Ford to give away 2011 Explorer on Facebook
Filed under: Budget, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
2011 Ford Explorer Teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford is continuing to milk the social marketing cow for all its worth. The company has announced it might give away an all-new 2011 Explorer to one lucky fan and slipped the web another teaser of the unibody ute. We say might because the whole shindig is dependent on whether or not the company can rustle up a total of 30,000 Facebook "likes" for the model. If the online community makes it happen, the company will work its legal magic to hand over the keys to one of its the new unibody 'utes. Something tells us they'll have no problem finding that kind of participation.
The campaign is a lighter version of the company's Fiesta Movement, which managed to put 100 Fiestas into the hands of the movers and shakers of the social media universe for six months in order to build buzz about the car. We aren't exactly market researchers, but we'd say the ploy was pretty successful. While the new scheme with the 2011 Explorer isn't likely to see the same kind of attention, it will likely build interest in the SUV just the same.
[Source: Facebook]
Ford to give away 2011 Explorer on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsWrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style
It's a Sony 2011 Ford Fiesta with graphics - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has given Fiesta buyers a chance to turn their purchase into something a little unique. The company is offering a number of customization options for the new pint-sizer, including a rash of interior options and exterior graphics. For starters, the car can be equipped with a number of interior lighting accents, including an illuminated shift knob and door sill plates, or LED mood lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Outside, Ford will be happy to set you up with an aggressive body kit and rear spoiler, for a price.
That's fancy, sure, but the neat part is wide variety of vinyl graphics available straight from the factory. Ford calls one of the decals a "body tattoo," but it's really nothing more than a big sticker that spells out Fiesta along the side of the vehicle. Those looking for something a little bolder can choose between over 18 other designs. Hit the jump for the press release.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta
Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Ford Fiesta ownership application - Click above for high-res image gallery
Social media has been a critical element of Ford's marketing strategy during the run-up to the 2011 Ford Fiesta launch, so it comes as no surprise that it'll play a part in the customer delivery experience as well. In-showroom kiosks will play Fiesta Movement videos and act as photo booths for new owners. Before driving off the lot, Fiesta owners receive a USB thumb drive pre-loaded with an audio tutorial explaining the Fiesta's features and and how to use them. Naturally, this can be played back through the Sync system right in the car.
Once in front of a computer, drivers can then use the thumb drive to install a program that lets them access and modify their delivery photos, then share them with other Fiesta owners. The desktop application also provides a wiki with tips on how to use the Fiesta, get podcasts and other related information. It'll be interesting to see how Ford follows up the Fiesta launch when the new Focus arrives at the end of this year.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners
Ford plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsPoll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda
In case you missed it, we just published our First Drive of the brand-new Mazda2 today. If your attention spans is anything like ours, allow us to remind you that we've also driven the Ford Fiesta once or twice. Since both cars are built atop the same platform and will be competing for your hard-earned bucks in short order, the natural question is: Which one would you choose?
If you don't have time to read both of our drives, here's a quick glance at some of the more salient details:
| 2011 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Mazda2 | |
| Base Price | $13,995 (four-door sedan), $15,795 (hatchback) | $13,980 (hatchback) |
| Engine | 120 horsepower, 112 pound-feet of torque | 100 horsepower, 98 pound-feet of torque |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual, Six-speed dual-clutch auto | Five-speed manual, Four-speed auto |
| Base Weight | 2,537 pounds | 2,309 pounds |
| Efficiency | 29/40 (auto), 28/37 (manual) | 27/33 (auto), 29/35 (manual) |
Naturally, there's more to the equation than the tale of the tape. For instance, if you're in the market for an automatic transmission, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiesta seems to be a much more attractive option than the old-school four-speed automatic in the Mazda. Also, the Fiesta can store more cargo and has more comfortable seats.
It would seem that the scales are tipping in the Blue Oval's favor. Consider too that the Fiesta is available as both a sedan and a hatchback while the Mazda2 is a hatchback only. Add in an available navigation system, leather interior, SYNC infotainment system and heated seats - none of which are available on the Mazda - and we've got a slam-dunk win for the Ford. Right?
Perhaps not. Our man Steven Ewing, the only member of the team to have driven both U.S.-spec models, tells us that the Mazda2 is notably more fun to drive than the Fiesta. Plus, he claims the 2 looks better in its specific shade of green, if that kind of thing is important to you. So, is the promise of an added dose of driving enjoyment worth the significant loss in comfort, convenience and economy? That's up to you to decide.
Poll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsIs the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford
2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has said all along that its hotly anticipated Fiesta would arrive in dealerships this summer, but an Automotive News report shows that some customers are getting a bit anxious waiting for their new ride. Production copies of the B-Segment compact have been churning out of The Blue Oval's Cuautitlán, Mexico plant since May, and dealers around the country have been placing significant orders for the heavily marketed vehicle. Dealers have even taken cash down payments for over 2,000 Fiestas, with tens of thousands of additional hand-raisers waiting in the wings.
So what's the problem? It appears that some customers thought their Fiesta would have already arrived by now. The Fiesta Facebook page even has customers that are none too pleased with the fact that they haven't yet taken delivery on their little sedan or hatchback. At least one dealer reportedly told AN off the record that he was under the impression that he would already have some Fiestas in stock right now, and that the vehicle hasn't yet been cleared for shipping.
Does that mean that there is some sort of quality issue holding up the launch? Not according to Ford spokesperson Angie Kozleski, who insists that the launch is going according to plan. Kozleski points out that customers have several different ways to check the progress of their vehicle, including a reservations call center and a reservations hotline. Kozleski reportedly told AN that it takes up to three weeks for the vehicles to get from Cuautitlán to the U.S. border, and that vehicles will begin hitting dealerships in the "next several weeks," so if you have one on order, sit tight.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Is the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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