8/26/10

Words of Wisdom by Henry Ford

"We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present and the
only history that is worth a tinker's dam is the history we make today."

-- Henry Ford

8/24/10

Countdown to Ford Explorer Reveal with Mike Rowe and Alan Mulally


Ford spokesman, Mike Rowe and Ford CEO, Alan Mullaly give an insider's view of the reveal of the 2011 Ford Explorer.

8/23/10

Our Last 2007 F450 Has Been Sold! Thank You!






This is a 2007 Ford F550 84" cab to axle chassis with 6.0 liter diesel, HD Auto Trans, AC, Limited Slip Axle, XL Decor Package, 19,000 GVWR Package, HD Trailer Tow Package, Power Take Off Provision, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, AMFM w/CD, Tow Command System and has approximately 60 miles, yet has been registered to the dealer in order to take advantage of the final rebates. It has never been sold or used by a customer.

The body is a 12' Landscape Dump by Carter Industries and includes underbed boxes. We really want to move this truck and will do everything with in reason to help a dealer or end user to buy this truck. The body can be removed and it can be purchased separately too. Flexibility is not a problem. The VIN # is 7EB40016. Please call Paul Brown of Larry Geweke Ford in Yuba City CA at 530-682-7693 to negotiate a screaming deal! Or email Paul at pbrown@geweke.com

Original MSRP on this rig was $51,183.00 so you can compare the new price since this unit has only about 60 miles. It is registered to the dealer and considered used, but even at a used price, it is a bargain at. . .

SOLD!!
plus tax & license

Words of Wisdom by Henry Ford

"The highest use of capital is not to make more money,
but to make money do more for the betterment of life."

-- Henry Ford

8/22/10

2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 Is Most Powerful F-150 Ever!





2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

• 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling line of trucks with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson
• A new 6.2-liter V8 engine is now standard, making it the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever offered. The engine, which debuted earlier this year on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and maximum trailer tow capacity of 7,500 pounds
• New standard content for 2011 includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System

STURGIS, S.D., Aug. 10, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines two rich traditions into an extraordinary package for customers who crave capability and long for the open road. With authentic styling, a new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology upgrades, it’s the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 yet.

“The new 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer. “Both companies have a passion for the road, which shines through in our specialized truck.”

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced nine F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The exterior of the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar-shaped billet-style satin chrome grille and boasts “Harley-Davidson” satin chrome badging. The truck also has a lowered appearance because of a standard, fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch Euroflange forged wheels with a polished center wheel cap and low-profile performance tires. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver.

New graphics on the hood and body side of the truck are executed in an engine-turned finish and feature dimensional satin chrome “Harley-Davidson” lettering. The graphics are reminiscent of the “speed scallops” used on hot rods.

Interior trim panels are covered in Tuxedo Black paint, while the door scuff plate and console lid also carry the engine-turned finish. All interior chrome surfaces feature a new satin finish. Premium leather-trimmed seats come with accent color inserts and a unique cloisonné badge.

New engine, more power

Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce impressive horsepower and torque. The new gasoline engine delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides improved maximum trailer towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

“This engine has tons of torque and already has been proven in the field with both the F-150 SVT Raptor and Super Duty,” said Mike Harrison, V8 engine program manager. “The exhaust for the Ford Harley-Davidson edition has been specially tuned to feature a throaty V8 rumble customers will love.”

Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine include:

• SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
• Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
• Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
• Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V8 engine allows the spark timing of each cylinder to be individually optimized real-time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.

Taking convenience to the next level

The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 adds plenty of technology options to give customers what they are looking for. Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the Harley-Davidson F-150 is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen.
This screen offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

Additionally, the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 comes equipped with a standard voice-activated Navigation System that integrates several functions including voice-recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen.

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission functionality is available. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel.

Other standard features on the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 include:
• Power moonroof
• Rear view camera
• Second-row heated seats
• Ambient lighting
• Remote Start System

Customized Harley-Davidson appeal

The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both

Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

Examples are the seats and console lid, which feature handmade cloisonné badges that are produced by the same company that makes badges for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate, which is numbered individually.

“We take creation of the Ford Harley-Davidson trucks very seriously, but it’s also something we have a lot of fun with along the way,” said Design Manager Brad Richards. “We hope that comes through in each of the finished trucks.

“We ensure Ford Harley-Davidson trucks exude the same bold personality as the legendary motorcycles,” Richards added. “We take two brands that are undeniably unique and forge a product that embodies the best qualities of both.”

For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

8/21/10

Ford, Detroit Edison & Xtreme Power Team Up For Michigan's Largest Solar Power System At Ford Assembly Plant

  • Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power are teaming up to establish one of Michigan’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
  • Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year
  • Renewable energy generated by the solar energy system will help power production of Ford’s new Focus and Focus Electric cars as well as its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
  • Michigan Assembly solar energy systems are projected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 12, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is teaming with Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power and the state of Michigan to establish one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.

The renewable energy captured by the project’s primary solar energy system will help power the production of fuel-efficient small cars, including Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric going into production in 2011, and a next-generation hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle coming in 2012. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be integrated at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly.

The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.
“With this solar energy system, we will be able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power, smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing. “This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”

Solar Currents and the future of sustainability in Michigan

Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, is supplying its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and power management system.

The solar energy installation is part of Detroit Edison’s pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of electricity throughout Southeast Michigan.

The Michigan Assembly project is made possible by a $3 million investment by Detroit Edison’s Solar Currents program, a $2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission in support of the state’s smart-grid initiative, and approximately $800,000 from Ford.

“Our partnership with Ford is just the latest example of how our companies have worked together to power the economic engine of Southeast Michigan,” said Trevor Lauer, Detroit Edison vice president, Marketing & Renewables. “Building solar energy systems on the scale we’re pursuing will increase demand for these technologies, and we’re working with the governor’s office and various economic development organizations to attract renewable energy manufacturers and green jobs to Michigan.”

A model for sustainable energy use

Michigan Assembly will operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity. The renewable energy collected by the solar system will go directly into the energy-efficient microgrid to help provide power to the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the collected solar energy will go into the energy storage system for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight.

Michigan Assembly’s energy storage system will be able to recharge from the grid during off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost. This in turn will provide inexpensive power during peak operating hours when the cost per kilowatt-hour is higher, and reduce peak demand on the grid.

“We share a commitment with Ford to fostering an environmentally sustainable model of energy use in the U.S., and this joint project is indicative of just how far we’ve come,” said Carlos Coe, CEO, Xtreme Power. “We are proud to work together to help transform vehicle manufacturing into a sustainable process powered by clean, renewable energy.”

Solar Power to be used for electric vehicle battery charging

Ford also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations at Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart-grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Xtreme Power will provide an active power management system on the charging stations. Ford also will demonstrate the possibility for using electrified vehicle batteries as stationary power storage devices after their useful life as vehicle power sources is over.

“Ford is strongly committed to its sustainability strategy to support positive social change and reduce the environmental impact of its products and facilities,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Michigan Assembly is the latest Ford manufacturing facility to utilize renewable power for production.”

Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the United Kingdom was the first automotive plant in the world to obtain all of its electrical power needs from on-site wind turbines. In addition, Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales was the first site retrofitted with one of the largest integrated, grid-connected solar photovoltaic installations at a car manufacturing plant in Europe.

Since 2008, Ford has sourced renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand at its manufacturing plant in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company is reducing its CO2 emissions 190,000 tons per year. Renewable or green power supplies 3 percent of Ford’s energy needs worldwide.


About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

About Detroit Edison
Detroit Edison (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about Detroit Edison is available at dteenergy.com and at twitter.com/dte_energy.

About Xtreme Power

Based in Kyle, TX, Xtreme Power engineers, manufactures and operates integrated power management and energy storage systems for use in renewable energy and micro-grid applications. Xtreme’s Dynamic Power Resource™ combines the large-scale storage capabilities of the company’s proprietary PowerCell™ technology with its micro-second controls and high-efficiency power electronics, creating a comprehensive solution to the intermittency and variability challenges facing utilities and independent power producers looking to implement clean energy to the electrical grid. By providing scalable systems engineered specifically to the needs of its customers, Xtreme Power offers a safe and cost-effective approach to dramatically increase the feasibility of renewable energy.

8/20/10

Mike Levine Of PickupTrucks.com Shows The 2011 F450 Pickup


Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com walks through the changes to the 2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty at the 2009 State Fair of Texas.


**NOTE: the new Power Stroke V-8 diesel has a 6.7-liter displacement, not 6.8-liters as mentioned in the video.