FORD POSTS THIRD QUARTER 2010 NET INCOME OF $1.7 BILLION; ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL DEBT REDUCTION ACTIONS

Ford reports third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or 43 cents per share, a $690 million improvement from third quarter 2009. Pre-tax operating profit totaled $2.1 billion, or 48 cents per share, a $1.1 billion improvement from third quarter 2009++
Ford is announcing further actions to reduce Automotive debt and strengthen its balance sheet, including further paying down its revolving credit line by $2 billion; plans to use cash to fully prepay the remaining $3.6 billion of debt owed to the VEBA retiree health care trust; and conversion offers on two convertible debt securities
Ford now expects its Automotive cash to be about equal to its debt by year end, earlier than previously expected. This will be an improvement of $8 billion to $9 billion from the end of last year
Ford ended the quarter with $23.8 billion of Automotive gross cash and total liquidity of $29.4 billion. Automotive operating-related cash flow was $900 million positive
Revenue for the quarter totaled $29 billion, a decline of $1.3 billion from third quarter 2009; excluding Volvo revenue from 2009, revenue increased $1.7 billion ++
Ford Automotive operations posted a third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.3 billion, a $953 million improvement from third quarter 2009++
Ford North America reported third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.6 billion, a $1.3 billion improvement from third quarter 2009
Ford Credit reported third quarter pre-tax operating profit of $766 million, an $89 million improvement from third quarter 2009, and provided Ford with a $1 billion distribution during the quarter
Ford will deliver solid profits in 2010 with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow, and continued improvement in 2011

Read More: http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-posts-third-quarter-2010-net-33434

2010 Halloween Photo Contest

What will your entry be, Wacky? Scary? Cute?
Show off your child, grandchild, family, friends, or your pets this Halloween. We want to see your costumes and you can win a prize too. Friend us on Facebook, and tag us in your picture, or post to our Flickr page. We will be accepting pictures till November 6th. 1st Place will win a $50 gift card to Zona Rosa shopping center to start off there holiday shopping, 2nd Place winner will recieve a Free "Works" Package to Thoroughbred Ford. Have a Happy Halloween!

Ford Focuses on the Details of Life with an Electric Vehicle

Ford Focuses on the Details of Life with an Electric Vehicle
October 7, 2010
Electric Vehicles will bring about new ways of refueling. Instead of gassing up, customers will plug in, and Ford is working with its supplier partner, Yazaki, to make this a natural and comfortable experience.
The two companies used internal ergonomic studies to design the convenience cord, drawing inspiration from hockey sticks, curling irons and tennis racket handles. While most owners are expected to recharge the zero-emissions, gas-free Focus Electric at home with an optional wall-mounted 240V charging station, they also will have the ability to recharge at remote locations with a standard 120V convenience cord. Both types of connectors will use an industry-standard five-point plug fitted with an ergonomic Ford-branded handle specially designed for comfort and durable daily use. Owners of Focus Electric will recharge the car’s onboard lithium-ion battery pack by plugging the convenience plug or charge station plug into the vehicle’s charge port.
The Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011, will bring enhanced recharging flexibility with a 120V convenience cord to allow users to recharge the all-electric vehicle at remote locations; the convenience cord will serve as a backup to an optional 240V home charging station. Focus Electric is one of five new electric vehicles Ford will deliver over the next three years in North America and Europe; it will be built at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant.
When plugged in, the vehicle’s onboard charger converts the AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled battery pack. A full recharge is expected to take six to eight hours with a 240V charge station or more than 12 hours with a 120V convenience cord set. When fully charged, Focus Electric is expected to deliver up to 100 miles of gas-free driving – more than enough for most U.S. commuters, who average 40 miles per day.
Like most household electrical plugs, Focus Electric’s cord set connector has three pins at the end that plug into a standard outlet. But the similarities stop there. The end that connects with the car has five pins, including one that communicates with the vehicle about the type of electrical current (120V or 240V) it is requesting and another pin that deactivates the current when the user disconnects the plug from the charge port.
Focus Electric’s convenience cord will be 25 feet long, making it long enough to reach the nearest outlet, eliminating the need for an extension cord. When not in use, the user can spool the cord around a special oval-shaped holder that also accommodates the cord’s control box. The spooled cord will have a designated spot in the vehicle’s trunk.
Between plugging in and unplugging at home, work or other places, Focus Electric owners are likely to recharge their vehicles two to four times each day (nearly 1,500 times a year) compared to once a week for gassing up (52 times a year). With a Focus Electric owner in contact with the connector so many times, Ford conducted an ergonomic study to help determine plug handle design, as well as charge port height and insertion angle. Study participants – who ranged from petite adult females to larger adult males, ages 21 to 61 – tested a variety of plug handle prototypes.
In seeking a blend of tactile toughness, high-tech polish and ergonomic comfort, the team benchmarked Craftsman® tools and considered the attributes of such disparate products as Apple® mobile electronics and OXO Good Grips® kitchen utensils.
The plug handle uses a matte-finished blue rubber that allows 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.
Ford supplier partner Yazaki conducted extensive and durability tests on Focus Electric’s cord set connector, including an insertion/extraction study of 10,000 cycles to assess the durability of the interaction between the handle and plug. For every thousand insertions, testers dunked the plug into a sandy salt water solution to add grit to the connectors and they repeatedly dropped the handle and rolled over it with a car tire to test its durability. Testers also subjected the cord set connector to ambient extreme temperature increases.
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New V6 Engine Makes 2011 Ford F-150 Most Fuel Efficient Full-Size Pickup

New V6 Engine Makes 2011 Ford F-150 Most Fuel Efficient Full-Size Pickup
October 14, 2010
You asked, and Ford Motor Company answered: 70 percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they’d like improved most in their truck. And that they got – the 2011 Ford F-150 is projected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer, thanks to a projected 23 mpg highway (pending final EPA certification) with the new 3.7-liter engine. The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.
“The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers – best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes.”
The new 3.7-liter V6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. Projections for the new 5.0-liter V8 are 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.
Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost™. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011; trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year. The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.
Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, which has SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode for the first time. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard. A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, also has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.
Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.
“Our new engine lineup allows greater flexibility for customers to select the powertrain choice that best suits their needs,” said Samardzich. “And each engine delivers outstanding power, capability and fuel economy.”
Here are highlights of each new engine:
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• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow• Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy• E85 flex fuel capability• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions• Forged-steel crankshaft for improved durability• Built at Cleveland Engine Plant
5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8
• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm• Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow• New strengthened block and new cylinder head optimized for performance and enhanced cooling• Unique intake camshafts, combined with Ti-VCT, composite intake manifold and optimized compression ratio for improved low-speed torque and towing capability• Forged-steel crank and all-new oil cooler enhance durability• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions• E85 flex fuel capability• Built at Essex Engine Plant; Windsor, Ontario
6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8
The 6.2-liter V8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications.
• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors• Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification• Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series• Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. The large bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower• Because of the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help maintain a smooth, stable idle• Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant
3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost
A premium powertrain offering available after launch, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has more torque than any competitors’ V8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency.
• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors• Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors• Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm• New benchmark for combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency• Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy• Intake and exhaust camshafts optimized for improved fuel economy and performance• Cast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability• Improved manifold and cylinder heads for improved performance• Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction and improve fuel economy• Built at Cleveland Engine Plant
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Yogurtini - New to Zona Rosa

If you have been looking for a new place to treat yourself or your family and friends, try out the newly opened Yogurtini in Zona Rosa, Next to Dillards. Yogurtini is a self service frozen yogurt shop. With 10-16 different flavors served daily, and 65 different toppings giving you an endless possibility of flavor. The frozen treat is made with real non fat yogurt you pay by the ounce. So if your up near Zona Rosa and in the mood for something sweet, drop in and make your own serve-'yo'-self frozen creation.Check them out on their website click on the Yogurtini logo, as well as they are on Facebook and Twitter.

Ford to Expand Hands Free in Car Apps

Ford to Expand Hands Free in Car Apps
October 11, 2010
Hands-free is where it’s at—or should that be, where it’s app? Ford has started to release its Software Development Kit (SDK) to the next round of developers so that they can modify existing smartphone apps for voice command and control through the Ford SYNC voice recognition system.
“What we see emerging as we explore new ways to safely enhance connectivity and reinvent the driving experience is a mutually beneficial ‘collaborative community’ where our shared customer – anyone who drives a car and owns a smartphone – is the true beneficiary,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.
Ford is reviewing more than 1,000 submissions made on the SYNC Developer website for future SDK release. The release marks the latest move by Ford to forge a more open collaborative bond with the wireless, consumer electronics and app developer communities to create a safer and smarter in-car connectivity experience. The first app partners include Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher smart radio, and Orangatame’s OpenBeak, with more to be announced soon. Further down the road, Ford will also examine the potential of apps that can provide exciting new levels of safety knowledge as well as improvements in driver productivity and convenience.
Ford is in the process of evaluating the potential of existing apps for in-car use, including categories for finance, such as alerts about stock price drops and drive-by payments, location-based services like navigation, traffic and business searches, and scheduling and planning, such as when flights are delayed or rescheduled.
“We know our customers want connectivity from a convenience perspective and need it from a safety perspective,” said Kuzak. “We want to leverage growing network speeds to create a world of apps on wheels that makes the vehicle experience simpler, safer, more productive and convenient.”
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A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford

A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford
September 16, 2010
When the all-new 2012 Ford Focus arrives on dealer showrooms, it will offer an exclusive suite of innovative airbags that help customize protection in the most common frontal and side crashes. Specifically, Ford is introducing next-generation driver-side, front passenger and side airbags.
The suite of new innovations includes next-generation driver-side airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a pocket to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Click here to watch a video that demonstrates the new airbag design.
Side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.
Focus also will be the first Ford car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the airbag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of the Ford advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.
The new passenger airbag is designed to help enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.
The next-generation airbags will debut as standard equipment on the all-new Ford Focus on sale early in 2011 in North America. The new airbags will roll out on other Ford vehicles in the next few years.
In addition to the new airbags, the vehicle structure of the new Focus provides enhanced crash protection as well as improved vehicle dynamics.
High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.
Ford was the first automaker to begin airbag research five decades ago. It fielded an airbag test fleet in 1971, offered a driver-side airbag in 1985 and standardized driver and front passenger airbags in most vehicles by 1993. In recent years, Ford has introduced a variety of crash protection systems – ranging from canopy airbags to knee bolsters – designed to improve occupant protection. Ford has the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of any automaker.
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FORD SEPTEMBER SALES UP 46 PERCENT; FORD ON TRACK TO GAIN MARKET SHARE FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury September sales totaled 160,873, up 46 percent versus year ago
Ford’s balanced portfolio of high-quality, fuel-efficient new cars, utilities and trucks drives September’s sales and market share gains; car sales up 40 percent, utilities up 61 percent and trucks up 43 percent
Transit Connect, Ford’s purpose-built commercial van posts best sales month ever
Ford Edge (paced by new 2011 model), Fusion and Escape set September sales records
Ford’s F-Series truck posts 40 percent increase; 2011 F-150, with its lineup of four new engines unveiled to media and consumers in multi-city tour, continues to set the standard for full-size pickups
Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2010 – Consumer demand for Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles in September helped the company continue to grow both sales and retail market share.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales in September totaled 160,873, up 46 percent versus a year ago. Ford’s market share also increased in September, marking the 23rd time in the last 24 months that Ford’s share of the retail market increased.
Year-to-date sales totaled 1.44 million, up 21 percent – growth more than double the overall industry rate. Ford is on track to gain market share for the second year in a row – a result not achieved since 1993. “The key to our success in the U.S. market is the relentless cadence of new vehicle, powertrain and technology introductions,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Every high-quality, fuel-efficient new vehicle provides Ford and its dealers with an opportunity to reach new customers and build a stronger foundation for future growth.”
Ford’s Newest ProductsThe Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, the company’s latest new products to arrive in dealerships, are the first to offer MyFordTouch and MyLincolnTouch, respectively – state-of-the-art technology to better connect drivers with their vehicle information, entertainment and on-board technologies. The new Ford Edge features best-in-class horsepower and unsurpassed V6 highway fuel economy. The new Lincoln MKX offers best-in-class fuel economy and 305 horsepower – an increase of 40 hp versus the prior model.
Sales for the Ford Edge in September totaled 12,815, a record for the month and up 186 percent versus a year ago. Sales for the Lincoln MKX totaled 2,658, the highest sales month in over two years and up 76 percent versus a year ago.
The pace of sales for the all-new Fiesta accelerated in the second half of the month as availability at Ford dealers began to improve. September sales for the highly acclaimed subcompact totaled 3,050. Fiesta’s conquest rate is 57 percent – the highest of any Ford product.
“Fiesta customers love their new cars,” said Czubay. “The Fiesta is our strongest proof point yet that our global growth strategy is working. This is important for consumers, dealers and employees to recognize as we prepare to launch the Focus – the next all-new product from Ford’s global product development system.”
Another global product star – the Ford Transit Connect, a small, purpose-built van – launched in North America last summer. In September, this new vehicle aimed at small businesses posted its highest-ever sales month of 3,571.
Ford’s Balanced Vehicle PortfolioIn September, cars were up 40 percent versus a year ago. Sales of all Ford cars were up sharply from a year ago:
Focus was up 48 percent
Fusion was up 47 percent and set a September sales record
Taurus was up 37 percent
Mustang was up 17 percent
Utility vehicles were up 61 percent versus a year ago. In addition to the Edge and MKX:
Ford Escape sales were up 65 percent and set a September sales record
Ford Expedition sales were up 24 percent
Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer sales were up 65 percent and 60 percent, respectively
Lincoln MKT sales were up 16 percent
September truck sales were up 43 percent, thanks in part to a special Ford Truck promotion that continues to the end of October. Highlights include:
Sales for Ford’s F-Series, America’s best-selling truck, totaled 47,433, up 40 percent versus a year ago; year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 385,879, up 31 percent
Ford Econoline, the best-selling full-size van in America, was up 25 percent
For 2011, F-150 further ensures its leadership with an all-new powertrain lineup of four new engines, including a 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and a new six-speed transmission that will deliver class-leading capability and fuel economy. This truck lineup will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 models. F-150 pickups with the new 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will be in dealership showrooms later this fall. The F-150 with EcoBoost will be available for sale early next year.
# # #
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 CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

2010 Halloween Costume Photo Contest

What will your entry be, Wacky? Scary? Cute?

Show off your child, grandchild, family, friends, or your pets this Halloween. We want to see your costumes and you can win a prize too. Friend us on Facebook, and tag us in your picture, or post to our Flickr page. We will be accepting pictures till November 6th. 1st Place will win a $50 gift card to Zona Rosa shopping center to start off there holiday shopping, 2nd Place winner will recieve a Free "Works" Package to Thoroughbred Ford. Have a Happy Halloween!

Congratulations Leroy!!

Congratulations Leroy Adams, the Inventory Manager here at Thoroughbred Ford. He has been with this company for 50 years. For 24 years under the name Bob Schneider Ford, and for the last 26 years been with Thoroughbred Ford. We all gathered to support him for his service with Ford, with cake and barbeque. Thanks for hard work and the barbeque Leroy!!