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.
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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!!

Focus ST and More Are in Store for the Paris Motor Show

Usually, the Paris Motor Show goes unnoticed by the majority of Americans. But this year, Ford is giving residents of North America reason to pay attention. Among other newsworthy items, it will be the venue for the first official viewing of the new high-performance Focus ST. It will also be the first time that a range of production-ready Focus body styles will be displayed together, providing full insight into this significant new model before it goes on sale in Europe and North America early in 2011.
The new range-topping Focus – which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ engine – will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.
The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.
Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.
Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain and is due to go on sale in Europe in 2012. A version will also be sold in North America.
The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.
Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

First-ever Ford Police Interceptor Utility

The first-ever specially-designed Ford Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work, and it is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan. Click here to read more about the Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.
You can watch the reveal of the Police Interceptor utility live at 3:30 p.m. EST by clicking here.
Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, developed both Police Interceptors to allow departments to maximize versatility without sacrificing quality. Ford’s Police Interceptor utility will deliver at least a 20 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Both the sedan and utility Police Interceptor vehicles will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
With the introduction of its newest Police Interceptor, Ford now provides a complete package of performance and capability designed to meet the diverse and ever-increasing needs of law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with the highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, delivering at least 280 horsepower and E85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Two drivetrain options are available, providing off-road capability teamed with a multipurpose cargo area specially calibrated for loads up to 800 pounds.
Both the sedan and utility are rated for the severe-duty cycle that police professionals undertake on a daily basis and will deliver at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
When developing the next-generation Police Interceptors, Ford worked with its Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to provide input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort.
Like the sedan, the utility version of the Police Interceptor puts a priority on safety. Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering both Police Interceptors to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.
The Police Interceptor utility vehicle features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbag rollover protection system that helps protect passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford’s unique roll-fold technology to help position them between the occupant and the side window.
Just like its sedan partner, Ford’s Police Interceptor utility vehicle has been put through its paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to rigorous driving. Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department proved out the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of punishing tracks.
To make sure the utility vehicle can take the heat – quite literally – the AWD drivetrain is equipped with a water-cooled power transfer unit that guarantees capability in all conditions. Across the board, brakes have been increased in size and performance, and the cooling package features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Standard 18-inch wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
Both Ford Police Interceptors will be manufactured at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.