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Ford Ends 2011 with Strong Sales

Ford brand 2011 U.S. sales increased 17 percent, totaling 2,062,915 vehicles, sealing the brand’s first three-point market share gain over three consecutive years since 1970. Total Ford Motor Company sales for the year increased to 2,148,806 vehicles, up 11 percent for the year.

“The year finished on a high note, with industry sales momentum strengthening as the year came to a close,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We saw Ford sales strengthen as well, posting our best December retail sales month since 2005 and closing the year as America’s best-selling brand.”

Small car, utilities and truck sales drove Ford’s marketplace performance in 2011. Small car sales were up 25 percent in 2011 with 244,291 cars sold.

Ford Fusion had a record year with 248,067 vehicles sold.

Ford brand utility sales totaled 579,626 vehicles in 2011, up 31 percent, making it the best-selling utility brand in America. Sales were paced by the Explorer, up 124 percent, with 135,704 sold, and record Escape sales of 254,293, up 33 percent for the year, including an all-time monthly sales record in December of 25,574 vehicles.

In December, Ford brand sales were 201,737, up 16 percent from a year earlier. Ford sold 68,278 F-Series pickups in December, representing its best December sales results since 2006. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 584,917 trucks, making it the only vehicle to break the 500,000 vehicle sales mark last year.

For 2012, Ford expects the global economy to expand in the 3 percent range, extending the global economic recovery to a third consecutive year. Global industry sales are projected to be in the range of 75 million to 85 million.

In the U.S., Ford expects the economy to expand 2 to 3 percent in 2012 and industry sales to be in the range of 13.5 million to 14.5 million.

Economies in Europe are tracking at different speeds. Ford expects industry sales in the European 19 markets to be in the range of 14.0 million to 15.0 million units in 2012.

Ford Brand Sales Top 2 Million for 1st Time Since 2007

U.S. sales of the Ford brand this week topped 2 million vehicles for the first time since 2007. The milestone makes Ford the best selling brand in America and the first automotive brand to hit the 2 million mark since 2007.

“Ford’s lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks continues to attract more and more new customers,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s sales analysis manager. “With gasoline prices tracking higher than last year, customers continue to move toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, whether they are passenger cars or utilities.”

Both the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus achieve 40 mpg highway, while the Ford Explorer brings a class leading 28 mpg highway with its new EcoBoost engine.

Ford’s smallest utility, the fuel-efficient Escape, has achieved record sales volumes this year and is America’s best selling utility vehicle. 

Overall, Ford brand small cars are on pace to post an increase of more than 20 percent this year. Ford brand utilities are tracking to post more than a 30 percent gain.

Most Ford products deliver best-in-class fuel economy and provide customers with the opportunity to choose what best works for them – from EcoBoost-powered gasoline vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrified vehicles. In fact, with the company’s new electrified vehicle introductions, nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines in the U.S. will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012 – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Ford Motor Company’s October Sales up 6 Percent; Ford Brand Utilities and Trucks Drive Gains

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2011 – Continued strong demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient utility vehicles and trucks lifted the company to a 6 percent increase in total sales in October. 

With total sales of 167,803 vehicles, gains came largely from Ford brand utilities, up 38 percent, and strong truck sales, up 8 percent versus last year.

“More and more consumers are being attracted to Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles – from cars and utility vehicles to our full-size pickups with EcoBoost engines,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “The Ford brand continues growing its market share, showing we have the vehicles and technologies people truly want and value.”   

Year-to-date, Ford is the best-selling brand of vehicles in America with sales totaling 1,700,618, up 17 percent. With this performance, the Ford brand is now on track to increase its market share this year by about 1 percentage point – which would mark market share gains for three consecutive years.

Ford Brand Utilities: Up 38 Percent
Ford is the country’s best-selling utility vehicle brand. Utility vehicles sales totaled 45,877 in October, up 38 percent. Year-to-date, Ford utility vehicles total 471,787, up 31 percent.

Explorer is leading the way, with sales up 225 percent versus a year ago and 11,987 vehicles sold. Year-to-date Explorer sales are up 134 percent, with 108,994 vehicles sold. Explorer retail sales have tripled in every market area of the U.S.

Escape sales in October totaled 19,046 vehicles, a 31 percent increase. Year-to-date Escape sales are up 31 percent at 206,896 vehicles – setting a record. This year marks the first time Escape has broke through the 200,000 sales milestone in its 11-year history.  

Edge sales totaled 9,161 vehicles in October, down 10 percent. Year-to-date, Edge sales increased 3 percent with 99,940 vehicles sold.

Ford Brand Cars: On the rise through October
Ford brand car sales totaled 576,994 through October – up 18 percent versus the same period a year ago – more than doubling the industry-wide passenger car sales increase.

In October, Fiesta, Focus and Fusion all posted higher retail sales than a year ago, offset by lower fleet deliveries.

In October, Fiesta sales were up 7 percent, with 4,124 vehicles sold. Focus total sales were equal to a year ago, with retail sales particularly strong on the U.S. coasts – almost double year ago levels in California and up almost 50 percent in New York.

Fusion sales were up 4 percent, totaling 18,094 vehicles, another monthly record for Ford’s midsize sedan. Fusion has now set monthly records in 12 of the last 13 months. Year-to-date Fusion sales have increased 15 percent, breaking through the 200,000 vehicle mark for the year and on pace for a record sales year.

Ford Brand Trucks: Up 8 Percent
Ford truck sales totaled 69,068 in October, an 8 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Year-to-date truck sales total 651,837, up 9 percent.

Ford’s F-Series sales totaled 52,511 vehicles, up 7 percent, in October. It is the second month in a row F-Series has topped 50,000 sales. Year-to-date F-Series sales total 468,899 pickups, an 8 percent increase.

“October was important for Ford trucks,” Czubay said. “In addition to helping grow sales 8 percent, the F-150 won the ‘Truck of Texas’ award and Ford won ‘Truck Line of Texas’ for the 12th straight year. We are honored for the Texas Auto Writers Association to validate what our customers have been saying about our fuel-efficient and highly capable trucks.”    

Among retail customers, more than 40 percent of F-150 buyers opted for Ford’s highly fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in October. Coupled with EcoBoost sales on Explorer and Edge and Ford cars, total EcoBoost engine sales topped 15,000 in October.

Ford F-150 Named Truck of Texas

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 24, 2011 – Ford trucks and crossovers have earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo, including the 2012 Ford F-150 being named Truck of Texas – the most prestigious award.

“Texan consumers put their trust in TAWA’s automotive journalists. After lining up vehicles from major auto manufacturers, our members determined Ford simply had the best trucks and crossover,” said Mike Herzing, president of TAWA. “But the real winners here are Texas’ truck buyers. Ford delivers the trucks that fit their lifestyles.”

Ford also swept seven additional categories for its trucks, crossovers and EcoBoost engine technology.

 

“These honors show Ford trucks still reign supreme in Texas, and it is rewarding to see that the truck-savvy Texas auto writers appreciate just how innovative our F-Series pickups are,” said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. “These awards validate what our customers have been telling us about our ‘Built Ford Tough’ F-150, and we are honored by their recognition of the strength of our truck lineup as well as our crossovers and EcoBoost engines.”

 

A total of 48 vehicles were entered in the rodeo and evaluated by the 57 registered TAWA members. TAWA is one of the largest associations of auto writers in the U.S.

At this weekend’s Rodeo, TAWA members also named Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology Best Vehicle Feature.

 

V6 EcoBoost engine sales have accounted for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales volume each of the past six months. Additionally, F-150s with EcoBoost had their best-ever sales month in September.

The V6 engines continue to outsell V8s among F-150s, with Ford’s new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.7-liter V6 engines representing 57 percent of F-150 retail sales in September.

 

Ford F-150 EcoBoost-equipped trucks offer best-in-class trailer tow capability of 11,300 pounds and can achieve 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. No other truck with comparable horsepower and torque can match the F-150 EcoBoost in highway or city fuel economy.

 

The 2012 Ford Edge also was awarded the honor of Crossover of Texas and Best Midsize CUV of Texas.

 

The 2012 Edge features an all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine that offers 30 mpg highway and 270 lb.-ft. of torque – a combination unmatched in the segment.

Ford’s lineup of trucks also was named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year. Ford’s dominance of the TAWA Truck Line of Texas award is further evidence of the durability and reliability of Built Ford Tough F-Series trucks.

 

The full list of Ford vehicles winning top honors in their categories at TAWA Truck Rodeo is:

 

• Truck of Texas: 2012 Ford F-150
• Truck Line of Texas: Ford Motor Company
• CUV of Texas: 2012 Ford Edge
• Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch Super Duty
• Luxury Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost
• Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
• Mid-Size CUV: 2012 Ford Edge Limited
• Outstanding Feature: Ford EcoBoost Engine Technology

Ford Auto Theft Safety Tips

Fewer Americans were victims of car thefts last year. The FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report shows a 7.2 percentage decrease in auto thefts compared to 2010. Improved anti-theft devices and safety tips can help continue this downward trend. Unfortunately, potential thieves will not give up on their efforts to steal your car. But with the same persistence, Ford is constantly improving technologies and methods to keep vehicles secure for its customers.

Ford provides several technologies to better protect your investment:

• Remote Keyless Entry allows locking/unlocking at the push of a button
• Passive Entry-Passive Start allows for unlocking and engine starting remotely
• Intrusion sensing system deters against smash-and-grab thefts
• Immobilizer helps prevent drive-away thefts
• Panic alarm draws attention quickly in case of danger
• Perimeter Alarm System deters against unauthorized entry via doors, hood and trunk/liftgate

Despite significant and ongoing improvements in security features, no system is foolproof. The goal of each preventative measure is to deter theft by making it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle.

For increased protection, Ford dealers also provide additional anti-theft safety services:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching on windows and other surfaces: VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the vehicle can be tagged with a fake VIN and resold
• Installation of wheel locks, which help protect against wheel theft by requiring a special key to unlock the lug nuts
• Installation of LoJack – a vehicle tacking system that helps police locate and recover vehicles

Everyday things you can do to protect against theft:   
You might think most stolen vehicles are expensive sports cars or multipurpose passenger vehicles, but that’s not always the case.

It also doesn’t matter whether you live in a big city, the suburbs or in the country; anyone is susceptible to vehicle theft.

In fact, 40 to 50 percent of vehicle theft is due to driver error, which includes leaving vehicle doors unlocked and leaving keys in the ignition or on the seats.

But there are measures you can take to make sure your vehicle is not an easy target for thieves:

• First, always take your keys; never leave them in or on your vehicle
• Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park
• Park in well-lit areas
• Keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen
• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running

Finally, if you have information on an auto theft crime, first report it to police and then see if there is a theft prevention program like Michigan’s Help Eliminate Auto Thefts program (1-800-242-HEAT) that offers potential cash rewards for information on auto theft crimes.

FBI Uniform Crime Report-Motor Vehicle Theft by Region
Region	Motor vehicle theft
Total	-7.2
Northeast	-4.8
Midwest	-2.6
South	-9.5
West	-7.9

To read the report, click here.

Ford 2011 June Sales Results

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2011 – Ford’s June sales totaled 194,114, up 14 percent versus a year ago. Cars and utilities posted the largest gains, while trucks also posted increases, rebounding from May.

“Strong demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient cars and crossovers continues, and we now are seeing truck buyers return to the market with significant appetite for our fuel-efficient V6 engines,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Cars
Ford’s two all-new small cars combined for 26,920 sales in June, up 66 percent versus a year ago. Fiesta sales were 5,535, and Focus sales were 21,385, up 41 percent versus a year ago. The Fiesta and Focus are the fastest-turning models in Ford dealer showrooms.

“The Fiesta and Focus are driving Ford’s retail share gains in markets beyond our traditional geographic areas of strength,” said Czubay. “In California, Ford’s retail share is the highest since 2006. We also have seen gains in the East and Southeast.”

In June, Ford brand retail sales were up 36 percent in California.

The Fiesta and Focus recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.

The Ford Fusion midsize car now has posted six straight monthly sales records. In June, Fusion sales totaled 20,808, up 13 percent versus a year ago. In the first six months of 2011, Fusion sales were 131,686, up 18 percent from the first-half record set last year.

Lincoln sales were up 17 percent compared with a year ago, paced by higher sales for the Lincoln MKZ (up 31 percent) and Lincoln MKS (up 18 percent) sedans, as well as the Lincoln MKX crossover (up 36 percent).

Utilities
Explorer sales totaled 10,422, up 56 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales for the new Explorer were up 259 percent. In the first six months of 2011, Explorer sales totaled 65,823, surpassing last year’s full-year sales total of 60,687. Explorer has class-leading highway fuel economy of 25 mpg.

Escape sales totaled 22,274, up 43 percent. Year-to-date, Escape sales totaled 122,607, up 24 percent from the first-half record set last year. Edge sales totaled 9,663, up 18 percent. Ford is the top-selling brand of utilities in the U.S., with first-half sales totaling 280,875, up 25 percent versus a year ago.

Trucks
Ford truck sales increased across the lineup in June, with F-Series (up 7 percent), Ranger (up 18 percent), Transit Connect (up 40 percent) and Econoline (up 4 percent). Transit Connect sales were 2,992 – the second highest sales month ever.

Ford’s F-Series truck remained the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. with June sales of 49,618. In the first six months of 2011, F-Series sales totaled 264,079 (up 10 percent). Sales of the F-150 with new V6 engines continued to outsell V8s in June – and V6 engines accounted for 56 percent of F-150 retail sales. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine accounted for 41 percent of F-150 sales, and the 3.7-liter V6 accounted for 15 percent.

Sales Summary
In June, total sales were 194,114, up 14 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were up 13 percent and fleet sales were up 14 percent.

Year-to-date, total sales are 1.07 million, up 12 percent. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet sales were up 9 percent.

“From Fiesta to F-Series, our new vehicles are resonating with customers.  All of us at Ford remain absolutely committed to a full lineup of cars, utilities and trucks with the highest quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” said Czubay.

# # #

Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford Motor Company March 2011 Sales Results

Ford Motor Company reported sales for the month of March in 2011 today and reported 212,777 vehicles sold, up 19 percent versus a year ago, beating rival GM for only the second time since 1998.

Ford says its sales rose 16 percent over last March. Among the strongest sellers was the new Explorer, which saw sales double over last March.  The Fiesta set a U.S. monthly record selling 9,787 units, up 56% versus February 2011.  Fusion and Escape also set monthly sales records, up 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively, versus a year ago.  The best selling truck line in America for 34 years straight posted a sales increase of 25 percent versus a year ago; the new V6 engines account for 37 percent of the 2011 F-150 retail sales.

Consumer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as March sales increased 19 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Ford sales totaled 496,720, up 16 percent.

“With gasoline prices eclipsing $3.50 a gallon, consumers are placing a high priority on fuel efficiency in every size and kind of vehicle,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers are rewarding Ford for our investment in new products as well as more efficient engines and transmissions, which save them money at the pump whether they drive Fiestas or F-Series trucks.”

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

 
In the first quarter, total sales were 496,720, up 16 percent. Retail sales were up 20 percent and fleet sales were up 8 percent (commercial was up 34 percent, government was up 11 percent, and daily rental was down 8 percent).

Two independent market research studies cited the growing strength of the Ford brand in March. Ford was named the most considered auto brand among new-car shoppers in Kelley Blue Books’ Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, and Ford was named top full-line automotive brand in the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend study.

“Our newest products are helping Ford to connect with customers beyond our traditional geographic areas of strength,” said Czubay. “In the first quarter, our largest retail sales increases were on the west coast and in the northeast with major contributions from the Fiesta and Edge. We believe the new Focus and Explorer will help us to achieve further growth in these and other key markets as even more customers look for fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles with technology they truly value.”

Read the full press release here. 

2010 San Antonio International Auto & Truck Show

It's time again for the annual San Antonio International Auto & Truck Show.  This years show starts on Thursday, November 18, 2010 and runs through Sunday, November 21, 2010.

So, what will Ford have on display at this years show?  Ford, like last year has the largest display of new vehicles out of every auto manufacturer and they will have every current model on the floor for you to get in and check out.  However, most of the attention will likely be towards three vehicles up on displays.  What might those three vehicles be you say?  The all-new 2012 Ford Focus sedan is on spinning display on one side and on the other spinning display you will find the all new Ford Explorer.  The last of the three "attention getters" is none other than the "The Boss"...enough said. 

 

If you have some free time Thursday through Sunday head down to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and check out what the San Antonio International Auto Show has to offer.

 

2011 Ford Edge Shipping to Dealers

The crossover segment is one of the hottest segments in the auto industry right now, up 220% since 2006.  Ford introduced the Edge in 2006 and since its inception, Ford has sold over 400,000 CUV's, making the Ford Edge the best selling crossover in that time period.

Ford has raised the bar with the introduction of the all-new 2011 Ford Edge.  The new Edge has been completely redesigned from the inside-out.  There are now two new powertrain options to go along with the standard 3.5 liter V-6, there's the 2.0 liter EcoBoost that puts out 285 horsepower, and the 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 in the newly beefed-up Edge Sport.  There is also a host of upgraded technology features including the new and improved SYNC powered by Microsoft, and the new MyFord Touch.

The all-new 2011 Ford Edge is the newest Ford to get a make-over and it's now on the way.

Ford's CEO Alan Mulally Talks with Jim Craimer

Ford Model Year End Sales Event

Great news everyone, the Ford Model Year End Sales Event is here!  Now is the time to buy a new 2010 Ford and save thousands.  We have 0% financing available for qualified buyers for ujp to 60 months and 1.9% financing for up to 72 months on the 2010 F-150, Fusion, Focus, Mustang GT, and Ranger*.

Call us now at 210.477.3443 for complete details or to schedule your test drive.

excludes Fusion Hybrid and Edge SE, see dealer for complete details.

Ford Sales Results: June 2010

Ford Motor Company reported sales results for the month of June this morning.  The results, June sales totaled 170,900, up 15 % over last June.  The first half of 2010 has been pretty strong for Ford, with sales totaling 954,745, up 28% over a year ago. 

Ford gained retail market share for the 20th time in the last 21 months. Fleet sales also were up 15 percent, primarily reflecting higher sales of Ford's hard-working trucks to commercial customers.

Other sales highlights include:

• Demand for the Ford Fusion, Motor Trend's Car of the Year, remains strong as sales of 18,412 nearly matched last June's record.  Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,607 in June, up 191 percent and Ford Focus sales were up 20 percent.
• With sales of 46,502, Ford's F-Series posted a 29 percent sales increase in June. Year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 240,345, up 34 percent. F-Series is the only vehicle sold in the U.S. to surpass 200,000 sales in the first half of 2010.
• Utility vehicles also posted higher sales. Ford Edge was up six percent, Escape was up one percent, and Mariner was up 35 percent. Ford Escape is America's best-selling utility vehicle. Sales for the Ford Explorer (up 28 percent), Mercury Mountaineer (up 31 percent) and Lincoln Navigator (up 14 percent) also were higher than a year ago.
• First Fiestas delivered to U.S. customers

Ford Leads Industry With Most Top Crash Ratings

Ford and safety go hand in hand, and at Ford safety is standard not an option like other manufactures.  Ford has 11 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for 2010 model vehicles – the most of any automaker – as well as the leading number of five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To see which vehicles made the list and to see what makes these vehicles some of the safest on the market, click here.

Ford's May Sales Rise 23 Percent

For the sixth straight month Ford Motor Company has posted sales gains of more than 20 percent.  The all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty led F-Series pickups with an 82 percent increase, giving the Super Duty its best sales month in two years (total F-Series sales were up 49 percent).  The Ford Fusion, Edge (up 43 percent), and Transit Connect all set records for May sales and the Fusion has seen its sales rise for fourteen months in a row now.  Ford Mustang’s retail share is on the rise too, boosted by the arrival of the new 2011 Mustang with new V-6 and V-8 engines that deliver more horsepower and improved fuel economy.  The new 3.7-liter V-6 achieves 305 hp and is the first production car ever to achieve 300-plus horsepower and 30-plus highway miles per gallon. The new 5.0-liter V-8, offered on the Mustang GT, is at the top of its class with fuel economy of 26 mpg highway and delivers 412 hp.  Mustang’s retail share in May was the highest for any month in a year.  Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,466 in May, up 98 percent. Ford Focus sales were up 13 percent.

North American Production

In the third quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles, up 80,000 vehicles (16 percent) versus the third quarter 2009.  The increase reflects higher consumer demand across Ford’s entire family of cars, utilities and trucks.  Ford’s second quarter production plan is 640,000 vehicles, up 15,000 vehicles from the prior forecast.

Read Ford's Press Release.

2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric

Ford Motor Company has its first all electric vehicle ready for production later this year.  The Ford Transit Connect goes electric and will be on sale later in 2010. Ford is collaborating with Azure Dynamics Corporation to upfit the Transit Connect Electric with Azure’s Force Drive™ battery electric powertrain and Johnson Controls-Saft’s advanced lithium-ion battery technology.  “Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford’s future.”

Read more.

2011 Ford Edge Unveiled

Ford unveiled the all-new 2011 Ford Edge last week at the Chicago Auto Show.  The new 2011 Edge has bolder styling cues on the exterior with refreshing new interior that incorporates Ford's break-through MyTouch technology.  This is the first redesign of the Ford Edge since it hit the ground in 2006.  In the 2011 model buyers will have three engine choices featuring a new 2.0 Liter I-4 Eco-Boost with class-leading horsepower and torque for a four cylinder engine with best-in-class fuel economy with improvements of at least 10% versus comparable V6 engines.  The 3.5 Liter V6 will remain as the base engine in the edge, while the Sport gets a larger 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque on 87 octane.  Learn more about the 2011 Ford Edge at the official site, www.fordvehicles.com/2011Edge.

 

 

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

 
Here's another first for Ford after the revelation of its motion-capturing software: The Blue Oval will be the first to offer iTunes tagging through iPods on SYNC-equipped vehicles. Right behind the announcement of mobile Internet connectivity being added to SYNC, this will go along with the package of mobile apps the carmaker will reveal at CES next month.

The way it works: if you you have SYNC with HD radio, when you hear a song you like on an HD station you can press the 'Tag' button, and the system will note the track. When you plug your iPod in, it will suck up all of those tracks in a 'Tagged' playlist. You can have another listen through them and then buy the ones you want from iTunes.

There are other makes of vehicles that will let you record songs directly onto the car's hard drive for a fixed amount of time, but you can't really do anything with the recording after that. Ford's setup won't get you that immediate satisfaction, but it will save you a few steps. You can read the press release on the new – and free – feature (provided you've paid for SYNC and the HD-equipped head unit).

Official Ford Press Release 

FORD USES HOLLYWOOD MOTION-CAPTURE SOFTWARE BEHIND ‘AVATAR’ TO IMPROVE VEHICLE DESIGNS

 
Wishing to sharpen up the eternally imprecise data collected by using with real, live human beings, Ford is apparently the first automaker to use motion-capture software to assist with its vehicle design. The technology, already used to great effect in video games and the film industry, allows Ford engineers to examine how people really move around in their vehicles and, hopefully, design more ergonomic solutions as a result.

In jargon-ese, Ford's system is called the Human Occupant Package Simulator (HOPS). In real life, it means a "human test subject" hooked up to fifty sensors and doing the things he or she would do in a car, "such as swinging a leg outside of the vehicle or reaching for the seat belt." If you've ever seen a video of how EA Sports makes games like Madden or NBA live, you're intimately familiar with the general process.

Combined with Ford's Cave Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) and Programmable Vehicle Model (PVM), HOPS allows the automaker make a much better vehicle with pixels before it ever has to render it in steel.

Full Ford Press Release

Ford adding mobile WiFi internet compatibility to USB ports

The SYNC system offered by Ford in most of its models just got a lot more interesting. In addition to giving vehicle owners super simple connectivity with virtually any phone or music player and the best voice recognition in the biz, the next generation of SYNC will add mobile internet compatibility to its USB ports. What does this mean? It means that if you've got one of those fancy 3G modems for your laptop, you can plug it into the USB port of your SYNC-equipped Ford and voilà! Your entire vehicle is a WiFi hotspot. Imagine the effect of adding easy in-car WiFi to a family of five's cross-country trip in a Ford Flex and you get the idea.

In-car WiFi has been around for a couple of years already, but all instances have required extra dealer-installed hardware (a receiver and router, specifically) and an additional monthly fee. General Motors announced just last week that it's adding optional in-car WiFi to seven Chevy models, but like most systems, you'll have to pay $500 up front ($199 after mail-in rebate through December 31st) for the hardware and $29/month for the service. With a simple software upgrade of SYNC next year, Ford customers will be able to use the 3G modem they may already have and get the same effect, without having to pay extra for new equipment and, most importantly, another monthly fee for internet. It's also an easy way for Ford to get WiFi in the car for SYNC's upcoming mobile apps.

SYNC was already a big reason for infotainment-obsessed car shoppers to consider a Ford, but at least when it comes to browsing the internet in your car, SYNC 2.0 with in-car WiFi just leap frogged the entire auto industry. Not only is the technology impressive, but this new feature actually saves the customer money rather than asking for more.

Official Ford Press Release
 

Ford Tops in J.D. Power Sat-Nav Study

 
Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link.

Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten.

 Read Full Article Here