles Thursday as part of an evening event designed to give customers an up-close look at the new 2010 models.
The Lincoln Star Studded Evening dealer program, the largest single-day customer event in Lincoln history, will allow dealers to highlight three new Lincoln models for 2010 – Lincoln MKS with available EcoBoost, Lincoln MKZ and the all-new Lincoln MKT, a three-row crossover that delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology.
More than 1,200 dealers were invited to participate in the nationwide events. Not only will customers get to drive the new Lincoln models to feel their exceptional performance and handling capabilities, but they also will learn about the class-leading technology that sets Lincolns apart. Customers can experience Active Park Assist (Ford’s hands-free parallel parking system) and see demonstrations of the latest application of SYNC with new turn-by-turn voice-activated directions. They will also have the chance to experience the remarkable Neural THX Surround Sound system that improves the sound of MP3s or digitally stored/compressed music.
Customers also can enter the Star Studded Sweepstakes at participating dealers, with visitors having the opportunity to win a 65-inch plasma TV, a home theater and Best Buy Geek Squad installation.
Support a cause
The events also provide the opportunity to give back to the community by raising money for breast cancer research. For every completed test drive a customer takes during Lincoln’s Star Studded Evening, a $20 donation will be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® on behalf of the Lincoln dealer who staged the test drive.
To find participating Lincoln dealers, visit www.lincoln.com and click on the link “A Star-Studded Evening You’re Invited,” located above the image of the all-new Lincoln MKT.
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“These events let customers get up close and personal, touch, feel and drive the vehicles, as well as experience Lincoln’s innovative technologies. They are a more interactive, more engaging experience than a traditional television spot – they let Lincoln dealers really share these great new products with their communities.”
– Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT Marketing Manager
Common knowledge tells us that silver, black and white are the most popular vehicle color choices. Closer examination of sales data reveals that San Francisco, New York and Phoenix are the leading markets for those respective colors. But what city loves red cars the most? Hint: The one famous for another kind of “Big Red Machine.”
What the numbers say
Ford analyzes sales data for insight into consumer preferences by region, helping the company ensure ample supply of popular vehicles, colors and options for different parts of the country. Not only does correct vehicle mix result in better sales performance for dealers, it also has a positive effect on customer satisfaction when buyers can find what they want quickly.
Much of the Ford data followed logical patterns, but there were some results that weren’t easily explained. For example, white is most popular in Phoenix, where the color’s reflective properties are a boon to car seats and air conditioners – no surprise there. But the second most popular market for white Ford vehicles is Memphis, Tenn., for reasons yet to be determined. Is it the heat, or is it due to the fact that one of Memphis’ largest
