Showing posts with label ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ford. Show all posts

Friday, June 14, 2013

Feds Probing Floormats In Ford Fusion Mercury Milan


Doesnt matter what the brand, a poorly installed or wrong-sized floormat can trap accelerator pedals.

NHTSA says its recieved three complaints that Fords "All Weather" floormat can trap the gas pedal when laid on top of the standard floor mat.

Read the full consumer advisory here.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Ford Fusion Hybrid Wins Break Even Contest


Heres the deal with hybrids. You pay a few thousand dollars more than you would for the gasoline-only equivalent of that car and you get a few miles per gallon more. How long before those gas savings pay for the extra cost of the hybrid version?

That depends on the car. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best bet, according to The San Francisco Chronicle...with the next best taking more than twice as long to put you in the black. But thats the nearly identical 
(and not significantly higher priced) Mercury Milan Hybrid. 

Huh?  Full story here.

Monday, May 6, 2013

2013 Ford F 150

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Ford has releases photos and details for the 2013 Ford F-150. The new Limited model is the first trim to offer the option of either the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

On the outside, the biggest changes are newly-optional and class-exclusive HID headlights, new grille designs, optional power towing mirrors, and three new color choices. Several trim levels get some new interior color choices, and theres even an all-new Limited trim level.

The cabin benefits from a refined center stack that ditches the short, wide strips of small buttons on the outgoing truck in favor of larger centrally-located controls. Ford’s SYNC system is now standard on XLT trim levels and above, and the setup is paired with a new 4.2-inch multifunction display that sits atop the center stack and also displays audio and climate-control information.

Visual changes include the availability 18- and 20-inch wheels, as well as L-shaped high-intensity-discharge projector headlamps. An optional navigation system is also offered.


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Press Release


Ford Reveals 2013 F-150, Celebrating Rugged F-Series Pickups and 65-Year Future Farmers of America Relationship


  • Today Ford celebrates introduction of the 2013 F-150, featuring updated design and all-new driver controls technology, with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, alumni and educators
  • Ford Motor Company, a continuous FFA sponsor since 1948, has provided $7.1 million in Built Ford Tough® scholarships to tomorrows farmers since 1997
  • For 2013, F-150 introduces new front-end styling and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® voice-activated driver controls and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps


BRUCEVILLE, Texas, June 4, 2012 - Ford Motor Company today celebrates introduction of the new 2013 Ford F-150 - part of the best-selling line of pickups in America - with the agricultural professionals and leaders of tomorrow.


"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive."


For 2013, the Ford F-150 receives new front-end design and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® with voice-activated driver controls and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.


"Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. "For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models."


Americas pickup
For 2013, the most fuel-efficient and capable light-duty pickup on the market continues to push forward with updated design and advanced technologies. F-150 also adds even more breadth to its expansive lineup with a new Limited luxury model and availability of the groundbreaking EcoBoost® engine, powerful 6.2-liter V8, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent ControlTM.


Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today.


New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence.
HID technology provides exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped lamps.


F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages.


Segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters, while enabling class-leading visibility.


F-150 pickups are available in three new hues including Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.


Truck-focused technology
The 2013 Ford F-150 adds Fords award-winning SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist® and Vehicle Health Report as standard equipment in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices.


Buyers may choose from an optional suite of SYNC Services, including Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes.


F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that provides enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.


Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Limited series models are equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with an all-new, large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.


Fords unique truck interface allows drivers to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs, such as wearing work gloves.


This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link.


Interior design
The 2013 F-150 offers a range of interior updates. The new 4.2-inch multifunction display and MyFord Touch interfaces gave designers the opportunity to deliver a more modern center stack and control layout. Several new environment colors include a Steel Gray interior on Lariat and a Black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style.


The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona.


The Platinum series - synonymous with high-end trucks - offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating.


F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences.


Fuel-efficient capability
From the powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engine to the mighty 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in the segment, F-150 offers an engine to meet the needs of every customer. Each engine across the F-150 lineup is mated to a fuel-saving electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, with tow packages and STX series and above adding SelectShift® capability.


F-150 engine choices include:


3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6


  • Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
  • Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
  • Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
  • Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors


5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8


  • Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
  • 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
  • Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors


6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8


  • Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
  • Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm
  • 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
  • Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow


3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine


  • 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
  • Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
  • Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
  • Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
  • Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors
  • Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors


"The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups," said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. "We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further."


FFA and Ford - making a difference
Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth leadership development organization that changes lives by empowering its 540,000 members to set a course for the future. FFA operates within the context of agricultural education to complement classroom and laboratory instruction with hands-on experiential learning, useful life skills and individual motivation.


The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their leadership potential, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.


Fords FFA alliance gets a boost from supporting Ford dealerships serving agricultural markets.
For the 2011-12 academic year, the Built Ford Tough® Scholarship Program and 285 participating Ford dealers awarded a total of 540 individual $1,000 grants for post-secondary education.


Now in its 15th year, the Built Ford Tough Scholarship Program, the Ford Fund, and participating Ford dealers have awarded $7.1 million in grants. Built Ford Tough Trucks also sponsors the affiliated National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Lifetime Achievement Awards and an FFA chapter grant program. In 2011, six winning chapters were each awarded a $3,000 grant to support local initiatives.


Ford has sponsored FFA since 1948, the same year Ford F-Series pickups first went on sale.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Ford Focus brand new Executive Car of the Year

Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is allowed one year Executive Car of the Year. The focus was on the jury the highest points on all technical and commercial criteria and scored meritorious issues such as representative ness, styling and handling.

It is the second time that the Ford Focus lease drivers under the esteemed title "Executive Car of the Year" win. Previously he did in 2007. The current focus is the contango another boost. Previously the model because all elected towing of the Year 2012 and according to statistics from 2012, the Focus is currently the best selling car in the world to call.

Appreciation
the reason the Focus brand new Executive Car of the Year has become the jury because the car scores well on quality and resale value. On the technical dragged the Focus also necessary, important points within. This will include the Ford EcoBoost technology valued, with the standard-bearer of the 1.0-liter three-cylinder naturally. But the dealer channel and customer Ford is satisfactory.

Ambition
Finally, as the Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3. These cars scoring high among business minded motorists but could not quite win this edition of the Focus. They were second and third respectively. The potential is nevertheless present, as in the Peugeot 208. Who got the ambition imputed price. The award for upcoming talent in the automobile business.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

2011 Detroit Auto Show Ford C Max Energi and C Max Hybrid


Ford has unveiled two new C-MAX hybrids at the North American International Auto Show.

The C-Max is essentially the same thing as the Grand C-Max that other markets get with its three-rows of seats and sliding rear doors. The C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi are actually based on the shorter-wheelbase five-passenger C-Max that is sold in Europe.

The C-Max Hybrid uses the Blue Ovals next-generation gasoline/electric powertrain technology, and were told that fuel economy will be higher than the 41 miles per gallon thats currently on tap in the Fusion Hybrid sedan. By building upon the powersplit technology currently used in the automakers hybrids, Ford says that the C-Max Hybrid will be able to operate in electric mode at speeds higher than 47 miles per hour.

Both hybrids are derivatives of the 2012 C-Max, a compact crossover that shares its underpinnings with the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus.


2014 Ford C-MAX Energi 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid


Press Release

FORD SUPERCHARGES ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLAN, UNVEILING NEW C-MAX ENERGI AND C-MAX HYBRID PRODUCTS

  • Ford will launch C-MAX Energi, its first-ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and C-MAX Hybrid, a full hybrid variant, in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013
  • Both versions of the five-passenger multi-activity vehicle will leverage the companys global C-car platform, critically acclaimed powersplit hybrid architecture, next-generation driver information features and advanced, lighter and smaller lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems
  • C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better miles per gallon than Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America
  • C-MAX Energi targets more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of driving range using the battery and engine, more than any other plug-in or extended-range vehicle. It also targets AT-PZEV status and delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt

Detroit, Jan. 10, 2011 - Ford today revealed two next-generation hybrid vehicles - including its first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle - at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, bringing consumers more choice, versatility and style for high-mileage family-friendly vehicles.

Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the new Ford C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, and each will offer high mileage and low emissions as well as distinctive body design and a flexible interior. The plug-in hybrid and third-generation full hybrid leverage Fords global C-car platform, acclaimed powersplit architecture, next-generation driver information features and advanced lithium-ion battery systems.
"C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will be perfect for families looking to maximize their hybrid car experience," said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. "Thanks to the versatile interior, these cars are going to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who need room to grow."

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the 41 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America today. It builds on the success of the critically acclaimed powersplit architecture Ford uses in its current hybrids, allowing it to operate in fuel-saving electric mode beyond 47 mph.

Both the C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid models will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at Fords Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. The plants production is powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state. The C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe in 2013 will be built at Fords plant in Valencia, Spain, starting in 2013.

The plug-in advantage
Targeted to achieve AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status, C-MAX Energi provides maximum fuel efficiency by pairing a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This allows it to run in electric mode before using the gasoline engine.

C-MAX Energi will offer more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of overall driving range using the battery and engine - more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle. C-MAX Energi delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt.

In general, plug-in hybrid vehicles offer several benefits, including:

  • Electric driving range, perfect for emissions-free and silent city driving
  • Potential consumer savings on energy and fuel costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency over a standard hybrid
  • Reduced dependency on petroleum and increased energy independence
  • Reduced environmental impact through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
  • Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources (e.g. wind and solar), where available, for vehicle recharging

"A plug-in hybrid owner may make fewer trips to the pump to refuel because of its all-electric mode capability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford vice president of Global Product Development. "Conveniently, theyll be able to recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And theyll never have to think about the vehicles electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to fuel power when needed."

The development of Fords first-ever production plug-in hybrid leverages more than 200,000 miles of road testing conducted in collaboration with a coalition of 10 utility companies, the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Administration and the Electric Power Research Institute.

Getting charged up
C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will use advanced lithium-ion battery systems developed and assembled in-house by Ford in Michigan. Each system is smartly designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Fords current, critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

Li-ion battery packs offer a number of advantages over the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries that power todays hybrid vehicles. In general, they are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter, which makes them easier to package in a vehicle, and can be tuned to increase power to boost acceleration or to increase energy to extend driving distance.

While C-MAX Hybrid will operate much like todays hybrid vehicles, C-MAX Energi will benefit from daily charging to maximize its all-electric range. Thanks to the efficiencies of its right-sized battery system, the plug-in hybrid easily recharges 100 percent overnight on a 120-volt outlet.

A full charge in C?MAX Energi allows owners to increase their driving significantly in all-electric mode and drastically reduce their use of the on-board fuel engine.

On start-up, C-MAX Energi will operate in charge-depletion mode, providing electric driving range. When the battery has been depleted or certain conditions are met, it switches to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.

Ford worked with a supplier to provide an industry-standard five-point plug for C-MAX Energi (and new Focus Electric) that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed. The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber for a comfortable, non-slip grip and the plug head is shielded with a glossy white hard plastic to protect the electronics. The Ford Blue Oval trademark helps make the device immediately recognizable.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicles charge port, which is located conveniently between the drivers door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Smarter interface
C-MAX Energi owners will have access to a suite of driver information systems - on-board and off-board - designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, remotely control their vehicles charge and preconditioning settings, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to extend use of electric mode. C-MAX Hybrid owners also will benefit from the on-board features.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord TouchTM driver connect technology, especially for electrified driving. It offers exceptional configurability of vehicle information, including fuel level, battery power level, and average and instant miles per gallon.

The clusters new MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data such as the electrical demands of vehicle accessories, including air conditioning, which influences fuel economy and the electric driving range of the C-MAX Energi.

The Brake Coach feature helps to educate drivers to optimize their use of the regenerative brakes to recapture kinetic energy and send it back to the battery, also reducing wear on the brakes.

Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways - either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows a growing leafy vine on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines become, creating a unique visual reward for the drivers efforts.

To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, fuel consumed (average and total) and a regenerative braking score.

New MyFord Mobile
Off-board, C-MAX Energi owners in North America can maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone or web access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile.

MyFord Mobile enables access to a secure Ford website and smartphone/feature phone app to get instant vehicle status information, perform key functions remotely, monitor the cars state of charge and current range, get various alerts including when the vehicle requires charging, remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis.

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged - and fully cooled to a particular temperature - by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle, and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to C-MAX Energi using SYNCs Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) service. Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging, powered by Microsoft
Using the value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, C-MAX Energi owners in North America will be able to optimize their homes energy use and vehicle recharging practices. Value charging allows Ford customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process.

"Although C-MAX Energi owners wont have to plug in, by doing so theyll get the benefits of driving in electric mode for longer distances; that can mean fewer trips to the gas station and less emissions when driving," said Sherif Marakby, director of Fords hybrid and electric programs. "Thats why well be providing C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid owners with a user-friendly interface and tools like value charging that will help them get the most out of the vehicles electric mode capability."

Proven powersplit technology
C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid build on the success of the critically acclaimed powersplit architecture Ford uses in its current hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, winner of the 2010 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.

In a powersplit hybrid, the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine can work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and work with the engine at higher speeds.

While this system enables the current Fusion Hybrid to operate in fuel-saving electric mode up to 47 mph, Ford is targeting higher electric operating speeds for C-MAX Hybrid and even more capability for C-MAX Energi, which will have the advantage of additional battery power.

Fords global C-car strategy
C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are two of at least 10 new models or derivatives that Ford will launch around the world based on its new global C-car platform - Fords first truly global One Ford platform.

Fords new generation of C-segment vehicles will be sold in more than 120 markets and will account for more than 2 million units annually. The C-segment accounts for one in four cars sold worldwide today and, in conjunction with the B-segment, is expected to rise to 50 percent of all cars sold globally by 2013.

The all-new C-MAX lineup also introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact multi-activity vehicle class. More often found only on larger or more premium cars, these technologies are focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful, yet highly fuel-efficient, low-CO2 Ford EcoBoostTM gas engines.

The previous European C-MAX established a reputation for providing a balance of enjoyable driving dynamics and impressive comfort. The all-new model is set to take that performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling and overall refinement approaching the standards usually associated with larger, luxury vehicles.

C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are two of five electrified vehicles that Ford will bring to the North American market during the next two years. In addition, the Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics, began initial production at the end of 2010, and Focus Electric will launch in late 2011. A second next-generation hybrid electric vehicle will be announced later and available in North America and Europe in 2012.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ford Transit Connect Sleigh

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Ford has recently unveiled the Transit Connect sleigh. Ford is planning to help Santa Claus this year and in order to highlight Christmas.

The Ford Transit Connect Wagon sleigh is a design concept for Santa and is powered by an EcoBoost engine that delivers more than 30 mpg.

The sleigh is powered by Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, that makes around 178 hp. The brand claims that it will be more powerful than the previous sleigh, which used 9-reindeer power, making about 36 hoofpower. Ford also claims the Transit Connect Wagon Sleigh gets an industry-leading presents per gallon rating.





Press Release

Santa to Swap Outdated Ride for 30-MPG-Plus Ford Transit Connect Wagon Sleigh with Leading Cargo Rating

  • Santa Claus joins vehicle buyers who rate fuel economy their No. 1 purchase reason by selecting the all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon for his next sleigh
  • Powered by EcoBoost® with a projected 30 mpg-plus, the Transit Connect Wagon sleigh will offer the industry’s leading presents per gallon (ppg) cargo rating
  • Ford today revealed the new sleigh concept, designed to maximize Claus’s fuel efficiency when he travels millions of miles around the globe delivering presents
  • Claus’s future upgrade to a Transit Connect Wagon sleigh comes as a record number of children earn spots on the “nice” list, increasing the payload weight of his bag of presents beyond the normal tow rating of his nine-reindeer team

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2012 – Ford is helping Santa Claus save future Christmases with an all-new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon sleigh. Due to larger-than-ever numbers of children on his “nice” list, Claus needed a new sleigh with maximum fuel economy and cargo space to efficiently deliver all his presents around the world.

Ford designed a concept sleigh for Claus based on its Transit Connect Wagon, powered by EcoBoost®, that offers 30 mpg-plus and an industry-leading presents per gallon (ppg) cargo rating. As an added benefit, the EcoBoost engine – which is finely tuned for high-speed performance – would offer speeds much faster than Claus ever traveled in his former 36-hoofpowered sleigh.

Claus says changing his mode of transportation will not compromise his ability to remain true to his mission.

“My goal is and always has been giving presents to good girls and boys, and a new sleigh will make that process more effective,” he says. “Let’s face it, every year there are more children who earn presents. Things are simply getting out of control, and my old sleigh just isn’t going to be able to hack it much longer. With the new sleigh, I will be able to travel faster and carry more toys.”

Ford engineers developed the Transit Connect Wagon sleigh concept weeks after hearing of Santa’s dilemma during cold-weather testing in the North Pole.

“This is a winning situation for all,” says Darren Goddard, chief engineer for Ford Transit Connect Wagon. “The increased efficiency means added time for Santa to enjoy milk and cookies at stops. His new ride will offer 100 cubic feet of cargo space and versatility to haul up to 2,000 pounds, which Santa will need.”

Reindeer spokesperson Dasher says the nine reindeer look forward to some time off. Every year, the flying animals travel 124,421,726 miles and they’d like some time to rest, he says, explaining there are still splinters embedded in his hoofs from a particular wooden roof in southern Indiana.

“You really can’t beat this new sleigh,” says Goddard. “It offers outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing power. It even offers an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions. So, if there’s a foggy Christmas Eve, we won’t need a red-nosed reindeer to guide Santa around the world.”

Other reasons Claus chose a sleigh based on the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon:

  • Anticipated to be the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles, Transit Connect Wagon is projected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a Toyota Sienna minivan
  • SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers a touch screen display with navigation so Claus can easily find all the good children, even in more remote areas
  • The child observation mirror would allow him to keep a close eye on his gifts in the second and third row
  • From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of elves and presents
  • MyKey® programmable ignition key restricts maximum speed should a mischievous elf get behind the wheel while Claus is down a chimney leaving gifts
  • With eight cupholders, Claus and his elves would have plenty of space to take along a few glasses of milk as they continue through their busy night
  • Rain-sensing wipers would keep Claus on the move as there’s always a chance he’ll encounter nasty weather
  • “As always, we are busy making toys and checking long lists,” says Claus. “That said, Merry Christmas to all!”


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

New Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition

Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition
The New Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition

Arena Team Aon Launches WTCC street version based on the Focus with participating in this category for his first season in the competition.

This limited edition presents characteristics of a racing car race but for street homologated and approved by the WTCC. It’s exterior in Artic White with graphics competition such as classical and blue strips running through his body. Also equipped Team Dynamics wheels of 18 inches (the same as the race car) Yokohama tires that fit.

To drive the Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition found the 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecoboost optimized to develop 200 HP, which is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission operated by a lever trimmed. To this is added a system exhausts high performance.

Inside the cabin we see a use of carbon fiber covers the center console control panel and a few panels.

The Ford Focus WTCC will be offered on a limited globally.