FORD TO EXPAND FUEL-SAVING START-STOP TECHNOLOGY FROM HYBRIDS TO CONVENTIONAL CARS, CROSSOVERS
•Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system will be available for North American cars and utilities in 2012
•Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system boosts city fuel economy between 4 and 10 percent
•Since 2004, Ford has sold more than 170,000 hybrid vehicles in North America with start-stop and is the leading domestic producer of the systems
•Ford has at least 244 worldwide patents on its Auto Start-Stop technology, proven on hybrids and soon to be added on cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 27, 2010 – Ford’s popular fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop – a feature found today on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and some Ford cars in Europe – will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America.
Ford’s patented new Auto Start-Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least 4 percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stoplight. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.
Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company’s commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.
Ford’s global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver’s behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle’s accessories function normally.
“For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. “And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort.”
The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets.
Many North American Ford customers are already familiar with Auto Start-Stop. A similar system has been installed on more than 170,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles Ford has sold since 2004. Ford is the leading domestic producer of start-stop systems. In 2011, the version of Ford’s Auto Start-Stop designed for gasoline-electric powertrains will be on the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as well as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
“Many of the same Ford engineers who designed the Auto Start-Stop system used on Ford and Lincoln hybrids are developing the Auto Start-Stop system for non-hybrid vehicles that will be sold around the globe,” said Samardzich.
When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford’s patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford’s aggressive move to direct-injection EcoBoost™ engines is one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlessly, Samardzich said. The direct-injection system, which sprays the exact amount of fuel directly into the precise location in the combustion chamber, helps enable extremely fast engine starts, Samardzich explained. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.
Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt automobile battery and upgraded starter motor, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, program manager for Auto Start-Stop.
“Our hybrid owners tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features,” said Sorgenfrei. “When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions.”
The system includes a light on the dash that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.
Ford engineers are making customer comfort a priority in engineering the system. A special electric pump keeps engine coolant circulating through the heater so drivers will stay warm in cold weather, Sorgenfrei said.
“Ford’s start-stop technology conserves fuel and eliminates emissions at every vehicle idle opportunity once customer comfort and convenience are assured – this is good for the environment,” Sorgenfrei said.
Auto Start-Stop is just the latest in a long list of fuel-saving technologies Ford has brought to market in recent years.
Ford’s industry-leading suite of fuel-saving technologies include:
•EcoBoost engines, which combine turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing or Ti-VCT, with downsizing to deliver outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing performance
•Improved and highly fuel-efficient TDCi turbo-diesel engines in European models with low emissions and high levels of refinement
•Electric power steering, which eliminates the engine-driven hydraulic pump, lines and fluid
•Six-speed transmissions, which enable engines to run more efficiently by always selecting the best gear for fuel economy
•PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which efficiently sends the engine’s power through the transmission without relying on a torque converter or hydraulic pumps
In 2011, Ford will be the only manufacturer in North America to offer four vehicles that get 40 mpg or more. Those vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, are part of a dozen vehicles leading their sales segments in fuel economy, a record no other manufacturer can match.
“Ford Auto Start-Stop works so fast and so seamlessly, most drivers won’t even notice it is there, though they will notice the benefits in their lower fuel bills,” Samardzich said.
# # #
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 163,000 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/.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Have New Cars Changed?
DECADE OF CHANGE: TOP 10 WAYS YOUR CAR HAS CHANGED IN 10 YEARS
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2011 – The past decade has been revolutionary for several parts of our society, but few sectors have seen as much change since 2000 as the auto industry.
Ten short years ago, automakers were touting the number of cupholders in the cabin and the increased off-road capabilities of family haulers. Today, these same companies are racing to offer increasingly hands-free mobile communication, eye-popping fuel economy and technologies aimed at helping drivers avoid accidents.
“Cars have become more like brains on wheels,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends manager. “Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.”
Technology evolution
Many of the changes in automobiles were driven by the ever-evolving ways people use mobile devices and the Internet to consume information, communicate with others and even engage in commerce. According to the UN agency, about five billion people use cell phones while weekly Internet usage is up 560 percent.
This trend has exploded in the past decade, redefining the way we use our cars. As the calendar flips to 2011, and automakers kick off a new chapter of innovation at the North American International Auto Show, here are our Top 10 ways the industry has changed since 2000:
Top 10 in 2010
Infotainment: Vehicle options 10 years ago, such as in-dash compact disc players and speed control systems, are now standard features. Consumers’ desire to have constant access to information helped spawn technologies such as voice-activated controls, real-time traffic and Wi-Fi mobile hot spots now found on many 2011 Ford products.
Entertainment:The days of packing a clumsy library of CDs or VHS movie tapes are gone. Today consumers have a wide variety of compact ways to be entertained while behind the wheel. A decade ago, for instance, satellite radio was not available in cars. Today, more than half of new passenger cars are equipped with the service, according to Ward’s Auto. Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC® can stream Internet radio like Pandora or can play music from USB plugged-in digital music players or memory sticks.
Taking out the guesswork: Today’s vehicles are equipped with new technologies that make driving easier, including self-parallel parking, rear back-up cameras and rain-sensing wipers. Terrain management, a new Ford feature available on the 2011 Explorer, lets the driver select the type of terrain the vehicle is driving through, such as sand, snow or pavement, and the vehicle then adjusts wheel spin, throttle inputs and other inputs accordingly.
Accident avoidance: Automotive safety has also advanced dramatically. In 2000, the average car had at least two airbags. Today, most vehicles have at least four, with some models equipped with up to 10 airbags. The airbags themselves also have improved. Ford is the first automaker to introduce inflatable second row safety belts.
The biggest change, however, is in the area of accident avoidance. For example, Ford’s new Curve Control, available on the 2011 Explorer, monitors a driver’s speed entering fast, sharp corners then corrects the vehicle. Other examples from Ford include a collision warning system that detects moving vehicles ahead; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) that alerts the driver when approaching vehicles enter the system’s defined blind spot zone; and cross-traffic alert to sense oncoming traffic when the driver is backing out of a parking spot.
Fuel economy:In the early 2000s, bigger was better. Vehicles were large and powerful and boasted off-road capability rarely used by the average consumer who purchased them. Consumers wanted cars that could transport large amounts of cargo and lots of passengers.
Cars and the engines that power them are shrinking and have become more fuel efficient. According to Edmunds Best-Selling Vehicles, the most popular models in 2000 were trucks. That same report from 2009 shows small passenger cars topping the list.
According to the EPA, fuel economy between 2000 and 2010 improved for the industry from 19.8 mpg to 22.5 mpg – a 14 percent improvement. Increasing numbers of consumers are also choosing smaller, fuel-sipping four-cylinders. The percentage of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines increased from 31.7 percent to 48.4 percent between 2000 and 2010. For example, the four-cylinder version of the Ford Fusion, which attracted 55 percent of buyers in 2007, now accounts for more than 70 percent of sales.
Built-in navigation: TripTik® gave way to MapQuest, which soon led to the first commercially available automotive navigation system in the late 1990s. According to Berg Insight Research, there are an estimated 150 million in-dash, aftermarket, compact personal and navigation-enabled mobile guidance devices used globally. Today, navigation systems are integrated into vehicles and are much more comprehensive.
Creature comforts: Consumers today enjoy a more comfortable ride. Better interior materials, sleeker interior designs, heated and cooled seats that automatically adjust driver position, remote start and more storage capacity all offer more comfort and convenience. Even a hands-free power liftgate that opens with the wave of a foot underneath the rear bumper can be found on Ford’s new C-MAX.
Customization:Ford has responded to the trend of an increased desire for personalization by adding features in its vehicles such as ambient lighting colors that can be changed to fit the driver’s mood, driver’s seats with customizable settings that adjust automatically with the push of a button, even decal kits for the new Fiesta.
Security: Keyless remotes, alarms and warning systems, and anti-theft systems have come a long way toward making life on the go safer for many. For example, Ford and Lincoln vehicles come with technologies such as SYNC’s 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, or MyKey®, which allows parents to restrict vehicle speeds when a teen driver is behind the wheel. Intelligent Access with push-button start allows Ford or Lincoln drivers to start the engine by simply carrying the key fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.
Paint colors: Brighter, more vibrant paint colors are edging their way into consumers’ hearts. Black and silver still top the list, but colors like Lime Squeeze found on the Ford Fiesta or Yellow Blaze found on the new Focus have become more popular. New paints mixed with glass or metal flecks have also changed the way cars look.
Next 10 years
The next decade will bring more revolutionary change for both the auto industry and American consumers. Look for higher gas prices, better lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels, more advanced safety technologies and more connectivity such as vehicle-to-vehicle systems that will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other via wireless communications embedded into the car.
“People are used to living with technology,” said Connelly. “That’s why companies always have to think ahead. Understanding what consumers want and need tomorrow – or even next year – isn’t enough. We have to anticipate needs and desires farther out, 10 years down the road and beyond so we can deliver vehicles that will truly fit our customers’ lives.”
# # #
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 163,000 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 http://www.ford.com/.
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2011 – The past decade has been revolutionary for several parts of our society, but few sectors have seen as much change since 2000 as the auto industry.
Ten short years ago, automakers were touting the number of cupholders in the cabin and the increased off-road capabilities of family haulers. Today, these same companies are racing to offer increasingly hands-free mobile communication, eye-popping fuel economy and technologies aimed at helping drivers avoid accidents.
“Cars have become more like brains on wheels,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends manager. “Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.”
Technology evolution
Many of the changes in automobiles were driven by the ever-evolving ways people use mobile devices and the Internet to consume information, communicate with others and even engage in commerce. According to the UN agency, about five billion people use cell phones while weekly Internet usage is up 560 percent.
This trend has exploded in the past decade, redefining the way we use our cars. As the calendar flips to 2011, and automakers kick off a new chapter of innovation at the North American International Auto Show, here are our Top 10 ways the industry has changed since 2000:
Top 10 in 2010
Infotainment: Vehicle options 10 years ago, such as in-dash compact disc players and speed control systems, are now standard features. Consumers’ desire to have constant access to information helped spawn technologies such as voice-activated controls, real-time traffic and Wi-Fi mobile hot spots now found on many 2011 Ford products.
Entertainment:The days of packing a clumsy library of CDs or VHS movie tapes are gone. Today consumers have a wide variety of compact ways to be entertained while behind the wheel. A decade ago, for instance, satellite radio was not available in cars. Today, more than half of new passenger cars are equipped with the service, according to Ward’s Auto. Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC® can stream Internet radio like Pandora or can play music from USB plugged-in digital music players or memory sticks.
Taking out the guesswork: Today’s vehicles are equipped with new technologies that make driving easier, including self-parallel parking, rear back-up cameras and rain-sensing wipers. Terrain management, a new Ford feature available on the 2011 Explorer, lets the driver select the type of terrain the vehicle is driving through, such as sand, snow or pavement, and the vehicle then adjusts wheel spin, throttle inputs and other inputs accordingly.
Accident avoidance: Automotive safety has also advanced dramatically. In 2000, the average car had at least two airbags. Today, most vehicles have at least four, with some models equipped with up to 10 airbags. The airbags themselves also have improved. Ford is the first automaker to introduce inflatable second row safety belts.
The biggest change, however, is in the area of accident avoidance. For example, Ford’s new Curve Control, available on the 2011 Explorer, monitors a driver’s speed entering fast, sharp corners then corrects the vehicle. Other examples from Ford include a collision warning system that detects moving vehicles ahead; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) that alerts the driver when approaching vehicles enter the system’s defined blind spot zone; and cross-traffic alert to sense oncoming traffic when the driver is backing out of a parking spot.
Fuel economy:In the early 2000s, bigger was better. Vehicles were large and powerful and boasted off-road capability rarely used by the average consumer who purchased them. Consumers wanted cars that could transport large amounts of cargo and lots of passengers.
Cars and the engines that power them are shrinking and have become more fuel efficient. According to Edmunds Best-Selling Vehicles, the most popular models in 2000 were trucks. That same report from 2009 shows small passenger cars topping the list.
According to the EPA, fuel economy between 2000 and 2010 improved for the industry from 19.8 mpg to 22.5 mpg – a 14 percent improvement. Increasing numbers of consumers are also choosing smaller, fuel-sipping four-cylinders. The percentage of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines increased from 31.7 percent to 48.4 percent between 2000 and 2010. For example, the four-cylinder version of the Ford Fusion, which attracted 55 percent of buyers in 2007, now accounts for more than 70 percent of sales.
Built-in navigation: TripTik® gave way to MapQuest, which soon led to the first commercially available automotive navigation system in the late 1990s. According to Berg Insight Research, there are an estimated 150 million in-dash, aftermarket, compact personal and navigation-enabled mobile guidance devices used globally. Today, navigation systems are integrated into vehicles and are much more comprehensive.
Creature comforts: Consumers today enjoy a more comfortable ride. Better interior materials, sleeker interior designs, heated and cooled seats that automatically adjust driver position, remote start and more storage capacity all offer more comfort and convenience. Even a hands-free power liftgate that opens with the wave of a foot underneath the rear bumper can be found on Ford’s new C-MAX.
Customization:Ford has responded to the trend of an increased desire for personalization by adding features in its vehicles such as ambient lighting colors that can be changed to fit the driver’s mood, driver’s seats with customizable settings that adjust automatically with the push of a button, even decal kits for the new Fiesta.
Security: Keyless remotes, alarms and warning systems, and anti-theft systems have come a long way toward making life on the go safer for many. For example, Ford and Lincoln vehicles come with technologies such as SYNC’s 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, or MyKey®, which allows parents to restrict vehicle speeds when a teen driver is behind the wheel. Intelligent Access with push-button start allows Ford or Lincoln drivers to start the engine by simply carrying the key fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.
Paint colors: Brighter, more vibrant paint colors are edging their way into consumers’ hearts. Black and silver still top the list, but colors like Lime Squeeze found on the Ford Fiesta or Yellow Blaze found on the new Focus have become more popular. New paints mixed with glass or metal flecks have also changed the way cars look.
Next 10 years
The next decade will bring more revolutionary change for both the auto industry and American consumers. Look for higher gas prices, better lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels, more advanced safety technologies and more connectivity such as vehicle-to-vehicle systems that will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other via wireless communications embedded into the car.
“People are used to living with technology,” said Connelly. “That’s why companies always have to think ahead. Understanding what consumers want and need tomorrow – or even next year – isn’t enough. We have to anticipate needs and desires farther out, 10 years down the road and beyond so we can deliver vehicles that will truly fit our customers’ lives.”
# # #
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 163,000 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 http://www.ford.com/.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The New Ford C-Max
NEW FORD C-MAX: CLEVER, COMPACT VEHICLE TO MOVE YOUNG FAMILIES WITH FLEXIBILITY, FUEL EFFICIENCY
New Ford C-MAX
•New Ford C-MAX multi-activity vehicle combines a fresh new design, flexible seating configuration for seven, outstanding craftsmanship and occupant safety and advances in driving dynamics
•Ford C-MAX offers life-enhancing technologies such as SYNC® connectivity, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, HD Radio™ and an industry-exclusive hands-free liftgate
•A “white space” multi-activity vehicle, the Ford C-MAX will deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy with sporty performance and handling
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – The Ford C-MAX multi-activity vehicle is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.
“The Ford C-MAX provides still more proof of how our One Ford plan continues to deliver the high-quality, fuel-efficient products people really want,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.”
The new C-MAX is part of Ford Motor Company’s global small vehicle strategy that will deliver at least 10 vehicles – and 2 million vehicles annually – from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.
This new compact multi-activity vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.
Performance with fuel economy
The new C-MAX also heralds the arrival of Ford’s first application of the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine in its North American C-class vehicles, delivering a combination of responsive performance with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
Developed for global applications, the lightweight, all-aluminum 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine combines high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to achieve fuel economy results up to 20 percent better than naturally aspirated, larger-displacement gasoline engines with a similar power output. This new engine is expected to deliver the best available highway fuel economy for a seven-passenger vehicle.
The C-MAX base engine is a proven 2.5-liter iVCT I-4, optimized for a multi-activity vehicle application with plenty of low-end torque. Both engines are mated to Ford’s 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission with a gear ratio span allowing for responsive acceleration from rest yet fuel efficiency for around-town driving and steady cruising at speed.
“The scale and flexibility of our global new C-vehicle platform enables us to develop distinct vehicles including C-MAX,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a ‘white space’ vehicle here in North America – a new choice – and we believe buyers will appreciate the technology, convenience and functionality C-MAX packs into a neat package.”
Stylish 5+2-seater
The C-MAX multi-activity vehicle has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches, comparatively close to the original minivans offered in North America. C-MAX delivers room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo.
The new model will solidify its appeal to customers that value comfortable accommodation, a high seating position, versatility and a “smart-sized” package.
C-MAX has bold exterior and interior designs created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design language and building on themes established in recent product introductions such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges.
Maximum versatility and convenience
The seating concept and door layout for the 5+2 C-MAX was finalized after detailed research with typical family users to identify the most popular configurations.
The vehicle features twin sliding rear side doors and a clever new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row seat is equipped with a unique mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a handy walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.
The second-row seats also have slide and recline functionality, adapting to multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. Outboard second-row seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function for easy access to the third-row seats when the second row is used.
The third-row seats can be omitted as a delete option, for those buyers electing to forgo the 5+2 seating arrangement.
The C-MAX provides a raised “command bridge” cockpit with high-mounted gear shift and center console. The driver controls and displays incorporate available Ford SYNC® and MyFord Touch™, similar to the acclaimed layouts recently introduced in other Ford nameplates.
Dynamics and refinement
“This all-new model is set to take multi-activity vehicle performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling, and overall refinement and quietness similar to the standard found in larger luxury vehicles,” said John Davis, chief engineer for the North American C-MAX.
Key chassis technologies on C-MAX include completely new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), optimized new designs for the Control Blade multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front subframe and standard new torque vectoring control to further improve cornering stability and agility.
Smart technology for safety and practicality
As the first derivatives to be launched from Ford’s new global C-car platform, C-MAX benefits from the introduction of an array of advanced technologies generally only found in larger, more premium vehicles.
Among these new technologies are a host of features that will add convenience and luxury for customers and their families. Key offerings include:
•Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first: Ideal when carrying several packages, as the
C-MAX hands-free liftgate is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver’s key fob is in his or her pocket
•Active park assist: Helps select an appropriate parking space, calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals
•Speed limiter: Prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed
•Panoramic roof: Allows for an expansive roof opening
•HD Radio™: Enables clearer radio reception with crisper sound reproduction
•Rear view camera: Enhanced visibility for safer reversing
•Intelligent Access with push-button start: The key fob unlocks C-MAX as the driver approaches, and enables key-free engine starts at the push of an instrument panel-mounted button
•Heated sideview mirrors with integrated puddle lamps: Enhance cold weather visibility
In addition, C-MAX offers popular Ford technologies and features, such as:
•Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler): Provides a tight seal and eliminates loose-fitting or lost caps
•Sony® Audio System: Specifically tuned to C-MAX cabin acoustics for superb sound reproduction
•Ambient lighting: Accent lighting in multiple colors, illuminating footwells and cupholders to harmonize with a driver’s mood
•Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control: Maintains desired temperature setting throughout C-MAX cabin
•Sirius® Satellite Radio: Offers C-MAX driver and passengers a diverse range of radio programming choices
•Front and rear parking aid sensors: Help the driver properly position the vehicle when parking
•Navigation System: Provides intuitive touch-screen operation
Safety and security
Ford C-MAX is anticipated to be a segment safety leader, having recently been awarded a Euro NCAP five star rating by this independent safety rating organization. C-MAX achieved the highest score ever recorded for whiplash protection and excelled in both adult and child occupant safety. C-MAX offers drivers and families a full complement of standard safety features, including:
•AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) with curve control: Helps maintain consistent vehicle stability
•Dual front and side airbags with smart occupant sensor: Help fine-tune airbag deployment to occupant by size, weight and belt status
•First-, second- and third-row Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags: Envelop passengers, helping to prevent head and upper body injury
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Notifies driver of inconsistent tire pressure
•Driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors: Add visibility for blind spot areas
•Strong body architecture with extensive use of high-strength steels: Helps to add body strength and rigidity
# # #
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 163,000 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 http://www.ford.com/.
New Ford C-MAX
•New Ford C-MAX multi-activity vehicle combines a fresh new design, flexible seating configuration for seven, outstanding craftsmanship and occupant safety and advances in driving dynamics
•Ford C-MAX offers life-enhancing technologies such as SYNC® connectivity, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, HD Radio™ and an industry-exclusive hands-free liftgate
•A “white space” multi-activity vehicle, the Ford C-MAX will deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy with sporty performance and handling
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – The Ford C-MAX multi-activity vehicle is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.
“The Ford C-MAX provides still more proof of how our One Ford plan continues to deliver the high-quality, fuel-efficient products people really want,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.”
The new C-MAX is part of Ford Motor Company’s global small vehicle strategy that will deliver at least 10 vehicles – and 2 million vehicles annually – from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.
This new compact multi-activity vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.
Performance with fuel economy
The new C-MAX also heralds the arrival of Ford’s first application of the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine in its North American C-class vehicles, delivering a combination of responsive performance with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
Developed for global applications, the lightweight, all-aluminum 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine combines high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to achieve fuel economy results up to 20 percent better than naturally aspirated, larger-displacement gasoline engines with a similar power output. This new engine is expected to deliver the best available highway fuel economy for a seven-passenger vehicle.
The C-MAX base engine is a proven 2.5-liter iVCT I-4, optimized for a multi-activity vehicle application with plenty of low-end torque. Both engines are mated to Ford’s 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission with a gear ratio span allowing for responsive acceleration from rest yet fuel efficiency for around-town driving and steady cruising at speed.
“The scale and flexibility of our global new C-vehicle platform enables us to develop distinct vehicles including C-MAX,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a ‘white space’ vehicle here in North America – a new choice – and we believe buyers will appreciate the technology, convenience and functionality C-MAX packs into a neat package.”
Stylish 5+2-seater
The C-MAX multi-activity vehicle has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches, comparatively close to the original minivans offered in North America. C-MAX delivers room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo.
The new model will solidify its appeal to customers that value comfortable accommodation, a high seating position, versatility and a “smart-sized” package.
C-MAX has bold exterior and interior designs created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design language and building on themes established in recent product introductions such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges.
Maximum versatility and convenience
The seating concept and door layout for the 5+2 C-MAX was finalized after detailed research with typical family users to identify the most popular configurations.
The vehicle features twin sliding rear side doors and a clever new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row seat is equipped with a unique mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a handy walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.
The second-row seats also have slide and recline functionality, adapting to multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. Outboard second-row seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function for easy access to the third-row seats when the second row is used.
The third-row seats can be omitted as a delete option, for those buyers electing to forgo the 5+2 seating arrangement.
The C-MAX provides a raised “command bridge” cockpit with high-mounted gear shift and center console. The driver controls and displays incorporate available Ford SYNC® and MyFord Touch™, similar to the acclaimed layouts recently introduced in other Ford nameplates.
Dynamics and refinement
“This all-new model is set to take multi-activity vehicle performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling, and overall refinement and quietness similar to the standard found in larger luxury vehicles,” said John Davis, chief engineer for the North American C-MAX.
Key chassis technologies on C-MAX include completely new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), optimized new designs for the Control Blade multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front subframe and standard new torque vectoring control to further improve cornering stability and agility.
Smart technology for safety and practicality
As the first derivatives to be launched from Ford’s new global C-car platform, C-MAX benefits from the introduction of an array of advanced technologies generally only found in larger, more premium vehicles.
Among these new technologies are a host of features that will add convenience and luxury for customers and their families. Key offerings include:
•Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first: Ideal when carrying several packages, as the
C-MAX hands-free liftgate is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver’s key fob is in his or her pocket
•Active park assist: Helps select an appropriate parking space, calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals
•Speed limiter: Prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed
•Panoramic roof: Allows for an expansive roof opening
•HD Radio™: Enables clearer radio reception with crisper sound reproduction
•Rear view camera: Enhanced visibility for safer reversing
•Intelligent Access with push-button start: The key fob unlocks C-MAX as the driver approaches, and enables key-free engine starts at the push of an instrument panel-mounted button
•Heated sideview mirrors with integrated puddle lamps: Enhance cold weather visibility
In addition, C-MAX offers popular Ford technologies and features, such as:
•Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler): Provides a tight seal and eliminates loose-fitting or lost caps
•Sony® Audio System: Specifically tuned to C-MAX cabin acoustics for superb sound reproduction
•Ambient lighting: Accent lighting in multiple colors, illuminating footwells and cupholders to harmonize with a driver’s mood
•Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control: Maintains desired temperature setting throughout C-MAX cabin
•Sirius® Satellite Radio: Offers C-MAX driver and passengers a diverse range of radio programming choices
•Front and rear parking aid sensors: Help the driver properly position the vehicle when parking
•Navigation System: Provides intuitive touch-screen operation
Safety and security
Ford C-MAX is anticipated to be a segment safety leader, having recently been awarded a Euro NCAP five star rating by this independent safety rating organization. C-MAX achieved the highest score ever recorded for whiplash protection and excelled in both adult and child occupant safety. C-MAX offers drivers and families a full complement of standard safety features, including:
•AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) with curve control: Helps maintain consistent vehicle stability
•Dual front and side airbags with smart occupant sensor: Help fine-tune airbag deployment to occupant by size, weight and belt status
•First-, second- and third-row Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags: Envelop passengers, helping to prevent head and upper body injury
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Notifies driver of inconsistent tire pressure
•Driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors: Add visibility for blind spot areas
•Strong body architecture with extensive use of high-strength steels: Helps to add body strength and rigidity
# # #
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 163,000 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 http://www.ford.com/.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tatoo Your New Focus
TATTOOS COME INTO FOCUS – LITERALLY – WITH FORD’S HOT NEW SMALL CAR
The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement – especially among Millennials – and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2010 – The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement – especially among Millennials – and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.
From geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls, customers will soon be able to choose from more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos to find a design that reflects their personality at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/.
“Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that,” said KC Dallia, Focus brand manager. “With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization.”
Tattoo trend extends to cars
According to the Pew Research Institute, nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo, and Gen Xers are not far behind at 32 percent.
Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager, says the migration to vehicle tattoos is a natural progression of the tattoo craze.
“The one-size-fits-all model isn’t really relevant to today’s consumers, and it’s not necessarily a desire to stand out from the crowd. It’s more of a desire not to be lost in the masses,” she said. “People are personalizing everything – cell phones, computers and clothing – and it’s no different with automobiles.”
Ford Custom Graphics developed for the new Focus will range in price from $120 to $470 and can be easily removed, providing younger customers with an economical way to “grow with their car,” says Connelly.
“People are holding on to their vehicles longer, and the way we identify ourselves today may not be the way we want to express ourselves tomorrow,” she said. “Customers can easily change the tattoos as their life situation and style evolves.”
Test your creativity with the 2012 Ford Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/
With a few clicks of the computer mouse, customers can choose the exterior color of their Focus, select the tattoos they like and then be able to see exactly how the designs will look on the car.
All of the tattoos are made with 3M Scotchprint® Personalized Vehicle Graphic Film plus a clear graphic protection layer. They are professionally installed at Ford dealerships and include a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
Original Wraps Inc., a provider of on-demand custom graphics to the automotive industry, developed the tattoos and the website for Ford. According to the company’s chief executive officer Tom Stemple, the tattoos offer customers the look of custom paint at half the cost.
“Another important benefit is that the tattoos are made to order. We don’t manufacture any graphics until they are purchased,” said Stemple. “That gives us the flexibility to keep updating the designs to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from.”
Custom Graphics are currently available at www.fordcustomgraphics.com for the Ford Mustang,
F-150, Explorer and Fiesta. Because orders are processed at individual dealerships throughout the country, there is no way to track how many tattoos have been sold, but consumer response to the site has been strong with an average of 15,000 unique hits per month.
Focus graphics are expected to be online in mid-January.
2012 Ford Focus offers customers more choices at production
The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which will arrive in dealerships early next year, will offer customers plenty of choices at production, including four trim series – S, SE, SEL and Titanium – and 11 unique wheel styles.
The vehicle also will be available in 11 exterior paint colors. Four of the choices are premium paints. Tri-coat paints that offer deeper, richer color will be available in White Platinum and Yellow Blaze, and two tinted clearcoat paints will be offered in Red Candy and Blue Candy.
Vehicle Personalization: Ford Custom Accessories make it easy and fun
The automotive aftermarket has grown into a $34 billion industry. And Ford Vehicle Personalization continues to come out with cool new products – from wheels and decklids to hood scoops, grille inserts and vehicle tattoos – to meet increasing customer demand for accessories.
“The goal of Ford Custom Accessories is to give customers new ways to make the vehicle their own,” said Jim Abraham, Ford Licensed Accessories manager, noting that the business of Vehicle Personalization at Ford has grown exponentially over the last few years. “Our accessories are designed alongside our vehicles, so the integration is seamless and reflective of Ford quality.”
To learn more about Ford Custom Accessories, please visit http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/.
•Tattoos are not just body art anymore; customers will soon be able to express themselves with vehicle tattoos for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus
•Ford Custom Graphics will offer more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos in an array of different colors for the new Focus at www.fordcustomgraphics.com
•Available in a variety of designs – from geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls – the Custom Graphics offer the look of custom paint at half the cost
•Ford Custom Graphics are currently available for the Ford Mustang, Explorer F-150 and Fiesta
###
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 163,000 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/
The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement – especially among Millennials – and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2010 – The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement – especially among Millennials – and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.
From geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls, customers will soon be able to choose from more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos to find a design that reflects their personality at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/.
“Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that,” said KC Dallia, Focus brand manager. “With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization.”
Tattoo trend extends to cars
According to the Pew Research Institute, nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo, and Gen Xers are not far behind at 32 percent.
Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager, says the migration to vehicle tattoos is a natural progression of the tattoo craze.
“The one-size-fits-all model isn’t really relevant to today’s consumers, and it’s not necessarily a desire to stand out from the crowd. It’s more of a desire not to be lost in the masses,” she said. “People are personalizing everything – cell phones, computers and clothing – and it’s no different with automobiles.”
Ford Custom Graphics developed for the new Focus will range in price from $120 to $470 and can be easily removed, providing younger customers with an economical way to “grow with their car,” says Connelly.
“People are holding on to their vehicles longer, and the way we identify ourselves today may not be the way we want to express ourselves tomorrow,” she said. “Customers can easily change the tattoos as their life situation and style evolves.”
Test your creativity with the 2012 Ford Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/
With a few clicks of the computer mouse, customers can choose the exterior color of their Focus, select the tattoos they like and then be able to see exactly how the designs will look on the car.
All of the tattoos are made with 3M Scotchprint® Personalized Vehicle Graphic Film plus a clear graphic protection layer. They are professionally installed at Ford dealerships and include a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
Original Wraps Inc., a provider of on-demand custom graphics to the automotive industry, developed the tattoos and the website for Ford. According to the company’s chief executive officer Tom Stemple, the tattoos offer customers the look of custom paint at half the cost.
“Another important benefit is that the tattoos are made to order. We don’t manufacture any graphics until they are purchased,” said Stemple. “That gives us the flexibility to keep updating the designs to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from.”
Custom Graphics are currently available at www.fordcustomgraphics.com for the Ford Mustang,
F-150, Explorer and Fiesta. Because orders are processed at individual dealerships throughout the country, there is no way to track how many tattoos have been sold, but consumer response to the site has been strong with an average of 15,000 unique hits per month.
Focus graphics are expected to be online in mid-January.
2012 Ford Focus offers customers more choices at production
The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which will arrive in dealerships early next year, will offer customers plenty of choices at production, including four trim series – S, SE, SEL and Titanium – and 11 unique wheel styles.
The vehicle also will be available in 11 exterior paint colors. Four of the choices are premium paints. Tri-coat paints that offer deeper, richer color will be available in White Platinum and Yellow Blaze, and two tinted clearcoat paints will be offered in Red Candy and Blue Candy.
Vehicle Personalization: Ford Custom Accessories make it easy and fun
The automotive aftermarket has grown into a $34 billion industry. And Ford Vehicle Personalization continues to come out with cool new products – from wheels and decklids to hood scoops, grille inserts and vehicle tattoos – to meet increasing customer demand for accessories.
“The goal of Ford Custom Accessories is to give customers new ways to make the vehicle their own,” said Jim Abraham, Ford Licensed Accessories manager, noting that the business of Vehicle Personalization at Ford has grown exponentially over the last few years. “Our accessories are designed alongside our vehicles, so the integration is seamless and reflective of Ford quality.”
To learn more about Ford Custom Accessories, please visit http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/.
•Tattoos are not just body art anymore; customers will soon be able to express themselves with vehicle tattoos for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus
•Ford Custom Graphics will offer more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos in an array of different colors for the new Focus at www.fordcustomgraphics.com
•Available in a variety of designs – from geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls – the Custom Graphics offer the look of custom paint at half the cost
•Ford Custom Graphics are currently available for the Ford Mustang, Explorer F-150 and Fiesta
###
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 163,000 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/
Saturday, January 8, 2011
FORD’S ENHANCED MYKEY TECHNOLOGY NOW ALLOWS PARENTS TO BLOCK EXPLICIT SATELLITE RADIO CONTENT
FORD’S ENHANCED MYKEY TECHNOLOGY NOW ALLOWS PARENTS TO BLOCK EXPLICIT SATELLITE RADIO CONTENT
Just as parents block their teens from watching X-rated films or web videos, Ford Motor Company will introduce the world's first technology that will screen explicit radio content while youngsters are driving.
•Ford is upgrading its award-winning MyKey® feature with a world-first technology that allows parents to block explicit satellite radio programming while their teens are driving
•The upgraded MyKey technology also will allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
•A new poll by Penn, Schoen & Berland shows a majority of parents with teen drivers like MyKey’s features, including nearly 60 percent who say the feature to block adult radio programming is important and 85 percent who believe the speed-limiting feature is important
•The upgraded version of MyKey will debut as a standard feature late next year on the Ford Taurus and Explorer and will quickly be offered across a variety of Ford and Lincoln models
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is preparing to debut a new version of its breakthrough MyKey® technology that – for the first time – will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio content in the vehicle, much like parents are able to prevent children from viewing certain types of television and Internet content.
The new feature will debut next year as standard equipment on the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer, and will eventually be available across a variety of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. MyKey – designed to help parents encourage safe teen driving habits – is an easily programmable key that can limit a vehicle’s top speed, limit radio volume and encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up.
The radio-blocking feature works by screening out more than a dozen channels labeled by Sirius® Satellite Radio as “explicit.” While similar technology is used for blocking inappropriate content on televisions and computers, never before has such an option been available for radio programming in vehicles.
Ford’s current MyKey system – standard on most North American vehicles after launching in summer 2009 – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph, with chimes sounding at 45, 55 and 65 mph. The upgraded MyKey technology will now allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
“Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car,” says Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are okay with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford’s MyKey.”
In a poll conducted for Ford by Penn, Schoen & Berland, nearly 60 percent of parents of teen drivers said the new MyKey feature that allows for blocking explicit radio content is an important technology. The survey also indicated that 85 percent of parents with teen drivers find the speed-limiting feature important.
The additional top-speed limits available in the next generation of MyKey will help parents set appropriate limits as their teens transition from driving in town to traveling on the highway. Additional features already available on MyKey limit audio volume, encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up, and provide earlier low-fuel warnings.
In the poll, more than half of parents also said they would allow their teens to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with MyKey. Meanwhile, 45 percent of teens surveyed would approve of MyKey restrictions if it meant the possibility of additional driving privileges.
Tuning into teen safetyAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.
“Like graduated licensing laws, MyKey helps parents set reasonable limits for teens as they’re building driving skills,” Reitz said. “We developed MyKey’s functions in such a way as to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as SYNC®.”
Holding the key
MyKey allows the parent to program any key through the intuitive MyFord Touch™ interface. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:
•Persistent Ford Belt-Minder® with audio mute. Ford’s Belt-Minder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Belt-Minder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display, “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio,” also appears on the instrument cluster
•Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty
•If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as park aid and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert cannot be deactivated
Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s MyFord Touch menu:
•Parental control of explicit radio programming
•Limited top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
•Traction control system, which limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
•Limited audio volume to 44 percent of maximum
•A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
Using MyKey to encourage teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits, such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling, can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.
###
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 163,000 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 www.ford.com.
Just as parents block their teens from watching X-rated films or web videos, Ford Motor Company will introduce the world's first technology that will screen explicit radio content while youngsters are driving.•Ford is upgrading its award-winning MyKey® feature with a world-first technology that allows parents to block explicit satellite radio programming while their teens are driving
•The upgraded MyKey technology also will allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
•A new poll by Penn, Schoen & Berland shows a majority of parents with teen drivers like MyKey’s features, including nearly 60 percent who say the feature to block adult radio programming is important and 85 percent who believe the speed-limiting feature is important
•The upgraded version of MyKey will debut as a standard feature late next year on the Ford Taurus and Explorer and will quickly be offered across a variety of Ford and Lincoln models
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is preparing to debut a new version of its breakthrough MyKey® technology that – for the first time – will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio content in the vehicle, much like parents are able to prevent children from viewing certain types of television and Internet content.
The new feature will debut next year as standard equipment on the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer, and will eventually be available across a variety of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. MyKey – designed to help parents encourage safe teen driving habits – is an easily programmable key that can limit a vehicle’s top speed, limit radio volume and encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up.
The radio-blocking feature works by screening out more than a dozen channels labeled by Sirius® Satellite Radio as “explicit.” While similar technology is used for blocking inappropriate content on televisions and computers, never before has such an option been available for radio programming in vehicles.
Ford’s current MyKey system – standard on most North American vehicles after launching in summer 2009 – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph, with chimes sounding at 45, 55 and 65 mph. The upgraded MyKey technology will now allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
“Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car,” says Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are okay with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford’s MyKey.”
In a poll conducted for Ford by Penn, Schoen & Berland, nearly 60 percent of parents of teen drivers said the new MyKey feature that allows for blocking explicit radio content is an important technology. The survey also indicated that 85 percent of parents with teen drivers find the speed-limiting feature important.
The additional top-speed limits available in the next generation of MyKey will help parents set appropriate limits as their teens transition from driving in town to traveling on the highway. Additional features already available on MyKey limit audio volume, encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up, and provide earlier low-fuel warnings.
In the poll, more than half of parents also said they would allow their teens to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with MyKey. Meanwhile, 45 percent of teens surveyed would approve of MyKey restrictions if it meant the possibility of additional driving privileges.
Tuning into teen safetyAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.
“Like graduated licensing laws, MyKey helps parents set reasonable limits for teens as they’re building driving skills,” Reitz said. “We developed MyKey’s functions in such a way as to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as SYNC®.”
Holding the key
MyKey allows the parent to program any key through the intuitive MyFord Touch™ interface. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:
•Persistent Ford Belt-Minder® with audio mute. Ford’s Belt-Minder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Belt-Minder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display, “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio,” also appears on the instrument cluster
•Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty
•If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as park aid and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert cannot be deactivated
Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s MyFord Touch menu:
•Parental control of explicit radio programming
•Limited top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
•Traction control system, which limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
•Limited audio volume to 44 percent of maximum
•A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
Using MyKey to encourage teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits, such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling, can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.
###
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 163,000 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 www.ford.com.
FORD SYNC NOW IN 3 MILLION VEHICLES
FORD SYNC NOW IN 3 MILLION VEHICLES; CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, USE OF VOICE CONTROL ON RISE
•Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system is now installed in more than 3 million Ford Motor Company vehicles, since first introduced in late 2007
•Latest internal research shows that more than 80 percent of SYNC owners are likely to recommend the system to others, a 5 percentage point increase over last year’s research
•More SYNC users also rely on its voice recognition system, with nearly 70 percent usage rate while driving – more than a 5 percentage point increase over previous year
•SYNC was introduced in 2007 and still maintains its introductory price as a $395 option for nearly all new-model Ford vehicles; SYNC is also standard equipment on Lincoln models
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 3, 2011 – Ford is ringing in the new year with a noteworthy milestone, by installing the industry-leading Ford SYNC® in-car connectivity system on its 3 millionth vehicle in North America.
“Ford SYNC is clearly making a difference in our customer experience,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Not only is it proving to differentiate our products from the competition, SYNC is becoming a key point of satisfaction.”
Ford SYNC was first available for the 2008 Ford Focus, with an option price of $395, in the fall of 2007 and quickly migrated across Ford’s product lines. Today, SYNC is available on all Ford and Lincoln products, except those that are largely commercial or fleet use. The option price remains at $395 for most vehicles, but now includes several new standard features such as 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, and SYNC Services.
Customers buying Ford vehicles are treating SYNC as a must-have technology, purchasing the system, when available, nearly 80 percent of the time on current 2011 models – up about 4 percentage points compared to 2010 models. SYNC is standard across the Lincoln lineup.
And a larger number of these customers are speaking out about how much they like the system, with recent internal research indicating that more than 80 percent of SYNC users are likely to recommend the system to others, representing a 5 percentage point increase over the previous year’s data.
Undeniably, the strong purchase power and customer satisfaction ratings of SYNC are bolstered by its industry-leading voice recognition system, a feature that is taking a stronghold in terms of what people want when it comes to in-car connectivity systems. In the internal research, nearly 70 percent of SYNC owners reported that they use the SYNC voice controls while driving – a 5-plus percentage point increase.
“When we introduced SYNC, we were committed to making voice recognition a highly useful tool for the driver, and this research confirms we’re on track,” said Jim Buczkowski, a Henry Ford Technical Fellow and director of Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering, Research and Advanced Engineering. “Ford remains committed to being the company that will continue to raise the bar on voice recognition as the primary user interface – giving customers the connectivity they want while helping them keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”
According to the 2010 study “Staying Connected on the Go: A Look at In-Vehicle Smartphone Integration Systems” conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, 55 percent of the fast-growing population of smartphone owners prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface.
With the introduction of MyFord Touch™ in 2010, Ford made the SYNC voice recognition system even faster, friendlier and easier to use with more direct, first level commands, quicker and easier entry and search and more recognized aliases. The improvements were designed to help drivers accomplish tasks hands-free using more natural speech patterns and fewer commands, enabling them to focus on the task of driving.
# # #
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 163,000 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 SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system is now installed in more than 3 million Ford Motor Company vehicles, since first introduced in late 2007
•Latest internal research shows that more than 80 percent of SYNC owners are likely to recommend the system to others, a 5 percentage point increase over last year’s research
•More SYNC users also rely on its voice recognition system, with nearly 70 percent usage rate while driving – more than a 5 percentage point increase over previous year
•SYNC was introduced in 2007 and still maintains its introductory price as a $395 option for nearly all new-model Ford vehicles; SYNC is also standard equipment on Lincoln models
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 3, 2011 – Ford is ringing in the new year with a noteworthy milestone, by installing the industry-leading Ford SYNC® in-car connectivity system on its 3 millionth vehicle in North America.
“Ford SYNC is clearly making a difference in our customer experience,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Not only is it proving to differentiate our products from the competition, SYNC is becoming a key point of satisfaction.”
Ford SYNC was first available for the 2008 Ford Focus, with an option price of $395, in the fall of 2007 and quickly migrated across Ford’s product lines. Today, SYNC is available on all Ford and Lincoln products, except those that are largely commercial or fleet use. The option price remains at $395 for most vehicles, but now includes several new standard features such as 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, and SYNC Services.
Customers buying Ford vehicles are treating SYNC as a must-have technology, purchasing the system, when available, nearly 80 percent of the time on current 2011 models – up about 4 percentage points compared to 2010 models. SYNC is standard across the Lincoln lineup.
And a larger number of these customers are speaking out about how much they like the system, with recent internal research indicating that more than 80 percent of SYNC users are likely to recommend the system to others, representing a 5 percentage point increase over the previous year’s data.
Undeniably, the strong purchase power and customer satisfaction ratings of SYNC are bolstered by its industry-leading voice recognition system, a feature that is taking a stronghold in terms of what people want when it comes to in-car connectivity systems. In the internal research, nearly 70 percent of SYNC owners reported that they use the SYNC voice controls while driving – a 5-plus percentage point increase.
“When we introduced SYNC, we were committed to making voice recognition a highly useful tool for the driver, and this research confirms we’re on track,” said Jim Buczkowski, a Henry Ford Technical Fellow and director of Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering, Research and Advanced Engineering. “Ford remains committed to being the company that will continue to raise the bar on voice recognition as the primary user interface – giving customers the connectivity they want while helping them keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”
According to the 2010 study “Staying Connected on the Go: A Look at In-Vehicle Smartphone Integration Systems” conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, 55 percent of the fast-growing population of smartphone owners prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface.
With the introduction of MyFord Touch™ in 2010, Ford made the SYNC voice recognition system even faster, friendlier and easier to use with more direct, first level commands, quicker and easier entry and search and more recognized aliases. The improvements were designed to help drivers accomplish tasks hands-free using more natural speech patterns and fewer commands, enabling them to focus on the task of driving.
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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 163,000 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.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
**TONIGHT** F-150 ECOBOOST DRIVE EVENT
Experience the best combination of power, capability and efficiency with the 2011 Ford F-150!Be the first on your block to drive a NEW 2011 F-150 with the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pumping out 420 lb. -ft torque.
THOROUGHBRED FORD
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5TH 2011
5PM TO 7PM
Stop by and check it out! It's going to be an exciting night with Ford F-150 experts on hand, chance to win the sweepstake prize of a $2,000 Best Buy gift card, and free food and beverage! Hope to see you then.Please R.S.V.P. to attend at (816)505-1818 and speak with either Tammy or Adrienne.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
OOPS!
** Correction to our insert in the newsletter.**
Thoroughbred Ford Internet Savings Tip
*If you buy in January of 2011 you don't have to pay Property Tax until December 31, 2012*
Click here for website discount.
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