J.D. Powers and Associates named the Ford Flex as the industry’s top performing new vehicle. It was declared yesterday by J.D Powers and Associates’ 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudyTM (APEAL). The newest five-passenger crossover smashed its competition in its segment by a unanimous 68 index points. With these results, the Ford Edge is definitely the industry’s top performing vehicle today!

In the Midsize MAV division, the Edge also notched the top spot in this category of J.D. Power’s APEAL study. In this study, after three months of driving, the customers evaluated the design, layout, content and performance of the vehicle just like what they did to all other products like the Saturn body kit.

“This is more good news and further affirmation that we’re delivering more products people really want – especially when you consider the newest vehicles in our lineup,” said Mark Fields, the president for the Americas, Ford Motor Company.

“Last year, Fusion topped its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study. This year, fresh on the heels of Ford receiving top honors in five vehicle segments in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Ford receives more strong quality feedback from customers who made Edge the industry standout and a top performer in the fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the industry,” he said.

The Ford Mustang was also praised by the customers who participated in the APEAL study. It was ranked as the top Midsize Sporty Car division for two consecutive years. This is Mustang’s third hit after earning the Sporty Car segment award three years in a row. Three other Ford Motor Company vehicles ranked second or third in their divisions - the Ford Explorer Sport Trac grabbed 2nd; Lincoln Navigator on 3rd; and Mazda CX7 got the second place as well. In addition to this, almost all Ford Motor Company brands got better in terms of points and sustained their performance in the APEAL study last year.

“It’s gratifying to have two strong Ford nameplates – Edge and Mustang – leading the pack on consumer appeal,” Fields said. “While we’ll celebrate this achievement with our employees, we know that the quality race never ends. We’re going to continue working harder to provide people even more reasons to consider driving Ford vehicles again.”

“The lineup is growing stronger, and the Ford team’s efforts are paying off,” Fields noted. “We’re working to deliver our plan, and creating quality cars, trucks and crossovers for our customers is a key part of it.”

This summer, the Ford Taurus X Crossover will be delivered in showrooms tagged with two remarkable titles - the Top Safety Pick rating by the IIHS or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star crash test ratings from the government. The Top Safety Pick from IIHS can only be obtained by a vehicle if the best-available safety performance in front, side and rear collisions are achieved and also comes with electronic stability control.

“It’s a true testament to the safety engineering of the Taurus X crossover and the Taurus and Sable family cars that they achieved top crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA,” said Sue Cischke, the senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering for the Ford Motor Company. “Ford and Volvo worked together to leverage our technical and intellectual resources to create an outstanding vehicle architecture. Now all three vehicles are better than ever. They offer it all: safety, power, spaciousness and comfort at a great value."

The Ford Taurus X is packed with standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control. It is also available in all-wheel drive to give drivers a more secure ride and enhanced handling in all weather conditions. By the end of 2009, all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks will arrive with a standard electronic stability control.

“We believe our electronic stability control systems enhance vehicle safety by helping the driver prevent many accidents in the first place,” Cischke said. “Making families safer is a key part of our pledge to drive safety innovation.”

The composition of the Taurus X, Taurus and the Sable family cars are built with crush zones especially designed to direct and turn excess energy around the passenger section into a strong safety cage. A modern cross-car beam “SPACETM Architecture” below the front seats strengthens the structure between the B-pillars, which assists direct energy far from passengers.

As I searched for a Mercedes Benz air filter and a Mercedes Benz air mass meter, I’ve read the news from Reuters where Ford India made an incredible increase of almost 45 percent this March as compared to last year’s sales.

The vice president of Ford India's marketing and sales, Scott McCormack, said that Ford can be more superior but then they will still continue to have a conservative planning in almost every arrangement that they have deals with. Included is the presence of "localization opportunities" just to cut costs to be able to push on more aggressively in a market that is quite price-sensitive.

One proof of this superiority is the utmost sales of the Endeavour sport utility vehicle. Ford went in to the market and was able to sell 7,000 units starting from its launch. The company was also able to sell 15,000 units for the year in the market for premium SUVs.

Another reason why Ford is considered to be a good player in the auto market is due to the fact that they keep on launching schemes against high fuel prices and one of which is their encouragement to shift to diesel. It is anticipated that diesel's share of the Indian passenger vehicle market will reach 35 percent by 2010 from the previous 30 percent that they held.

The Endeavour vehicle is an all-diesel range and almost more than 75 percent of the sales of the Ford Fiesta are also in diesel. That makes up nearly 70 percent of Ford's sales in India. What is even more interesting is that by the third quarter of the year, the diesel variant of the Ford Fusion car will be launched.

Despite Ford’s success for the first 3 months of first quarter of this year, they still chose to continue to bring up their sales for the reason that they’ve witnessed the downward trend of Ford sales for the last month of the first quarter. In fact, their sales figures have continued to depreciate for the first month of the second quarter.

Aside from those aforementioned factors that paved the way for the depreciation of Ford vehicles’ value, competition makes a stand out of those. There’s the presence of Suzuki Motor Corp.'s Maruti Udyog Ltd. that grips almost half of the market and had launched a diesel model earlier this year.

Another is the Hyundai Motor Co. that is constructing a plant to create petrol and diesel engines. General Motors has launched its mini Chevrolet Spark and there is hearsay that soon they will build a new engine plant. Lastly is India's Mahindra & Mahindra and joint venture partner Renault that launched the Logan sedan last month.

Go for it Ford. Beat them up!

Living in the present scenario of having a high competitive truck market but given the fact that the world is facing harmful gases hanging out in the stratosphere, it seems that there’s an irony, right? But then 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty is trying to kick up some dust and take a huge share in the market despite the given situation.

It was said that the strong launch increased the number of trucks that were sold and thus made the vehicle take the lead over the Chevrolet Silverado. Now that is enough proof that Ford trucks is still considered and respected as America's favorite pickup for almost 30 years. And another solid piece of proof is that the F-150 is at the top ranking when it comes to truck sales. Go Ford!

For the record just this April, the F-Series Super Duty’s sales accounted for about 43 percent of the car maker’s total and come the following month it was more or less 38 percent quite near to the average sales which is 40 percent. Almost there but not quite. But still, that’s okay.

Anyway, the Ford F-250 ranked as the top seller for 2007’s first quarter. And who will believe that in less that half a month, Ford’s latest model - the all-new Ford F-450 - would fly up so high on its sales as compared to other brands of the same segment. Another model from the 2008 F-Series Super Duty is following the same path, and at the end of April, the Lariat made corresponding sales that jumped up almost 30 percent.

According to Ben Poore, the Ford Truck marketing manager, “Ford has maintained its truck leadership by concentrating on what's important to the consumer. We always try to raise the bar in capability, power, innovation, refinement and style. With the new F-Series Super Duty, we have produced the most bold and capable truck ever."

I may say that Ford is continuing to win so much of the trust and confidence of consumers’ taste and preferences because the brand itself has been able to uphold its reputation as a good manufacturer of vehicles as well as its name as being the creator of unique models like the F-Series Super Duty Lariat King Ranch. At least they are able to reach the audience’s demand.

Ford even participated on certain events that will show and revere their partner brands and use the said events to directly learn just how buyers utilize their vehicles. This, thus, helps them understand and think of best future designs for their trucks.

One good example for this is the demand of Super Duty customers who like trucks that possess towing and hauling capabilities. That’s what the customers require. Ford built the only purpose-built heavy-duty truck platform for the 2008 F-Series Super Duty that attains a maximum 24,500 pounds of towing capacity - 8,000 pounds more than the nearest competitor. It also comes with a payload that has been increased to 6,120 pounds.

Ford’s design with the 2008 Super Duty's improved competence are due to the new F-450 with its own unique chassis coupled with a combination of axle, powertrain and suspension that facilitate better towing capacity. It also, at the same time, offers a relaxed and oozing driving performance.

One of the features of the 2008 Super Duty is its power-folding and power-telescoping mirrors for more towing convenience, and greater visibility. Add to that is the tailgate step that results for more convenience getting into and out of the bed plus the more flexible truck beds that allow you to a full space. These are just some of the features present on the 2008 Super Duty that allows Ford to get the attention of a greater share of the market.

And this coming fall, another model will be added to the line-up. Other features and options as well will be present. To name it - a new rear video camera parking aid system and a Ford F-350 with the Ford F-450's more capable and more maneuverable front suspension that will aid owners find the way on tight spots. Another one is the addition of 10 latest chassis cab models to increase the F-Series Super Duty's line-up for commercial customers.

Basically, Ford has really what it takes and that’s why buyers are still working hand in hand with the brand and are patronizing their products.

Well then so much so with that I have to go first to my dad who’s fixing his car’s Volvo brake hose and Volvo brake pads. Let’s then all wait and see what Ford has created for us in the upcoming months or so.

What milestone are we talking about here? Here it is… Ford has already demonstrated a fleet of ethanol based hybrids and it is now all set to hit the roads after a series of tests and thorough studies. Ford has delivered their first three E85 Escape Hybrids yesterday to the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition (GEC), the Department of Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Fleet clients from six different states were handed down a total of twenty Ford Escape Hybrids - Ford’s venture into another significant history in the auto industry is now a reality and indeed a milestone for Ford!

"As a leader in both hybrid vehicles and in vehicles capable of operating on ethanol-based fuels, Ford is the ideal company to bring both technologies together for the first time," said Sue Cischke, Ford's senior vice president for its arm on Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

“Investing in ethanol is critical for our national security, our environment, and for Michigan’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI). “We can make huge strides by combining a massive effort on ethanol with other technologies such as hybrid cars and advanced diesel technologies. Ford is leading the way by producing the first hybrid car that can run on E85. I hope the E85 Ford Escape Hybrid is the first of many flex fuel hybrids driving us toward energy independence.”

“We can and should do more to reduce pollution from vehicles,” said U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO). “Ford today is showing its leadership in clean and efficient vehicles with a first-ever hybrid SUV that will also run on bio-fuels. Their decision to assemble it in Kansas City is good news for the able automotive workers in Missouri."

The E85 Escape Hybrids brought by Ford are world’s first vehicles capable of running with the blends of fuel that contains as much as eighty-five percent of ethanol which can be provided by grown corn and sugar beets from America.

"The Governors’ Ethanol Coalition has worked cooperatively with Ford for more than two decades,” Nebraska Governor and Coalition Chair Dave Heineman said. “As Ford has developed new transportation technologies, we have been among the first to volunteer to provide Ford with real world testing of their products. We are pleased to work with a storied American vehicle manufacturer as the nation reduces its need for imported oil.”

"For ethanol to be a real player in the transportation sector and lessen America's dependence on foreign oil, we need a strong, long-term focus on policies that increase U.S. ethanol production and accelerate E85 infrastructure development," said Cischke. "We also need key partners like the oil industry to invest in developing and marketing renewable fuels, like E85. Without the whole-hearted involvement of the oil industry, we cannot move forward far enough or fast enough."

The latest 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is now available as an outgoing vehicle. But it seems like the Ford Motor Company is planning another Explorer to reveal to the public. They just can’t get enough, can they? The KGP photographers have spotted a prototype similar to the on going Ford Explorer Sport Trac only that the front as well as the back bumper are entirely covered. Could it be the next Ford Explorer Sport Trac? Or maybe it is something else.

Taking a closer look at the covers on the new prototype, you can see that a new mesh grille is installed in replacement of the three thin bars on the latest Sport Trac. The front bumper has been lowered as well with headlamps appearing to be a little carrying over. Surprisingly, the new design is more powerful - perhaps they have incorporated these new looks for a more powerful vehicle with improved crash performance. The tailpipes were also moved to its rear from the side as reported by the Winding Road. This will vent spend gases on the refreshed bumper.

The upgrades are interesting but we are not sure yet whether the new vehicle is the next Sport Trac. Do you think these revamps are actually the move to the next high performance version of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac? Unless Ford reveals the vehicle and show us the real score, we will stay stunned by it. Actually, we also have this thought that the car is based from its Sport Trac Aderenaline Concept which was released in 2005. Figure this out: twin tailpipes relocated out the back, a lowered front bumper, the headlights with a new grille that is actually looking like it was taken from the 2005 Sport Trac Aderenaline Concept. What do you think?

The cover is maybe hiding a new hood. And the giant fender vents from the concept maybe is found behind the wheels. The tape applied around the rear may also suggest that larger fender flares were placed at either fatter wheel or tire combo. The wheels and the suspensions of the new prototype are taken from the Sport Trac fare however, it may or it may not mean that the testing cooling or the components are also taken from the high-performance model.

It’s a little intriguing, right? But anyway, let us all wait until the Ford Motor Company reveals something about this new prototype. Meanwhile, if you have an old car that desperately needs a new Volant cold air intake or maybe a Vibrant cold air intake, don’t worry you can have it all by ordering online. Car parts stores are widely found on the net so purchasing one is never a hassle anymore.

The Prince of Wales was spotted yesterday driving a Ford Focus hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) when he attended the World Environment Day’s first Brighton to London eco rally in the Hampton Court Palace. The prince browsed the different cars that take part on the said rally and he chose the Ford Focus FCV.

The event’s objective was to bring the next generation fuel efficient cars to the capital. The rest of the participants parked all their cars at the Madeira Drive in Brighton last June 5. Ford lead the particular event displaying some of its future and ongoing cars with noted fewer carbon emission.

Two of the Fuel Cell Vehicles which come as hydrogen propelled cars from the Ford Motor Company captured the center stage of the Blue Oval's line up - these are the Ford Explorer FCV and the Focus FCV. The same time these vehicles were displayed at the event was also the same time that the vehicles were first revealed by the American auto maker to the market and the public. Together with the FVC, the Ford Focus Flexifuel cars also joined the event bragging about its low-carbon models which are already out on the market at present.

Quentin Willson, a motoring journalist and an event supporter, drove the Ford FCV models which came all the way from Ford's Advanced Vehicle Research Centre in Aachen, Germany. These vehicles will soon be available in the UK. The center is running the particular automobile as a part on German’s participation in the said program.

The rally ended up in Trafalgar Square. Willson joined the London’s Deputy Mayor Nicky Gavron in welcoming all the participants of the rally.

"Ford and rally organizers Revolve are closely aligned in promoting sustainable transport solutions such as FCVs, hydrogen, biofuels and other options. This rally deepens the understanding of greener motoring - not least among the welcoming party of politicians at Trafalgar Square," said by the Britain chairman of Ford Roelant de Waard.

The Ford Cell Vehicles are all powered by the combination of oxygen and hydrogen plus the water vapor which are all harmless to the environment. Electivity is also used on the car that propels the wheels. These will definitely produce a low emission rates as compared to the conventional cars using petroleum gasoline.

Now that is something good about Ford. I will be doing more research about these car parts: the GMC Yukon catalytic converter and the GMC Yukon cap & rotor kit. These parts are usually found on GMC’s fuel efficient cars. I wonder how they function. So I’ll see you guys soon.

The race at Dover was thrilling as the conference finals between the Cavaliers and the Pistons went underway. Anyway, it was good news for every Ford racing fanatic because Carl Edwards was among the drivers who finished at the top 5 spot at Dover. Edwards qualified 5th as he led the team once again in a brilliant and incomparable performance!

The race brought a lot of intensity to the crowd and all the people who have watched the race around the world including me. I forgot to pick up my Superchips and Nissan wheels at the shop because I was focusing too much on the race. But it was all worth it.

Here are the words that Carl Edwards and the rest of Ford Racing team had to say after the nerve cracking race:

Carl Edwards – No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion (qualified 5th): “We did just what we said we were going to do – we ran like a 95-percent lap, and I’m glad I did because it was so loose in. I lifted where I thought was early, and I couldn’t keep it to the bottom. So, luckily, that was a good lap for us. I would’ve loved for it to be about a tenth quicker, but if I ran 100 more laps I couldn’t run one better than that, so I have to be satisfied with it.”

On making a qualifying lap at Dover, he continues: “There’s just such a huge commitment halfway down the straightway of how deep you can drive it into the corner and how quick you can get back in the gas. So, I like qualifying here. It’s fun, if your car’s good. We talked about it on the way here on the plane yesterday, somebody always gets loose and backs in the fence and its incredible the noise it will make.”

Edwards was also asked, “Are you getting a pretty good understanding of the car tomorrow?” and he answers, “Yeah. I drove it one lap last year at Michigan, and I drove it the other day at Rockingham, so I’m still trying to figure out the characteristics. It’s just like the other car last week – I need to get a race or two under me. This is just a great race team.”

Jamie McMurray – No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion (qualified 8th): “It wasn’t bad. We weren’t that good in practice. Larry [Carter, crew chief] made some real good adjustments to the car, and it drove a lot better. I think that will be a top 20, which we were 25th or 30th in practice, so it should be good.”

Robby Gordon – No. 7 Menards/MAPEI Ford Fusion (qualified 33rd): “We were about three-hundredths slower, but my car was just a little bit too free into the middle. We worked on it, made an adjustment to try and tighten it up, and, like I said, it was just a little too free for the first third of the corner.”

It’s cool when you have a vehicle that is reliable, entertaining, safe, comfortable and powerful! And speaking of these qualities, the 2007 Ford Ranger definitely have them! The Ranger is the perfect guide for your adventures and outdoor activities. With all the awesome features equipped in this pickup, you’ll never lose your way.

Features for this vehicle include an AM/FM stereo in-dash 6-CD changer with 4 speakers and MP3 capability although some are given as optional features with all series except the XL. Other items you can find include an auxiliary audio input jack, optional Pioneer® 290-watt Sound System features a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input jack and AM/FM receiver. A center console-mounted 6.5" subwoofer, 5 1/4" polypropylene mid-range speakers with separate 3/4" soft dome tweeters, and 6"x8" dual-cone full-range speakers deliver exceptional reliability. The Personal Safety System®, standard on all Ranger models, includes a Front Passenger Sensing System and dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags. Also standard are a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and the SecuriLock® passive anti-theft ignition system and a lot more.

The 2007 Ford Ranger is a certified tough and economical pickup with efficient transmissions and reliable towing power. In this case, no matter what terrains and obstacles lie ahead, your driving experience will be as exciting as ever! If I’m done fixing my Volvo timing belt and my Volvo vent visors, I would hurriedly try and drive one of these tough and cool rides or maybe I’ll buy one for myself!

Engine specifications:

• Engine type: 2.3L I4
  
• Engine electronics: EEC-V
  
• Displacement: 2.3L (140 CID)
  
• Horsepower: (SAE net at rpm) 143 at 5,250
  
• Torque (lb.-ft. at rpm): 154 at 3,750
  
• Compression ratio: 9.7:1
  
• Bore x stroke (in.): 3.44x3.70
  
• Main bearings: 5
  
• Valve lifters: Mechanical non-hydraulic
  
• Fuel delivery: Sequential electronic fuel injection
  
• Recommended fuel: Unleaded
  
• Fuel economy: 24 city/29 highway
  
• Transmission type: 5-speed manual overdrive standard
  
• Engine block material: Aluminum
  
• Cylinder head material: Aluminum