FORD TECHNOLOGY

Innovation for the Masses

Ford’s commitment to research and innovation is about reaching millions of customers with real-world solutions that make their vehicles safer, cleaner, and more convenient and reliable.

Some of these innovations are simple such as the EasyFuel capless fuel system. Others are game-changers such as the EcoBoost engine technology that increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, but delivers the power and performance of a much larger engine.

When it comes to communications and connectivity, Ford is leading the way with 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles expected to be on the road by early 2009 in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products.

These compelling technologies, among many others currently offered and to come, demonstrate Ford's commitment to offer the mass market unprecedented product choices as well as value, convenience and design leadership.

SYNC Connects with Customers

Connectivity Solutions Go Beyond Music and Phone Calls

Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™ is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players. Beginning later this year, SYNC will also provide accident assistance through ‘911 Assist,’ and will be able to send customers Vehicle Health Reports on key systems to help them plan routine service appointments and alert them to critical systems issues.
One might expect this technology to be available only on luxury vehicles, but Ford SYNC will be offered on nearly every Ford and Mercury vehicle and will be standard on Lincoln vehicles in 2008. The 2009 models being added to the SYNC play list include the all-new Ford Flex and F-150; the 2009 Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and 2009 Ford Expedition. SYNC will be standard equipment on the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS when it launches this summer.

SYNC is Ford’s platform for smarter, easily upgradeable in-car connectivity. Already, Ford is moving beyond the music and the mobile phone to master technologies that will also connect customers with the real-time information and services that they want and value while on the road.

SIRIUS Travel Link is a suite of data services that links drivers to traffic and weather information, fuel prices at nearby stations and the most up-to-date sports and entertainment news – along with a 23,000-song personal jukebox. Broadcast through SIRIUS’s existing satellite and repeater infrastructure, the exclusive Travel Link feature launches in conjunction with Ford’s next-generation navigation system. Watch for it first on the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS this summer.
The new 2009 F-150 and F-Series Super Duty become true mobile offices with the Ford Work Solutions suite of technological tools for the working professional and commercial driver. In addition to hands-free mobile phone connectivity and voice-activated navigation, Work Solutions allows customers to monitor on-truck tool inventories, access and print documents and review engineering drawings from inside the cab.

Released 2008-05-05

EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System

Ford makes filling up easier

The EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System eliminates the gas tank screw cap for more simple fuel fill ups. No more gas odor on hands or gloves, or the unwanted amber dash light because the gas cap wasn’t screwed on tightly enough.
In addition to eliminating these hassles, EasyFuel helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and contribute to global warming. Spring-loaded tabs pull back a flap in the filler neck when the pump nozzle is inserted. When fueling is complete, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

EasyFuel™ was introduced on the 2008 Ford Explorer. It will be standard equipment on the new Ford F-150, Flex and Lincoln MKS in 2009. The system will be offered on the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury product line by 2010.

Released 2008-05-05

Suggested Tags: , EasyFuel, Ford F-150, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, Technology

SIRIUS TRAVEL LINK

Customers get up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content at their fingertips.

SIRIUS Travel Link™ technology provides customers with a valuable tool that can be used daily to get just-in-time details about traffic, current weather conditions, gasoline prices, movie theater details and sports updates. The system will be available on several 2009 models including Ford Flex, F-150, and Lincoln MKS.

Specifically, Travel Link delivers:

Fuel Prices – Customers can pinpoint and organize fuel options from over 120,000 gas stations alphabetically, by distance or by price.

Movies - With Travel Link, Ford owners can access film times, theater locations, ratings and run length details from over 4,500 movie theaters.

Sports - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, and golf scores and schedules are now at customers’ fingertips. Drivers and passengers can customize Travel Link to provide info from selected teams.

Traffic Data – Now drivers can avoid traffic jams with SIRIUS Travel Link’s instant access to real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident updates.

Weather - SIRIUS Travel Link allows Ford customers to stay on top of invaluable weather information including current conditions, five-day forecasts, coast-to-coast weather data and detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds, and even ski resort conditions.

Released 2008-05-05

FLEX’S “COOL” INNOVATION

Flex’s new integrated fridge cools 40 percent faster than home refrigerator.

When designing the Ford Flex’s new in-vehicle refrigerator, Ford engineering created a cooling and freezing unit that not only performed as well as a standard home refrigerator, but was 40 percent faster. In freeze mode the refrigerator unit can chill two half-liter bottles of water from a room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) to 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) in just two and a half hours.

While compact, the cooling unit holds seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles, two 20-ounce bottles or various fruits and vegetables. Hermetically sealed and well insulated, the refrigeration compartment keeps beverages or food cold, allowing no more than an 18 degree F (10 degree C) temperature rise over 175 minutes, just a few minutes short of three hours.

The Ford Flex’s new compressor-driven cooler offers customers the option of cooling or freezing, and eliminates the need for bulky post-purchase add-on refrigeration units. By maintaining the same outward console appearance with or without the fridge option, the Ford team designed a back seat console with no compromise to interior design integrity.

Released 2008-04-08

EcoBoost Lowers Annual Fuel Costs

EcoBoost Engine Technology Will Save Customers Hundreds in Annual Fuel Costs

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy. With gasoline prices rising, that 20 percent can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars remaining in customers’ wallets.

Using an average fuel price of $3.25 a gallon and estimated 15,000 miles driven, an EcoBoost V-6 engine will save customers about $340 a year in fuel costs compared with driving a V-8. And customers don’t have to give up performance to save at the pump. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 produces an estimated 340-horsepower and 340 ft.-lbs. of torque, which is more power and torque than usually found in a V-8 engine of approximately 4.6-liters.

The Lincoln MKS will debut Ford’s EcoBoost technology in 2009. Within five years, Ford will be producing over half a million EcoBoost-powered Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America. That all adds up to a significant impact on fuel consumption and on the driver’s wallet.

Released 2008-04-02

Suggested Tags: EcoBoost, EcoBoost V-6, fuel economy, Lincoln MKS, Technology