The face of Ford going forward

An interior designed for driving

You see a bottle, we see fabric and carpet
via Ford Fusion Earns Autoweek’s Highest Honor: Named Best in Show at North American International Auto Show | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

• Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost^™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

via New Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Windshield-mounted digital camera detects lane markers and the car’s position on the road

• Electric power steering provides a vibration alert that simulates rumble strips to the driver through the wheel and assistance to stay between the lines

• Persistent drifting consistent with a drowsy driver triggers chimes and warning lamp alerts to stop and rest

via Ford Lane Keeping System Helps Fusion Drivers Stay Alert and Between the Lines | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Wheels Blog: New Ford Fusion Will Warn Drivers Who Drift (wheels.blogs.nytimes.com)

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via Experience the All-New Ford Fusion Virtually Through Augmented Reality App | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Video: Ford teasing 2013 Fusion with new interactive app (autoblog.com)
• Ford Teases 2013 Fusion With Logo Recognition App [VIDEO] (mashable.com)

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Dearborn, Mich., April 8, 2011 – The carpet underfoot in homes sometimes ends up in strange places, and now Ford’s efforts to use sustainable materials in its vehicles have landed carpet in another unique spot – the cylinder head covers on some Ford engines. Even more impressive are the benefits it has for the environment.

During 2010, the use of EcoLon® material, a nylon resin made from 100 percent recycled carpet, saved more than 4.1 million pounds of carpet from landfills, the equivalent of nearly 154 football fields. It also amounted to recycling more than 985,000 yards of carpet and reducing the consumption of more than 430,000 gallons of oil.

The EcoLon material from Wellman Engineering Resins offers an eco-friendly, high-quality alternative to typical cylinder head covers and is one more example of Ford’s continued dedication to finding renewable material solutions for use in its vehicles. The cylinder head covers are manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation.

“By working with Wellman and Dana, Ford has found a way to bring green applications to a new, unique location in our vehicles,” said Brett Hinds, Ford manager, engine design. “This single use has made an incredible impact, and we’re continuing to look for ways to expand the use.”

The cylinder head covers are used on the 3.0-liter Duratec engine in Ford Fusion and Escape. They can also be found on the 5.0-liter engine, which powers Mustang and F-150.

via From under Your Feet to Covering Your Engine – Ford Finds New Use for 4.1 Million Pounds of Recycled Carpet | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2011 – Consumer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as February retail sales increased 23 percent versus a year ago.

Ford’s total February sales, including sales to fleet customers, were 156,626, up 14 percent.

“With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers’ consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford’s investment in new products, engines and transmissions is delivering real value to our customers, and people are rewarding us for it.”

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

via Fiesta, Focus, Edge, Explorer Pace Ford’s 23 Percent Increase in February Retail Sales | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury May sales totaled 192,253, up 23 percent versus year ago.
• All-new Super Duty powers F-Series pickup to its highest sales month in more than two years; Super Duty sales up 82 percent versus year ago; total F-Series sales up 49 percent
• Record May sales for Ford Fusion and Edge; best month yet for Transit Connect. Mustang’s May retail share increase is powered by 2011 models, which deliver even more horsepower and fuel economy
• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury year-to-date sales totaled 783,845, up 31 percent versus year ago
• Ford gains retail market share for the 19th time in the last 20 months, as more buyers turn to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles
• Ford announces plans to build 570,000 vehicles in the third quarter, up 80,000 vehicles (16 percent) versus third quarter 2009; second quarter plan increased by 15,000 vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford continued to post strong sales and market share gains in May, with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivering 192,253 new vehicles in May – a 23 percent increase versus a year ago. It marks the sixth month in a row Ford sales have increased more than 20 percent. Year-to-date sales totaled 783,845, up 31 percent.

In May, Ford retail sales were up 19 percent versus a year ago, and Ford gained retail market share for the 19th time in the last 20 months. Fleet sales were up 32 percent, primarily reflecting higher sales of Ford’s hard-working trucks to commercial customers.

Ford is benefiting from a fresh lineup of new, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles that deliver industry-leading levels of safety as well as smart design and value.

via FORD’S U.S. MAY SALES UP 23 PERCENT; SIXTH STRAIGHT MONTH FORD SALES INCREASE MORE THAN 20 PERCENT | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Partnering with top-ranked national and international universities, the Ford “Atoms to Engines” team challenged skeptics to develop the world’s first virtual materials modeling prediction tool that allows the team to simulate the microstructures of a material before the first prototype is built.
• The Atoms to Engines team blends engineering and science to develop physics-based computer models that predict how properties and materials will behave and change during the manufacturing process.
• Building these computer models integrates the study of product performance, manufacturing and materials; in some cases it requires analyzing metals down to their atomistic level.
• The result? Components that are more durable and efficiently constructed, which saves the company considerable development time and money. In fact, the process is estimated to save Ford between $2 and $5 million a year in reducing test requirements and product development time.

via FORD SCIENTISTS WORK TO PERFECT QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE PARTS ATOM BY ATOM | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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DETROIT (CNNMoney.com) — After finishing off an enviable year for a domestic automaker, Ford Motor Co. won both the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards presented Monday at the start of Detroit’s North American International Auto Show.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan won Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect van won Truck of the Year.

“Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working, delivering industry-leading products for our customers,” said Mark Fields, president of Ford’s Americas division.

One Ford is CEO Alan Mulally’s plan to have Ford sell largely the same vehicles in all major global markets rather than the previous method of designing and building entirely different cars for different markets.

Ford was the only automaker to gain market share last year, in large part because it was the only one not to be forced into bankruptcy.

But Ford is also gaining based on improved reliability and fuel economy. Consumer Report recently lauded Ford for acheving “world class” dependability in its cars. Here at the Detroit Auto Show, shortly after this announcement was made, Ford unveiled a new version of its Ford Focus compact car.

Any all-new or substantially redesigned passenger vehicle that entered the North American market in calendar year 2009 is eligible for the award. The vehicles are voted on by a jury of 49 prominent automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

via CNN Ford sweeps Detroit Auto Show awards – Jan. 11, 2010.

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Jason Johnson, Product Development Engineer

• Jason Johnson is a key member of the team bringing SYNC® and MyFord together, making Ford’s all new vehicle environment a reality
• One of Johnson’s key responsibilities is refining the interaction between people and their Ford vehicles with usability a top priority
• Johnson, a Texas native, now lives with his wife and young son in Dearborn, Mich., where he enjoys travel, interior design and photography

As Ford rolls out MyFord, its next-generation vehicle environment, engineers who have been working on the project for years are beginning to see the fruits of their efforts. Jason Johnson, user interface design engineer, SYNC Product Development, is a key member of that team, working to ensure the next generation of SYNC, the “brains” behind MyFord, lives up to its promise

via JASON JOHNSON: MAKING THE MAGIC OF FORD SYNC A REALITY FOR CONSUMERS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Gary Braddock, interior chief designer

• Gary Braddock, Ford interior chief designer, leads the design studio team in creating interiors that capture the emotions of Ford customers and helps ensure the designs become a reality in vehicles people want to buy
• Braddock has been essential in the look and feel of Ford’s new MyFord Touch driver connect technology and its practical integration
• Although Braddock recognizes cars as central to his life, he’d really rather his garage be a pub with a pool table than a place to store cars

via GARY BRADDOCK: ENSURING EXCEPTIONAL INTERIORS ARE HALLMARKS OF EVERY FORD VEHICLE | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales up 33 percent versus a year ago; highest sales month since May 2008
• Ford posts first full-year market share gain since 1995; December marks the 14th time in 15 months that Ford increased retail market share
• Record December sales delivered for Fusion up 83 percent and Escape up 75 percent ; Fusion sets new full-year sales record 180,671; Escape full-year sales 173,044 second best ever
• Ford’s F-Series tops best-seller lists again with December sales of 48,209 up 16 percent and full-year sales of 413,625;  F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 33 years in a row and the best-selling vehicle, car or truck, for 28 years in a row
• New products drive Ford’s brand favorability and purchase consideration to record highs

via FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be available next year
• HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio that’s comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today’s FM broadcasts
• HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3 channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service Data such as artist name and song title

via FORD FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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• The projected resale value of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles after 36 months in service increased by an average of $1,310 per vehicle compared to the 2009 model year – the industry’s largest increase among full-line manufacturers
• The improvement allowed Ford to narrow the residual value gap with leading Asian automakers and maintain its advantage over U.S.-based automakers
• The 2010 Ford Fusion is expected to bring customers $687 more than the 2010 Toyota Camry after 36 months in service; the residual value of the 2010 Ford Flex commands an $1,800 premium over the Toyota Highlander
• Improved quality, new features and popular redesigned products are helping to boost Ford’s residual values. Ford improved more than any other automaker in ALG’s Perceived Quality Survey released in the fall of 2009
• Compete Inc., a Massachusetts research firm that studies online car shopping, says Ford has surpassed Toyota in customer consideration for the first time since it began tracking such data in 2002. Compete data show Ford surpassed Toyota in customer consideration in September, October and November

via FORD VEHICLE RESIDUAL VALUES RISE $1,300 ON AVERAGE FROM 2009 TO 2010 MODEL YEAR; INDUSTRY’S LARGEST GAIN | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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• Ford Motor Company has already set a record for annual hybrid sales of 31,000 hybrids through November, eclipsing the previous high in 2007. Ford hybrid sales are up 67 percent this year while overall industry hybrid sales were down 11 percent through November
• Ford’s hybrid sales were strengthened by the debut of the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans on the road at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway
• Fusion Hybrid has received numerous third-party endorsements including Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award and Car and Driver “10 Best” cars for 2010

via FUSION HELPS FORD SET NEW RECORD FOR HYBRID SALES, BUCKING INDUSTRYWIDE DIP IN HEV DEMAND | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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FORD FLEX AND FORD FUSION HYBRID NAMED 2010 ALL-STARS BY AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE.

• The 2010 Ford Flex and the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have been named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine, one of Americas leading automotive lifestyle publications
• This is the second consecutive All-Star win for the Ford Flex, which was described by AUTOMOBILE Magazine as “one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market”
• According to AUTOMOBILE Magazine, the Ford Fusion Hybrid stands out as an All-Star because it doesnt drive like a hybrid
• 2009 has been a banner year for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid; the vehicle received this years prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award, was honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazines “10Best” cars for 2010 and is a finalist for North American Car of the Year

via FORD FLEX AND FORD FUSION HYBRID NAMED 2010 ALL-STARS BY AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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  Ich befülle das Blog sporadisch, in erster Linie liegt es an der Zeit – Lust verspüre ich oft. Bloggen ist mir wichtig, die anderen Kanäle sind eher Impulsgeber und die Möglichkeit schnell etwas zu te …
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via 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid first look | The Car Tech blog – CNET Reviews

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Motor Trend magazine named the Ford Fusion mid-sized sedan as its 2010 Car of the Year on Tuesday. The award includes both the gas-only and hybrid versions of the Fusion.

This year’s Car of the Year was selected from among a field of 22 different cars all of which were newly introduced or, like the Fusion, substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year.

The Fusion was first introduced in 2006 but has been substantially upgraded and redesigned for the 2010 model year.

“It’s a credit to the [Ford] team to deliver a car in the hottest selling segment in the market and to make it absolutely competitive with the benchmarks,” said Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus McKenzie at an award presentation ceremony.

The benchmark cars in the mid-sized segment are generally considered to be the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which have been the two top-selling cars in America for years.

McKenzie praised the Fusion for the excellence of all versions of the car including the 4-cylinder, V6 and hybrid models.

“Another thing that impressed us was the attention to detail,” McKenzie said.

While the 2010 Fusion shares much of its engineering with the previous version, the car looked and felt like a completely new car, McKenzie said.

Motor Trend, one of the most influential automotive enthusiast magazines in the United States, also gives out SUV of the Year and Truck of the Year awards. The SUV of the Year was announced earlier with the award going to the 2010 Subaru Outback. The Truck of the Year will be announced in December.

Vehicles were judged on six different criteria: design, engineering, efficiency, safety, value and how well the vehicle fulfills its intended function.

The cars were put through track tests by Motor Trends editors. Then cars that were not eliminated in the track testing process were put through additional road tests.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford Motor Co. group vice president for product development credited the Fusion with “getting Ford back into the car market” in 2006 after the carmaker had become competitive only in large trucks and SUVs.

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Clare Dear, Canwest News Service

Published: Friday, November 13, 2009

Ford’s Fusion, already a solid entry in the mid-sized sedan segment, gets added appeal for 2010 with the introduction of a hybrid model. It should be noted that this is no token nod to pacify the greenies – the Fusion Hybrid is the real deal and more than capable of taking on the hybrid technology leader, Toyota.

For some buyers, it’s important to make a statement with their choice to go the hybrid route, hence the unique look of the Toyota Prius and the next-generation Honda Insight. Their owners have made a deliberate decision to go green, are proud of it and want the world to know.

Then there are those who prefer to be less obvious, opting for a more conventional-looking sedan with a hybrid powertrain, such as the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and the Fusion.

Their choices are likely less about statements and more about savings. And this is where Ford’s latest hybrid really shines. Its next-generation powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with a 70-kilowatt electric traction motor and an electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission), delivers class-leading fuel efficiency. It’s rated at 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city use and 5.4 L/100 km on the highway, outpacing the Camry, which delivers 5.7 L/100 km in both urban and highway driving. In a week of real-world driving (non-conservation mode), my tester delivered an impressive combined average of 6.8 L/100 km.

For comparison, the fuel efficiency of a conventionally powered Fusion with the 2.5L four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic is rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 5.8 on the highway. The Camry, with a 2.5L four and six-speed automatic, delivers 9.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km on the highway.

The best part about this new Fusion Hybrid is that it looks and feels just like its gasoline-powered siblings. Except for some subtle badging, most wouldn’t notice it’s different.

The Fusion isn’t Ford’s first try at building a hybrid – the gas/electric iteration of its popular Escape compact SUV has been doing a decent job carrying the green banner in that segment since 2005. Ford engineers have worked hard to refine the gas/electric systems in the Escape, but the new Fusion system pushes the performance and efficiency standards to a new level. Ford says this new technology will enable the 2010 Fusion to travel more than 1,200 km in city driving on a single tank of fuel (64.3 litres).

Its engineers also say the car can run up to 75 km/h in pure electric mode, although I found during a week with the Fusion that the gas engine tended to kick in sooner – more in the 45- to 50-km range. Still, that’s a higher speed than in the Camry or Altima.

Ford has utilized several engineering advances to gain its efficiency advantage while still retaining decent performance. For example, the 156-horsepower gas engine features an intake variable cam timing system that alters the spark and cam timing to make the transition between gas and electric modes more seamless – and it works. Except for the visual cues on the instrument panel, it’s difficult to feel when the switch is made.

The battery technology has also been upgraded, with the nickel-metal hydride Fusion unit smaller and lighter yet 20% more powerful than the Escape version. Unlike the Escape, it has also been designed to run without an auxiliary cooling system, simply using the cabin’s climate-controlled air to maintain the proper operating temperature.

The most obvious difference with the Fusion Hybrid is the instrument panel, specifically its SmartGauge with EcoGuide display. There are two LCD screens, one on either side of the round, centrally positioned speedometer.

Depending on how far you want to take your green driving techniques, the screens can be set up to one of four levels of information, from displaying the basics (fuel level and battery charge status) to advanced details such as engine and battery output power and accessory power consumption.

For me, the best part of the system was the Efficiency Leaves feature. Ford engineers say they wanted to encourage efficient driving techniques by using a “fun approach” – and the “leaves” work well. The more fuel efficient your driving style, the more green leaves you can “grow” on your display screen, to a maximum of 23. A buddy managed to sprout 18 green thingies on the winding vine during a highway run. (I think he spiked the gas tank with Miracle Gro.) My right foot was heavier, producing just 13 leaves. At least it wasn’t a burning bush.

The rest of the Fusion Hybrid mirrors the other iterations in the lineup.

The cabin is roomy, with comfortable seating that easily accommodates four adults – or five in a pinch. Like its siblings, the interior’s fit and finish is at least equal to those of its Japanese rivals, with premium-grade materials and an efficient, eye-pleasing layout.

The hybrid’s ride and handling is typical Fusion, too, with comfort and good road manners priorities.

The downside is the premium one pays to go green – 2010 Fusions start at $21,499, but the HEV has a $31,999 price tag. Still, if you you’re leaning toward a hybrid sedan, this Fusion should be on your shopping list.

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