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Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup with New Products, Features to Meet Greener, Leaner Customer Needs | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:34:51 +0000

Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the U.S., according to Polk U.S. registration data
By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels, including Ford commercial trucks, which will be available with flex fuel (E85), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hybrid and battery electric powertrains direct from Ford or from certified partners
All-new Ford Transit full-size van to be built in the U.S. by 2013 will live up to Econoline’s Built Ford Tough reputation plus achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy, lowering CO₂ emissions and customer operating costs
2012 Ford F-650 with new 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 7, 2011 – Ford Motor Company, the best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., will grow its product lineup in 2012 with a new medium-duty truck, two all-new Police Interceptors and a next-generation limousine to meet the rapidly changing needs of its commercial customers.

Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup is the most diverse and capable yet for 2012.

“Though they often go unnoticed, commercial vehicles play an important role keeping the nation’s economy moving and protecting people’s lives,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations.

Ford sales prove the company is on the right track. Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the United States according to Polk U.S. registration data. And as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009, Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments.

In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share has soared from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competition has tried to enter the market.

In heavy-duty (commercial use only) pickups, Ford F-Series Super Duty – the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 34 straight years – has seen its market share rise from 45.3 percent in 2008 to 47.1 percent in 2011.

As the nation’s commercial vehicles head back to work in greater numbers, Ford is committed to implementing and working with leaders in sustainable technologies and alternative fuels without compromising the capable performance its customers (and their customers) depend on.

via Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup with New Products, Features to Meet Greener, Leaner Customer Needs | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Ford Customers give F-150 with Fuel-saving Technologies High Marks for Quality | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:27:42 +0000

F-150’s fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and electric power assist steering earn high ratings from customers in Ford quality survey.
F-150 also was the highest-ranked full-size pickup this year in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS), and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
Ford’s EcoBoost technology is helping lead a consumer shift to smaller engines. Ford sold over 13,000 F-150 pickups equipped with EcoBoost engines in both September and October.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 28, 2011 – Customers are as happy with the new F-150’s V-6 EcoBoost engine as with their favorite V-8, as Ford proves consumers will move in large numbers to smaller engines.

The F-150’s EcoBoost engine and another fuel-saving technology – electric power assist steering – earned high ratings from customers in Ford’s 2011 U.S. Global Quality Research System, or GQRS, helping to power the F-150 to some of the industry’s strongest independent quality rankings in 2011.

The V-6 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 is achieving customer quality ratings on par with F-150s equipped with the popular 5.0-liter V-8 engine, according to data from GQRS, a quarterly survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The data was gathered from surveys of more than 1,600 F-150 owners who purchased their trucks between September 2010 and May 2011.

“Ford F-150 customers are very discerning so we are pleased they rate our new EcoBoost technology as highly as V-8 engines that some thought truck customers would never give up,” said Doug Scott, group marketing manager, F-Series trucks. “We believe this is a good sign as we plan to roll out this innovative, powerful and fuel-saving technology to most of our lineup during the next few years.”

Electric power-assisted steering, or EPAS – another Ford truck first – is also giving the F-150 a quality edge, with steering that adapts to changing road conditions and vehicle speed, allowing for more confident handling and improved fuel economy.

Internal customer data show these technologies have reduced warranty claims with 25 percent fewer complaints for vehicle vibration and 33 percent less reported issues with drifting and pulling. This means customers are happier with the new system than the reliable outgoing hydraulic-assisted steering system.

via Ford Customers give F-150 with Fuel-saving Technologies High Marks for Quality | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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2013 Ford Escape/MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade

Thomas McMahon — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:08:48 +0000

Related posts: Faster, Simpler, Better: MyFord Touch Upgrade Provides New and Existing Customers Enhancements and New Features | Ford Motor Company Newsroom Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFord... Ford’s Rear Inflatable Seat Belts, MyFord Touch and MyKey Take Home the Gold as 2011 Edison Award Winners | Ford Motor Company Newsroom [...] Related posts:

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Hands-Free and Easy: Power Liftgate on All-New Ford Escape Opens and Closes with a Gentle Kick | McMahon Ford | St. Louis Ford Dealership

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:36:52 +0000

All-new Ford Escape debuting this month at Los Angeles Auto Show

Segment-first hands-free liftgate offered for first time; gentle kicking motion opens and closes liftgate without the need to fumble for a key

Motion-sensing technology is gesture-based and similar to technology used in interactive video games

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2011 – Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates the system and raises the liftgate. The same kicking motion closes the liftgate as well.

“The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down.”

The hands-free liftgate builds on Ford’s Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take the key out of their pocket or purse.

The hands-free liftgate uses two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

via Hands-Free and Easy: Power Liftgate on All-New Ford Escape Opens and Closes with a Gentle Kick | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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3292 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

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Thomas McMahon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:29:35 +0000

Comes in Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta

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Ford Explorer New Lane Keeping Technology Can Help Detect Drowsy Drivers, Suggest Coffee Breaks | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:11:00 +0000

Ford is introducing new lane keeping technologies, including a system that can help detect drowsy drivers, to help them stay alert and in their lane; system to launch in early 2012 on the Ford Explorer
The technology’s Driver Alert System monitors the vehicle’s lane position and can notify a driver of signs of inattentiveness with a coffee cup warning light that appears on the dashboard instrument cluster
More than 40 percent of Americans say they have fallen asleep or nodded off while driving, according to a survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
The Lane Keeping Alert function warns the driver by vibrating the steering wheel and sounding a warning chime, while the Lane Keeping Aid function warns the driver by applying torque at the steering wheel to direct the vehicle back into the lane

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 27, 2011 – The new Ford Explorer will come with a cup of coffee for customers who opt for an innovative new Lane Keeping System that can warn drivers if it detects they are getting too tired to drive.

Ford will introduce in early 2012 an innovative Lane Keeping System with three unique features designed to help drivers stay in control behind the wheel, including a Driver Alert System that can notify drivers if it detects signs of drowsiness. In this case, a coffee cup light will appear on the dashboard instrument cluster to suggest the driver take a break.

“The Explorer is loaded with new innovations, including this new lane keeping technology that helps drivers stay in control of their vehicle if they drift out of their lane or show signs of drowsiness,” says Raj Nair, vice president, Engineering, Ford Global Product Development.

Click here for animation of Ford’s new Lane Keeping System.

The system uses a small forward-facing camera mounted on the windshield behind the rearview mirror, and is able to identify lane markings on both sides of the vehicle.

When the vehicle is on the move, the camera looks at the road ahead and predicts where the vehicle should be positioned relative to the lane markings.

“Our engineering teams tested this technology for thousands of miles in many parts of the country to help ensure it performs on a wide range of roads with different lane markings,” said Michael Kane, vehicle engineering supervisor for Driver Assistance Technologies for Ford, who helped develop the technologies.

via Ford Explorer New Lane Keeping Technology Can Help Detect Drowsy Drivers, Suggest Coffee Breaks | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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3292 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

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Ford Explorer now with Lane Keeping, Coffee Breaks Alert (inautonews.com)
Ford Explorer New Lane Keeping Technology Can Help Detect Drowsy Drivers, Suggest Coffee Breaks (cerritosford.wordpress.com)
Ford Lane Keeping System watches out for sleepy drivers (electronista.com)
2012 Ford Explorer Leads Class in Efficiency (autoandracingnews.wordpress.com)

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Ford’s World-First Rear Inflatable Seat Belts Earn Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:25:42 +0000

Ford’s industry-first rear inflatable seat belts combine the attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide additional crash protection, giving parents particular peace of mind since children are common rear-seat passengers
Lead developer Srini Sundararajan will accept the prestigious Breakthrough Product Award from Popular Mechanics tonight in New York, on behalf of Ford Motor Company
Rear inflatable seat belts were introduced on the 2011 Ford Explorer and will be introduced on other global vehicles in the future

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 10, 2011 – What do Ford’s latest safety innovation and director/filmmaker James Cameron have in common? Both are about to receive a prestigious technology award from Popular Mechanics.

Ford’s innovative, industry-first rear inflatable seat belts have been named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine’s seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

Lead developer Srini Sundararajan will accept the prestigious honor at a ceremony tonight in New York City. The development of the technology was a team effort, Sundararajan says, and he’s proud that effort is being recognized.

“Ford’s goal is to develop innovative safety technologies that give our customers more peace of mind, so it is a great honor to receive the Breakthrough Technology Award,” says Sundararajan, safety technical leader for Ford Research and Innovation. “I thank Popular Mechanics for recognizing the contributions of a number of dedicated engineers from Ford.”

via Ford’s World-First Rear Inflatable Seat Belts Earn Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

Inflatable seat belts in new Fords (autonetinsurance.co.uk)

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Customer Interest in Ford’s Pioneering Radar-Based Warning Technologies Soars | McMahon Ford | St. Louis Ford Dealership

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:58:37 +0000

Customer interest in radar-based technology systems designed to help drivers avoid crashes, including Blind Spot Information System(BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support, has soared since 2009 at rates double or triple initial expectations

Ford has sold nearly 320,000 radar warning systems, including 30,000 systems on the new 2011 Ford Explorer, after pioneering the technology in mainstream vehicles

2011 Ford Explorer and Edge were the company’s first mainstream vehicles to have their forward collision systems recognized as a “Recommended Technology” from NHTSA; 2011 Lincoln MKX also earned this rating

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2011 – Ford customers, more than ever, are buying vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems. Ford’s radar-based technologies that help alert drivers of potentially dangerous situations are being purchased at rates sometimes approaching double or triple what was anticipated.

“Today’s customers are extremely informed about technology and advanced features available in vehicles,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “They have an incredible amount of access to information, and we’re responding to their interest by offering vehicles with the technologies they want.”

Overall, approximately 320,000 radar systems – such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support – have been purchased by Ford customers across the 2010 and 2011 vehicle lineup. For example, nearly 30,000 BLIS packages were sold on 2011 Ford Explorers. The customer take rate was almost three times higher than anticipated.

via Customer Interest in Ford’s Pioneering Radar-Based Warning Technologies Soars | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks, SUVs; Future Telematics Standards | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:07:31 +0000

Ford and Toyota are collaborating as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of a new advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs
New co-developed hybrid system ready for use later this decade on Ford and Toyota rear-wheel-drive light trucks and SUVs, delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the capability they want and need
Ford and Toyota also will collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics and Internet-based services

Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 22, 2011 – Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”

via Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks, SUVs; Future Telematics Standards | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Ford Drops Price of SYNC by $100, Making Hands-Free, Voice-Activated In-Car Connectivity More Affordable, Available to All | McMahon Ford | St. Louis Ford Dealership

Thomas McMahon — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:55:33 +0000

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

SYNC with MyFord

SYNC with MyFord Touch + Audio by Sony

SYNC with MyFord Touch

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.

via Ford Drops Price of SYNC by $100, Making Hands-Free, Voice-Activated In-Car Connectivity More Affordable, Available to All | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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3292 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Internet Sales Manager

Ford Drops Price of SYNC by $100, Making Hands-Free, Voice-Activated In-Car Connectivity More Affordable, Available to All (prnewswire.com)
Ford cuts price of Sync in-car connectivity system (content.usatoday.com)
Official: Ford slashes Sync price by $100, coming to all models in three years (autoblog.com)
Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295 (engadget.com)

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Ford and Nuance Collaborate to Advance In-Car Voice Interactions through Understanding and Intent | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:59:13 +0000

Ford teams with Nuance Communications, a leader in voice and language technology, to research new voice recognition capabilities that will help drivers converse more easily with Ford SYNC® by accurately interpreting command intent – what drivers are looking to do
New voice capabilities are designed to understand intent and meaning of spoken words or phrases that drivers might say, which will help the speech system accurately respond to natural, conversational commands and coach users with the correct way to complete the tasks they want
Consumer acceptance and usage of voice control in the car continues to increase, with more than 85 percent of SYNC owners now using voice control while driving, up from 70 percent in previous internal research
The current SYNC voice system understands more than 10,000 first-level commands, up from 100 with the first-generation SYNC system, providing drivers with more command options for a natural, intuitive experience

DEARBORN, Mich., June 22, 2011 – Ford is working with its voice technology partner and industry leader Nuance Communications to find a way to make voice recognition even easier and more intuitive for drivers to successfully use, especially first-timers.

Ford and Nuance are testing a number of new algorithms, based on intent and meaning, for the voice recognition system in Ford SYNC® that is powered by Nuance voice solutions. These new techniques can flag common words and phrases that drivers might typically use in conversation, yet are not the specific commands or syntax required by today’s SYNC system. By interpreting or understanding the user’s request, SYNC will be able to execute the command or respond by coaching the user down the correct command pathway.

“With each generation of SYNC, we have learned more about how drivers use the voice recognition system, and have continuously refined it so customers can do more and say more to get their tasks done more quickly and efficiently,” said Brigitte Richardson, Ford Global Voice Control Technology and Speech Systems lead engineer. “With intent, we are examining how to take our voice recognition to the next level of command and control, helping further reduce the learning curve and improving ease of use – and ultimately building higher customer satisfaction. In the end, we want the user’s wish to be the system’s command.”

New SYNC owner market research, conducted by Ford, shows that acceptance among owners of voice recognition continues to grow, with more than 85 percent of owners now using voice control while driving. That’s up from 70 percent in the initial study conducted in the fall of 2010.

Global consumer acceptance of voice recognition technology also is on the rise, with market growth of voice technology expected to hit more than $20 billion by 2015, according to a recent study from Global Industry Analysts.

via Ford and Nuance Collaborate to Advance In-Car Voice Interactions through Understanding and Intent | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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314-664-4100

Internet Sales Manager

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New Ford Focus Electric Keeps Its Cool When the Temperature Heats Up | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:26:31 +0000

Ford’s use of an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system in its Focus Electric lithium-ion battery packs will provide customers in hot climates an advantage over competitive models

When charging or being used, the battery is cooled by an integrated cooling system using a “chiller” to lower the temperature of the coolant going through the battery when needed

Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric – the company’s first all-electric passenger car – is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular global Focus model

Dearborn, Mich., June 13, 2011 – When the mercury starts to rise, people have all sorts of ways for cooling themselves down: sprinklers, lemonade and ice cream all come to mind. But the engineers at Ford have developed a system that cools the lithium-ion battery in the all-new Focus Electric and keeps it working at its prime, even in the hottest of conditions.

Extreme temperatures can affect an electric vehicle’s battery performance and reduce its range. That’s why Ford will use an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

“If the battery became too hot, we would have to limit the use of energy to protect it. The liquid cooled system allows us to reduce those constraints and get the most out of the battery,” said Dave Fabricatore, Thermal Program Management team engineer. “We’re helping owners by making sure their battery is always ready to go regardless of the weather.”

See how it works via New Ford Focus Electric Keeps Its Cool When the Temperature Heats Up | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Location, Location, Location: Ford Identifies Optimal Location for Electric Vehicle Charge Ports | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:04:09 +0000

Ford engineers researched several locations for the Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi charge ports to ensure the port was in the best possible place for customer use
The team used market research studies to identify consumer expectations about how owners would charge the vehicle
The front and rear of the vehicle were determined as unsuitable locations for the charge port because they are areas with high risk of damage in small crashes
Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013

Dearborn, Mich., May 27, 2011 – When owners of the Ford Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid charge up their cars, they’ll find a natural, instinctive fit. That’s not by chance – it’s by design, and it’s because Ford engineers did their homework in ensuring customers had the perfect place to “fuel” up.

“After benchmarking multiple competitive vehicles, we found there wasn’t much consistency in charge port location,” said Susan Curry, Ford Electrified Vehicle Technology Integration supervisor. “We wanted to give customers a location that made the most sense for them and would seem as simple as filling up at the gas station.”

Finding the best charge port location may seem inconsequential. However, an electric vehicle owner is likely to plug in or disconnect his or her car four times a day, or nearly 1,500 times a year. This is compared to the once a week or 52 times a year frequency of filling up a gas tank. The higher frequency of interaction the charge port entails played a role in Ford wanting to make sure the location was just right.

The team used market research to find out how customers expected to charge up. The research showed most customers would charge their vehicle at home, which was helpful in determining the best place for the port. Feedback also indicated the location should be kept out of areas with high risk of damage in the event of small crashes. This was a driving factor in the choice of the side of the vehicle rather than the front or rear.

To meet customer usage patterns, engineers considered the driver side, the passenger side and the front and rear of the vehicle. Placement in the front could have created problems with customers having to bend down to plug in or out, snow packing, dead insects or debris, and potential damage from car accidents. The rear of the vehicle would have invited the same issue, with damage from fender benders, as well as less accessibility when trying to connect to a charging station.

“The left front fender location keeps the charge port in sight, before the customer enters or exits the car, for an easy reminder to unplug or recharge,” said Mary Smith, Ford Electrified Vehicle Technology Integration supervisor. “It creates an intuitive placement for owners that also has aesthetic appeal.”

via Location, Location, Location: Ford Identifies Optimal Location for Electric Vehicle Charge Ports | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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314-664-4100

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Demand Rising for New Ford Focus As It Earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS and Highest Safety Rating from Euro NCAP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:35:47 +0000

The 2012 Ford Focus joins a list of 11 other Ford vehicles that have previously earned the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Sales of the new Focus were up 22 percent in April compared with the same month a year ago
Awards highlight impressive safety features of the 2012 Ford Focus including a strong body structure engineered to meet global safety standards

DEARBORN, Mich., May 26, 2011 – Ford Motor Company could see the popularity of the 2012 Focus increase even more as it joins the growing list of Ford vehicles to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Now, there are 12 Ford vehicles that have earned the award.

Today’s IIHS announcement comes one day after Euro NCAP announced the new Ford Focus has earned a maximum five-star overall safety rating in its tests.

Both IIHS and Brussels-based Euro NCAP independently test the safety levels of vehicles and present major safety awards and rankings based on their findings.

Demand for the new Focus is high already as sales increased 22 percent to 17,265 in April compared with the same month a year ago.

The 2012 Ford Focus features a strong, stiff and lightweight steel body structure that has been engineered to meet global safety standards.

The structure makes use of advanced high-strength steels and innovative fabrication techniques to minimize body weight while delivering enhanced crash performance, improved vehicle dynamics and superior refinement. The body was rigorously designed using state-of-the-art computer simulation tools.

Fifty-five percent of the body shell is made of high-strength steels, of which 31 percent is ultra-tough boron steel, more than any other Ford built to date.

via Demand Rising for New Ford Focus As It Earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS and Highest Safety Rating from Euro NCAP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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McMahon Ford
3292 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

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2011 Ford F-150 Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick | McMahon Ford | St. Louis Ford Dealership 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew has been named an IIHS Top...
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Ford Designers Find Inspiration for Less Is More Interiors | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:13:13 +0000

Ford designers advocate simplicity as the essence of great design
Today’s best designers conceive solutions that offer consumers the products and technology they want and love, but with seductive simplicity
Ford-exclusive SYNC® offers an example of a “less is more” solution, providing efficient, state-of-the-art technology in an intuitive, engaging package

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2011 – Ford Motor Company designers believe less can be more. Using the Ford SYNC® in-car communications system as an interior design differentiator, the company is moving to reduce manual controls by increasingly replacing them with voice commands.

Part of the solution for today’s automotive designs can be found in insights taken from other industries, says Scott Strong, Ford global director of Interior Design and a participant today at Ward’s Auto Interiors Conference in Dearborn, Mich. Strong advocates providing more with less.

“Modern architects and designers employed this minimalism aesthetic of arranging the numerous components of a building or piece of furniture to create an impression of extreme simplicity,” says Strong. “We’re seeing a renewal of that philosophy but with a 21st-century twist – inspired not by the machine age, but by technological revolution and a virtual world of artificial intelligence led by companies such as Ford.”

Now, Strong says, that philosophy has come to vehicle interiors.

The world at our fingertips
The enhanced in-vehicle connectivity options available today means automotive designers must tread carefully.

Today’s designers have the world at their fingertips, and consumers who want it all – and less, Strong says. People want more comfort, more safety, more connectivity and more functionality. But they also want less cost, less complexity, less anonymity.

via Ford Designers Find Inspiration for Less Is More Interiors | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Internet Sales Manager

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New Ford Taurus Even Smarter – Elevating Customer Convenience, Comfort, Connectivity Technologies | McMahon Ford | St. Louis Ford Dealership

Thomas McMahon — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:36:17 +0000

Taurus builds on strong technology foundation for the new model, becoming Ford’s most technically advanced sedan yet

Taurus offers a class-leading array of unique and unsurpassed technologies such as active park assist, making life simpler and more convenient for customers

Taurus adds voice-controlled MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology powered by SYNC®, Sony® Audio System, HD Radio™ and navigation for ultimate in-car experience

NEW YORK, April 19, 2011 – Ford’s new flagship sedan is set to debut with an array of safety, infotainment and fuel-saving technologies even more expensive sedans can’t match.

“Taurus already brings an arsenal of class-exclusive technologies that no other competitor can match,” said Chief Program Engineer Bill Gubing. “Our team understands how important it is to continue expanding our technology offerings to keep the next Taurus and its customers at the top of their respective games.”

Just as the new Taurus leverages technology to deliver best-in-class fuel economy and performance, elevate driving dynamics and maintain its safety legacy, Ford’s flagship sedan also raises the technology bar. Adding unique new features like MyFord Touch™ powered by SYNC®, active park assist and HD Radio™ to exclusive offerings like heated and cooled first-row multicontour seats with Active Motion™ and EcoBoost™ engine availabilities keeps Taurus a rolling showcase of technology leadership.

“For full-size sedan buyers in general and customers choosing the completely reinvented Taurus in particular, technology is a key purchase motivator,” said Taurus Marketing Manager Pei-Wen Hsu. “Expanded technologies are central to continuous Taurus improvement.”

via New Ford Taurus Even Smarter – Elevating Customer Convenience, Comfort, Connectivity Technologies | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

Your St. Louis Ford Dealership
McMahon Ford
3292 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Internet Sales Manager

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Charged up: Ford Pushes for Electric Vehicle-Readiness across the U.S. | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:13:59 +0000

Ford is working with cities and utility partners to identify key infrastructure building blocks that will enable metropolitan areas to be EV ready.
Cities across the United States are and can take a variety of steps now to enhance the readiness of their communities for electric vehicle use and customer installation
Ford considers infrastructure development an essential part of making EVs a viable option for consumers as more automotive companies release plug-in vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., April 13, 2011 – While Ford is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012, cities around the country also are preparing for the arrival of new electric vehicles. Some of the key actions Ford has identified in working with cities and utility partners include:

Utility rate structure that encourages “off-peak” or nighttime EV charging to minimize demand on the existing electric grid
Streamlined permitting and inspection process to support customer and commercial EV infrastructure installation
Integrated advisory committees that include participation from electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, EV customers and local coalitions
Urban planning approach to optimize public/commercial EV charge locations
Infrastructure incentives to offset a portion of customer costs for hardware/installation

via Charged up: Ford Pushes for Electric Vehicle-Readiness across the U.S. | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Electrification Buzz Heats up as Ford Chief Engineer Talks Top Five Technologies at SAE World Congress | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:28:04 +0000

Ford Chief Engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Chuck Gray singles out five top technologies to enable electrification
Auto Start-Stop, Human Machine Interface (HMI), regenerative braking system, new batteries and motors all seen as critical for electrification advancement
Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The all-new Focus Electric – the company’s first-ever all-electric passenger car – is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular global Focus model

DEARBORN, Mich., April 12, 2011 – With a full suite of new electrified vehicles coming to market over the next two years, Ford is pushing ahead with key technologies to advance its electrification strategy. At this week’s SAE 2011 World Congress, Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, will share his insights on the emerging top five electrification technologies, ranging from batteries and motors to Human Machine Interface (HMI) features.

“As we see continuing escalation in the price of fuel, people are becoming more interested in electrified products,” Gray explained. “We’ve developed a clearer picture of how these technologies can be leveraged and brought to market, and we’re confident that each will further improve the efficiency of our expanded portfolio of products.”

Ford has more than 244 patents for its electrification technology. The company’s top five electrification technologies being discussed by Gray are:

via Electrification Buzz Heats up as Ford Chief Engineer Talks Top Five Technologies at SAE World Congress | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Ford’s Energy Efficiency Efforts Earn Sixth ENERGY STAR Award | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:00:46 +0000

Ford Motor Company earned its sixth straight ENERGY STAR® Award for Sustained Excellence from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ford improved energy efficiency of its U.S. manufacturing facilities by 2 percent last year bringing Ford’s 5-year improvement to more than 15 percent
Actions that contributed to Ford’s energy savings include paint process improvements, retooling of manufacturing facilities with energy efficient equipment, and large scale lighting replacements

DEARBORN, Mich., March 17, 2011 – Ford Motor Company’s actions to reduce the amount of energy used to manufacture vehicles and support its U.S. operations have earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s coveted 2011 ENERGY STAR Award for the sixth consecutive year.

The 2011 ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence recognizes Ford’s continued leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

In 2010, Ford improved energy efficiency in its U.S. manufacturing facilities by 2 percent bringing Ford’s 5-year improvement to more than 15 percent. The cumulative improvement represents 1,875 million kilowatt hours (kWh) which is equivalent to the amount of energy required to power 60,000 average U.S. homes for a year. Ford establishes new baseline measures of energy efficiency – natural gas and electricity – every five years and normalizes for changes in production volume and weather.

“We are extremely proud of the steps we’ve taken to improve responsible use of natural resources,” said Donna Inch, Chairman and CEO, Ford Land. “Energy efficiency is critical to running a strong and successful business, delivering both financial and environmental benefits.”

Ford’s energy efficiency improvements include:

Improved paint processes including implementation of the 3-Wet Paint Process and recirculation of air in paint spray booths. These process improvements eliminate bake ovens between paint booths, reduce paint booth footprint and reduce the amount of ventilation air that must be heated and humidified to paint a car. The energy savings per plant is approximately 35 million kWh annually
Retooled powertrain manufacturing facilities with energy efficient equipment and process changes including flexible machining, minimum quantity lubrication and elimination of heated parts washers
Improved metering at manufacturing facilities allows Ford to measure daily and weekly production and non-production energy use
Installation of energy efficient lighting systems at various Ford locations including a 50,000 light fixture upgrade in southeast Michigan that will reduce energy use by 18.2 million kWh and is expected to save Ford $1.3 million annually
Development and launch of a commonized sustainability measurement scale for all manufacturing plants worldwide. The scale evaluates performance in all areas of sustainability – energy, air quality, water, waste and others – and will be used to plan and measure future improvements
Installed a solar power generation system at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant delivering 500 kW of renewable energy which is integrated with 750-kW battery storage facility. This facility will help power the plant and production of Ford’s new Focus, Focus Electric, next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles

via Ford’s Energy Efficiency Efforts Earn Sixth ENERGY STAR Award | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide Receives Two Patents for Helping Drivers Maximize Their Fuel Economy | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Thomas McMahon — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:19:56 +0000

Ford has secured two patents for specific parts of SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that coaches drivers to maximize fuel efficiency
One patent is for EcoGuide, the display of leaves and vines that “reacts” to short-term driving habits and coaches drivers on how to achieve their best fuel economy
The other patent covers the power threshold gauge, which helps drivers adjust driving habits to be more fuel efficient

DEARBORN, Mich., March 15, 2011 – Ford Motor Company has received two patents related to SmartGauge with EcoGuide, an innovative instrument cluster for hybrid owners. The technology provides real-time information to help change driving behaviors and help maximize fuel efficiency.

The first patent was awarded earlier this year and covers EcoGuide, the display of leaves and vines that “reacts” to short-term driving habits and coaches drivers in a way that helps them achieve the best fuel economy. The second patent – awarded March 1 – covers the power threshold gauge that measures and displays power demand at any given moment.

“Increasing gas prices have people paying more attention to the fuel economy a vehicle offers, but rarely do they look at their own driving habits to help boost miles per gallon,” said David Watson, research engineer and part inventor of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. “These patents are a symbol of Ford’s commitment to finding ways to positively change driving behaviors to help maximize fuel efficiency.”

SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two 4.3-inch full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles per gallon.

via Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide Receives Two Patents for Helping Drivers Maximize Their Fuel Economy | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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