The Top Ten Hot Sedans
Friday, December 28, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 8:47 PM


This is the list of the top ten hot sedans:
  • Audi S8
  • Audi RS 4
  • Infiniti G35
  • Lexus ES 350
  • Lexus LS 460
  • 2008 Lexus LS 600h L
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • Volvo S80

Forbesauto.com describes the Audi S8 as having an Italian heart and a German body with it being a hot-blooded stunner. As usual, safety's first for Volvo's priciest and plushest model, but now there's more added style for the fashion-conscious, the site described the Volvo S80.

Most of the cars on the list were European cars and only Lexus car models were the ones from Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corporation. Infiniti also had an entrant. I was disappointed to see the maker of Acura CL thermostat not part of the list.
 
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Ford Develops Abdomen Prototype For Child Crash Tests
Thursday, December 27, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 10:43 PM


As I have posted earlier, Ford has launched its Child Safety Program. In support to this, the Dearborn automaker is now developing a high-tech insert, similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old's abdomen.

The insert is designed for crash test dummies to help improve vehicle safety for children. The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and crash tests more real world, leading to better vehicle restraints, according to the automaker’s release.

Partners to the venture include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which manufactures vehicle safety systems.

Crash tests mainly have focused on head and chest injuries, according to Steve Rouhana, a technical leader in Ford's crash dummy testing. "But the lack of an abdomen is not just a matter of priority," he said. "We really didn't have the technology before to accurately measure abdominal response."

The silicone prototype features an LED and optical sensor surrounded by a high-viscosity, red or blue silicone fluid. Sensors measure penetration based on the amount of light absorbed by the silicone fluid.

As we know, it takes a very clever dummy to find new ways to avoid injuries in vehicular accidents. Good thing Ford has taken another step to further child safety.

"The major focus [of crash tests] has always been on head and chest injuries," Ford safety engineer Steve Rouhana said. "We really didn't have the technology before to accurately measure abdominal response." To speed the research, he added, Ford will offer the technology to other automakers early in 2008 through the Society of Automotive Engineers.

But more children who are too large for child-safety seats but too small to be adequately served by adult seat belts have been suffering such injuries in crashes. The silicone shell can measure the penetration of seat belts into a youngster's abdomen. With those test results and data from actual crashes, Ford is looking to improve seat-belt designs for children not restrained in booster seats, which are recommended until age 8, Chicago Tribune reported.

"We do lots of development with virtual tests but, ultimately, we have to have a physical test. We don't want to be surprised when NHTSA does its test," Rouhana said.

The new dummies and virtual people are a far cry from its ancestors. The primitive devices that represented an average-size male (about 5 feet 6 inches, 170 pounds) could measure mainly head and chest injuries. Now, NHTSA uses a family of dummies that includes a 6-month-old, a 6-year-old, a small adult woman (about 5 feet tall, 108 pounds), a pregnant woman and a large man (6 foot 2 inches tall, 225 pounds), the report said. The dummies are designed for specific tests, such as front or side impact or whiplash, and can measure injuries to the neck, ribs, hips and internal organs.

"We need the precision we know we can get from using dummies in tests that can produce consistent results," said NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson.

Auto parts like engine, bumper, radiator and more continue to get tougher. This means that safety features should go hand in hand with the development.
 
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Child Safety Program Launched By Ford
, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:23 PM


The yuletide season is the perfect time for sharing. The old folks are definitely right - Christmas is all about giving love and care. Do you think you’ve already given your share of good deeds this holiday? I hope so! Recently, I was at the receiving end and it feels so good. I just got a brand new brake master from my boss.

Anyway, talk about sharing good deeds, the Ford Motor Company has once again offered innovative and caring stuff for children. It’s the Child Safety Program that features the right installation of child safety seats to their save lives.

According to Ford’s headlines, the Ford Motor Company Fund is launching See Me Safe, a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) program in cooperation with Nashville's Meharry Medical College in an endeavor to tackle this significant matter. Ford’s program started to reach out in Detroit last November, this month in Dallas and Nashville coming on board in January.

"By establishing a core network of health care providers, from physicians, to nurses, to pediatric trauma response teams, and by working directly with parents, Ford Motor Company Fund is taking strides to ensure auto safety for children," says Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, during the event.

"This program is valuable to Detroit," said Shawn Levitt, chief operating officer, Children's Hospital of Michigan. "It not only extends Children's ongoing community child passenger safety education to parents, but also equips frontline health care providers with information to discuss with their patients and families."

Meharry carries out pre- and post-event surveys to verify whether respondents have augmented their level of awareness and whether their attitudes have changed as a result of the training to make sure the triumph of the See Me Safe program.

"As the largest, private, comprehensive historically black institution for educating health professionals and scientists in the United States, Meharry Medical College is a perfect partner for this program. See Me Safe focuses on narrowing the gap between what is and what can be in child passenger safety by helping parents and medical professionals learn about important life-saving measures," says Osei Mevs, associate vice president, External Affairs, Meharry Medical College.
 
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Latvala Takes Gronholm's Seat At Ford
Monday, December 17, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 4:09 AM


Jari-Matti Latvala, Finland's pride, will take the seat of Marcus Gronholm at Ford's main team in the upcoming season, the company announced Sunday.

Latvala, 22, looks forward to having a nice season in 2008. The Finn will be racing with teammate Mikko Hirvonen, with Ford keeping an all-Finnish lineup.

Hirvonen will become the team's lead driver, according to Reuters. "He (Latvala) has gained confidence by the day and has developed into the most promising driver in the WRC this season," said Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson in a statement. "His performances on the second half of the season put him in pole position for the drive. Marcus and Mikko have worked wonderfully together and I hope that Mikko will pass on to Jari-Matti the experience he has learned," he added.

What does the Blue Oval team has to say?

"The man who so convincingly kept the BP-Ford team at the top of the leader board throughout the year is Marcus Grönholm. We couldn't have won 'two in a row' without Marcus and Timo delivering results so consistently. We're really fortunate to have had them both on the team, and we're proud of what they have achieved for Ford. Marcus and Timo have been one of the sport's most successful pairings of all time - in fact their 30 victories have earned Marcus second place on the list for all-time rally wins. Such is Marcus' standing in the sport that we did not want to lose him entirely from our team. We are asking Marcus to take an ambassadorial role for Ford of Europe next year," said Lewis Booth, Vice Chairman for Ford of Europe.

"Ford of Europe is planning for a long-term success in the WRC. Our young but experienced team, with Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala, is a clear statement of intent. We believe these two young Finns will become stars of the sport and we're delighted to offer them the opportunity to grow and develop with Ford over the next few season, while providing all-important stability and consistency within the team," said Ian Slater, Vice President Communications of Ford of Europe.

Slater added: "Jari-Matti is only 22, but already he has started more than 50 WRC events and his level of experience is higher than many older drivers. He has developed greatly under Malcolm's guidance in a privately-entered Focus RS World Rally Car during the past two seasons. Towards the end of the 2007 season Jari-Matti has shown he is ready to step up to a full works drive: witness his outstanding third place in Rally Ireland last month. They will debut for us in January's Monte Carlo Rally."

"With this incredible car and team we look forward for a 2008 full of successes," concluded Mark Deans, Ford of Europe's new Motorsport Director.

For sure, Ford will let me forget about Acura Integra alternator. It means more racing action…as always!

credit: Yahoo Eurosport
 
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Ford Goes High-Tech
Sunday, December 16, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:01 PM


Ford is going to start the new year with a lot of high teach features for cars on display at the upcoming 2008 International CES, the largest tradeshow for consumer technology.

According to Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development had this to say: "Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand. Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio."

The technologies which the automaker will showcase at the forthcoming event will soon be available on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. This just goes to show that the automaker is dedicated to attracting consumers back to their dealerships.

Kuzak added: "In-car electronics, especially as it relates to information services and entertainment, continues to rapidly change. To keep up with the pace of the consumer electronics industry, we need to work closely with the most capable companies in the business. These technology companies are helping change home entertainment and the movie theater experience, as well as leading innovations in portable electronics and desktop computing. Ford, working with these partners, is beginning to bring these great experiences to the automotive environment, delivering what customers say they want."

With the automaker bent on creating a wider buyer base for its vehicles and wholesale auto parts, it can be expected that it will be unveiling cutting edge in-car technologies. The automaker has partnered with large companies with a lot of expertise in their particular field to create more car features geared towards appeasing consumers. The list of the companies that Ford is working with includes Dolby, Gracenote, Microsoft, SIRIUS, Sony Electronics and THX."

 
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Ford Expects A Sale Soon…
Saturday, December 15, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 4:30 AM


FoMoCo is poised to name India's Tata Motors as preferred bidder for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported. An announcement could come in the next fortnight, with Tata expected to pay about 1 billion pounds ($2 billion), it added.

Ford, which is spinning off the British companies to concentrate on restructuring its loss-making North American operations, said last week it aimed to complete the sale in early 2008. Tata is competing in the auction for the luxury brands with rival Indian group Mahindra & Mahindra and private equity firm One Equity Partners, according to Reuters.

The Detroit-based automaker needs to be efficient as a performance chip to alleviate its standing in the auto realm. The company expects to complete the sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover nameplates by early next year at the latest, company executives said.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby said Friday that the automaker cannot rule out the possibility of a deal for a buyer for the brands before the end of the year. However, Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields said it was possible the company might not be ready to announce a deal until the early part of next year. "Basically we want to make sure the buyer can uphold the tradition of these brands," Fields added.

The guessing in Detroit is that Tata Motors, the auto branch of the diversified Indian manufacturer, and Chase & Company's One Equity Partners are the leading contenders for ford's Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

The senior adviser at One Equity Partners is former Ford CEO Jacques Nasser, who spent 3.3 billion dollars to acquire Land Rover from BMW. Ford acquired Jaguar from the British government in 1990.

Joseph Barker, an analyst with CSM Worldwide Inc., said Ford could wind up selling the brands to private-equity investors. "Private equity could play a big role," he said. "However, they might sell the brands to a company like Tata for strategic reasons. Any deal with Tata is likely to include a strategic alliance between Ford and the Indian automaker. Tata also has a lot of money.”

A report said Tata was to bid in the range of 1.5-2.2 billion dollars. Analysts had earlier pegged the value of the two brands at around 1.5 billion dollars.

Unions representing workers at Jaguar and Land Rover in Britain have endorsed an alliance with Tata, said AFP. Fields, however, turned aside reporters' questions about which bidder was favored. A deal with Tata could give Ford important access to the promising Indian auto market, Barker noted.

Access to emerging markets sparked Renault-Nissan's successful bid earlier this month for a 25% stake in the struggling Russian automaker AutoVaz. Vehicle sales in Russia are expected to double by 2015, the report continued.

President of the Center for Automotive Research David Cole said that larger automakers need alliances both to bolster their positions in emerging markets and to spread the costs of developing new vehicles.
 
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Ford’s Innovative In-Car Technologies To Be Presented At The 2008 International CES!
Friday, December 14, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:20 PM



The planet’s biggest and renowned consumer technology tradeshow is on its way and it’s all set to amaze technology geeks from around the globe. And Ford will play a big role in the 2008 international CES by presenting its innovative in-car connectivity technology!

According to Ford’s press release, the latest technology developed in cooperation with Microsoft got the desirable “People’s Voice” award following the extremely triumphant introduction of Ford SYNC at the 2007 International CES a few months ago. Next year, Ford will resurface at the annual assembly in Las Vegas on Jan. 6. The company intends to introduce significant affiliations and additional improvements in consumer-oriented, in-vehicle electronics.

“Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand. Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

Intercontinental CES guests will have the chance to witness several first-class vehicles with cool window motors and technologies from Ford Motor Company which have been enhanced in cooperation with major suppliers which include Gracenote, Dolby, Microsoft, Sony Electronics, SIRIUS and THX.

“In-car electronics, especially as it relates to information services and entertainment, continues to rapidly change. To keep up with the pace of the consumer electronics industry, we need to work closely with the most capable companies in the business. These technology companies are helping change home entertainment and the movie theater experience, as well as leading innovations in portable electronics and desktop computing. Ford, working with these partners, is beginning to bring these great experiences to the automotive environment, delivering what customers say they want,” added Kuzak.

 
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Land Rover And Jaguar For Sale In 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:09 PM


Some are maybe tired of the news as months ago, the Ford Motor Company said they have decided to sell two Premiere Automotive group members at the end of October but it seems like Ford is expecting much from their bidders. Early this morning, I read news saying that Ford is going to sell the two PAG members early this 2008.

Mark Fields, Ford's president for the Americas, told reporters at a presentation at a Ford training facility that, "First and foremost in our minds is to make sure that we sell to a buyer that looks to grow (the brands). We're still going through the process."

According to Fields, the company would likely be closing the deal weeks before the end of the year. "It's most likely going to be in the first quarter," he said. These Ford brands would definitely wear the same quality parts like the Acura CL fuel tank.

India's Tata Motors (TAMO.BO), Mahindra & Mahindra (MAHM.BO) and private equity firm One Equity Partners were the known bidders of both Jaguar and Land Rover.

Merrill Lynch was able to give an estimate on both brands which amounts to a huge $1.5 billion on a combined basis. While an Indian newspaper reports that both brands have a final bid that ranges from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion.

According to more sources, the current number two biggest automaker around the world is ready to do more production cutting in order to keep the operation of their car company going.

According to the Detroit based car maker, the truck demands will most likely land below 15.5 million units on an annualized basis over the next six months. "That's cause for concern, of course," Fields said.

He added: "If we need to make changes and things go outside our plan, we will make changes."
 
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2007 Shelby Mustang GT500: ‘I Am Legend’ Star
Friday, December 07, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 11:34 PM


The most loved pony car in the world, the Mustang, is a certified Hollywood icon! It starred in hundreds of international film; and most of them are blockbuster hits. Today, the Ford Mustang will have its comeback on the silverscreens starting December 14, 2007 - the world premiere of the much awaited sci-fi flick from Warner Brothers, ‘I Am Legend’.

You’ll definitely be astonished by the story, Will Smith’s classic antics and of course, the 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 sporting a red exterior paintjob with its signature white stripes! The movie will feature the Mustang as the significant vehicle for the Fresh Prince that will cruise on the streets of New York City! It is rest assured that this blockbuster film is going to be hot as a Hyundai radiator!

"There is no doubt that the Shelby Mustang GT500 is the costar of the first part of this story. Smith plays the sole survivor of an apocalypse who races around the deserted, gray, empty streets in this fantastic bright red Mustang. The sequences are incredible,” says Brian Daly of Ford Global Brand Entertainment (FGBE).

I Am Legend is already the talk of Hollywood buzz and it generated an exceptional statement on a Los Angeles Times auto blog.

"The shots of the Mustang blasting around totally traffic-free New York will be the envy of every urban driver. I lost myself in that dream just with the sound of that car growling through the city streets,” says automotive reporter Josh Hancock.

"The producers knew they wanted an American-made vehicle and the Shelby Mustang was perfect casting. But I also knew Chrysler and GM were making pitches. I kept imagining the folks at Camaro piecing together all kinds of prototypes to get those scenes,” added Daly.

And guess what? According to the Auto Spectator, it's not just a Ford Mustang that digs up face time. Will Smith will also share scenes with a Ford Expedition and a Ford Escape Hybrid.

"Getting Ford brand vehicles in movies like I Am Legend works in two ways; First, producers know that as the audience recognizes a vehicle they see in real life or have been thinking about, the story becomes more relatable. And second, when our products are on-screen they can engage the viewer in a totally different fashion and help enhance our commercial and marketing investments,” says Bob Witter, the manager of FGBE.

"They wanted the car to match his hair," said Witter. "We delivered a gray Jaguar, but it wasn't the right shade."

"It's an amazing trick. Once the plastic is peeled off, you can never tell the car was touched. Eventually those cars are sold at auction. Someone could be out there driving Richard Gere's costar right now and never even know it," added Witter.
 
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Southern California Edison Acquired Their First Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrids
Thursday, December 06, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 12:56 AM


The newest Ford Escape plug-in hybrid acquisition was done by the Southern California Edison. The Ford Motor Company was obliged to deliver their first demonstration Escape Plug-In hybrids to Southern California. The first of 20 research PHEVs vehicles are ready for road testing and observation of its steering rack functions and all other aspects.

“The electrification of vehicles has sparked significant interest in this country. The delivery of this Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid research vehicle today represents another step in our development and understanding of the technology and its place in the overall energy picture. PHEVs are one element of our blueprint for sustainability that includes actions ranging from refinements in gasoline fueled engines and transmissions, to the development of hydrogen fuel cells,” says Sue Cischke, the senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

“We are united in a common cause. We bring our expertise in energy production, delivery and management, and combine it with Ford’s expertise in hybrid technology. Together, we are seeking solutions to address the needs of our shared customers and to ultimately help this nation achieve energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is not about simply connecting the car to the grid. It’s about integrating vehicles and energy storage technologies into the energy system of the future,” says Lynda Ziegler, Southern California Edison’s senior vice president for Customer Service.

“Although the energy infrastructure is in place, significant challenges remain for widespread adoption of PHEVs,” said Cischke. “Cost, durability and reliability issues all need to be addressed before these vehicles can make a significant impact on the global issues of climate change and energy security.”


 
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Malcolm Tells Marcus: Door Is Always Open
Tuesday, December 04, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 5:00 PM


Will you be missing Marcus Gronholm? For me, the answer will be on the affirmative. The boob tube will miss him too.

But let’s hear it from BP Ford team director, Malcolm Wilson. How does he feel about the retirement of his number one driver?

Marcus will be greatly missed, said Malcolm, adding that he if he ever wants to come back to the WRC in the future he only has to ask. This season, Marcus put in an awesome performance, winning 5 events in total. It is also worth stressing that he only missed out on the drivers' title by 4 points.

Combining his and Mikko Hirvonen’s rallying skills Ford took its second consecutive manufacturers' title. What’s more, Blue Oval’s 212 points score was the highest in Ford's WRC history.

The Blue Oval has declared itself delighted with the outcome of the 2007 World Rally Championship, despite seeing Marcus beaten to the world title in a final round showdown.

"Mikko and Marcus could not have done any better," said Malcolm. "We've won every gravel event since May and to end the year with a one-two finish is a perfect result. Mikko drove a great rally but sadly Marcus didn't win the drivers' championship on his final event. It was a great season for the sport with a thrilling battle for the drivers' title that went down to the final round."

"Obviously, we are really happy with the result. First and second [on Rally GB] – we couldn't have done any better. But sadly it wasn't enough to give Marcus the title we wanted to give him in his final year, so it's great to win in GB again but it is disappointing that Marcus couldn't clinch the Championship," Malcolm told Yahoo Eurosport.

"More importantly he is going to be a big loss to the team. As everyone knows he has been leading the team and has helped us win two Manufacturers' Championships, which was a first since 1979 - so there is no question the records speak for themselves as to how he has actually helped us and made the team and everybody raise their game to where we are,” he continued. “So Marcus, you'll be greatly missed and you know that if you ever want to come back, you only have to knock on my door."

Despite losing Marcus though, Wilson is feeling confident for 2008, when the outfit is strongly tipped to again field two Finns, with Jari-Matti Latvala expected to be promoted to the ‘A' team to work alongside Mikko Hirvonen, according to Crash.net.

"There is a lot of young talent out there and Mikko has won three rallies this year. My brief to him before we started this rally was to finish in the position you plan to be in next season. It's going to be a very interesting fight [in 2008]," Malcolm concluded.

Rally, races, and more are my passion. The Blue Oval, Subaru, the maker of Acura CL driveshaft, McLaren, and other racing teams will surely delight me in the upcoming 2008 season. That’s something to look forward to…
 
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