Living the Dream… in 30-minute Increments

It’s been said that you can’t live – much less “live the dream” – in L.A. without your own wheels. In a town where image is everything, young up-and-comers are well advised to be seen in a vehicle that projects how hip and socially vibrant they are. Enter the Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta is used to being noticed online. After all, it had a starring role in the Fiesta Movement, a marketing platform that lives in the social media space. Its newest role will be on the new series, If I Can Dream, where this exciting new car will serve as an integral part of the cast.

If I Can Dream follows five young people as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood. All the while, their lives will be captured and streamed online in real-time, 24/7 on www.ificandream.com. In addition, a 30-minute show will be broadcast each week exclusively on Hulu, a Web site that offers popular TV shows and movies from commercial networks.

The show is also a natural extension of Fiesta’s vibrant life online. Like Fiesta Movement agents, the cast of the show will communicate with fans and followers via social media.

The Ford Fiesta already has the attention of socially connected consumers months before it goes on sale in North America next summer,” said Fontaine. “So when 19 Entertainment approached us to cast the Fiesta in If I Can Dream, it seemed only natural. The role that 19 Entertainment and Ford have created for Fiesta is really exciting and will provide viewers a different look at the cast members through amazing technology and the Fiesta.”

Fiesta has it all – and more
Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. With 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings fuel economy and convenience together.

It’s also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.

Quotes
“This is a natural role for Fiesta to play. Fiesta’s substantial role will allow customers to interact with the vehicle firsthand and experience the technologies and features before the vehicle goes on sale.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager

“I am determined to continue challenging convention and pushing the boundaries of mainstream entertainment. The next frontier is the video world of authentic real-time interaction. If I Can Dream experiments with technology to provide for the first time a complete open-door experience that allows the viewer to experience reality in a way never before attempted.”
– Simon Fuller, creator of If I Can Dream

Domo arigato, Mrs. Roboto?

Human touch is highly subjective and complex, making it difficult to replicate in a lab. So designers of vehicle interiors have historically relied on direct feedback from customers to determine which visual and tactile interior environments pleased most people. However, the results were unscientific and sometimes resulted in customers feeling unsatisfied and uninspired by their driving experience.

To energize dull, lifeless interiors, Ford Motor Company has developed a secret weapon: A robot known as RUTH – short for Robotized Unit for Tactility and Haptics. RUTH enables Ford engineers to refine various touch points around the vehicle’s interior to objectively meet a wide range of subjective customer preferences. Ford is the world’s first automaker to use a robot to scientifically test the feel and appearance of switches and surfaces.

Engineers at Ford’s European Research Center in Aachen, Germany used the robot in developing the interiors of the European models of the new Focus and Fiesta, versions of which are coming to the United States in 2010.

Weird science
RUTH brings a scientific, three-dimensional approach to touch. Friction, force, roughness, softness and temperature are among the parameters measured throughout the vehicle’s interior. The measurements taken are then compared and correlated to consumer feedback on what is perceived as having a high-quality appearance and feel. The output from this research is helping engineers generate measurements for the “Ford DNA” – a consistent signature look and feel – for different parts of the interior, such as the armrest or steering wheel.

The advantage RUTH has over a human is its higher perception resolution. For example, Ford engineers can take a consumer’s perception of soft or cool and then establish scientific measurements that meet those characteristics.

Unlike some automakers that test components or materials in a lab setting, apart from the actual vehicle application, RUTH assumes the role of the driver and can feel components inside three-dimensional spaces, such as a design prototype. RUTH mimics complex human movements, from pushing knobs to adjusting the air vents, just as the customer experiences it. Other systems have only linear or rotary measurements, which typically fall short when it comes to replicating customer operation.

Some examples of RUTH’s uses include:

• Measuring the resistance of pushing buttons and turning knobs to make sure they don’t feel too loose or have too much resistance. The robot also compares the different buttons and knobs to one another, to ensure they have a uniform feel.
• Determining softness, hardness and texture of surfaces like the dashboard to ensure they fall within limits consumers have shown they prefer.
• Taking the temperature of components so materials match expectations. For instance, a metallic-colored knob should feel cool, while a wooden trim piece should feel warm in order to be perceived as high quality.
• Measuring the spaces between pieces to minimize gaps for a tight look throughout.

Ford modified the robot – typically a model used to package consumer products in manufacturing plants – for its specific scientific purposes. Besides the new Fiesta and Focus, Ford engineers have used RUTH to refine the interiors of Ford of Europe’s Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX and C-MAX. It’s been in use for about four years, with its work is now being reflected in Ford production models around the world.

Quotes
“Instead of telling our suppliers we want a certain surface soft, we can give them the data curve for a particular softness requirement based on RUTH’s calculations. This means a characteristic like soft is no longer a subjective input. We can provide our suppliers with objective data so that the final product is so precise that we practically eliminate the need for numerous iterations to get what we want.”
– Mark Spingler, Vehicle Interior Technologies Engineer for Ford of Europe

“All of these little measurements add up to a much greater sense of quality from the moment you sit down inside a Ford. We’re leading the way in measuring touch so that high quality interiors can be delivered in affordable cars, not just expensive luxury models. We’re able to convey in numbers exactly how something needs to feel and build exactly to those specifications. It takes the guesswork out and replaces it with science.”
– Mark Spingler, Vehicle Interior Technologies Engineer for Ford of Europe

Viva Las Mustang!

Picture the Las Vegas Strip shut down and abuzz with visitors, casino hoppers and revelers anxiously waiting to witness one of magician Steve Wyrick’s biggest illusions yet. Shackled by the Las Vegas police in the middle of the strip, Wyrick embraces what is about to come. World champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. lights up the tires and suddenly races down the strip in a silver 2010 Mustang and slams right into Wyrick. As the Mustang races out the other side, the driver’s door swings open…

To watch Wyrick, Gittin and the 2010 Mustang perform the seemingly impossible on the Las Vegas Strip, check out the video that includes behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot at www.the2010Mustang.com.

This 10th and final experience is among several dream Mustang experiences Ford has brought to life with ’10 Unleashed. Along with Gittin sliding sideways around Japan, these include consumer Roger Keeney driving blindly, four gamers testing their Need for Speed SHIFT™ in real life at Willow Springs Raceway, and professional skateboarders Pat Duffy and Jake Brown skating the streets of Los Angeles. Each incredible video can be viewed on www.the2010Mustang.com.

Quotes
“My grandfather’s prize possession in life was a 1970 Mustang Mach 1, one of the sickest cars you could imagine. Knowing of my grandfather’s love for the Mustang, I wanted to incorporate the 2010 Mustang into one of my acts and unleash my Mustang side by performing one of my biggest illusions yet on the Las Vegas Strip.”
– Steve Wyrick, Las Vegas magician

“Our goal was to make the final ’10 Unleashed experience something truly unforgettable. To have Vaughn race down the Las Vegas Strip in Spellbinder after kicking off the campaign by drifting the Mustang around Japan was a perfect ending to a great campaign.”
– Steve Ling, N.A. car marketing manager, Ford Motor Company

Sometimes Getting Two out of Ten Absolutely Rocks

What do Ford Taurus SHO’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engines have in common? Both offer best-in-class fuel economy and both have been named to the Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines” honoree list.

The 10 Best Engines list marks North America’s only awards program honoring powertrain excellence and is designed to reflect the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America’s automotive landscape.

The EcoBoost V-6 engine won in its first year of eligibility; Ford’s hybrid engine was recognized last year as well, and earned a spot again with the latest generation improvements in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid.

Another accolade for EcoBoost
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 is the heart of the 2010 Taurus SHO. This advanced powerplant generates 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad range from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.

A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection into the intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowering the likelihood of knock.

The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold-start emissions and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full-load engine behavior. Customers experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.

The award-winning EcoBoost V-6 is also available in the 2010 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, and MKS. Next year, Ford will introduce the first global applications of EcoBoost with four-cylinder engines in displacement sizes of 1.6-liters and 2.0-liters. As EcoBoost forms the cornerstone of Ford’s commitment to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, the technology will quickly migrate across the global line-up of cars and trucks being available on over 90-percent of global nameplates by 2013.

Hybrid a repeat performer
Last year, Ward’s judges also selected the new 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine introduced in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids to their 10 Best Engines list. This year, the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid received the honor, due to the further improvements of Ford’s hybrid technology.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate longer at higher speeds in pure electric mode. The Fusion Hybrid can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. It also has an EPA-estimated 41 mpg rating in the city, earning it the title of America’s most fuel-efficient midsize car.

Quotes
“Earning a spot on the Ward’s list for one engine, let alone two, is an exceptional honor. Our EcoBoost and hybrid engines deliver on our promise of class-leading fuel economy with uncompromised power and performance. We’re pleased that Ward’s has recognized both.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development

“Kudos to Ford for giving buyers two significant new powertrain choices this year – a powerful and versatile V-6 and an affordable hybrid that ranks among the world’s best.”
– Tom Murphy, Executive Editor, Ward’s AutoWorld

“That hybrid technology is recognized two years in a row underscores the importance of continuously working to improve this technology. We’re continuously working to keep up with the demands of today’s consumers.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development

Guess What 2009 Automobile will be Collectible in the Future?

The Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) have predicted that, among America’s new cars and trucks launched in 2009, the Ford Flex will become the most desired by future car collectors.

Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the “Collectible Vehicle of the Future” from the year’s new American-built cars and trucks. The Ford Flex was selected from eight all-new vehicles launched in 2009.

The award was presented to Ford executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Thursday, Dec. 10 at NAHC quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.

The NAHC is the world’s largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories and historic documents is open to the public.

Among recent previous winners were the 2005 Ford Mustang and 2002 Ford Thunderbird.

Quotes
“This selection is unique among all the ‘Vehicle of the Year’ awards, because it is selected by car buffs who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year’s new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2034.”
– Charles K. Hyde, Chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees

“We are delighted that the Ford Flex has been recognized by the NAHC as having a design that will become a collectible of the future. We knew from the start that we had a vehicle with stand-out design that looks like nothing else on the road, but that also meets the needs of our customers looking for passenger space with innovative technology and great fuel economy,” she said. “Reaction from our customers has been fantastic and we hope they will enjoy their cars long into the future.”
– Kate Pearce, Flex Marketing Manager

Blue Book Be Lovin’ Them Some Taurus

For the second consecutive year, Ford has captured Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com “Best Redesigned Vehicle” award, this time for the hot-selling Taurus sedan. Last year, the honor went to the 2009 Ford F-150.

In addition to its expressive, upscale design and engaging driving dynamics, the 2010 Ford Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable. Its impressive standard and available technologies add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™ parental programmability, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™.

Today’s recognition from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com is the latest in a string of accolades for the 2010 Ford Taurus. Earlier this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Taurus was named International Car of the Year, and it received kbb.com “2010 Best Resale Value Award” in the full-size car category. And in January, the 2010 Taurus will serve as the official car of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®) in Las Vegas.

For more information about the 2010 Best Redesigned Vehicle from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, please visit www.kbb.com/best2010redesign.

Quotes
“This is not your father’s Taurus. For us it’s a massive departure. It reinvigorates a brand that everybody wants to be proud of, applaud, and be excited about. It’s the whole package – great value, great build quality and great technology. We at Kelley Blue Book couldn’t help but embrace the new Taurus.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

“What’s amazing about the Taurus is that it just bristles with technology at such a responsible and very acceptable price point. I think that’s what makes it somewhat revolutionary.”
– James Bell, Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

“Just like the 1986 original, the new Taurus is redefining the full-size sedan segment. It is creating a halo effect in our showroom and attracting younger, more diverse customers to the Ford brand.”
– Pei-Wen Hsu, Taurus Marketing Manager

We Know You’re Tough, But Are You TorqShift Tough?

Listen. We know how important it is to have an ultra-capable, heavy-duty truck for your work. You need every added advantage you can get. That’s why our engineers are working overtime to deliver the most power, capability and fuel economy possible. Witness the all-new TorqShift six-speed transmission. It just may give you an unfair advantage.

All-new diesel and gasoline engines are key reasons why the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty maintains best-in-class towing and payload and adds enhanced off-road capability. Managing the increased horsepower and torque is the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission, which delivers power quickly and seamlessly while maximizing fuel economy.

Creating a transmission to serve both diesel and gasoline engines in a Super Duty application is a challenging proposition because the gearbox needs to deliver the substantial low-rpm torque produced by the diesel engine and efficiently use the higher rotational speeds of the gasoline engine. The solution was to use a proven architecture, but adapt it for heavy-duty use.

Lepelletier powerflow: New application of tried-and-true system
Ford’s 6R140 TorqShift transmission uses a Lepelletier-style powerflow, which is a proven technology in rear-wheel-drive vehicles but not typically used with larger diesel engines. A key benefit of the Lepelletier architecture is that it reduces the complexity in connecting the gearsets and clutches. The six speeds require only five clutches, and the speeds of the clutches relative to one another are low, increasing the efficiency of the system.

To handle the torque of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel, Ford strengthened the system by employing a unique powder-metal carrier in the compound Ravigneaux planetary gearset. The carrier consists of four pressed powder-metal components sinter-brazed together to form a rigid, power-dense structure. This solution ensures robustness and makes the architecture compatible with both the diesel and gasoline engines. A Ford-patented rocker one-way clutch is integrated with the carrier and helps improve 1-2 shift quality through the gearset.

A deep first gear ratio and two overdrive gears create a wider ratio span. This, combined with available lower axle gear ratios and a control system that automatically selects the most efficient shift schedule, provides an outstanding combination of pulling power and fuel economy.

Six-speed gearbox offers best of automatic, manual transmissions
The 6R140’s heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission balances convenience and control by automatically shifting during routine operation and also allowing complete manual control. It features SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality, which includes both Progressive Range Select and manual functions.

With Progressive Range Select, a toggle on the shift lever allows the customer to reduce the range of available gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select mode, the display shows the available gears and highlights the current gear state. This feature allows the driver to limit use of upper gears when heavily loaded or while towing on grades.

For full manual function, customers also can pull the shift lever into “M” for manual mode and use the same toggle switch to select the gear desired. The display will show the selected gear, and the control system will lock the torque converter and hold that gear for a full manual transmission feel.

Learn more about Ford’s TorqShift technology.

Quotes
“Our new transmission perfectly complements our new diesel and gasoline engines to give the customer the best powertrain for Super Duty applications. Rigorous testing ensures our transmission and powertrain is up to the challenge of even our most demanding Super Duty customers. Overall, the 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission enables greater customer capability, efficiency and control than ever before.”
– Al Bruck, 6R140 Transmission Engineering Manager

“With this architecture, the new transmission can handle the enormous low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine as well as the high speeds produced by the new gas engine. The sinter-brazed gearset enables more torque capacity and greater engine speed capability.”
– Al Bruck, 6R140 Transmission Engineering Manager

Corrections/Clarifications – December 11, 2009 at 15:39

Over 1000 Fiestas Already Customized and Revving to Go

If you’ve been counting down the days until you can order your 2011 Ford Fiesta, the time is now – and there’s more than 1,000 people right there in line next to you. The new Ford Fiesta is off to a very fast start – with more than 1,000 reservations in less than a week on a new Web site that allows consumers to build, price and reserve the new car.

“The Fiesta Movement created an unparalleled awareness and interest for the Fiesta months ahead of it going on sale next summer,” said Lew Echlin, car marketing communications manager. “Fiesta Reservations provides these prospective customers a customized experience for researching, reserving and following their Fiesta.”

The Fiesta Movement helped generate momentum for Fiesta and resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers leading up to the car’s reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fiesta Reservations program will hold the interest of potential customers, and give them a VIP experience in conjunction with Ford dealers.

Through the program, consumers who reserve a new Fiesta will receive prioritized order handling with automatic build updates, their personal Fiesta Reservations consultant, and SYNC® and Premium Sound package, worth $595, at no charge once their vehicle is delivered. With a vehicle purchase, participants will be able to share their vehicle information through social media sites like Facebook.

Fiesta reservations have come from 47 states, with customers from California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois leading the way in reservations. The program also will provide Ford with a better understanding of mix rates as well as accessory interest, as this is the first time prospective customers can build and price their Ford accessories.

Customized service at your fingertips
Fiesta Reservations consultants will be available 12 hours a day to interact with participants and provide a personalized experience. Adding to the level of customer convenience, dedicated Fiesta Reservations consultants with multilingual capabilities are available.

Other personalized activities by the consultant include updating a customer’s reservation per his or her desire, introducing the customer to a “Fiesta specialist” at a local dealership and answering any customer questions.

Interested consumers can access Fiesta Reservations by visiting www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta or by texting “reserve” to 4Ford on a smartphone.

Recycle Your Road Maps – We’ve Got You Covered

Biggest. Tweetup. Ever.

When Ford Motor Company hosted its Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration at the Palladium in West Hollywood Tuesday night it also set a Guinness World Record for the most attendees at a tweetup. A tweetup is any gathering of two or more people who know each other through Twitter, and this unprecedented event brought together 1,149 Fiesta Movement agents and Twitter friends.

In addition to the tweetup milestone, the event’s attendees also honored their favorite Fiesta agent, Courtney Force.

Sneak peek
The Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration also provided attendees with a sneak peek of the new Fiesta in advance of its reveal at the L.A. Auto Show. The Fiesta for the North American market shares the European model’s kinetic design, platform, performance and driving dynamics. Its body structure underwent minor adaptations to meet unique North American safety standards.

Building buzz
As part of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative, 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites.

Throughout the Fiesta Movement, agents have traveled more than 1.4 million miles and have generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program has resulted in more than 80,000 hand-raisers.

Quotes
“Time and again, our Fiesta Movement agents have shown how social media, adventurous spirit and unbridled enthusiasm can bring people together in new, exciting ways. Never before has a group of car owners created such a sustained buzz for a new car. We’re thrilled to celebrate their collective accomplishment.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager

“Over the past six months, our Fiesta agents have shown a lot of love for their cars, which were European spec. Judging from their reception for the North American model, that love affair will flourish in the coming year.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances Manager

Corrections/Clarifications – December 09, 2009 at 09:24