Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works
Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford
Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.
The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.
So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!
[Source: KROQ]
Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOuch! Killing Mercury said to cost Ford $500 million
In life, Mercury was an under-funded brand mainly composed of waterfall grilles stapled to bone-stock Ford models. In death, however, Mercury apparently gets to see some of the money it always dreamed of having when it was alive. According to Automotive News, Ford CFO Lewis Booth claims that shutting down Mercury before the end of this year will cost the Oval roughly $500 million overall. Booth says Ford already took a $247 million charge in the first half of 2010 to cover the neglected marque's mercy killing.
The lion's share of the money being spent will go toward buying out 700 of the 1,700 Mercury dealers across the United States. Back in June, we told you about a package that Ford was presenting to dealers who sign a termination agreement. The reported buyout totaled as much as $200,000 per dealership. (Actual dollar amounts for individual dealers were based on the number of vehicles they sold over a three-year period; more cars moved meant more FoMoCo cash received.)
Would a half-billion invested in updated Mercury product instead of a cash-lined casket have made a difference? Mercury's sales numbers (or lack thereof) suggest that few car shoppers would have even noticed. Ditching Mercury to concentrate on bread-and-butter Ford has seemed like a no-brainer for years. More importantly, Lincoln, which hasn't exactly lit up the monthly By the Numbers reports of late, should only benefit from the much-needed infusion of resources that were previously being wasted keeping Mercury afloat.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Ouch! Killing Mercury said to cost Ford $500 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards
Filed under: Aftermarket, Safety, Ford
Today's autos are chock-full of safety equipment that vastly improves your chances of survival in the event of a crash. And if an automaker wants to achieve the best crash test scores, it has to ensure that parts like bumper beams, air bag sensors and radiator supports perform properly during a collision. But while automakers are concerned about their safety record, in some cases, aftermarket parts makers are more concerned with keeping costs down.
USA Today reports that Ford has called out some some aftermarket parts inferior, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker's internal testing has shown that some non-OEM parts are made of cheaper materials that may not perform adequately in the event of an accident. Parts marketing manager Mike Warwood says the company was "surprised at the gap between original manufacturer equipment and aftermarket parts," adding that the gap was larger than anticipated. The easy way to avoid this issue is to demand OEM parts when your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, but unfortunately, some insurance companies insist that cheaper aftermarket replacement parts are used.
It makes sense for Ford push its factory-made parts, as the company makes lots of money selling in excess of 24,000 different replacement components. Ford insists that it is merely looking for aftermarket parts standardization to ensure the safety of its customers, along with stickers warning consumers that non-standard parts are being used. Insurance companies and aftermarket shops likely wouldn't be too happy if a standardization process is initiated, but it's hard to argue with oversight in the name of safety. After all, automakers test and build parts like bumpers for optimal safety, and consumers purchase those vehicles in part because of the safety ratings those vehicles earn.
[Source: USA Today]
Ford: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford to book $2.6B second-quarter profit
Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials
Want more proof that Ford is really starting to pick up some serious momentum? The Wall Street Journal is reporting that The Blue Oval will follow up its $2.1 billion first quarter profits with another Ford is looking better on many fronts, including models with more competitive pricing, higher residual values, improved quality and sales increases that are outpacing most of its rivals. Ford now has a competitive small and midsize car lineup for the first time in decades, but the big money is still coming from larger vehicles. F-150 sales, for example, are up 25 percent for the quarter, while Super Duty sales are reportedly up 55 percent. In terms of average transaction prices, another success has been the revamped Taurus, which is fetching a whopping $6,300 more than the outgoing model and $850 more than the average Toyota Avalon.
UPDATE: Ford officially announced earnings of $2.6 billion for Q2, 2010. Revenue for the quarter was $31.1 billion, up from $26.8 billion in Q2, 2009.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req.]
Report: Ford to book $2.6B second-quarter profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord’s Jim Farley reportedly promoted to global marketing post
Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Volvo, UAW/Unions
Ford Motor Company is making changes at the top of its organization, including an expanding roll for up-and-coming marketing chief Jim Farley. A new Detroit Free Press report indicates that the former Toyota marketing whiz will be elevated to the roll of global marketing chief effective August 1. That's significant in part because this will be the first time The Blue Oval has ever had a head of global marketing - in the past the job was handled on a regional basis.
In other FoMoCo management moves, Stephen Odell, vice president and CEO of Volvo Cars, will move over to the top spot at Ford of Europe as soon as the sale of Volvo is completed. The move will free current head of Ford Of Europe John Flemming to concentrate on his other role as head of global manufacturing and labor affairs. The top spot in labor figures to be a particularly important post in the near-term due to the 2011 contract negotiations scheduled with the United Auto Workers.
[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Ford]
Ford's Jim Farley reportedly promoted to global marketing post originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: 2011 Ford SYNC system can block features while vehicle is moving
Filed under: Technology, Ford
Ray LaHood, the Department of Transportation's boss, recently had the revelation that looking down at your phone for four seconds while behind the wheel means you're "driving the length of a football field without watching the road." The DoT goes on to claim that distracted driving took the lives of up to 6,000 Americans in 2008 alone, with many more severely injured. Ford knows the stats and believes that texting while driving should be banned, but at the same time, many of the company's vehicles come with SYNC, arguably the most interactive infotainment system on the market.
The Detroit News reports that Ford's second generation SYNC system will address distracted driving head-on with the ability to block out all external stimuli while the vehicle is in motion. The "Do Not Disturb" switch will be available first in the MyFord Touch-equipped 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX models. The DND button will block phone calls and text messages while retaining hands-free calling and 911 Assist, which dials up 911 in the event of an emergency. Also blocked is typing on a keypad for text or Internet and narrowing navigation and phone choices. The only question now is: Who's going to turn the feature on?
[Source: The Detroit News]
Report: 2011 Ford SYNC system can block features while vehicle is moving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class
Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln
2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Lincoln MKX delivers 15 percent more horsepower (305 ponies in all) and 12 percent more torque (280 pound-feet) than the outgoing model, and that added power comes with the added bonus of improved efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 2011 MKX at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg around the highway, besting the Lexus RX350 by one mpg in the city and on the highway. That's a combined 21 mpg, which Ford says is enough to best its nine closest competitors.
Ford was able to crank up ponies while also ratcheting up efficiency by adding twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to its 3.7-liter V6 engine. TI-VCT enables a larger torque-curve while also improving power by 10 percent and efficiency by 4.5 percent versus an engine without the technology. The 3.7-liter engine, which is also available on the 2011 Mustang and the 2011 Edge Sport, also utilizes aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to further increase efficiency. Basically, the engine shuts down whenever the driver doesn't need engine torque.
The EPA has also rated the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which scores 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city. That's the same numbers as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which shares a common powertrain, and six mpg better than the smaller Lexus HS250h. Hit the jump to read over the Ford presser.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class
2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford CEO Mulally named to Obama Export Council
Filed under: Government/Legal, Ford
Ford CEO Alan Mulally has been named to President Obama's export council. The council, which has been around since 1973, has been tasked with increasing exports by 50 percent within five years. Mulally will be one of the 28 private sector members of the council, which consists of industry leaders and politicians. Ironically, Mulally will report to Boeing CEO W. James McNerney Jr. who edged out Mulally for the top spot at Boeing right before Mulally left his employer of 37 years for the top spot at Ford.
Mulally and company will be working trade equality in a world where countries like China are accused of manipulating currency to better position their products against those made here in the States. Other countries like South Korea are far more closed to imports than the U.S. market. Despite these challenges, exports during the first four months of 2010 are up by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2009.
[Source: Detroit News | Image: William Thomas Cain/Getty]
Report: Ford CEO Mulally named to Obama Export Council originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAmerica, the automobile and the 4th of July
Filed under: Chrysler, Ford, GM
The first internal combustion-powered automobile was not invented by an American (thank you, Karl Benz). But we did invent the motorcycle (coal-powered), air brake, AC motor, stop sign, tractor, assembly line, automatic transmission, muffler, tow truck, bulldozer, car radio, tracked amphibious landing vehicle, stock car racing, cruise control, carbon fiber, the integrated circuit, satellite navigation, airbags, catalytic converter, The Mars Rover and even the Segway. In other words, we didn't invent the automobile but we did contribute much of the technology that makes it what it is today.In fact, we'd argue that while the Industrial Revolution began in the textile mills and iron foundries of Great Britain, the entire world went mobile when we Americans got our hands on the automobile. When Henry Ford introduced the assembly line (with conveyor) in
[Image: rogerimp | CC 2.0]
Continue reading America, the automobile and the 4th of July
America, the automobile and the 4th of July originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsCars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas
Filed under: Coupe, Chrysler, Ford, GM
The muscle car war is raging, with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang jockeying for the title of top pony car. The Dodge Challenger is no slouch either, with a pair of new engines rumored for the 2011 model year. Our friends over at Cars.com are celebrating the recent success of America's reborn pony cars with an extremely neat interactive map that illustrates the towns most interested in a particular vehicle. The color-coded map differentiates the models, and you can click on any circle to see the percentage above average. The bigger the circle, the larger the search disparity.
For example, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, Ford Mustang searches on Cars.com are 1,894 percent higher than the national average. In Fitzgerald, Georgia, Chevy Camaro searches are 753 percent above average and in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Dodge Challenger searches are 1,840 percent above the national average.
There's one catch to the map, however: the percentages are highest in small towns, so if you live in a big city, a substantial spike in pony car searches is unlikely. For the record, Cars.com says that the Mustang has the highest search total of the three vehicles. Hit the jump to see if your city is obsessed with one muscle car in particular.
[Source: Cars.com]
Continue reading Cars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas
Cars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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