3 Ford Vehicles Make 2011 Best Cars for Families List

Three Ford vehicles have made the U.S. News 2011 Best Cars for Families list: 

2011 Ford Fusion--  Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families
2011 Ford Taurus-- Best Affordable Large Car for Families
2011 Ford Explorer-- Best Off-Road SUV for Families

The 2011 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards highlight vehicles that make family life easier. The awards are based on a combination of data from the U.S. News car rankings, safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. The winners are cars, SUVs and vans that impress car reviewers with their family-friendly features and space, but also keep families safe and on budget – factors that matter to any parent.

Read the article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the many family-friendly Ford vehicles.

Ford Commits to More 2012s With EcoBoost

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost® delivers full-size three-row SUV segment-leading fuel economy with an EPA-rated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway

•Edge with EcoBoost for 2012 raises fuel-efficiency bar for Ford’s popular crossover utility, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway

•Expanded EcoBoost product offerings reflect Ford’s commitment to this fuel-saving global technology

•Focus – all-new for 2012 – offers small car buyers an expanded range of model series and premium features unexpected in a small car

Ford Motor Company is expanding its range of vehicles with the award-winning EcoBoost® engine, offering the fuel-efficient powertrain in the 2012 Ford Edge and Explorer that are arriving in dealerships now.
Edge and Explorer are the first vehicles in North America to be offered with Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The four-cylinder EcoBoost marks the next chapter in the company’s strategy to downsize engines and use turbocharging and direct injection to deliver the power customers want from their vehicles with the fuel economy they demand.

The success of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Europe – its blend of fuel economy, lower emissions and usable performance and pulling power – makes it the ideal powertrain for Edge and Explorer.

Ford has committed to offering fuel-efficient, high-technology EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its global vehicle portfolio by 2013. Combining turbocharging with direct injection of gasoline in a smaller-displacement engine, EcoBoost delivers the power customers desire with the fuel efficiency the challenges of today’s world demand.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the vehicles currently available with EcoBoost technology at Lakewood Fordland.

Consumers Provide Feedback on Potential Ford Focus Electric In-Dash Displays

From Ford.com:

•Ford driving simulator helps ensure the MyFord Touch® interface will best fit the needs of drivers in the all-new Ford Focus Electric

•The simulator takes users on an 11-mile circuit through a variety of terrain that a typical drive might include – hills, cities and flat land

•The new Ford Focus Electric includes a unique extension of MyFord Touch driver connect technology that provides easy-to-understand information about range, destinations and charge points, helping owners plan trips most effectively

Potential customers are getting a chance to help develop the final in-dash display for the Ford Focus Electric through the use of a specially designed driving simulator. The driving simulations and feedback are helping Ford engineers make sure the unique extension of the MyFord Touch® interactive display in the Focus Electric is easy to use and meets the needs of potential owners. The new Ford Focus Electric uses the high-tech driver interface to help drivers optimize range and experience the freedom of fuel-free driving.

When stepping into the simulator, a user sees exactly the same information that would appear in the real Ford Focus Electric, including two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking the speedometer in the center. These screens provide details on battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding budget and expected range surplus.

“These screens are an integral part of Focus Electric and we thought the best way to make sure they would do their job is to have people come in and try them out for themselves,” said Paul Aldighieri, HMI engineer. “The only true way to get a feel for what the screens are telling the driver is by actually getting behind the wheel.”

Since last year, nearly 30 drivers have participated in the simulator exercise, an 11-mile circuit that traverses a variety of terrain that a typical drive would include. Hills, city streets, country roads and flat lands make up the circuit.

The studies evaluated how well participants comprehended the gauge concepts and validated the gauge design. Feedback showed the core behaviors of the system were well understood, and the engineering team received feedback on how to improve the interface. The team incorporated the feedback and received high acceptance levels for the new graphics.

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Ford and Toyota to Collaborate on New Hybrid System

From Ford.com:

•Ford and Toyota are collaborating as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of a new advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs


•New co-developed hybrid system ready for use later this decade on Ford and Toyota rear-wheel-drive light trucks and SUVs, delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the capability they want and need

•Ford and Toyota also will collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics and Internet-based services

Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information on the current fuel-efficient vehicles available from Ford.

Ford Kicks Off F-150 EcoBoost Challenge

From Ford.com:

•The Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge kicks off today on Facebook, with drivers in eight cities putting EcoBoost®-equipped Ford F-150s to the test – in fuel efficiency challenge and community projects

•Winning driver receives a year’s supply of free Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline; two Shell-branded stations in the winning driver’s city will offer residents free regular-grade gasoline for two hours and 22 minutes on Sept. 2, in a nod to the 22 mpg the Ford F-150 EcoBoost achieves on the highway

•The 2011 Ford F-150 equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers an unbeatable combination of power, capability and efficiency, making it perfect for this challenge. It is EPA-certified at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, complementing the best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque the engine produces. It also offers best-in-class conventional towing of 11,300 pounds and best-in-class payload of 3,060 pounds


The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost® has survived a series of torture tests – racing in the Baja 1000 and towing a maximum 11,300 pounds at high speeds around a NASCAR track for 24 hours straight – and this month, eight truck fans will put the truck to the test in their own communities.

Up for grabs: bragging rights tied to a week-long fuel-efficiency driving challenge, the satisfaction that comes from inspiring community members to give back and, ultimately, two free gasoline giveaway events for the winner’s city.

The challenge goes live today on the EcoBoost Challenge tab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ford.

“This challenge is a great way to highlight the capacities of the F-150 EcoBoost – a truck specially engineered to deliver the capability people need and the fuel efficiency they really want,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 marketing manager. “Plus, this challenge speaks to the spirit of our F-150 owners, who work hard for their families as well as their communities.”

Each driver will represent a city, driving an F-150 EcoBoost truck for one week. The first five days of the challenge involve a real-world fuel efficiency competition, with the average miles per gallon monitored via Ford’s Crew Chief™ system installed in each truck.

Challenge cities are Louisville, Ky.; Pittsburgh; Houston; San Diego; Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. The EcoBoost Challenge drivers come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from a middle school biology teacher to a Twitter user with more than 40,000 followers.

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the F-150 EcoBoost.

Ford Gives Car-Washing Tips

From Ford.com:

Saving a few dollars, getting a little exercise in the sun or prepping your classic for a summer cruise are just a few reasons to clean your vehicle by hand.

Besides, a freshly-washed and cleaned car just looks better, right?

Here are a few tips from Ford for the next time you’re in the mood to grab a hose and a bucket to make the star of your driveway look its best.

Visit www.TheFordStory.com to watch "Ford Makes Car-Washing Easy," a short and entertaining video featuring Gerry Bonanni, senior engineer, Paint and Body Repair and the Ford GT Mustang.

Cleaning your car’s exterior:

•Be well-soaked: Make sure the car is fully rinsed off first and kept wet during the wash. You want to float the dirt off the surface

•Use the right soap: Ford recommends soap specifically formulated for cars. “Even a mild dishwashing liquid can strip wax protection and possibly cause waterspotting concerns,” said Gerry Bonanni, senior engineer, Paint and Body Repair

•Grab your mitt: Ford recommends a sponge or wool mitt. Keep the sponge or mitt wet and sudsy to help float the dirt away instead of rubbing or scratching the surface

•Start at the top: Wash the top, then the sides and save the bottom for last, which is where the most grit typically accumulates

•Dry it off: Use a water blade and a soft towel to fully dry the vehicle

•Wax on: Ford recommends waxing your car to help keep the surface protected

•Wiper blades: Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

Each Ford vehicle undergoes a five-layer paint process designed to enhance long-term durability. The procedure starts with a pretreatment that protects against corrosion and ends with a clearcoat that aids in reducing chips and scratches.

Cleaning your car’s interior:

•Instrument panel: Wipe the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a clean, damp white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton cloth to dry those areas. Household or glass cleaners are not recommended

•Vacuum: For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and loose dirt

•Use the right cleaners: Ford recommends using auto-specific carpet and upholstery cleaner for light stains. If grease or tar is present, Ford recommends spot-cleaning the area first with an auto-specific spot-and-stain remover

•For leather seats: For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap-and-water solution. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Leather cleaning products designed for automotive interiors also are available

Summer-specific issues

Ford recommends never washing a vehicle that is hot to the touch or during exposure to strong, direct sunlight. In addition to warm weather, summer also presents other challenges when it comes to keeping your car looking nice. When you’re hit with the following, try to clean off quickly and follow these tips:

•Bird droppings, bugs, suntan lotion, insect repellent: Wash off with car wash soap and water as soon as possible

•Tree sap and tar: Use a good quality bug and tar remover and wax afterward

•Bothered by bugs? Going on a long trip and don’t want to face a windshield and/or bumper full of dead insects by the time you arrive? Wipe down your windshield with a tumble dryer sheet; bugs won’t stick to the glass as easily. Also, give your bumpers the once-over with cooking spray

•Don’t scratch it; smear it: Can’t get that sticker from the amusement park or beach parking lot off your window? Saturate it with cooking oil before you start scrubbing

2 Ford Vehicles Make Back-to-School List

Two Ford vehicles have made kbb.com's Back-to-School list:

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com has announced its picks for the 2011 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars, a mix of both new and used cars and trucks. Ford has two vehicles on the list, the 2012 Focus and the 2007 F-150. Young drivers love the Focus, kbb says, because “it looks cool on the outside, modern on the inside, handles with more than a hint of sportiness and offers advanced audio and information technology.” For those who subscribe to “bigger is better,” kbb says the 2007 Ford F-150 is their back to school ride. It “boasts five-star NHTSA front crash ratings, beefy good looks and all the practical hauling and towing abilities afforded by a proper pickup truck.”

Read article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about these vehicles.

Ford Presents 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 offers distinctive new design enhancements with snakeskin leather interior accents and unique bodyside graphic. Also new for 2012 are 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap as well as a new premium exterior color choice – White Platinum Tri-Coat

•Standard content includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System

•The truck is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to deliver a best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford F-150 truck line.

Ford Vehicles Achieve High J.D. Power APEAL Ranking

From Ford.com:

Customers increasingly are demanding top fuel efficiency, and they are rating Ford highly for delivering, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study released today.

All of Ford’s newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages, according to the J.D. Power 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study.

“Ford is an industry leader in fuel efficiency, and customers are pleased with the way we are helping them at the pump,” said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches. “Ford also is absolutely committed to the highest vehicle quality, delivering vehicles that surprise and delight customers while eliminating defects.”

The new Ford Fiesta and F-150 were first-place segment winners in the survey, which measures customer satisfaction in design, content and vehicle performance. The 2011 Ford Taurus and Flex were rated second in their segments. The new Ford Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Expedition and Mustang scored third-place segment rankings.

Ford vehicles excelled in many areas of the study, particularly fuel efficiency. Specifically:

•All of Ford’s newer retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above their segment averages

•Fiesta performs particularly well in the area of fuel efficiency in the subcompact car segment

•New F-150 outperforms industry average for fuel efficiency

APEAL surveys customers on what they like about the performance, execution and layout of their new vehicle after the first three months in service

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford line of vehicles.

Ford Edge with EcoBoost Delivers Great Gas Mileage

From Ford.com:

•The popular Ford Edge crossover with EcoBoost® power is EPA-rated at an economical 30 mpg highway and 21 mpg city


•Ford Edge with EcoBoost is now the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more

•EcoBoost, combining smaller engines and turbocharging, is a global Ford engine technology that gives customers the power they want and the fuel efficiency they need

•EcoBoost vehicles have been successful at attracting new customers to the Blue Oval brand, leading the Ford product portfolio in conquest sales


Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the Ford Edge.