Posts Tagged ‘Fordmotorcompany’

It’s Not Just a Technology – It’s an Experience

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
2011 Edge - MyFord Touch

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for… cars and consumer electronics have never been as beautifully aligned as they are now.

MyFord Touch driver connect technology, launching on the 2011 Ford Edge, is designed to be powerful yet intuitive for drivers, blending strengths of the most proven interfaces in consumer electronics – including MP3 players and mobile phones – with a new generation of Ford’s award-winning SYNC system.

MyFord redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives using touch-sensitive buttons, touch screens, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition.

In that respect, MyFord is instantly familiar. Using reconfigurable displays and simplified voice commands, though, MyFord also can present multiple layers of information, just as the driver wants it.

MyFord Touch layout

MyFord Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation. The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

MyFord Touch displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.

Regardless of what menus customers are viewing, a single touch on the appropriate corner will always bring up the desired functionality, and in most cases, a voice command also can be used to adjust the controls.

With the four-corner layout, functions are where they’re expected to be, and they’re always visible on the screen, so it’s clear and easy for users to understand where they are in the system.

Color also is used to give drivers intuitive visual cues between the central 8-inch MyFord Touch display and the instrument panel-mounted 4.2-inch display. Phone and communications functions always are presented with an orange background, navigation with a green background, climate control with a blue background and audio/entertainment functions with a red background.

SYNC – behind the scenes
Behind the displays of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, the next generation of Ford’s award-winning SYNC system runs the show, built using the Microsoft Windows Embedded Auto software platform.

SYNC has evolved from a stand-alone module providing voice-activated control for mobile devices to a fully integrated platform for Ford vehicles with MyFord – a technology that will become the global interior architecture for all future Ford products.

Flexible and upgradable

Built using the latest technology from the Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft, the second generation of SYNC has been designed from the outset to be expandable, allowing it to grow and add new features without requiring new hardware. By employing a Media Hub for interfacing with external devices and media, Ford has helped ensure compatibility with future innovations.

Quotes
“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again. It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience – one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development

“MyFord really is about managing information. Driving is the priority when you’re behind the wheel, so we’ve made it possible to simplify the content management so customers can drive with minimal distraction. In the end, what MyFord displays is really up to the driver.”
– Jason Johnson, Ford User Interface Design Engineer

“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. The five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use a quirky or unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”
– Jason Johnson, Ford User Interface Design Engineer

“With more than 1 million SYNC-equipped cars on the road already, it’s exciting to see Ford continue to push the envelope and explore new applications for Microsoft’s Windows Embedded automotive software. The car is returning to the place where consumers go to see high-tech innovation.”
– Kevin Dallas, General Manager for Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business Division

“The Media Hub is really the key to SYNC’s new upgradability. Take navigation: In the past, map data were stored on a hard drive and updates took hours to load from DVD. With SYNC and MyFord Touch, if you need a map update, you take the old SD card out of the Media Hub and pop in a new one. It’ll be the first time an automaker will offer something that competes with the cost and ease of personal navigation devices.”
– Jason Johnson, Ford User Interface Design Engineer

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More Power to Ya

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
2011 Ford Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6

Remember when vehicles came with only one powertrain option? Ah, those were simpler times. But there’s something to be said about having options, too. After all, variety is the spice of life.

The 2011 Ford Edge, which launches this summer, showcases Ford’s impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. This beats competitors such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX350 and Audi Q5, all while delivering unsurpassed fuel economy of 27 mpg (3.5-liter V-6 highway).

The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – all on regular fuel. Edge’s unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. For example, the 3.5-liter V-6 with Ti-VCT technology delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano but produces 20 horsepower more.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport.

In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine in the months ahead will give customers yet more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque. All of this will be mated to a six-speed transmission that will help channel the impressive performance from the new EcoBoost engine. Since the launch of Edge in 2006, fuel economy performance has been drastically improved. With the introduction of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, fuel economy on the 2011 Edge will be 30 percent better than it was in 2006.

Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look

The 2011 Edge Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and is similar to the one added to the 2011 Ford Mustang. The 2011 Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Edge SEL as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its own unique style.

The Edge Sport’s class-exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels have distinctive Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Other unique styling cues include a Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias.

Key interior differentiators are liquid silver smoke appliqués that are echoed in the silver smoke metallic leather seat inserts, aluminum pedals and class-exclusive paddle shifters, which activate the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and customers get the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.

When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Ford Edge Sport in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

Quotes
“Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and dynamic driving quality. We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas

“The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks. We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road.”
– Elaine Bannon, Ford Edge Chief Engineer

“The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain, specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving enthusiast. Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style.”
– Elaine Bannon, Ford Edge Chief Engineer

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Introducing Taxi 2.0 – Your Next Stop: A Greener Future

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Taxis are getting progressively eco-friendly through the embrace of more fuel-efficient, zero-emissions technologies, which is great for fleet operators, passengers and pedestrians alike. Ford Motor Company, the leader in the North American taxi market, is enabling that trend to continue with its Ford Transit Connect Taxi, which will go into production and arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2011 model.

Making the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show, Ford also said it will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models – base and taxi – allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Both CNG and LPG are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership.

The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect – the 2010 North American Truck of the Year – is perfectly suited for taxi service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle’s 135 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and cargo capacity.

To further serve taxi operators, Ford will provide required calibration specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford’s specifications, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine’s warranty.

The alternative fuel advantage

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.

Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels. Another natural benefit for these fuels is they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet.

Furthermore, nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

Since October 2009, CNG prep packages have been available on E-Series vans with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines.

Building on taxi leadership

The “green” taxi isn’t new at Ford, which has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Ford Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York City in early 2005.

Built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and tested to Ford tough truck standards, the Transit Connect Taxi – including gasoline-powered versions and those modified to operate on CNG/LPG – is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service.

With its standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many of today’s traditional taxis.

Quotes
“While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels. The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet that need. This marks a new era in ‘green’ transit.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas

“Transit Connect already has proven that it offers tremendous versatility for commercial fleet use. The Transit Connect taxi, combined with the capability for CNG/LPG conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility.”
– Gerry Koss, Ford Fleet Marketing Manager

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Want Your Fleet to Go Green? Get Connected!

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Fleet operators are among the early adopters of electric vehicles. That’s because their vehicles typically travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-and-go driving in urban and suburban environments and they have a central location for daily recharging.

Well, Ford Motor Company has what may be the ultimate electric fleet vehicle going into production later this year – the zero-emissions, all-electric version of the Ford Transit Connect – the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

The 2011 Transit Connect Electric will use a Force Drive electric powertrain manufactured and integrated by specialty upfitter Azure Dynamics.

Getting charged up and moving

Transit Connect Electric, which will accelerate at a similar rate as the gas-powered Transit Connect and will have a top speed of 75 mph, has a targeted range of up to 80 miles on a full charge.

Owners will have the option of recharging the Transit Connect Electric with either a standard 120V outlet or preferably a 240V charge station installed at the user’s base of operations for optimal recharging in six to eight hours. A transportable cord that works with both types of outlets will be available for recharging at both kinds of locations.

The vehicle’s charge port is located above the passenger-side rear wheel well. The onboard liquid-cooled 28-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is charged by connecting the charge port. Inside the vehicle, an onboard charger converts the AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the battery pack.

Driving on electric power

When the vehicle is operating, battery power is provided to the drive motor through the electric powertrain’s motor controller. The motor controller uses throttle input from the driver to convert DC power supplied by the battery into three precisely timed signals used to drive the motor.

The onboard DC/DC converter allows the vehicle’s main battery pack to charge the onboard
12V battery, which powers the vehicle’s various accessories, such as headlights, power steering and coolant pumps.

In the Transit Connect Electric, the battery pack has been efficiently integrated without compromising interior passenger room and cargo space. The battery pack is expected to last the life of the vehicle.

An ideal platform

With a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operation costs, the Transit Connect is an ideal choice for electrification.

The Transit Connect Electric is expected to offer lower cost of operation, because recharging with electricity is generally less expensive than refueling with gasoline. Users may also benefit from much lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle. Consider the following:

  • The number of components typical in an internal combustion engine and transmission are dramatically reduced in an electric vehicle to just a few moving parts in the electric motor and transaxle, which results in much fewer parts to wear out or maintain

  • Electric powertrains operate with solid state electronics, which have demonstrated low or no maintenance over the life of the product

  • Electric vehicles have completely sealed cooling systems that do not require refilling, replacement or flushing

  • Electric vehicles require no oil changes or tune-ups

  • There are no belts to wear out or break and no spark plugs or injectors to clean or adjust

  • There is no exhaust system to replace and no liquid fuel system to freeze or clog

  • The use of regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brake pads


Quotes
“Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street. Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford’s future.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development

“We’re excited about the potential for our electrified vehicles. Today’s electric vehicle buyers are similar to early adopters of hybrid vehicles. People were a little hesitant about hybrids at first, but now they accept it and embrace it. We expect the same will be true of electric vehicles.”
– Praveen Cherian, Program Manager for the Transit Connect Electric

“There is an increasing interest in electrified vehicles, and we are committed to bringing these vehicles to the marketplace. Ford’s work with Azure and Johnson Controls-Saft to create a purely electric Transit Connect will allow us to offer fleet customers an additional option for eco-friendly transportation.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Global Electrification

“The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect Electric is a breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light-commercial vehicle market. For us, 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.”
– Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO

“With interest in eco-friendly vehicles stronger than ever among commercial and government fleet operators, the Transit Connect Electric promises to offer another unique solution for their needs.”
– Gerry Koss, Ford Fleet Marketing Manager

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What’s Powerful, Luxurious and Sophisticated?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
The 2011 Lincoln MKX, with industry-first MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, is a high-tech showcase. That is true of the luxury crossover’s powertrain as well.

Its new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels while achieving unsurpassed fuel economy.

2011 Lincoln MKX customers will enjoy a luxury crossover that delivers best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lb., marking a 12 percent improvement.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which gives customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

Improvements to engine hardware as well as the powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. These improvements include:

• Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)
• Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off; torque-based deceleration control
• Battery management: “Smart Charging”
• Engine hardware improvements

Learn more about 2011 Lincoln MKX engine improvements.

Quotes
“Fuel economy continues to be at the top of customers’ minds. But customers refuse to compromise on power. With the 2011 Lincoln MKX, they won’t have to. We’re delivering increased power and torque with unsurpassed fuel economy.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager

“When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and the customer gets the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager

“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Lincoln MKX is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive. Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater efficiency overall, which enables increased power, better performance and response and helps to maintain the fuel economy found in smaller-displacement engines.”
– Mazen Hammoud, Lincoln Powertrain Calibrations Manager

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Just Say ‘Yes’ to No Compromise Luxury

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
They say that times are tough all over, but you won’t feel that way when you get inside the 2011 Lincoln MKX. New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the midsize luxury crossover.

Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln comes standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, providing drivers a whole new experience behind the wheel.

The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new features and technologies not available anywhere else, new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with unsurpassed fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels all combine to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.

Introducing… MyLincoln
The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.

In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln.
Customers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.

The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, the distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.

Brimming with technologies and craftsmanship
Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features or technologies on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCode™ keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™).

The interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reflects an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.

Gentle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.

All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel.

The two available wood accents – Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl – on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. Whether customers select aluminum or wood, the increased use of genuine materials in the 2011 Lincoln MKX ensures that each interior will be distinctive.

Learn more about the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

Quotes
“With its combination of style, performance and uncompromising luxury, the Lincoln MKX has brought new customers into the Lincoln showroom in a way that very few products have before. Lincoln customers tell us they care most about style and technology, and the new Lincoln MKX meets these needs perfectly. The new MyLincoln Touch technology will change the way customers interact with their vehicles while its new design language gives the vehicle a distinctive and stylish silhouette we know customers will love.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development

“The 2011 Lincoln MKX represents no-compromise luxury. Every attribute – technology, ergonomics, material selection, power, fuel economy, driving experience – is a standout. Plus, it’s wrapped in a beautiful package. Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious. Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else.”
– Elaine Bannon, Chief Engineer of the 2011 Lincoln MKX

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My Goodness, What a Touching Display

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Based upon the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology announced at the 2010 International CES, MyLincoln Touch is designed to be a powerful yet intuitive interior design for drivers, blending strengths of the most proven interfaces in consumer electronics – including MP3 players and mobile phones – with a new generation of Lincoln’s award-winning SYNC® system.

MyLincoln Touch redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives: touch-sensitive controls, touch screens, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition.

In that respect, MyLincoln is instantly familiar. Using reconfigurable displays and simplified voice commands, though, MyLincoln also can present multiple layers of information, just as the driver wants it.

MyLincoln Touch layout
MyLincoln Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation. The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

MyLincoln Touch displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.

The left display, which is controlled by the left five-way controller, features information and settings for the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features.

The right display, controlled by the right five-way controller, contains infotainment information: audio settings, climate control, phone communications and navigation menus.

Those same right-hand functions also appear in the vehicle’s center stack, now augmented with capacitive switches and touch-screen technology, which subtly replaces most traditional knobs and switches.

Lincoln center stack applications will take touch-sensitive technology to the next level with fingertip “slider” controls for audio volume and fan speed. Occupants will slide a finger along the touch-sensitive slider bar to adjust settings as an LED chaser gives a visual representation of volume or fan speed.

Touch-screen display
The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyLincoln Touch. Designers employed a four-corner solution for its layout, representing the four activities most important to customers: phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions.

Regardless of what menus customers are viewing, a single touch on the appropriate corner will always bring up the desired functionality, and in most cases, a voice command also can be used to adjust the controls.

With the four-corner layout, functions are where they’re expected to be, and they’re always visible on the screen, so it’s clear and easy for users to understand where they are in the system.

Color is also used to give drivers intuitive visual cues between the central 8-inch MyLincoln Touch display and the instrument-panel-mounted 4.2-inch display. Phone and communications functions always are presented with an orange background, navigation with a green background, climate control with a blue background and audio/entertainment functions with a red background.

SYNC – behind the scenes
Behind the displays of MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, the next generation of the company’s award-winning SYNC system runs the show, built using the latest Microsoft Auto operating system.

No longer just a “black box” add-on providing voice-activated control for mobile devices, SYNC has become a fully integrated operating system for Lincoln vehicles – a technology that will become the global interior architecture for all future Lincoln products.

Quotes
“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again. It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience – one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development

“MyLincoln really is about managing information. Driving is the priority when you’re behind the wheel, so we’ve made it possible to simplify the content management so customers can drive with minimal distraction. In the end, what MyLincoln displays is really up to the driver.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer

“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. The five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use a quirky or unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer

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It Speaks Softly And Carries A Big – Scratch That – A Lot Of Big Sticks

Friday, September 25th, 2009
Ford's 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbocharged diesel engine

If Teddy Roosevelt were alive today he’d probably drive one of these babies – the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup truck. Teddy would drive it into battle. He’d drive it on safari. He’d drive it all over the great outdoors. Why? Because the 2011 Super Duty has that rare combination of powerful capability and quiet confidence – just like Teddy himself. It features Ford’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel engine, which is expected to be the quietest, smoothest diesel on the market, outperforming its closest competitors by several decibels. Teddy would tell you that being “quiet and capable” gets things done.

Smooth Combustion, Refined Sound
Engineering and design improvements to the all-new Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbocharged diesel engine – debuting in the 2011 F-Series Super Duty – eliminate the harsh sounds of the typical diesel to make it one of the quietest and smoothest diesels on the market. Significantly quieter than its toughest competitor, the 6.7-liter diesel challenges traditional views about how diesels should sound.

Most of the improvement in NVH comes from changes made to the combustion system and the structural integrity of the compacted graphite iron block, as well as from mounting one turbocharger on the engine block instead of two.

Specific design upgrades were made to both the piston and the piston bowl to optimize the combustion process, which features a two-stage combustion event instead of a single-injection event, causing harsh, sudden and loud combustion. Instead, a starter or pilot injection of fuel begins the compression process before the main injection.

The result is a smoother combustion and a more refined sound for the customer. When at idle, two pilot injection events are used to make the firing process even smoother and aid in quietness. The “ticking” of the high-speed injectors also is masked by specially designed covers on the engine.



Adding Advantages, Eliminating Concerns
Mounting the turbocharger from the center housing directly to the block provided several advantages as well in terms of NVH performance.

When turbochargers vibrate, it can lead to other parts of the vehicle vibrating. The exhaust system, for example, is directly attached to the turbocharger. So when the turbocharger vibrates a lot, the exhaust system vibrates too and that’s disturbing to the customer. Bolting the turbocharger directly to the block eliminates that concern.

Using one turbocharger, instead of two operating in series or sequentially, helped solve some NVH challenges as well.

Having one turbocharger eliminates the air-handling noises – the whooshes – as the engine switches from one turbo to the next turbo. The turbocharger on the new Super Duty also has ball bearings that pilot the shaft in the turbo, which helps eliminate the potential for the shaft of the turbocharger to gyrate in its housing, which can create noise.

Other improvements include the addition of two resonators in the intake system as well as a third resonator near the air cleaner.

The new diesel will also deliver other significant improvements including better torque and horsepower, class-leading fuel economy and best-in-class towing and payload for unparalleled performance.

Quotes:

“Historically, consumer perception has been that diesels should sound rough and tough, but from a sound quality perspective they were actually loud and unrefined. At Ford, we approached the new diesel development as though it was more than a work truck and something that people wanted to drive, making ‘quieter’ a reason to buy. We’ve been able to tune the diesel intake system to give us the sound we wanted. It’s now a nice complement to the engine.”
– Scott DeRaad, Ford Engine NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) Engineer

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Don’t Look Now – ‘Hot Magenta’ is the New Black

Thursday, September 17th, 2009
2011 Fiesta to Launch with Bold New Colors

Henry Ford – pioneering populist and entrepreneur extraordinaire – famously quipped that customers can have their cars in “any color so long as it is black.” Well, that might’ve worked for folks during the Great Depression (wasn’t everything in black and white back then?), but customers of the Great Recession want a more cheerful hue. Who can blame them? Even the Goth girl next door needs a splash of “passion orange” in her life.

Still skeptical? Look around. Fashion magazines are heralding bright colors this fall. Bold shades are being offered in an increasing array of consumer products – from laptop computers to vacuums to stand mixers for the kitchen.

Not Your Great-Granddad’s Ford
Ford is experiencing the trend, too, with high demand for vehicle colors such as the 2010 Mustang in “Grabber Blue” and the F-150 SVT Raptor in “Molten Orange.” When the 2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale next summer, consumers will have bright colors to choose from, including “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze.” In the U.S. already, Ford is seeing strong sales for cars in brilliant colors:
  • Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) customers purchasing the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor are choosing “Molten Orange.”

  • New “Grabber Blue” Ford Mustangs are exceeding sales projections, accounting for roughly 10 percent of total 2010 Mustang sales so far.



The Ford Fiesta is coming to the United States with even bolder colors after seeing drivers around the globe gravitate to a palette of brilliant hues:
  • In Asia, Fiesta buyers’ third most favorite color (15 percent of sales) is an eye-popping blue called “Vision,” followed by the lime green “Squeeze” (11 percent) with the top selling color being “Moondust Silver.” In China, nearly three in 10 (28 percent) Fiestas purchased are “Passion Orange,” making it far and away the favorite choice.

  • Right behind “Panther Black” and “Silver”, Europeans are selecting “Hot Magenta” and “Vision” as their third and fourth most favorite colors, each accounting for about 10 percent of sales across Europe.



In fact, for the first time with any Ford vehicle in Europe, Fiesta buyers are saying that vehicle color was among the top 10 reasons for purchasing the car, according to Ford research.

Since May, 100 Fiesta agents have traveled more than 800,000 miles around the country, primarily driving “Hot Magenta” and “Squeeze” colored Fiestas as part of Ford’s Fiesta Movement (www.fiestamovement.com) The Euro-spec Fiestas are turning heads with their bold colors.

Quotes:

“Brilliant colors are transforming the norms in how we think about all sorts of products, allowing people to express individuality more and more through the electronics they use and the cars they drive. Color is a simple way to allow people to add a personal touch to their everyday lives – something that speaks to them and expresses a little of their personality.”
– Susan Swek, Ford Group Chief Designer, Color and Materials Design

“Almost everywhere I go, someone comments on the color (of her Lime Squeeze Ford Fiesta). Women love it, and some people even show me how it matches their cell phone. It makes me think of spring. There’s a lot of life in it. I think people are excited about having more color options these days. It allows people to express their personalities more.”
– Hilary McHone, Ford Fiesta agent and Brooklyn photographer, who had her wedding dress made this summer to match the lime green

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‘Fusion + Hybrid’ Facebook Friends Flock to ‘You Speak Green’ App

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Fusion + Hybrid Facebook App

Debbie Santiago is turning off the lights when she leaves a room. Frances Ruiz is avoiding plastic water bottles in favor of an aluminum bottle. And Kameel Zakaria is using a rain barrel for watering his garden. These are just a few of the more than 15,000 people who have shared "green" lifestyle tips on the new "Fusion + Hybrid" Facebook app called "You Speak Green" – the latest example of Ford's campaign to engage consumers on their own terms.

Drawing a crowd
Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are more popular than ever. That's why Ford has increased its presence in the digital space to better enable an open dialogue with consumers about sustainable lifestyle choices in which personal transportation can be both environmentally responsible and fun.

Data suggest that social media sites are increasingly one of the best ways to reach out to consumers. According to Nielsen Company research, the total minutes spent on social networking sites in the U.S. has increased in 2009 by 83 percent year-over-year. Total minutes spent on Facebook increased nearly 700 percent year-over-year, growing from 1.7 billion minutes in April 2008 to 13.9 billion in April 2009, the most recent month reported.

The new Ford Fusion "You Speak Green" Facebook app is designed to encourage people to talk about ways to live sustainably and features a vine graphic that grows with each new eco-conscious comment, demonstrating the power of a collective effort through recycling, water conservation and other actions. Its design was inspired by the Fusion Hybrid's innovative SmartGauge™ instrument cluster, which uses a similar leafy vine that grows as the motorist drives more fuel efficiently.

The app, which Ford created in collaboration with Wunderman-Team Detroit and social technology provider Vitrue, is an interactive component of the online "We Speak Car" campaign (http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010fusion/) that debuted in March. Since the app's mid-July launch, more than 104,000 Facebook users have downloaded it to their profile pages and 21,000 have posted tips. You can download the "We Speak Car" Facebook app here.

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 3.5 million YouTube views (www.fiestamovement.com), more than 440,000 Flickr views and more than 2.7 million Twitter impressions.

Fusion's sales momentum
As more consumers become aware of the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid's fuel efficiency and innovative technologies, sales for both models are achieving all-time records. For August, Ford Fusion retail sales were up 132 percent year-over-year – a sales record.

Familiarity and favorable opinion of the Ford Fusion brand also is on the rise by as much as 65 percent compared with last year. There is increased interest in the Fusion by import shoppers, with almost half of Toyota Camry shoppers now putting the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid on their lists.

More than half of the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid's buyers are leaving competitive brands, with 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid customers abandoning imports. Customers also are choosing well-equipped and fuel-efficient models, with the I-4 and Fusion Hybrid accounting for 71 percent of sales. Customers are also embracing Fusion technology offerings like navigation, SYNC® and Sony® Audio.

Quotes:

"The user response to the Fusion Facebook 'You Speak Green' app has been outstanding. By providing users tools to support and amplify their self expression and their point of view, we veer away from being intrusive and start to build a true relationship. That relationship will build brand awareness and consideration in an authentic way."
– Adam Barrow, Ford digital marketing analyst

"Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, in particular, are attracting many car buyers to Ford dealerships who are new to the brand, and Ford's presence on social media sites like Facebook is helping to drive showroom traffic by increasing awareness of the Fusion's great fuel economy and innovative technologies."
– Greg Scott, Fusion and Fusion Hybrid marketing manager

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Former Auto Plant Gets New Lease on Life as Renewable Energy Park

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Ford to sell idled plant to renewable energy manufacturers

Ever wonder what you would do with an extra 4.7 million square feet? If creating a “renewable energy park” sprang to mind then you’re in good company.

Ford Motor Company today announced that it will sell its idled Wixom Assembly Plant to Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, and Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, Calif., who will transform the site into one of the nation’s largest renewable energy manufacturing parks.

Clairvoyant Energy and Xtreme Power plan an initial investment of more than $725 million to redevelop the 320-acre plant site and its 4.7 million square feet of building space to manufacture solar power and energy storage systems, respectively. The two companies will utilize approximately half of the square footage to manufacture their products, and will seek additional green-energy manufacturing and support companies to lease the remaining space. The redevelopment work at the Wixom site is expected to begin early next year with manufacturing at the site slated to begin in late 2011.

The redevelopment plan is expected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs, including local suppliers, as well as support thousands of indirect jobs.

Ford has been working with the developers and state and local officials over the past nine months on a high-impact, environmentally responsible redevelopment plan for the 52-year-old auto plant that has produced such iconic vehicles as the Ford Thunderbird, Ford GT and Lincoln Continental.

Xtreme Power
Xtreme Power will renovate over 1 million square feet of the Wixom site to manufacture large-scale power systems that store renewable energy such as solar and wind power and redeliver that power when needed. Once completed, Xtreme Power will produce turnkey power systems, which will support up to 10,000 megawatts of wind and solar power projects around the world. Xtreme Power systems enable high penetration rates of renewable power onto the grid and will be a critical component of the 21st century power infrastructure.

Clairvoyant Energy
Clairvoyant Energy will redevelop a portion of the site to build state-of-the-art, high-efficiency solar panels. Clairvoyant Energy, which has developed solar power park operations in California and Spain, is developing similar solar photovoltaic systems throughout the world. Once completed, Clairvoyant will have the capacity to produce more than 2.5 million solar panels a year at the Wixom site, potentially replacing the need for one large coal plant every year.

Oerlikon Solar USA, Clairvoyant’s technology partner and a leader in thin-film solar manufacturing technology, also announced today it will establish a new regional office at the Wixom site as part of the new renewable energy park.

About Wixom Assembly
Wixom Assembly Plant was one of Ford’s largest and oldest manufacturing sites, producing
6.6 million vehicles during its 50 years of operation. Production began in 1957 when Wixom became Lincoln Division’s new national headquarters and the sole producer of all vehicles for the Lincoln Division.

Over the years, Wixom Assembly produced the Lincoln Continental, Town Car, LS, Mark VI, VII and VIII, as well as the Ford Thunderbird and Ford GT. At its height, more than 5,000 workers were employed at the plant. The Wixom plant employed approximately 1,000 workers when it closed in 2007.

The Wixom site proved ideal for redevelopment for new manufacturing facilities with an existing, highly developed infrastructure including rail and electrical power access and critical scalability with more than 4.7 million square feet of space for manufacturing.

New directions
The transformation of the Ford Wixom site into an eco-responsible manufacturing park is consistent with Ford’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as well as the state of Michigan’s efforts to diversify its economy and become a leader in the clean, renewable energy industry.

State and local incentives were key components to bringing the energy park redevelopment project to Michigan, including refundable battery and photovoltaic tax credits, Michigan Economic Growth Authority employment tax credits, Renaissance Zone tax incentives and brownfield tax credits.

The Wixom redevelopment also includes a proposed Renewable Energy Research and Training Center at the corner of Interstate 96 and Wixom Road. In addition to providing access to state-of-the-art research and training facilities for the tenants on the site, it is intended to provide universities and colleges with opportunities for on-site applied research classes in the renewable energy field.

Quotes:
“The Wixom Assembly Plant served Ford well for half a century and we wanted to ensure it served Michigan well into the future. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of two visionary energy companies and the leadership of state and local officials, we are transforming our Wixom facility into one of the largest renewable energy parks in the United States. I can’t imagine a better way to use this facility – for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.”
– Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford

“This move is significant on both ends of the spectrum. It underscores a significant shift toward the accelerated commercialization and adoption of strategic renewable energy technologies, due in large part to the deepened commitment on the part of local, state and federal policymakers to support companies like ours. We commend Ford for their commitment and dedication to turn this vision into a reality.”
– Carlos Coe, president and CEO of Xtreme Power

“Clairvoyant Energy is fully energized to respond to the United States’ call to create the green jobs of tomorrow – today. There is no better time than now, no better place than Michigan and no better set of partners than Oerlikon Solar and Ford Motor Company.”
– David Hardee, CEO of Clairvoyant Energy

“As Clairvoyant’s manufacturing partner, this project is an exciting opportunity for Oerlikon Solar to apply its award-winning Micromorph® technology to a new, state-of-the-art thin-film manufacturing facility in Michigan. With a strong local work force and the support of Wixom and the state, we are confident that in partnership with Clairvoyant we can help Michigan leverage its extensive manufacturing infrastructure for clean, renewable energy.”
– Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar

“This redevelopment project is a direct result of Ford and the developers working collaboratively with state and local government officials to support a vision for a greener technology future for Michigan. We had many options for this land, but we believe this project, that revitalizes a closed auto plant and the local community, has the greatest potential to bring green jobs and economic development to the region.”
– Phil Horlock, chairman and CEO of Ford Land


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The Envelope Please… and the ‘Top Safety Pick’ goes to… Lincoln MKT

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
2010 Lincoln MKT

Roll out the red carpet. Here comes the all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT, a luxurious three-row crossover that just earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The new MKT – arriving in dealerships now – offers an array standard crash-protection, crash-avoidance and driver-awareness features, and further solidifies Ford Motor Company’s industry-leading number of Top Safety Picks. To earn this designation, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact evaluations and offer electronic stability control.

Lincoln is offering luxury crossover customers a fresh new choice with the 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row crossover that delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness and craftsmanship, fuel economy and advanced driver aid and safety technologies.

The Lincoln MKT joins the two-row Lincoln MKX midsize premium crossover, the sporty Lincoln MKS luxury sedan launched in 2008 and the midsize Lincoln MKZ in earning coveted IIHS “Top Safety Pick” ratings, building on Ford Motor Company’s safety leadership.

Technology under the skin
The Lincoln MKT features an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

Lincoln MKT also includes Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement Architecture (SPACE®) to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydroformed high-strength steel tube in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from B-pillar to B-pillar and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.

Lincoln MKT also features Ford’s enhanced Personal Safety System™, combining multiple technologies to tailor the air bag package and safety belt functions to the individual passenger and the accident circumstances. The system can identify variables, such as severity of the crash, weight of the individual passenger and safety belt usage to adjust air bag deployment force.

Read more about the Lincoln MKT’s array of driver aid and safety features here.

Quotes:

“Earning a Top Safety Pick rating is great news because the Insurance Institute’s tests are some of the most demanding conducted outside of our own laboratories, and customers increasingly rely on them when choosing a new vehicle.”
– Sue Cischke, Group Vice President of Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

“The MKT’s array of advanced safety technologies raises the bar for luxury vehicles and pushes the new frontier of ‘active’ crash-avoidance features that help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of accidents. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the MKT offers a high level of crash protection, including leading crash-safety ratings such as the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick.’”
– Steve Kozak, Chief Engineer, Ford Safety Systems

“Not only is the all-new Lincoln MKT top safety rated, it is packed with standard luxury features and an array of state-of-the-art technologies, and is unsurpassed in its segment for highway fuel economy.”
– Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT Marketing Manager

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Battery Electric Ford Focus in the Spotlight on Leno Show

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Ford Battery Electric Focus

Veteran TV funnyman Jay Leno knows how to get a charge out of his audiences, and he usually does it by making them laugh. But now the noted car guy plans to get his millions of viewers charged up about electric cars by putting celebs exclusively behind the wheel of the all-new battery electric Ford Focus for “The Jay Leno Show” segment called the “Green Car Challenge.”

The battery electric vehicle, specially made for the show, features elements of the electric Focus that Ford will begin selling in North America in 2011.

The Star of the Show
Leno will exclusively showcase Ford’s electric Focus during the entire first season, which kicks off Sept. 14. Celebrity guests will compete against each other in the “Green Car Challenge” segment.

Ford’s hybrid and battery electric vehicle program team worked together with Ford Racing to develop the special BEV for the show. It took three weeks to build the car and another couple of weeks to properly tune the suspension so it could be driven fast on a racetrack. The development work was done at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich.

The Focus BEV built for the show has a split battery pack, with one battery in the cargo area and one underneath the car in the space normally occupied by a fuel tank. Because this Focus is built to race, it is equipped with a roll bar and five-point harness for the driver.

Ford’s Electrifying Development
Ford has an aggressive plan to put at least four electrified vehicles on the road in North America by 2012, as well as new hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. Among coming products are pure battery electric versions of the Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and Focus sedan in 2011. The Transit Connect is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles.

The Focus BEV, which Ford is developing with Magna, will be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. The sedan can be charged from both a standard 110V as well as a 220V wall outlet.

Quotes

“Having our Focus battery electric vehicle on the show is a great way to demonstrate how fun to drive these cars really can be. Beyond the immediate excitement of driving, it demonstrates that Ford is investing in this technology and that we’re committed to electric vehicles.”
– Lisa Drake, chief engineer, Ford Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle Programs

“Ford is absolutely committed to delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency with every new vehicle we introduce. The Focus showcases how electric vehicles can be smart, green, fast and fun. It also illustrates Ford’s commitment to fuel efficiency and doing our part to contribute to a better world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development

“We are committed to delivering new products with the best fuel economy in every segment in which we compete – driven in large part by substantial advancements in powertrain technology. We are focusing on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars – but for millions of cars, because that is how Ford truly will make a difference.”
– Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering.

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Li-ion Battery Plant Boosts Ford’s Plans

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Li-ion Battery Plant Investment Boosts Ford’s Electrification Plans



Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Ford Motor Company is another step closer to putting plug-in hybrid electric vehicles into production with supplier Johnson Controls-Saft’s announcement Tuesday that the battery maker plans to build its first U.S. cell manufacturing facility for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems in Holland, Mich.

Ford recently entered into a partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft to develop an advanced Li-ion battery system to power Ford’s first commercial plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as part of its electrification strategy.

Ford will use Li-ion battery systems to power:
  • a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010
  • a BEV passenger car developed jointly with Magna International by 2011
  • a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012


Unique Li-ion systems are needed for each type of vehicle, because the drive cycles of BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs have different types of battery storage and usage requirements.

Michigan’s Bid for Battery Dominance

Johnson Controls-Saft, a leading global provider of hybrid battery systems, announced that it will receive a combination of tax credits and incentives from the state of Michigan totaling $148.5 million.

The estimated cost to renovate Johnson Controls-Saft’s Holland, Mich., facility for Li-ion automotive battery production is approximately $220 million. Initial capacity is expected to be 15 million Li-ion cells.

Johnson Controls-Saft is one of four companies investing a total $1.7 billion to launch advanced battery manufacturing facilities in Michigan as part of the state’s strategy to become what Governor Jennifer M. Granholm calls the “advanced battery capital of the world.”

LG Chem-Compact Power Inc., KD Advanced Battery Group LLC and A123Systems Inc. also have announced projects that are expected to contribute to the creation of more than 6,600 new jobs in the Michigan.

Quotes:

“These incentives are an important step to building a domestic advanced battery industry. Johnson Controls-Saft is well positioned to become a key manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles and we have partnered with them to supply our plug-in electric vehicle coming in 2012, as part of our overall electrification strategy.”
– Susan Cischke, group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering
Ford Motor Company

“Battery technology is strategically important to the future of the U.S. automotive industry and the economy at large. Our first U.S. plant will bring about 500 jobs to Michigan, and many additional jobs through suppliers and the businesses these employees will support. It is a key element of our broader strategy and commitment to the hybrid vehicle industry in North America.”
– Alex Molinaroli, president of Power Solutions for Johnson Controls

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid heads to New York City

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

The Ford American Hybrid Tour heads to New York City with the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


What do two busy moms and one 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have in common? A three-day, Ford American Hybrid Tour adventure!

Katja Presnal, from SkimbacoLifestyle.com, and Kim Orlando, founder of TravelingMom.com are among the first to drive Ford’s brand new, fully-equipped 41mpg 2010 Fusion Hybrid. Their trip will take them from Ford’s Dearborn, MI headquarters back to their homes in New York City.

Katja and Kim will share their experiences along the way, blogging, tweeting and capturing every moment of the trip. They’ll also make a stop at Ford’s newly reopened Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 which is building the EcoBoost engine and host a Tweetup while in Cleveland.

Katja is a mom on the move, whose three children were all born in different countries. As a former online retailer turned PR and social media consultant, Katja inspires modern moms to live life to the fullest at her blog SkimbacoLifestyle.com.

Kim, a veteran travel expert and trailblazer for moms, has created TravelingMom.com, the nation's top website and blog network dedicated to improving, enlivening and empowering the travel experience of moms around the world. Both ladies are looking forward to experiencing the trip in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid together, as colleagues and friends.

You can follow along in their adventures and participate by sending them feedback and suggestions:

Their route:

Twitter:

Katja - http://twitter.com/KatjaPresnal
Kim - http://twitter.com/kimorlando
#FusionDriveNYC - http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23fusiondriveNYC

Blogs:

Skimbaco Lifestyle - http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/
Traveling Mom - http://travelingmom.com/

Quotes:

“I have wanted to test drive a hybrid car for ages and I am really making up for lost time with this drive in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid! I’ll really be putting it to the test too – all the new features, how little gas we use - all while spending time with a good friend. Road-tripping will never be the same for me!”
- Kim Orlando, Founder, TravelingMom.com

“It’s exciting to be one of the first people to drive the new Ford Fusion hybrid. The Ford Fusion Hybrid appeals to both the techie and green sides of me. To be able to do it in real-life by taking an actual road trip, that’s just icing on the cake.”
- Katja Presnal, Founder, SkimbacoLifestyle.com

The Ford American Hybrid tour is about getting real people to enjoy experiences in Ford vehicles. I’m excited to see what Katja and Kim have in store for us!
- Scott Monty, Global Digital Communications, Ford Motor Company

Links:

Fusion Hybrid Certified at 41 MPG
New 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid Offer Leading Fuel Efficiency, Smart New Technologies
2010 Ford Fusion Fact Sheet

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Tune in to Ford DigiKnows Weekly Interactive Video Events

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Tune in to Ford DigiKnows to Talk to the Experts Live — Connectivity and Control with SYNC™



Ford DigiKnows – Episode #3: Connectivity and Control with SYNC™
Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
March 10th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET

Join in and ask your questions live:



Watch the archive: http://www.youtube.com/user/FordDigiKnows

Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive steaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnows live streaming event lets you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.

About DigiKnows #3

In our third episode on March 10th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins with expert Doug VanDagens, Director of Ford's Connected Services Organization take a look at Ford SYNC™ technology. Doug will be discussing our newest service enhancements to SYNC, 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports.

Reinforcing research by Virginia Tech and the U.S. government, a recent Ford study concluded there are statistically significant differences in levels of driver distraction for voice-controlled interfaces such as SYNC versus visually and manually operated handheld devices. On average, participants of the study spent twenty five seconds to pick and choose a song on their handheld MP3 player, but only 2 seconds with SYNC. SYNC voice interface was designed as a simple way for drivers to stay connected while helping keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. SYNC’s new Traffic, Directions and Information services provide 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 – replacing potential hazards such as reading maps while driving.


Watch Common Craft’s Ford SYNC in Plain English






Links

Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives

About Ford DigiKnows

Michael Collins’ biography

Study: Ford SYNC™ Reduces Driving Distractions, Helps Drivers Keep Eyes On Road
New 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid—Leading Fuel Efficiency and Smart New Technologies

Ford SYNC™ – Today’s Drivers Demand Staying Connected

Ford Teams Up With Microsoft To Deliver SYNC™; In-Car Digital System Exclusive to Ford

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