Last Man Standing at ZMAX

Ford Racing and Roush Fenway Racing drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and David Ragan join John Force in a battle of drag racing Mustangs at ZMAX Dragway in Concord, NC.

Ford Display at 2011 Bangkok International Motor Show

Things are not so different around the world. . . Ford Show in Thailand.

1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan - Very Nicely Restored Original

1930 Ford Tudor Sedan that has been restored from the ground up. They have a stack of receipts for nearly every part on this car being restored or replaced. The engine, transmission and rear end have all been rebuilt and are believed to be the the originals. The body was taken off the frame and both were restored. Andalusite Blue paint which is nearly black, black fenders, and a blue gray interior really make this old Ford stand out. Under 5,000 miles since everything was redone and it shows. This is a very nice example of a stock 1930 Ford. Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it.

Global RallyCross Championship Jump Practice

Nothing creates the buzz at RallyCross like the Joker Jump and 'big air.' Here are the trio of Ford Fiesta in their morning jumps.

Horsepower

In the auto business, we talk about Horsepower a lot and we have all kinds of numbers to measure Horsepower, and this video explains the science behind the term Horsepower. Enjoy.

A Great Pickup Line: Ford Delivers Best Fuel Economy, Best Power, Best Capability and Best Value

• 2011 Ford F-150 and Ranger cited by the EPA as most fuel-efficient trucks
• From small to extra large, Ford pickups – Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty – each deliver an unbeatable combination of outstanding value, capability and now fuel economy
• Ford’s two new V6 truck engines are a hit with customers, going from zero percent of sales mix to more than 35 percent of total sales in just four months. 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost™ is the fastest-turning truck in the entire Ford F-Series lineup

DEARBORN, Mich., March 25, 2011 – Buyers looking for the unbeatable combination of fuel economy, capability, power and value in pickups can find it all in Ford’s comprehensive truck range – Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 list of Most and Least Fuel Efficient Trucks cited two Ford pickups, Ranger and F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6, as the most fuel efficient in their segments. That gives Ford a clean sweep of best pickup truck fuel economy numbers from smallest to largest.

The 2011 Super Duty’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel, though not rated by the EPA, is the class leader in fuel economy, based on independent testing against General Motors and Ram diesel pickups.

The 2011 Power Stroke engine and its six-speed automatic transmission deliver a 20 percent fuel economy gain over the 2010 model, along with best-in-class horsepower and torque. No other diesel pickup engine delivers 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.

According to the EPA, the 2011 F-150 with the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid full-size pickup with a combined city and highway rating of 19 mpg, while Ranger leads the compact segment with 24 mpg.

“The No. 1 unmet need for full-size pickup truck owners has been fuel economy. With the recent hike in gas prices, this need is even stronger,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The good news is the 2011 Ford F-150 has best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit customers’ different needs.”

According to AAA, prices for regular unleaded gasoline average $3.55 a gallon nationally, making fuel economy a growing concern each day.

Fuel efficiency is a key reason people are increasingly considering Ford cars and trucks. Ford is No. 1 on new-car shoppers’ consideration lists, according to the latest Market Intelligence Brand Watch™ study from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.

The 2011 Ford F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 represents a no-compromise, best-in-class overall value proposition compared to the competition’s most fuel-efficient gasoline offerings.

Truck	Engine	Fuel economy: city/highway, combined	MSRP	Maximum conventional towing	Maximum payload	Horse-power	Torque
Ford F-150	3.7-liter V6	17/23 mpg, 19 mpg best-in-class	$22,415	6,100 pounds best-in-class	1,920 pounds	302 best-in-class	278 lb.-ft.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	4.3-liter V6	15/20 mpg, 17 mpg	$20,850	5,400 pounds	1,937 pounds	195	260 lb.-ft.
Toyota Tundra	4.0-liter V6	16/20 mpg, 18 mpg	$23,935	4,900 pounds	1,620 pounds	270	278 lb.-ft.
Ram 1500	3.7-liter V6	14/20 mpg, 16 mpg	$20,810	3,750 pounds	1,480 pounds	210	235 lb.-ft.

Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Scott. “Similar to the rest of the Ford F-Series lineup, the 2011 Ford F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 is the ‘and’ solution, providing best-in-class capability, performance and fuel economy. Competitive full-size pickups force consumers to sacrifice one need for another. To gain better fuel economy, for example, they have to give up performance, capability and/or affordability.

“Chevrolet’s hybrid matches the 23 mpg on the highway from our 3.7-liter V6, but the Chevrolet hybrid’s suggested retail price is nearly $16,000 more than ours.”

That Ford F-Series commitment to providing capability, performance and fuel economy carries through the entire all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 F-150, which also includes new 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines as well as the first application of Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost™ technology in a truck.

Core truckers embrace new F-150 with EcoBoost
The 2011 Ford F-150 equipped with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission achieves 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. No other truck with comparable horsepower can match the F-150 EcoBoost in highway or city fuel economy.

The one-two-three punch of Ford Motor Company’s EcoBoost technology – capability, performance and fuel economy – opens a new era for committed truckers.

“The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine is a shining example of the uncompromising nature of Ford’s EcoBoost technology: more power and better fuel economy,” said Scott. “What’s important for truck customers is that this all-new engine delivers best-in-class capability where it matters most: towing and hauling. Now they’re getting great fuel economy, too.”

Manufacturer	Engine	Fuel economy: city/highway, combined	Maximum conventional towing	Horse- power	Torque
Ford	3.5-liter EcoBoost	16/22 mpg, 18 mpg best-in-class	11,300 pounds best-in-class	365	420 lb.-ft. best-in-class
Chevrolet	5.3-liter V8	15/21 mpg, 17 mpg	10,000 pounds	315	335 lb.-ft.
Ram	5.7-liter V8	14/20 mpg, 16 mpg	10,450 pounds	390	407 lb.-ft.
Toyota	5.7-liter V8	14/18 mpg, 16 mpg	10,400 pounds	381	401 lb.-ft.
Nissan	5.6-liter V8	13/18 mpg, 15 mpg	9,500 pounds	317	385 lb.-ft.

Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive; Chevrolet Silverado XFE is rated at 7,000 pounds maximum towing and

15/22 mpg city/highway fuel economy (18 mpg combined)

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine produces best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque, helping enable best-in-class maximum towing of 11,300 pounds and maximum payload of 3,060 pounds, all with unsurpassed fuel economy.

The 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost account for a combined 35 percent of the sales mix for the 2011 F-150, and the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost is the fastest-turning truck in the entire F-Series lineup.

New 5.0-liter V8 also a strong package
For customers desiring a traditional V8 engine, the new 5.0-liter V8 for the 2011 F-150 delivers an unbeatable combination of capability, power and fuel economy as well.

Manufacturer	Engine	Fuel economy: city/highway, combined	Maximum conventional towing	Horsepower	Torque
Ford	5.0-liter V8	15/21 mpg, 17 mpg best-in-class highway	10,000 pounds best-in-class	360 best-in-class	380 lb.-ft. best-in-class
Chevrolet	4.8-liter V8	14/19 mpg, 16 mpg	7,200 pounds	302	305 lb.-ft.
Toyota	4.6-liter V8	15/20 mpg, 17 mpg	8,600 pounds	310	327 lb.-ft.
Ram	4.7-liter V8	14/19 mpg, 15 mpg	7,650 pounds	302	329 lb.-ft.

Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive

2011 Super Duty has more power, most towing and best fuel economy
Launched in spring 2010, the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has best-in-class fuel economy with both the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gas engines. The diesel has 20 percent better fuel economy while the gas has 15 percent better fuel economy compared with the outgoing products.

The Power Stroke is rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower and the Super Duty is the undisputed tow leader with 24,400 pounds of best-in-class fifth-wheel towing.

The reliable Ford Ranger continues to outpace the competition with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which is 3 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively, better than its nearest competitor.

The class-leading fuel economy of Ford’s pickups is part of the company’s broader corporate strategy to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment in which it competes.

Ford offers six-speed transmissions in nearly all its North American lineup of Ford and Lincoln brand luxury vehicles. Ford is the only automaker with 12 sales segment fuel economy leaders, and four vehicles EPA-certified at 40 mpg or higher.

V8 Ford Focus vs. Roush Mustang

Focus is sandbagging against Roush Mustang in a bracket race

Pothole Testing by Ford in Europe

Ford's Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium features miles of special test track with all manner of potholes and damaged surfaces to mirror the worst public roads.
Ford engineers use an array of methods to determine the suspension requirements of vehicles and ensure they are met and, as always with Ford products, the demands of the customer are the main focus.

Ford Fiesta Gets Personal for 2012, Gives Owners Bursts of Color, Customization Inside and Out

The new interior package delivers a custom look with two-tone seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components, and is available in both Race Red and Oxford White.

• Ford Fiesta continues to deliver personalization options for customers, with the debut of three new packages for 2012. The offerings include two interior packages and one exterior package
• Forty percent of buyers purchase at least one accessory for their Fiestas, with more than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items already sold
• The new interior package delivers a custom look with two-tone seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components, and is available in both Race Red and Oxford White
• Inspired by the European Ford Focus RS, the premium sport appearance package offers customers several blacked-out components, along with a performance improvement when ordered with a manual transmission

Dearborn, Mich., March 23, 2011 – The small car style Ford Fiesta delivers is expanding for 2012 with three new packages to give customers even more options for personalizing.
The new packages build on the success of the current personalization choices Fiesta customers enjoy today, with nearly 40 percent purchasing at least one accessory. To date, more than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items have been purchased by Fiesta owners.

“The Fiesta customer loves accessories and personalization. These packages extend the desire the customer has to make the car more tailored to his or her own personal tastes,” said Lew Echlin, Global Car marketing manager. “Personalization has been key since the Fiesta launched, and with the new packages we’re featuring the latest design trends so customers can do even more with their car.”

A recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) found that accessories drive sales, with the availability of accessories influencing more than 1 million new vehicle sales each year.

“The appeal of accessories reflects on other trends in society, including the desire to personalize phones, computers and clothing,” said Sheryl Connelly, manager of Ford Global Trends and Futuring. “People don’t customize to stand out from the crowd; they do it to create a more meaningful connection.”

The new premium sport appearance package takes cues from the European Focus RS with several blacked-out components that feature Tuxedo Black paint, including:

• Side mirrors
• Headlamps
• Grille surround
• License plate header
• Upper rear hatch spoiler

“The black trim pieces are the perfect way to complement the exterior of Fiesta and give it a completely unique look that our customers are looking for,” said Richard Anderson, planning manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization. “Fiestas outfitted with this package will give off a race-like, sporty feel that’s unique to this vehicle.”

The package also offers 16-inch polished alloy wheels along with improved performance when ordered with a manual transmission. The package delivers improved performance through a shorter final drive ratio of 4.25 versus the base model at 4.07.

Interior touches
The new premium interior packages for the 2012 Fiesta draw inspiration from the runway. Available on high-level Fiesta SEL and SES models, the packages feature high-contrasting interior accent colors in Oxford White or Race Red that are strategically placed throughout the interior of the vehicle, similarities that can be seen in the latest collections in fashion and home design.

“The inspiration for this package is mainly a result of the trends we’re seeing in fashion,” explained Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Ford Vehicle Personalization. “Designers like Stella McCartney use bold, contrasting color similar to these interior packages, adding a one-of-a-kind design that looks amazing.”

The contrast color is used on the center stack bezel, door panels and vent trim rings. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel also offers a color-matched insert with contrast stitching, while the shift knob comes in black leather for even greater distinction.

The theme also carries through to the seats, where contrast-color leather seat cushions and seatback surfaces with perforated inserts are used. Contrast-color seams are applied in the bolsters, head restraints and seat surfaces. The seats also feature a debossed “Fiesta” logo and black leather bolsters.

Personalized Fiesta
There are plenty of options for customers looking to personalize their Fiesta in other ways as well. Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. If an owner is looking to light up the interior, for example, there are several choices. An illuminated gear indicator shift knob comes with a digital gear display, while illuminated door sill plates add special effects with an LED Fiesta logo.

There’s also an interior light kit that includes one LED-generated light in the cupholder area and a light bar in the footwells. Owners can set a mood with their choice of seven colors that create the perfect ambience.
A rear roof spoiler exclusive to the hatchback is a chiseled head-turner that can be painted to match one’s Fiesta color, or painted in a contrasting color for even more flair. A four-piece, race-inspired body kit comes with a sculpted front air dam, side skirts and sleek rear valance.

Introduced for the first time in North America last year, a unique body-side tattoo graphic for Fiesta is being offered. Guaranteed to get looks, this striking tattoo, available in black or silver, spells out “Fiesta” on the side panel. It’s made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant vinyl and is precision-cut to fit the car’s curves.

Another option features Ford Custom Graphics by Original Wraps, which lets customers choose the size and design of several body-side and hood graphics or racing stripes from a portfolio of images. More than 22 designs are available in several different colors, and include a cityscape, bubbles, flames and even ninja blades. Check out the graphics at http://www.fordcustomgraphics/.

Nearly a year after Fiesta’s North American introduction, the Fiesta accessory offerings continue to be well received. While some customers prefer appearance items, others are all about functionality. To date, the most popular accessories are custom manual transmission shift knobs, the Euro-style upper rear hatch spoiler and the Fiesta tattoo graphic.
Additionally, 10 percent of all manual-transmission Fiestas are ordered with the Illuminated Interior Accessory Package and Metallic Interior Accessory Package.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby Commercial

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby Commercial. A bit of Ford history. . .

A Trip Down Market Street Before The Fire (1906)

A fascinating ride just over 100 years ago. . .

Courtesy: Prelinger Archives, Kevin MacLeod incompetech.com

This version was transferred from a new 35mm print made from a restored 35mm negative, which was made from a 1906-era 35mm print. The frameroll problem seen in other versions has been fixed.

Trevor Bayne and Motorcraft -- a winning combination

Trevor Bayne, driver of the #21 Motorcraft®/FordParts.com Ford Fusion and youngest driver ever to win the Daytona 500®, tells us how he won with Motorcraft® on his side.

Motorcraft® parts are recommended by Ford Motor Company for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles and are available to order online 24/7 at FordParts.com.

2012 Ford F-650 with 6.8-liter V-10 Gas Engine

From the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show, PickupTrucks.com's Mike Levine takes a look at the 2012 Ford F-650 with the new 6.8-liter V-10 gas engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Efficient Ford Six-Speed PowerShift Automatic Cuts Fuel Use By Up To 10 Percent, Helps Fiesta, Focus Get 40 MPG

• New Ford PowerShift transmission blends the sporty feel of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic
• Ford PowerShift is one of the most advanced transmissions available for subcompact and compact cars like the new Ford Focus and Fiesta
• PowerShift weighs nearly 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic transmission in the current 2011 Focus. Less weight helps improve fuel economy

2012 Ford Focus

DEARBORN, Mich., March 14, 2011 – With gasoline already more than $4 per gallon in some American cities, the new fuel-saving dual dry-clutch Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic is the right transmission at the right time.

 

Ford PowerShift – the company’s most sophisticated transmission ever – is part of a suite of advanced fuel-saving technologies available immediately on the Fiesta and the all-new Focus, enabling both cars to deliver as much as 40 mpg on the highway.

 

“The Ford PowerShift transmission is a technological leap over the competition,” said Piero Aversa, PowerShift engineering manager. “Now that it’s available in the new Focus as well as Fiesta, PowerShift gives us two great small cars that not only lead in fuel economy, but are more fun to drive as well.”

 

The all-new Focus, available in sedan and five-door bodystyles and featuring a 160-horsepower, direct-injected 2.0-liter engine, is arriving now at Ford dealers across the nation.

 

More than 95 percent of new-car buyers purchase their vehicles with automatic transmissions, even though many prefer the crisper acceleration, sportier performance and higher fuel economy traditionally offered by manual transmissions. Ford’s PowerShift dual dry-clutch transmission delivers the convenience of an automatic with the fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive sporty feel of a manual gearbox.

 

PowerShift is part of Ford’s commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment in which the company competes. Ford offers six-speed transmissions in nearly its entire North American lineup of Ford and Lincoln brand luxury vehicles. Ford is the only automaker to offer North American vehicle buyers 12 sales segment fuel economy leaders, with four vehicles EPA-certified at 40 mpg or higher.

 

The PowerShift unit available in Fiesta and Focus models is one of the most advanced transmissions available for subcompact and compact cars. Dual-clutch transmissions, like PowerShift, were born at the racetrack and saw their application for production road cars in ultra-expensive exotics, such as the $1.7 million Bugatti Veyron and $200,000 Ferrari California.

 

Among competitor vehicles in the Focus segment – Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Nissan Sentra – none offers drivers more horsepower, faster acceleration and higher fuel economy with an automatic transmission. Plus, no other car in the Fiesta segment offers a six-speed automatic of any type.

 

The New 2011 Ford Fiesta
Click here to download related images.

Inside Ford PowerShift

Unlike regular hydraulically operated automatic transmissions, which use power-sapping torque converters, wet clutches and pumps, Ford’s new dual-clutch PowerShift automatic consists of two manual transmissions (in the same case) working in parallel. Each has its own independent clutch unit controlled by computers and fast-acting electromechanical actuators that shift the gears.

 

One clutch carries the odd gears, 1, 3 and 5, while the other carries the even gears, 2, 4 and 6, and reverse. PowerShift is an automatic because the gear changes are coordinated by a computer that directs the clutches to engage and disengage in a way that provides seamless delivery of torque to the wheels, even during gear changes.

 

As a result, the driver benefits from a 10 percent fuel economy gain along with the direct and sporty power-to-the-wheels feel and crisp acceleration normally associated with a manual gearbox, but in a transmission that shifts automatically.

 

Ford PowerShift’s advanced features include: 

 

• Torque Hole Fill: A Ford-developed and patented innovation that eliminates the slight hesitation drivers feel during acceleration when the transmission upshifts into a higher gear. PowerShift sends a smooth, seamless stream of torque to the wheels for uninterrupted acceleration
• Hill Start Assist: If sensors detect the Fiesta or Focus on a slope of 5 degrees or more, Hill Start Assist automatically prevents the car from rolling backward in the instant when the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator. PowerShift’s computer controls the brake pressure and engine to hold the car in place
• Neutral idle: This feature helps improve fuel economy by eliminating the drag a traditional hydraulic transmission puts on the engine when a vehicle is idling
• Reduced weight: PowerShift weighs nearly 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic transmission in the 2011 Focus. Less weight helps improve fuel economy

 

Ford engineers began developing the dual-clutch technology when advances in the speed of processors, memory and the mechanical actuators that shift the gears progressed to the point that a manual transmission could be made to perform as smoothly as an automatic.

 

“The kind of computing power needed in terms of speed and amount of memory advanced to the point where it is now possible to offer the driver fast, crisp and seamless shifts from this advanced transmission at an affordable price,” said George Herr, PowerShift calibration supervisor.

 

Since its launch in Fiesta in 2010, Ford engineers have continued to develop and refine PowerShift’s performance and efficiency.

 

The PowerShift for the all-new Focus, for example, offers several new features including a more compliant clutch damper spring design to reduce noise levels. Aversa said the Focus shift schedule has been optimized for the wider torque band provided by the car’s 160-horsepower, direct-injected 2.0-liter engine.

 

Also new for Focus is the SelectShift^™ Automatic feature. SelectShift allows a driver to change gears – up or down – by simply pressing a button on the shift handle. By pushing the plus sign button, the transmission upshifts. Push the minus sign button and the car downshifts. The PowerShift computer prevents a driver from downshifting too fast and causing damage from over-revving. In the Focus, drivers also can choose Sport Mode, which changes the timing of the shifts for quicker acceleration.

 

 

Ford engineers also worked to improve low-speed responsiveness and smoothness in response to customer feedback. “We believe there isn’t a more efficient automatic transmission available anywhere,” said Aversa.

 

The PowerShift transmission is offered in Ford vehicles sold around the world.

Ford Super Duty Fleet Wrap Up

All-New Ford Ranger Shapes Up

While this Ranger is not available in the US, we thought you might enjoy the fluid dynamics presentation that Ford uses to help design their vehicles worldwide.

MELBOURNE, Australia, 17 Mar., 2011 -- The same Formula One techniques -- and engineers -- that make race cars go faster are now helping the all-new Ford Ranger slice through the air cleaner, ensuring the compact pickup delivers one of the best fuel economy figures in the segment.

Paul Brown, Fleet/Commercial Mgr, 530-682-7693.

Switch To Propane - Super Shuttle

Ken Brooks from Super Shuttle describes his company's new green push, and why they decided to switch to propane autogas!

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew - First Drive

Motor Trend technical director Frank Markus hits the snow in the all-new 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew.

Switch to Propane - Competitive Lawn Service

Eric Hansen from Competitive Lawn Service, Inc. in Downers Grove, IL comes by the ROUSH factory to pick up his brand-new ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas powered Ford F-350 and to talk about the benefits of switching to propane.

Full Harvest Of Ford Greener Fuel Solutions Showcased At NTEA Work Truck Show

• Ford offers a more comprehensive alternative-fuel solution to commercial customers than any other manufacturer
• By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels
• By 2020, Ford is targeting a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Europe

INDIANAPOLIS, March 7, 2011 – Ford Motor Company’s ever-growing portfolio of fuel-efficient products extends to commercial customers, including those interested in alternative-fuel vehicles to “green” their fleets.

Visitors to the annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) show can see firsthand how Ford delivers the most comprehensive alternative-fuel solutions for commercial customers. The wide variety of vans and trucks with alternative-fuel capability is backed by support for customers looking to switch their vehicles from gasoline power to another fuel, such as compressed natural gas or propane. By 2012, half of all Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuel.

“No other manufacturer offers the range of vehicles and alternative-fuel solutions combined with comprehensive support,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Truck. “We’re bringing our commercial customers the solutions they need in this ever-competitive environment.”

As businesses seek to be more environmentally responsible in all facets of their operations, greening a vehicle fleet is often a natural first step that can have an immediate and positive impact. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

With the wide variety of requirements for commercial vehicles – such as application, payload and driving cycle – Ford has developed an expansive suite of vehicles and alternative-fuel choices.

Ford commercial truck alternative-fuel choices at a glance

Vehicle	Transit Connect	E-Series cargo vans	E-Series cutaways, stripped chassis	E-Series wagons	F-Series Super Duty	F-350-F-550 Super Duty chassis cabs	F-650/ F-750 Super Duty chassis cabs	F53, F59 stripped chassis
Flex fuel		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Biodiesel					Yes	Yes	Yes
CNG/LPG*	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hybrid			Yes			Yes
Plug-in hybrid						Yes
BEV**	Yes		Yes

*CNG/LPG (compressed natural gas/liquefied petroleum gas – propane or butane) capable of conversion by third-party modifier when equipped with optional prep engine
**Hybrid, PHEV and BEV (battery electric vehicle) upfitted by third-party modifier

“Our range of choices helps ensure customers can find the right product that best suits their needs,” said Deluca.

For example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) might be appropriate for customers with multiple short trips over the course of a day totaling less than 100 miles. CNG, LPG and flex-fuel vehicles have a range of about 300 miles before needing to be refueled. Biodiesel and hybrid vehicles stretch the range even further, up to 500 miles.

Types of fuels and their advantages
Here’s a quick look at the types of fuels offered in Ford commercial trucks:

• Flex fuel: A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) is an alternative-fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with ethanol (E85), and both fuels are stored in the same common tank. Flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the resulting blend as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by electronic sensors. E85 is the most common flex fuel and many Ford engines are capable of using E85
  • Advantages– Ethanol/E85 is clean-burning and substantially reduces CO and CO2 emissions. Compared to gasoline, it is a higher octane, provides more horsepower and burns cooler. Corn and other cellulosic plants are readily available
  • Considerations– E85 produces less energy, so 1.56 gallons of E85 takes you as far as one gallon of gasoline. Due to the increased volume required and the fact that alcohol is corrosive, fuel system components must be upgraded

• Biodiesel: Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil or animal fat-based diesel fuel. Blends of biodiesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel are products most commonly distributed for use in the retail diesel fuel marketplace. A system known as the “B” factor is used to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix – 20 percent biodiesel is referred to as B20, for example
  • Advantages– Biodiesel burns cleaner than petrodiesel, with reduced emissions
  • Considerations– Biodiesel may be more expensive than petrodiesel, and in low temperatures may require a special additive or fuel tank heater to flow properly

• CNG (compressed natural gas): CNG is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline or diesel. It is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and disperses quickly when released). CNG is made by compressing natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 2,900 to 3,600 psi. CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engines that have been modified to operate on CNG
  • Advantages– CNG is an extremely clean-burning fuel and significantly reduces CO, CO2 and NOx compared to its gasoline counterpart. CNG has an octane rating of 130 and has the potential to optimize the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency by utilizing a higher compression ratio
  • Considerations– CNG has slightly less energy than gasoline per unit volume and requires a larger fuel tank/container. Refueling time and infrastructure are also considerations

• LPG (liquefied petroleum gas): LPG is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases, most commonly propane and butane. A powerful odorant is added so that leaks can be detected easily. As opposed to relying on foreign oil sources, approximately 90 percent of the United States’ propane supply is produced domestically. Propane is nontoxic and cannot get into the water table if there is a leak in the storage container
  • Advantages– Power, acceleration, payload and cruise speed are comparable to those of an equivalent vehicle fueled with gasoline. Propane has a high octane rating of 104, in between CNG at 130 and unleaded gasoline at 87. Because it burns completely, there is less carbon buildup. Spark plugs, exhaust system and oil changes are needed less frequently
  • Considerations– Because of the low vapor pressure of propane, in extremely cold conditions starting could be an issue

• Hybrid: A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), also known as a plug-in hybrid, is a hybrid vehicle with rechargeable batteries that can be restored to full charge by connecting a plug to an external electric power source. A PHEV shares the characteristics of both a conventional hybrid electric vehicle, having an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, and an all-electric vehicle, also having a plug to connect to the electric grid
  • Advantages– Hybrids offer a greater range than electric-only vehicles and reduced tailpipe emissions. If a charging station is unavailable, the gasoline engine can provide power
  • Considerations– The vehicle essentially has two powertrains. With that comes increased vehicle weight, reduced payload and towing capability

• BEV (battery electric vehicle): A BEV uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. As with other electric vehicles, BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine for propulsion. The concept utilizes onboard batteries for propulsion and recharges the batteries using the electric grid
  • Advantages– Vehicles that run solely on electric power require no warm-up, run almost silently, and have excellent performance. Electric vehicles can be recharged at night when generating plants are underutilized. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Even when emissions from the generating plants are factored in, electric vehicles emit less than 10 percent of the pollution of an internal combustion vehicle
  • Considerations– Pure electric vehicles still have limited range – typically no more than 100 to 120 miles. Depending on the charge voltage, most vehicles have to sit overnight for a full charge

Making the switch from a gas engine to gaseous fuel
Ford has developed and tested a CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package to be installed by preferred upfitters, who install the CNG/LPG tanks and hardware. The engine comes with hardened exhaust valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability for gaseous fuel systems, and Ford engineers work with the upfit companies to ensure consistent and reliable performance.

The new engine calibration maintains engine operating limits as specified for cylinder pressures, piston temperatures and engine speed, among others. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain warranty (five years/50,000 miles) and the upfitter is responsible for the system component warranty.

Customer-focused alternative-fuel offerings
“Our expanded portfolio of commercial products that can operate on alternative fuels has been developed based on the relationships we have with our customers and a commitment to supporting their sustainability strategies,” said Rob Stevens, chief engineer, Commercial Products. “Going forward, we will continue to maintain this customer-focused strategy in the development of future technologies.”

Ford Fiesta Makes A Million!

• One million European sales landmark reached
• Almost a quarter of all global sales are in the UK
• Ford Fiesta has been the best-selling small car in Europe and the UK for the past two years
• Ford's first global car – global sales total 1,140,000  

Brentwood, Essex, March 9, 2011 –  Sales of the latest-generation Ford Fiesta have reached one million in Europe. The landmark was achieved just 28 months after the stylish small car went on sale in Ford dealerships. UK drivers have snapped up almost a quarter of the new Fiesta models, with sales since launch totalling 239,742.

When it first drove out of Ford dealer showrooms in October 2008, the award-winning Ford Fiesta championed a new era in small car design, performance and functionality. Available in three- and five-door bodystyles and a range of fuel-efficient powertrains, it shot up the sales charts to become the best-selling car in the UK in January 2009, regularly challenging Ford Focus for the top UK leadership position.

The Ford Fiesta is produced in Europe in Ford's state-of-the-art assembly plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain. It is the most successful European-made small car sold in Europe ever, with cumulative sales totalling 14 million since the car was first launched in 1976.

More recently Ford Fiesta is the first car in its segment to achieve top crash test ratings in each of the world’s largest auto markets that perform safety testing - Europe, the U.S. and China.

Ford’s global safety engineers combined their efforts to ensure the Fiesta would be capable of meeting the most stringent crash protection requirements in any region of the world. Leveraging Ford of Europe’s small car expertise, engineers from Ford of Europe's engineering centres in Cologne, Germany and Dunton, UK, conducted an array of virtual, actual and hydraulic sled-simulated crash tests to ensure this top safety performance.



Who buys the Ford Fiesta in the UK?

• Seventy four per cent of Fiesta drivers choose mid or high range models
• Sales are split 30/70 between three- and five- door models.
• The most popular colour is Panther black.
• Seventy six per cent sold are petrol powered
• Automatic transmission sales are growing and now account for almost 10 per cent of all sales
• ECOnetic sales have grown from two per cent in 2009 to six per cent in 2010
• Fiesta Titanium customers will also now have a Sony radio with CD player, USB and Bluetooth as standard. The Fiesta Titanium already lists many big-car features, including cruise control and automatic headlights. So far this year, 20 per cent of Fiesta customers have chosen to buy top-of-the-range Titanium models.
• The most popular option, Voice Control, Bluetooth and USB, is added by around 42 per cent of Fiesta customers.

Ford's Night at the Drive In, Johannesburg, South Africa (full version)

Ford treats its South African customers to a night at the Drive In at the last remaining outdoor cinema in the country. Check out this video to see the fun that was had by all.

Boss 302S Testing

With production scheduled for second quarter of 2011, the engineers at Ford Racing were recently testing the new BOSS 302S at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Features like launch control and pit lane speed limiter were tested as well as different tire compounds. We've put togather a short video of some of the sights and sounds during the two day test.

Daytona 500 Winner Trevor Bayne at Ford Motor Co.

Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne, along with Len and Eddie Wood from the famous Wood Brothers racing team, brought the Daytona 500 trophy to share with Ford Motor Company employees and fans in Dearborn, Michigan.

Knapheide Service Body Training Video - Chaper 3

Taylor Steinberg of Knapheide Manufacturing gives us a great presentation about Knapheide Service/Utility Bodies. This video is 1 of 3 in the series. Check out Knapheide's new website at http://www.knapheide.com/.

Don't forget to call Paul Brown with any questions or to get a quote at 530-682-7693.

Knapheide Forestry Body Video Training Series - Chapter 2

Taylor Steinberg of Knapheide Manufacturing gives us a great presentation about Knapheide Service/Utility Bodies. This video is 1 of 3 in the series. Check out Knapheide's new website at http://www.knapheide.com/.

Don't forget to call Paul Brown with any questions or to get a quote at 530-682-7693.

Knapheide Service Body Training Video - Chapter 1

Taylor Steinberg of Knapheide Manufacturing gives us a great presentation about Knapheide Service/Utility Bodies. This video is 1 of 3 in the series. Check out Knapheide's new website at http://www.knapheide.com/.

Don't forget to call Paul Brown with any questions or to get a quote at 530-682-7693.

Best Truck Bargain On Our Lot! Give Paul A Call Today

Give Paul Brown a call at 530-682-7693 to get more info on this great truck bargain!

A Virtual Walk Around Of The Ford Stand At The Geneva Motor Show 2011

Highlighting the Ford pillars: Quality, Green, Safe & Smart.
http://facebook.com/FordofEurope
http://twitter.com/FordEu

SPEED Raceday Feature on Wood Brothers Racing

SPEED Raceday highlights the history of Wood Brothers Racing after their monumental 2011 Daytona 500 win

Words of Wisdom by Henry Ford

"It is not the employer who pays the wages.

Employers only handle the money.

It is the customer who pays the wages."

-- Henry Ford

Larry Morgan Pomona Qualifying Recap

Larry Morgan qualified the Lucas Oil Summit Ford Mustang tenth for the 2011 NHRA Winternationals.