Ford Helps In Wildfire Relief And Recovery
Thursday, October 25, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:54 PM


The Ford Motor Company is aiming to aid the Southern California which experienced a wildfire and is now under recovery by means of donating cash, cars and manpower volunteers. Not only that, the Detroit based company will also delay the payment of some customers impacted by the wildfires.

Ford immediately donated 20 vehicles from its brand and some of them were 11 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks and nine Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles. This is going to be a tool to fight fires and they were given to the rescue departments on most areas that were affected by these wildfires.

"Many Southern California Ford employees and Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers share the concerns of their neighbors as they also have been affected by this devastating fire. Local fire and rescue officials told us they have an urgent need for heavy duty work trucks and SUVs. We located the 20 specially equipped vehicles at local dealerships and they are on their way to local fire and rescue squads,” Ford Lincoln Mercury Los Angeles regional manager Hal Dewsnap said.

The domestic automaker is also giving out $100,000 to the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

"The San Diego Chapter Red Cross has a critical need for medical, food, water and other supplies, as well as counseling support for hundreds of residents forced from their homes," said Jim Vella, the president of Ford Motor Company Fund. "We are responding to this need immediately."

Customers have the chance to call the toll free numbers posted at the bottom of this post. Customers also have the chance to register for the Ford Motor Credit Disaster Relief Program:
-- Ford Credit: 1-800-723-4016
-- Jaguar Credit: 1-800-945-7000
-- Land Rover Capital Group: 1-877-507-2264
-- Mazda American Credit: 1-800-945-4000
-- PRIMUS Financial Services: 1-800-945-4000
-- Volvo Car Finance: 1-800-770-8234
 
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Pickup Truck On Steroids
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 7:45 PM



That's how I can describe Ford's F-Series Super Duty, but of course, without the negative effect of using steroids. Just looking at the truck makes one feel diminutive and feel respect for the hulking pickup. The F-Series Super Duty is considered as the baddest of all pickup trucks today. And within months of its launch, Ford has added new features to the truck.

On the outside, the automaker's newsletter highlights the exterior design of the F-Series Super Duty and why they came to be that way.

  • The grille sits on a horizontal cut line that defines the top of the bumper and also serves as a base for the stacked headlamps, delivering a clean, more refined look.
  • The step pad on the front bumper is specifically textured and designed for the customers who use the bumper while servicing the truck.
  • Air vents, mounted on the fender just behind the crisply defined wheel arch, dissipate engine compartment heat and designate the type of powertrain beneath the hood - red for diesel, black for gasoline.
  • The distinctive dropped beltline, a Ford truck design cue, improves visibility.
  • The revised tailgate, with a standard Lift-Assist System, is flanked by redesigned taillamps.
  • Five all-new wheel designs including standard 18-inch premium chromed steel wheels on Lariat and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels join a list of 10 wheel options across the lineup.

Ford's truck has always been known to have been Built Tough just like reliable Jaguar struts. Not only is the exterior of the F-Series Super Duty was enhanced by the automaker but also it's interior. In what the company calls "tough luxury", here are the interior features of the F-Series Super Duty worth highlighting:

  • The modern design features all-new materials and includes luxury touches like contrast stitching on the seats and rich, Chaparral leather on the King Ranch.
  • The prominent center stack houses most of the vehicle's switches, integrating all functions into one easy-to-reach central area.
  • Rings surrounding the gauges and air vents are notched, more angular and defined. Gauges also are better organized and easier to read.
  • A large center console is designed to hold file folders and keep laptop computers out of sight

Aside from having those exterior and interior amenities, consumers can also avail of different packages offered by the automaker which are the following: 4x4 Off Road Package; Advanced Security Group; Camper Package; Chrome Package; Driver's Memory Package; Heavy Service Suspension Package; King Ranch Package; King Ranch with Chrome Package; Power Equipment Group Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System; Snow Plow Prep Package; Stabilizer Package; TowCommand System; XL Décor Group; and the SLT Sport Package.

 
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SUV Of the Year: Mazda CX-9
Monday, October 15, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 6:29 PM


Mazda, a Japanese automaker in which Ford owns a substantial share, is known for its Wankel engines and great reliability. Recently, an SUV made by Mazda was recognized by the publication Motor Trend. The Mazda CX-9 was recently named as the SUV of the Year by the mentioned publication.

The CX-9 topped ten other nameplates for the distinction of being the best sport utility vehicle of the 2008 model year. This is definitely a good sign for Ford and Mazda as the former is continuing its battles with lowering demand for its vehicles in the United States auto market. Ford's newsletter said that the SUV category has always been reserved "for a few off-road specialists" but today, automakers have been coming out with their own SUV contrary to the belief that the segment is dying. Motor Trend's editor Angus MacKenzie noted that while the selection for this year's award is smaller in number, they saw new entries.

"We wondered if it would be possible for Mazda to inject its sports car DNA into their first-ever three-row crossover-a crossover that happened to be one of the largest in the lineup," said MacKenzie. "After three days of testing, that question was answered in full. It was arguably the most enjoyable sport/utility to drive, and a great reminder that SUVs can be as exciting as any car," he added.

Aside from having reliable components as durable as Mazda MX3 radiators, the CX-9 now has the crown of being the SUV to beat. To come with the recipient of the award, Motor Trend conducted off-road testing as well as street and track driving. These tests shows what the SUVs in contention can do in different road conditions. And it appeared that the CX-9 has the best overall driving performance on all road conditions.

Other attributes such as safety, driving performance, features, ride comfort, stability and others are also considered by Motor Trend. In the end, the CX-9 reigned supreme. According to the same newsletter, the contenders were considered using three criteria which are: "superiority (engineering, design, and utilization of resources); significance (its impact on the market), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition)."

MacKenzie said that crossover vehicles are here to stay and that means the CX-9 has a bright future ahead of it. "Make no mistake, the sport utility or crossover is enmeshed in the American psyche," he said. "Despite concerns over the economy and rising gas prices, more than two million SUVs rolled off dealer lots in the first six months of 2007 alone. The Mazda CX-9 spins the traditional 'ute' in a new direction. It's a sleek, elegant, sophisticated vehicle that is comfortable going to midtown, the market or the mountains."

 
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Teen Safety Week
Thursday, October 11, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 6:46 PM


The Congress has declared that the week of October 15 be hailed as the Teen Driver Safety Week. This will focus on the different vulnerable groups of drivers who are considered to be high risk on the streets.

These are the top six driving tips for the teens I found on theautochannel.com.

Statistics show that the top six driving risk factors for teens are:
  • Failing to wear a seat belt - each year, 75 percent of teens killed in vehicles are not buckled up. Properly wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by approximately 50 percent.
  • Distraction - text messaging, cell phones, eating, grooming and talking with other passengers increases the risk of being involved in a crash.
  • Excessive speed - illegal/unsafe speed is the most common contributing factor in single vehicle crashes for drivers. Teens particularly have difficulty adjusting speed to driving conditions.
  • Fatigue - a person who has been awake for 24 hours experiences impairment nearly equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent. Teens often don’t get enough sleep.
  • Driving at night - mile for mile, 16- and 17-year-olds are about three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash at night than during the day.
  • Driving with other teens - the presence of teen passengers dramatically increases the risk of crashing.
Teens are still considered high risk and they make poor choices when driving and then they often experience a tragic outcome on the road. They don’t usually buckle up and one among the reasons why they get hurt during an accident is this. We have to keep them aware of the safety measures during a drive. You, as a parent, must also be responsible for your kids in order for them to be safe even while parking. The list of tips was given to Minnesota’s youngest drivers to reduce risk of road teen accidents.

 
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Sportier Fusion For 2008
Thursday, October 04, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 6:18 PM


FoMoCo's lineup has always been solid. The automaker knows how to deliver the goods that the consumer wants. If you want a car for your family with all the features that will keep every family member happy, they have them. If you are looking for a workhorse for your farm out in the country, then the F-Series is there for you. And if you want a sporty ride, why not try Ford's Fusion?

According to the automaker's newsletter, the new Fusion for the 2008 model year is made even sportier than its predecessor. The reason for this change in the sportiness of the Fusion is the new Sports Appearance Package which will be offered with the car for the 2008 model year. The said package will make a Fusion look sporty both inside and out. It will be available for the SE and SEL variants of the Fusion.

Outside, refinements brought to the Fusion by the package include 18-inch machined aluminum wheels. This marks the first time that this kind of wheel is offered with the Fusion. The package also includes body color fog lamp surrounds and a unique rear lip spoiler.

On the inside, the new Fusion with the Sport Appearance Package will have "charcoal black interior trim with contrasting red stitching that is included on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console," according to the automaker. These refinements make the new Fusion as appealing as luxury vehicle like those manufactured by Acura and equipped with reliable clutches and other auto parts."

We did this to give our Fusion customers the chance to really dress up the exterior and interior of their cars," said Jonathan Richards, Ford Fusion marketing manager. "Fusion customers are into appearance, and they want a sporty-looking package to go with Fusion's already great handling. This Sport Appearance Package helps deliver that both inside and out." Aside from the new package, the 2008 Ford Fusion will also be offered with these features:
  • Ford SYNC, a Bluetooth-enabled, voice-activated system that allows hands-free phone calling and digital media playing.
  • a voice-activated, DVD-based Navigation System and Sirius satellite radio.
  • the Ambient Lighting Package which adds the glow of seven selectable hues to the front and rear footwells and the front cupholders.
  • a Moon and Tune package that puts a power moonroof overhead and a premium eight-speaker Audiophile Sound System all around.

Richards sung the Fusion's praises saying: "Our dealers are saying this is the one they're putting on the showroom floor. This is the one that ultimately delivers on everything that Fusion is." Still not sold? Visit your nearest Ford dealership and see for yourself what the new Fusion is really all about.


 
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Ford’s Fantastic Five Signature Technology
Tuesday, October 02, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 7:36 PM


Are you tired of the usual things you see everyday in your car? No funky gizmos to somehow make your day exciting and convenient? I think it’s about time to shift to the brighter side of car technology… Have a big bite from Ford’s five signature technologies! This stuff separates the good cars from the great ones - and Ford sits at the side of the greats. By bringing in the best ground-breaking features today, Ford vehicles has climbed up to the top and established a reputation as one of the brilliant quality car manufacturers in the industry as brilliant as Mercedes bumpers!

According to the news I found from at http://www.ford.com/, Ford’s five signature techs include the Easyfuel capless fuel, next is SYNC, Securicode keyless entry pad, the Sony/THX audio systems and the Adjustable Ambient Lighting.

"In one market research study we did, 85 percent of customers said they'd pay (U.S.) $100 for a solution. We’re going to give it to them for free,” says Joe Pierucci, the manager of Advanced Product Strategy.

"Today's customers are looking for solutions to life's everyday challenges when they purchase a vehicle, and they are looking to brands that stand for something. Standing for something means you give the customer real solutions that no one else does. And you do it consistently across your showroom," says Jack Palazzolo, the manager for Cross Vehicle Product and Features Marketing.

Every Ford Signature Technologies feature is certainly available at some point either as standard or optional features, although it will be available across the whole range of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles by the 2010 model year.

"Winning in a crowded marketplace means bringing a unique and relevant proposition to the customer before the competition does. So, Ford Signature Technologies are a core element of our Way Forward revitalization plan to be the No. 1 choice of our target customers," says Palazzolo.

Previously, Palazzolo said that it was easy to prioritize technology projects and he also added, "We know what's best." But now the emphasis is on what the customer wants. Case in point: hands-free media device integration. It immediately became the most visible member of the Signature Technologies family when SYNC was unveiled last month. By effortlessly incorporating practical and satisfying conveniences into the driving experience, SYNC appeals to a wide range of audiences - from auto enthusiasts to technophiles to commuters.

Already enjoying widespread media buzz, SYNC will soon be the focal point of a massive Ford Division advertising campaign. "Media buzz and word of mouth are the first wave of any successful marketing effort - it's publicity you can’t buy," says Palazzolo. "That only happens when your product is a home run, and SYNC obviously is." He adds that the company is confident that each of the Signature Technologies will prove to be out-of-the-park hits because they’re solving customers' problems in a big way. Because of the anticipated widespread appeal, the company plans to market many of the Signature Technologies separate from the vehicles, "making the feature the star," says Pierucci.

 
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