Video shows parts comparison performance of genuine Ford parts vs. aftermaket collision parts using, computer aided simulation tests, crash sled tests, and actual vehicle crash tests data. In all cases, genuine Ford parts perform as designed. Aftermarket parts performance leads to questions of doubt concerning proper air bag deployment.
8/10/11
8/09/11
Ford Edge with New EcoBoost 2.0L Engine Delivers EPA-Rated 30 MPG Highway, Great Performance
•The popular Ford Edge crossover with EcoBoost® power is EPA-rated at an economical 30 mpg highway and 21 mpg city
•Ford Edge with EcoBoost is now the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more
•EcoBoost, combining smaller engines and turbocharging, is a global Ford engine technology that gives customers the power they want and the fuel efficiency they need
•EcoBoost vehicles have been successful at attracting new customers to the Blue Oval brand, leading the Ford product portfolio in conquest sales
Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 2, 2011 – The Ford Edge crossover, the latest vehicle to receive the company’s EcoBoost® 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is now certified by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg highway. This complements the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy to give utility customers expanded fuel efficient choices.
“Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.”
The Ford Edge delivers 30 mpg on the highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger, in addition to cars such as the Honda Civic Si and the Saab 9-3 automatic. The only competitive utilities offering higher highway fuel economy than Edge with EcoBoost are a few smaller-size vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Combining gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with smaller overall displacement, this advanced new EcoBoost engine delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6, yet delivers four-cylinder fuel efficiency.
EcoBoost has been successful at attracting new, more upscale customers to the Ford showroom. Taurus SHO and Flex with EcoBoost lead the Ford lineup for car and utility conquesting. More than half of all Taurus SHO buyers are new to the Ford brand, and more than 62 percent of Flex with EcoBoost buyers had not previously considered a Ford product.
With popular F-150 pickup trucks now offering an EcoBoost option, sales of Ford vehicles with this advanced technology have crested 70,000 units and the F-150 EcoBoost now accounts for 41 percent of total F-150 sales, making it the top-selling full-sized V6 pickup truck on the market.
EcoBoost is a global Ford engine to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers, while delivering the power they desire. By the end of 2011, Ford will have built nearly 180,000 EcoBoost-powered vehicles in North America. EcoBoost will be offered in 90 percent of Ford vehicles by 2013. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.
13 at 30 or more
Adding a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine to the popular Edge crossover means the Ford showroom now offers customers a choice among 13 model/powertrain variations that deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more.
These Ford offerings are listed here with their respective city/highway EPA-rated fuel economy estimates:
•Edge with EcoBoost: 21 mpg/30 mpg
•Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 mpg/31 mpg
•Escape Hybrid AWD: 30 mpg/27 mpg
•Fiesta five-speed manual: 29 mpg/37 mpg
•Fiesta automatic: 29 mpg/38 mpg
•Fiesta SFE automatic: 29 mpg/40 mpg
•Focus five-speed manual: 26 mpg/36 mpg
•Focus automatic: 28 mpg/38 mpg
•Focus SFE automatic: 28 mpg/40 mpg
•Fusion 2.5-liter automatic: 23 mpg/33 mpg
•Fusion Hybrid: 41 mpg/36 mpg
•Mustang 3.7-liter Coupe automatic: 19 mpg/31 mpg
•Mustang 3.7-liter Convertible automatic: 19 mpg/30 mpg
Edge fuel-saving technologies
Building on Edge V6 best-in-class highway fuel economy, the EcoBoost powertrain makes Edge an even more economical proposition.
This advanced EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides the optimum balance between fuel efficiency and responsive power, delivering 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a generous 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Edge with EcoBoost delivers comparable fuel economy to Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, yet offers utility shoppers a responsive choice as Edge provides a 58 horsepower advantage over these compact General Motors offerings.
The Edge with EcoBoost combination of superior fuel efficiency and ample responsiveness is enabled by direct gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).
Efficiency is further enhanced through employment of low-friction 5W-GF5 motor oil, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor and a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission optimized for fuel efficiency through employment of active transmission warm-up to help reduce internal friction as the powertrain approaches normal operating temperature.
Edge with EcoBoost also introduces category-exclusive active grille shutters. These variable grille slats close as vehicle speed increases to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Production location
The 2012 Edge with EcoBoost is produced at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada
•Ford Edge with EcoBoost is now the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more
•EcoBoost, combining smaller engines and turbocharging, is a global Ford engine technology that gives customers the power they want and the fuel efficiency they need
•EcoBoost vehicles have been successful at attracting new customers to the Blue Oval brand, leading the Ford product portfolio in conquest sales
Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 2, 2011 – The Ford Edge crossover, the latest vehicle to receive the company’s EcoBoost® 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is now certified by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg highway. This complements the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy to give utility customers expanded fuel efficient choices.
“Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.”
The Ford Edge delivers 30 mpg on the highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger, in addition to cars such as the Honda Civic Si and the Saab 9-3 automatic. The only competitive utilities offering higher highway fuel economy than Edge with EcoBoost are a few smaller-size vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Combining gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with smaller overall displacement, this advanced new EcoBoost engine delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6, yet delivers four-cylinder fuel efficiency.
EcoBoost has been successful at attracting new, more upscale customers to the Ford showroom. Taurus SHO and Flex with EcoBoost lead the Ford lineup for car and utility conquesting. More than half of all Taurus SHO buyers are new to the Ford brand, and more than 62 percent of Flex with EcoBoost buyers had not previously considered a Ford product.
With popular F-150 pickup trucks now offering an EcoBoost option, sales of Ford vehicles with this advanced technology have crested 70,000 units and the F-150 EcoBoost now accounts for 41 percent of total F-150 sales, making it the top-selling full-sized V6 pickup truck on the market.
EcoBoost is a global Ford engine to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers, while delivering the power they desire. By the end of 2011, Ford will have built nearly 180,000 EcoBoost-powered vehicles in North America. EcoBoost will be offered in 90 percent of Ford vehicles by 2013. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.
13 at 30 or more
Adding a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine to the popular Edge crossover means the Ford showroom now offers customers a choice among 13 model/powertrain variations that deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more.
These Ford offerings are listed here with their respective city/highway EPA-rated fuel economy estimates:
•Edge with EcoBoost: 21 mpg/30 mpg
•Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 mpg/31 mpg
•Escape Hybrid AWD: 30 mpg/27 mpg
•Fiesta five-speed manual: 29 mpg/37 mpg
•Fiesta automatic: 29 mpg/38 mpg
•Fiesta SFE automatic: 29 mpg/40 mpg
•Focus five-speed manual: 26 mpg/36 mpg
•Focus automatic: 28 mpg/38 mpg
•Focus SFE automatic: 28 mpg/40 mpg
•Fusion 2.5-liter automatic: 23 mpg/33 mpg
•Fusion Hybrid: 41 mpg/36 mpg
•Mustang 3.7-liter Coupe automatic: 19 mpg/31 mpg
•Mustang 3.7-liter Convertible automatic: 19 mpg/30 mpg
Edge fuel-saving technologies
Building on Edge V6 best-in-class highway fuel economy, the EcoBoost powertrain makes Edge an even more economical proposition.
This advanced EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides the optimum balance between fuel efficiency and responsive power, delivering 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a generous 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Edge with EcoBoost delivers comparable fuel economy to Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, yet offers utility shoppers a responsive choice as Edge provides a 58 horsepower advantage over these compact General Motors offerings.
The Edge with EcoBoost combination of superior fuel efficiency and ample responsiveness is enabled by direct gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).
Efficiency is further enhanced through employment of low-friction 5W-GF5 motor oil, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor and a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission optimized for fuel efficiency through employment of active transmission warm-up to help reduce internal friction as the powertrain approaches normal operating temperature.
Edge with EcoBoost also introduces category-exclusive active grille shutters. These variable grille slats close as vehicle speed increases to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Production location
The 2012 Edge with EcoBoost is produced at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada
8/08/11
Ford Drops Price of SYNC by $100, Making Hands-Free, Voice-Activated In-Car Connectivity More Affordable, Available to All
SYNC with MyFord
SYNC with MyFord Touch + Audio by Sony
SYNC with MyFord Touch
•Ford initiates new pricing strategy for SYNC®, making the hands-free, voice-activated connectivity system more affordable for customers; dropping option price to $295 makes SYNC the most capable and most affordable system on the market
•Launching first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge, SYNC will now be available as optional equipment on base trim levels, marking broader availability and more choice for customers
•Making hands-free technology more affordable and available comes on the heels of Ford becoming the first automaker to announce its support for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving
Ford is making hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity even more affordable, announcing both a $100 price drop for Ford SYNC® along with expanded availability by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.
DEARBORN, Mich., August 1, 2011 – Ford is making hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity even more affordable, announcing both a $100 price drop for Ford SYNC® along with expanded availability by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.
“Ford SYNC is making a difference. Our customers love it and recommend it, and our dealers want it on more products,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “SYNC already has brought hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity to millions, helping keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Now, Ford is making it even easier for customers to afford exactly what they want.”
The move marks the company’s latest push to make voice control the primary and safest way for customers to access their favorite mobile devices while driving – a capability more and more drivers are clamoring for, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
In a 2010 study, the CEA found that 55 percent of smartphone owners, for example, prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface. SYNC users agree, with internal Ford research showing more than 85 percent say they use voice controls while driving, up from 60 percent in previous studies.
This month, Ford became the first automaker to openly support the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, proposed federal legislation for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. To date, 10 states, including California and New York, have legally banned talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving, with many local municipalities also following suit enacting their own set of restrictions. Text messaging while driving is banned in 34 states.
The new SYNC pricing and choice strategy for 2012 ups the ante on how Ford is translating this trend into real-world actions that offer smarter in-vehicle connectivity solutions for customers.
“As the list of states banning hand-held calls and texting while driving continues to grow and legislators ponder a nationwide ban, Ford is strengthening its leadership position as the only full-line automaker with plans to offer available hands-free mobile device connectivity on 100 percent of its passenger vehicle lineup,” said Czubay.
SYNC has been installed already on more than 3 million vehicles since its debut in 2007.
With the base SYNC package, customers will enjoy the core hands-free features and services that have quickly established SYNC as a must-have technology, with more than 76 percent of current SYNC users saying they would recommend the system to other customers. Those features include:
•Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone
•Hands-free, voice-activated control of a USB-connected digital music player
•911 Assist™, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
•Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service
In addition, customers who choose the base package will have the option to purchase a SYNC Services subscription, which expands voice-controlled features to include a cloud-based network of services. These include turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports, and business search information with available live operator assistance if needed. A SYNC Services subscription costs only $60 a year, besting the telematics services offered by the competition.
Ford dealers are excited about the prospect of being able to offer SYNC to a larger population of their customers.
James T. Seavitt, president of Village Ford in Dearborn, Mich., says he wouldn’t be surprised to see those rates soar even higher with the new SYNC pricing and base model availability. Seavitt admits that approximately 75 percent of the vehicles he currently sells have SYNC.
“Customers frequently ask about SYNC in our dealership as they continue to hear more about the benefits and convenience of hands-free connectivity while driving,” said Seavitt. “This move from Ford will help dealers put more customers in SYNC-equipped vehicles so they can experience why using their voice to control their favorite mobile devices in the car is a smarter choice.”
On Edge and Explorer alone, SYNC has already been a big hit on the showroom floor, with current take rates above 80 percent. With the new pricing strategy, SYNC is now expected to be installed on more than 95 percent of models sold.
During the next three years, Ford will introduce the new SYNC pricing and choice strategy across the entire North American Ford vehicle lineup.
Vehicles next in line after the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge include the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex
SYNC with MyFord Touch + Audio by Sony
SYNC with MyFord Touch
•Ford initiates new pricing strategy for SYNC®, making the hands-free, voice-activated connectivity system more affordable for customers; dropping option price to $295 makes SYNC the most capable and most affordable system on the market
•Launching first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge, SYNC will now be available as optional equipment on base trim levels, marking broader availability and more choice for customers
•Making hands-free technology more affordable and available comes on the heels of Ford becoming the first automaker to announce its support for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving
Ford is making hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity even more affordable, announcing both a $100 price drop for Ford SYNC® along with expanded availability by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.
DEARBORN, Mich., August 1, 2011 – Ford is making hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity even more affordable, announcing both a $100 price drop for Ford SYNC® along with expanded availability by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.
“Ford SYNC is making a difference. Our customers love it and recommend it, and our dealers want it on more products,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “SYNC already has brought hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity to millions, helping keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Now, Ford is making it even easier for customers to afford exactly what they want.”
The move marks the company’s latest push to make voice control the primary and safest way for customers to access their favorite mobile devices while driving – a capability more and more drivers are clamoring for, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
In a 2010 study, the CEA found that 55 percent of smartphone owners, for example, prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface. SYNC users agree, with internal Ford research showing more than 85 percent say they use voice controls while driving, up from 60 percent in previous studies.
This month, Ford became the first automaker to openly support the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, proposed federal legislation for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. To date, 10 states, including California and New York, have legally banned talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving, with many local municipalities also following suit enacting their own set of restrictions. Text messaging while driving is banned in 34 states.
The new SYNC pricing and choice strategy for 2012 ups the ante on how Ford is translating this trend into real-world actions that offer smarter in-vehicle connectivity solutions for customers.
“As the list of states banning hand-held calls and texting while driving continues to grow and legislators ponder a nationwide ban, Ford is strengthening its leadership position as the only full-line automaker with plans to offer available hands-free mobile device connectivity on 100 percent of its passenger vehicle lineup,” said Czubay.
SYNC has been installed already on more than 3 million vehicles since its debut in 2007.
With the base SYNC package, customers will enjoy the core hands-free features and services that have quickly established SYNC as a must-have technology, with more than 76 percent of current SYNC users saying they would recommend the system to other customers. Those features include:
•Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone
•Hands-free, voice-activated control of a USB-connected digital music player
•911 Assist™, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
•Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service
In addition, customers who choose the base package will have the option to purchase a SYNC Services subscription, which expands voice-controlled features to include a cloud-based network of services. These include turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports, and business search information with available live operator assistance if needed. A SYNC Services subscription costs only $60 a year, besting the telematics services offered by the competition.
Ford dealers are excited about the prospect of being able to offer SYNC to a larger population of their customers.
James T. Seavitt, president of Village Ford in Dearborn, Mich., says he wouldn’t be surprised to see those rates soar even higher with the new SYNC pricing and base model availability. Seavitt admits that approximately 75 percent of the vehicles he currently sells have SYNC.
“Customers frequently ask about SYNC in our dealership as they continue to hear more about the benefits and convenience of hands-free connectivity while driving,” said Seavitt. “This move from Ford will help dealers put more customers in SYNC-equipped vehicles so they can experience why using their voice to control their favorite mobile devices in the car is a smarter choice.”
On Edge and Explorer alone, SYNC has already been a big hit on the showroom floor, with current take rates above 80 percent. With the new pricing strategy, SYNC is now expected to be installed on more than 95 percent of models sold.
During the next three years, Ford will introduce the new SYNC pricing and choice strategy across the entire North American Ford vehicle lineup.
Vehicles next in line after the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge include the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex
8/07/11
Ford 40 MPG: 40 MPG Mashup
Hear several of the Ford NASCAR drivers talk about the great gas mileage you can get with the new 2012 Ford Focus. You could be one of 40 fans to win a 2012 Focus if Ford brings home a championship in NASCAR, NHRA Funny Car and World Rally Championship.
8/06/11
X Games 17 Rally Racing Recap
Saturday was the Rally Racing (aka SuperRally) competition and Marcus Gronholm brought home the silver medal.Ford Racing TV's Vaughn Gittin Jr. was on hand to catch up with Tanner Foust and Marcus Gronholm.
8/05/11
Yellow Cab of San Francisco Comments on Ford Hybrid Taxis
Hal Mellegard, of Yellow Cab in San Francisco talks about their experience with Ford Hybrid taxis.
8/04/11
2011 Ford F-150 Full Line - First Test
Truck Trend Magazine Executive Editor Allyson Harwood takes at look at four flavors of the 2011 Ford F-150 -- XLT, Lariat, STX and Harley Davidson Editon -- and the four different engines that each one has.
Read the full story here: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1110_2011_ford_f_150_full_line_tes...
8/03/11
Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi Teardown (brakes/motors)
Ford engineers teardown a New York City hybrid taxi and analyze the brake and electric motor system.
8/02/11
Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi Teardown (battery)
Ford engineers teardown a New York City hybrid taxi and analyze the battery system.
8/01/11
Forward with Ford: In Their Own Words - Paul Hochman
Paul Hochman of "The Today Show" shares his view of the future at Forward with Ford, a futuring and trends conference held in Dearborn, MI.
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