UAW workers in Chicago reject Ford deal, strike possible
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions
Ford's hourly workforce is having a tough time ratifying the tentative agreement struck between the Blue Oval and United Auto Workers union last week, despite that deal being the most generous among those made this year between the Big 3 automakers and their respective unions. For example, Ford workers will receive a $6,000 signing bonus if the contract is ratified, compared to $5,000 for General Motors workers and $3,500 for Chrysler workers. GM was the first to strike a tentative deal with the UAW in September and has already seen its contract ratified, while Chrysler's deal is the most recent with voting expected to begin soon.
Earlier this week, UAW Local 900, a chapter that represents three Ford plants near Detroit, rejected the deal by a narrow margin. Automotive News is now reporting that Ford's Chicago Assembly plant is joining them in rejecting the offer, though this time "overwhelmingly." Chicago Assembly handles production of the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Ford Explorer. Of the 2,317 workers who voted, 77% cast their ballots against the proposed deal.
At the same time, the UAW is reportedly making it known that, should the tentative agreement not be ratified, the organization will strike. Of the three major U.S. automakers, both General Motors and Chrysler workers lost the right to strike while those companies were restructuring in bankruptcy. Only Ford workers can strike, that company having avoided bankruptcy and its restrictions, and they may do so if the deal is not approved by the majority.
As of this writing, the UAW Ford Department Facebook page reports that 3,256 workers (45.4%) have voted to ratify the contract and 3,915 (54.6%) have voted against. That's a far cry from Ford's 41,000-strong union workforce, and the union has until October 18th to finish voting.
UAW workers in Chicago reject Ford deal, strike possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor shows its face
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford, Police/Emergency
2013 Ford Police Interceptor spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
It looks as if the recent update to the 2013 Ford Taurus will translate to the company's new Police Interceptor. Our elite squad of spy photographers have managed to capture a few images of a revamped Interceptor during transport, and while several mules have been spotted with heavy front-end camouflage, this particular car has dropped its gown for the whole world to see. Along with a more aggressive front fascia, the vehicle wears a larger grille than its civilian counterparts to accommodate additional lighting, and perhaps enable better breathing.
Speaking of lighting, Ford looks to have reworked the vehicle's taillights to accept emergency strobes as well. Take this as an official warning - if you see this guy stalking you through traffic, it's probably already too late. Just go ahead and pull on over.
It's unclear exactly what performance modifications will accompany the aesthetic alterations. Still, given that the 2013 Taurus is now available with 290 horsepower from the base 3.5-liter V6 as well as a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and the mighty EcoBoost V6 with 365 ponies, law enforcement will likely have plenty of options to chose from.
2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Taurus Police Interceptor to hit streets with 2013 updates
Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Work, Ford
2013 Ford Taurus and 2012 Taurus Police Interceptor - Click either image for high-res gallery
The Ford Crown Victoria has been such a valuable asset to police agencies around the U.S. that some municipalities have gone as far as to order extras. The reason? The Crown Vic will be retired at the end of 2011, with a replacement coming in the form of the Taurus Police Interceptor. But with the new 2013 Taurus being shown at the New York Auto Show and Ford already having shown a version of the cruiser based on the 2011 model, which version will the cops get?USA Today reports that Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak says the Taurus PI will in fact be based off the 2013 model, which includes LED taillights and new front and rear fascias. Beyond cosmetic upgrades, the 2013 Taurus will also receive a 27-horsepower boost from the 3.5-liter V6 (to 290 hp) and an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbo that boasts highway fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon. The V6-powered EcoBoost Taurus SHO will continue to feature 365 hp.
Since the new Taurus PI will be a 2013 model, will it also offer all three powertrains? We're thinking there might be a few police agencies that would be interested in a more fuel efficient cop car. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost model could save municipalities some bucks, but historically, most departments have shied away from the high-tech and smaller displacement in favor of the less complex and tried-and-true, so we're not sure how well they'd fare in the marketplace. What are your thoughts? Have your say in Comments.
[Source: USA Today]
Ford Taurus Police Interceptor to hit streets with 2013 updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Ford
2013 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery
The current Ford Taurus may only be two years old, but the Blue Oval folks haven't wasted any time enhancing its design, powertrains and levels of content. The 2013 model year mid-cycle refresh encompasses more aggressive styling tweaks for both the base Taurus and high-end SHO, and Ford's executives aren't afraid to admit that they've used the Audi A6 as the benchmark car in the Taurus' segment.
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available in the non-SHO Taurus, and the powertrain is estimated to achieve up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The standard 3.5-liter V6 now has bigger stones as well, ringing up at 290 hp (+27). The disappointing news in all of this, however, is that the SHO's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has not been enhanced in any way - it still produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Sorry, folks - no 400-horsepower SHO for now.
Ford says it has fitted an upsized master cylinder to the brake system for improved response and feel, and the brake pads are new as well. From our vantage point, the SHO's brakes have been its weak link, so we're hoping these alterations result in a meaningful bump in performance.
The updated 2013 Taurus range is making its official debut here at the New York Auto Show, and we've just returned from seeing the cars live in the metal. Click through our high-res image galleries below to see Ford's refreshed flagship for yourself.
Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
Continue reading New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple
New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Ford
2013 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery
Those of you hoping for a 400-horsepower Ford Taurus SHO are about to be severely disappointed. The 2013 Taurus SHO will continue to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Sure, that's still plenty of oomph for the SHO, but with rumors of a higher-output version now dashed, all we can say is, "shucks."
Let's not dwell on that, though. There are still plenty of improvements for the 2013 SHO to talk about.
Much like the rest of the refreshed Taurus line, the SHO features styling tweaks at both the front and rear. Unlike the base model, the SHO uses a unique mesh grille pattern up front and adds a new rear spoiler out back, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes. A new 20-inch dark wheel option is also part of the SHO package, matching the black finish found on the mirrors and body trim. We like what we see.
There may not be a bump in power, but the 2013 Taurus SHO does get a new performance package option that is said to improve the car's performance prowess. Most notably, a 3.16:1 final drive ratio means initial acceleration is enhanced, and revised suspension tuning features new dampers and springs specific to this package. Additionally, the electronic steering system has been tuned, the stability control now has a track mode with a true 'off' setting and performance brake pads are now available with unique, "track-tuned" calipers. Still, we'd love to see an additional 40-ish horsepower.
Hit the jump for the official SHO details, and be sure to click through our high-res image gallery to see the tweaked design for yourself. Ford's B-roll footage of the SHO is available for your viewing pleasure post-jump, as well.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]
2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Taurus gets 2.0L EcoBoost four, styling tweaks [w/video]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Ford
2013 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery
Upon taking the wraps off of the 2013 Ford Taurus, Derrick Kuzak, the automaker's group vice president of global product development, said the styling tweaks were wholly influenced by the new Audi A6. Sure, the new front fascia and LED square around the taillamps are total Audi knock-offs, but what's important to learn from this is that Ford is using the A6 as its target for the Taurus, and with a host of updates for the 2013 model year, Ford's flagship gets one step closer to being an Audi alternative.
All in, the design tweaks give the Taurus an added sense of aggressiveness, though the car is still immediately recognizable as a successor to the all-new flagship that debuted for the 2010 model year. The trapezoidal grille has been tweaked, and now features active air shutters to improve overall fuel economy. The hood has been fully resculpted, and out back, tweaked taillamps with LED running lights blend into a slightly revised rear fascia. Dual exhaust tips are now standard across the board, as are new 20-inch wheel options.
The big enhancements for 2013 are the Taurus' powertrains. Ford's trusty 3.5-liter V6 still serves as the base engine, though its output has been bumped up to 290 horsepower - a full 27 more horses than the outgoing car. New for 2013, though, is the addition of the automaker's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, rated at 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. With the EcoBoost engine underhood, the Taurus is estimated to achieve up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
Inside, there's a new steering wheel and more soft-touch materials have been added to the dash and center console, which now uses the automaker's MyFord Touch infotainment system. Other new enhancements include the addition of Ford's curve control system - first seen on the Explorer - that enhances cornering capability and braking control. Speaking of brakes, the Taurus also gets a larger brake master cylinder, meaning braking feel should be substantially better.
Pricing will be announced closer to the car's on-sale date in early 2012, and while the 2013 Taurus might not be a perfect competitor to Audi's A6, it's sure to offer similar content (and style) at a much lower price-point. Check out all the details for yourself in the press release after the jump, as well as some B-roll footage of the new car. We'll have plenty of live photos and impressions from the car's official New York Auto Show debut, as well.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus gets 2.0L EcoBoost four, styling tweaks [w/video]
2013 Ford Taurus gets 2.0L EcoBoost four, styling tweaks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford feels Japan quake effect with shortage of red, black paint
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford
2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery
Due to a pigment shortage stemming from the March 11 earthquake in Japan, Ford has had to stop taking new orders for cars in Tuxedo Black, and is limiting orders of three shades of red. Officials from Ford say they're working on another source for the pigment as you read this, and have enough cars in each color to satisfy demand until production resumes.
The paint shortage affects the F-150 and Super Duty lines of pickups, as well as the Explorer, the Expedition, Focus, Taurus and the Lincoln MKS and Navigator. Ford's slowdown follows General Motors, who slowed production of pickups in Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as compact cars in Europe following parts shortages.
Honda, Toyota and Nissan have all experienced slowdowns as a result of the quake, though none have had to limit color choices.
Photos copyright (C)2011 John Neff / AOL
[Source: Bloomberg]
Report: Ford feels Japan quake effect with shortage of red, black paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO spotted in the wild – are there 400 horses underhood?
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Ford
2012 Ford Taurus SHO spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a few photos of the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO splashing through the rain. Word on the street is that Ford has a few aesthetic changes for the sedan in the pipes as well as a serious boost in power. Steve Ling, the company's North American car marketing manager, recently dropped a big-fat hint that the SHO would soon boast 400 ponies. That's a full 35 more horsepower than the current generation SHO, though word is that the extra pep will come from the same Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 engine.
In addition to the new muscle, it looks like the 2012 Taurus SHO will wear new headlights as well as re-sculpted front valance. A new cross-hatch grille is shown in these shots, and a slightly altered hood may also be in plat. The whole package is intended to give the SHO a little more breathing room from the rest of its more subdued kin. That's all well and good, but we're still convinced the SHO needs better brakes more than it needs additional power. Hopefully improved stoppers are part of the 2012 updo as well.
[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO spotted in the wild - are there 400 horses underhood? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2010: Ford Taurus SHOx prescribed for power, side effects include bleeding ears
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Ford
2011 Ford Taurus "SHOx" - Click above for high-res image gallery
Rick Bottom Designs was given the keys to a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO and the custom car builder decided it wanted to hear more from the Blue Oval sedan. The 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 has been bumped up by a Hahn Racecraft Stage 1 upgrade package, meaning this SHO is now putting out 465 hp. Re-christened as the SHOx, further modifications include a performance exhaust system, cold air intake kit, large Baer brakes hidden behind 22-inch Axiom forged wheels and a custom body kit.
It's not the engine, however, that is making all the noise. We said Rick Bottom Designs wanted to hear more from the car... so the tuner installed a 16,000 Watt stereo system capable of blaring the most intense block-rockin' beats. The car has been modified to a two-plus-two seating arrangement, and we imagine that potential fifth passenger will be glad they now have to walk, since all his or her Taurus SHOx-riding friends are going to be deaf. Cover your ears and check out the SHOx live from SEMA in our gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
SEMA 2010: Ford Taurus SHOx prescribed for power, side effects include bleeding ears originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Ford, Police/Emergency
Ford Police Interceptor Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the raft of Mustangs and F-150s that Ford will be debuting at this year's SEMA show, this special Police Interceptor Stealth concept will be on display in Las Vegas this week. Ford designer Melvin Betancourt took inspiration from the SR-71 stealth airplane used in the 1950s and 1960s to create a Taurus-based Police Interceptor that manages to be flashy yet still able to fly under the radar.
Compared to a standard Police Interceptor sedan, the Stealth concept is lowered by one inch and rides on sinister 22-inch wheels. The rest of the car has been blacked out as much as possible - smoked taillamps, tinted windows and black trim all around the car make for a package that, as Betancourt says, gives the illusion of "there, but not there." Hit the jump to read the full details, and scroll through our high-res image gallery to see the concept for yourself.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut
Ford shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments