Lakewood Fordland

Ford Focus Electric is Most Fuel-Efficient 5-Passenger Vehicle

2012-03-05T07:09:00.001-07:00

(photo from Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies the 2012 Ford Focus Electric as America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle with a 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating
Focus Electric achieves a combined rating of 105 MPGe, topping Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while also offering more motor power, passenger room and standard features
Customers can make more use of this efficiency with Ford’s faster charging technology that can recharge Focus Electric in about half the time of Nissan Leaf
Ford gives customers the power of choice with 10 fuel-efficiency leaders across segments and powertrain technologies

“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose,” said Eric Kuehn, chief nameplate engineer, Focus Electric. “The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency.”

The EPA-approved Focus Electric label also certifies that the car has a range of 76 miles on a single charge compared with the 73-mile range of the Leaf. The Focus Electric can be driven up to 100 miles on a single charge depending on driving habits. The average driver drives 29 miles a day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website.

The approved label also will say customers could save $9,700 in fuel costs over the course of five years compared with the average new vehicle. Comparative savings could go even higher if the current trend of rising gas prices continues. In California alone, the cost for a gallon of gas rose 20 cents in a seven-day period that ended last week.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford Focus Electric at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Mustang Named to 2012 Consumer Reports Top Picks

2012-02-29T07:38:00.001-07:00

Consumer Reports has named its 2012 Top Picks and the 2012 Ford Mustang was named the top in the Sporty Car Division:

Agile handling, a decent ride, comfortable front seats, and very good fit and finish make the current version an inviting package.

Read the entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland to see their great variey of 2012 Ford Mustangs. They have this vehicle available in a variety of colors and with many options.

New Car Specials at Lakewood Fordland

2012-02-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

Stop by Lakewood Fordland for a great deal on new Ford vehicles. Specials right now include $5000 off a 2012 Ford Escape and $8000 off a 2011 Ford F-150 (excludes Ecoboost). Contact Lakewood Fordland for more details.

Ford Holds Nearly 500 Hybrid Patents With New Fusion Hybrid

2012-02-21T07:21:00.002-07:00

From Ford.com:

•New Ford innovations have led to a 50-fold increase in hybrid patents to nearly 500, which is expected to help the new Fusion Hybrid achieve an unprecedented 47 mpg and would make it America’s most fuel-efficient, non-rechargeable sedan

•Ford’s transformed lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles reflects a continued commitment to growing the company’s intellectual property portfolio with significant investments during economic downturn

•New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains – each with expected top fuel economy – underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's commitment to fuel efficiency.

Ford Vehicles Receive Top Honors in Vehicle Dependability Study

2012-02-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Ford Motor Company’s continuing emphasis on long-term quality is paying off for its customers.

Ford Motor Company has six vehicles ranked in the top three for long-term durability in their segment in the annual J.D. Power and Associates’ 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study.

The vehicles are:

•Ford Fusion, which also received the Midsize Car award for the second consecutive year

•Ford Explorer, which received the Midsize Crossover/SUV award (in a tie)

•Ford Ranger ranked second among Midsize Pickups

•Ford Taurus ranked third among Large Cars

According to the study, other Ford models such as the Ford Mustang also performed particularly well, although there is no award in this segment.

The study asks owners about problems they have experienced in the past 12 months with their three-year-old vehicles (for the 2012 study, 2009 model-year vehicles were surveyed). Survey respondents were asked to indicate any problems they experienced with their vehicle in the past 12 months, choosing from a list of more than 200 issues in eight diverse categories.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about these vehicles and the entire Ford line-up at Lakewood Fordland.

SYNC to be Standard on 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex

2012-02-14T07:34:00.001-07:00

From Ford.com:

•2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC® as standard equipment on all trim levels

•Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles

•Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch® interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth®.

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use SYNC Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

In the event of an accident, SYNC 911 Assist™ can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the SYNC system and SYNC-equipped vehicles.

Ford Receives Two kbb.com 'Total Cost of Ownership' Awards

2012-02-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ford received top honors in two categories of the 2012 kbb.com Total Cost of Ownership Awards:

Full Size Sport Utility- 2012 Ford Expedition

Hybrid Utility- 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

Read entire article here.

Want to know more about the 2012 Ford Expedition and 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid? Contact Lakewood Fordland for details!

2013 Ford Escape All-Wheel Drive to Offer More Control

2012-02-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

•During snowy and/or wet conditions that cause wheels to slip, the intelligent “torque on demand” all-wheel-drive system on the all-new Ford Escape can send up to 100 percent of the vehicle’s power to the front or rear wheels to better grip the road

•The Ford-developed software behind the all-new Escape with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, providing a precise blend of handling and traction

•The all-wheel-drive system seeks to correct understeer and oversteer more quickly and improves traction and handling

•The system provides appropriate front-to-rear torque at all times

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the 2013 Ford Escape.

Ford to Add Optional Stick-Shift to Focus Titanium Series

2012-02-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

A key objective for the 2012 Focus was to offer customers more choices by extending the models offered in the marketplace. Previously announced models include the highly anticipated Focus Electric and the high-performance 250 hp ST model. Additionally, in response to customer demand, Ford will now offer a five-speed manual transmission in the range-topping Titanium Focus models. Buyers migrating from higher-price import brands frequently prefer manual transmissions, especially automotive enthusiasts. Now those buyers can have a manual and their creature comforts.

Read entire article here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford Focus line-up.

Ford Truck Team Presented with Truck of Texas Trophy

2012-01-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) today presented Ford truck team members with the prestigious Truck of Texas trophy at an awards luncheon inside Reliant Center – home of the 2012 Houston Auto Show. TAWA named the 2012 Ford F-150 Truck of Texas after the annual Truck Rodeo in October. The nearly three-feet-tall trophy now travels to Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri, where the award-winning truck is built.

“We are honored to receive this trophy on behalf of the hardworking and dedicated employees who build this truck with pride,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing manager. “This award means a lot to us, and we thank the Texas Auto Writers Association for validating what our customers have been telling us about our Built Ford Tough F-150. We appreciate their recognition of the quality of our trucks.”

A total of 48 vehicles were entered in the rodeo and evaluated by the 57 registered TAWA members. TAWA is one of the largest associations of auto writers in the U.S.

Following the truck rodeo, Mike Herzing, president of TAWA, said, “Texas consumers put their trust in TAWA’s automotive journalists. After lining up vehicles from major auto manufacturers, our members determined Ford simply had the best trucks and crossover. But the real winners here are Texas’s truck buyers. Ford delivers the trucks that fit their lifestyles.”

Ford swept seven additional categories for its trucks, crossovers and EcoBoost™ engine technology. Trophies were also presented for the following awards:

•Truck Line of Texas: Ford Motor Company

•CUV of Texas: 2012 Ford Edge

•Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch Super Duty

•Luxury Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost

•Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

•Mid-Size CUV: 2012 Ford Edge Limited

•Outstanding Feature: Ford EcoBoost Engine Technology

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to find out more about the award-winning 2012 Ford F-150!

Ford Escape Uses Plant to Reduce Weight

2012-01-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•Kenaf, a tropical plant related to cotton and okra plants, is being used to replace oil-based materials in the doors of the all-new Ford Escape.

•Use of this eco-friendly material is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin annually in North America

•Kenaf reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25 percent and improves fuel economy

•Kenaf is also used in cosmetics and kenaf fiber is an alternative to wood to make paper and cardboard; its leaves are edible

The new Escape, which will be available to customers this spring, features several eco-friendly components in addition to the kenaf inside the doors.

Materials that are recycled, renewable, and that reduce impact on the environment include soy foam in the seats and head restraints; plastic bottles and other post-consumer and post-industrial materials in the carpeting; climate control gaskets made from recycled tires; and more than 10 pounds of scrap cotton from the making of denim jeans.

Wide use of more environmentally friendly, recycled and recyclable materials complements the projected best-in-class fuel economy of the all-new Ford Escape, further boosting the vehicle’s environmentally responsible credentials. The new Escape meets the USCAR Vehicle Recycling Partnership goal that 85 percent of the vehicle is recyclable.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's commitment to renewable and recycled materials at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Vehicles Receive 2 Cars.com Lifestyle Awards

2012-01-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Cars.com has chosen its 2012 Lifestyle Award recipients and two Ford vehicles have taken home that honor.

Play Car of the Year: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302-- Read more about it here.

Work Car of the Year: 2012 Ford F-150-- Read more about it here.

Want more information on either of these award-winning vehicles? Contact Lakewood Fordland!

New Ford Escape Uses Mirror for Quieter Ride

2012-01-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford reduces wind noise in all-new Ford Escape by using an elliptical acoustic mirror to measure noise

•This is the first use of this technology to test wind noise in a Ford sport utility vehicle

•The mirror is like a satellite dish with a microphone placed a short distance from the Escape, traversing it lengthwise to collect sound

•Acoustic mirrors were a precursor to radar, intended to detect airplanes

When Ford engineers sought out innovative ways to reduce noise in the all-new Ford Escape, they looked in the mirror.
But these engineers did not look into any mirror; they focused their eyes on an elliptical acoustic mirror.
This high-tech device was used for the first time on Escape to reduce wind noise and deliver a quieter interior. The mirror resembles a satellite dish with a microphone. The mirror identifies “hot spots” where noise penetrates the interior of the vehicle, allowing drivers to listen to music or conversation inside the car instead of external noises.

This technology is deployed more commonly by European luxury vehicle manufacturers and is considered a breakthrough among U.S. manufacturers. The mirror measures noises on the surface of the vehicle and in the airflow.

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to see more of the quality vehicles Ford has created with innovation.

Ford Cars Named to 'Best Cars for the Money' List

2012-01-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Five Ford vehicles have made U.S. News and World Report's 'Best Cars for the Money' list. The decision was made based upon praise from car reviewers, upfront costs, and long-term ownership costs. See the list and learn more about this honor here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to see their impressive selection of award-winning Ford vehicles.

Ford Fusion Named Best in Show at NAIAS

2012-01-16T07:17:00.001-07:00

From Ford.com:

Just days after being revealed to the world, the new Ford Fusion is already bringing home awards. The Autoweek editorial staff has chosen Fusion for its Best in Show award at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The selection is based on one compelling measurement – the car people will remember most five years from now.

“It’s very rare for a midsize sedan to win Best in Show,” said Autoweek Editor Wes Raynal. “I think it’s the first of a lot of awards the Fusion is going to win this year.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the entire line of award-winning Ford vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Four-Millionth Ford SYNC System Delivered

2012-01-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles

•With plans to begin offering SYNC in Europe and Asia this year, Ford projects 9 million additional vehicles will be equipped with SYNC by 2015

•Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

•SYNC is now available on 100 percent of Ford’s 2012 retail product lineup in North America; all-new Ford Fusion and Flex are launching with SYNC as standard equipment – setting a trend for a hands-free, voice-activated future

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford vehicles equipped with the SYNC system at Lakewood Fordland.

2013 Ford Fusion to Offer More Technology & Choice

2012-01-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

From Ford.com:

New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost^™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology

Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the current model 2012 Ford Fusion at Lakewood Fordland.

Two Ford Vehicles Named to Autobytel Picks of the Year

2012-01-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Two Ford vehicles have made Autobytel's Pick of the Year list for 2012. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was named Sports Car of the Year and the 2012 Ford F-150 Eco Boost was honored as Pickup Truck of the Year.

Read the entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's award-winning line of vehicles.

New Ford Fusion to Offer Lane Keeping System

2012-01-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

With many of us driving long distances to visit friends and family during the holiday season, drowsiness can easily creep up when behind the wheel. That’s why the all-new Ford Fusion will offer a Lane Keeping System (LKS) to help drivers stay between the lines.

The new Ford Fusion, which will debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, is the first mainstream midsize sedan in North America to offer this technology. Ford will roll out the Lane Keeping System to a wide range of its vehicles over the next several years. In addition to the new Fusion, the Ford Explorer also will offer the feature in 2012.

The Lane Keeping System uses a digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror, allowing the Fusion to watch the road ahead to detect an unintentional lane departure. The Ford Lane Keeping System has three levels of assistance available to the driver depending on what is happening: Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

“Fusion’s Lane Keeping System combines a digital imaging sensor with our own state-of-the-art control software to process images and determine what level of warning or assistance to provide to the driver,” said Michael Kane, Ford development engineer. “We’ve put a lot of effort into ensuring the accuracy of the lane detection and the smoothness of the assist.”

The driver must turn on the Lane Keeping System. Once the vehicle speed is above 40 mph and lane markers are clearly visible on the road, an icon that looks like a car between two lanes lights up green in the instrument cluster to indicate the system has been enabled. Ford’s Lane Keeping System takes advantage of the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) used in the new Fusion to provide a vibrating alert to the driver and then gently steer the car back into the lane if the driver doesn’t respond.

When the system detects the car is approaching the edge of the lane without a turn signal activated, the lane marker in the icon turns yellow and the steering wheel vibrates to simulate driving over rumble strips. If the driver doesn’t respond and continues to drift, the lane icon turns red and EPAS will nudge the steering and the vehicle back toward the center of the lane. If the car continues to drift, the vibration is added again along with the nudge. The driver can overcome assistance and vibration at any time by turning the steering wheel, accelerating or braking.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford Fusion and on Ford's variety of safety features.

Motor Trend First Look: 2013 Ford Escape

2011-12-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Motor Trend took a First Look at the 2013 Ford Escape last month:

"Tangible showroom features will include interior quality up to the modern standard, and a simplified MyFordTouch reverting to actual knobs for radio volume and tuning. It also will have Ford's hands-free liftgate, which allows you to open it simply by sliding your foot under the rear bumper when your hands are full, as long as the key fob is in your pocket. Improvements to MyFordTouch also include more tactile climate and navigation controls, a reaction to thorough market research Ford conducted to fix the updated version of Sync that sold so many cars and trucks in the last few years, and is now blamed for helping sink Ford's quality scores. Ford shouldn't worry so much. The hands-free liftgate is a cool enough feature to distract most buyers from any finicky MyFordTouch controls. It could be Ford's biggest wagon-back feature breakthrough since the magic liftgate on 1966 models, and will assure that the Escape remains one of the most popular models in its class for years to come."

Read entire article here.

Ford to Power Heaviest and Longest Float

2011-12-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Natural Balance Pet Foods and Ford team up for the "World's Heaviest and Longest Float" in this years big Jan 2 parade in Pasadena.
The float, weighing more than 50 tons and powered by a Ford F-Series Super Duty gasoline engine, will be certified by Guinness World Records® as the "World's Heaviest and Longest Float"
This float follows other beloved floats from Natural Balance like the snowboarding, skateboarding and skimboarding dog floats

Read entire article here.

Ford Introduces Ford Focus Electric

2011-12-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
•Nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012
•Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets
•C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's electric vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Offers Safe Winter Driving Tips

2011-12-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ford has offered 10 tips for safe winter driving:

10. DO allow a few minutes to brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for visibility and removing snow or ice from the top of your car will spare cars behind you from encountering an unexpected snow assault, impairing visibility or even cracking a windshield.

DON’T forget to clean snow and ice off your headlights and taillights as well.

9. DO use winterized windshield wiper fluid to make sure your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over or crack, preventing you from washing away dirt and salt.

DON’T try to melt ice from your windshield by pouring hot water on it. Using hot water can crack the windshield.

8. DO wash your car regularly to remove salt and dirt from the roadways.

DON’T let road grime prematurely age the body of your vehicle by neglecting to bathe it.

7. DO maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent unnecessarily stranding yourself in adverse conditions. To help get the most out of your tank, Ford offers fuel-saving technologies such as its EcoBoost® engines, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and hybrid electric vehicles.

DON’T forget to check that all fluids are at proper levels and ensure all tires, including the spare, have the required pressure and tread.

6. DO prepare your car for an emergency. Essential items to keep in the trunk are a blanket to stay warm, proper attire (boots, jacket, hat and gloves) in case you have to be outside for an extended period of time, a shovel, flashlight with fresh batteries and snacks. Keep your cell phone charged to call help if necessary.

DON’T forget the kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow.

5. DO remain aware of what’s around you on the road, including checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for pedestrians or lost reindeer from Santa’s sleigh.

DON’T follow too closely. The general rule is the vehicle ahead should pass a road marker two seconds before you. In slippery conditions, it is recommended to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front.

4. DO apply even pressure when braking in slick conditions if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Keep in mind anti-lock brakes do not shorten stopping distance, but they do help you maintain control.

DON’T become overconfident in snowy and slippery road conditions. Always test road conditions with cautious driving when the surface area is wet or icy, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

3. DO turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide when driving on snowy or icy roads until you gain control.
DON’T apply power or change directions suddenly on snow or ice.

2. DO stay calm if you find yourself stuck in the snow or broken down on the side of the road in adverse conditions.
DON’T leave your car unless available shelter is close by. If you need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow so the interior stays clear of harmful carbon monoxide.

1. DO make sure you are awake and alert behind the wheel. If necessary, take a break and grab a coffee.
DON’T lose track of how many eggnogs you consumed at the holiday party. The most important holiday safe driving tip of all is to refrain from drinking and driving under all circumstances. If you think you will drink, arrange for alternate transportation ahead of time.

Read entire article here.

2012 Ford F-150 Named Motor Trend 2012 Truck of the Year

2011-12-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

Motor Trend has named the 2012 Ford F-150 their '2012 Truck of the Year':

•2012 Ford F-150 has been awarded the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year® award, the fourth time F-150 has won the accolade. F-150 has won the award more times than any other truck
•F-150 outshone all other contenders in various tests that evaluated the truck’s design, engineering, performance, efficiency, safety and value
•With class-leading fuel efficiency, capability and durability coupled with affordable technology, the 2012 Ford F-150 meets the demands of today’s full-size light-duty pickup customers

Read the entire article here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford Focus Makes Best Redesigned Vehicle List

2011-12-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

kbb.com has named the 2012 Ford Focus to its '10 Best Redesigned Vehicles' list.

"The Ford Focus has been more than just redesigned for 2012; it's been reworked, restyled and completely changed from the model it replaces."

Read the article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford Focus Featured on DriveLiveTV

2011-12-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Watch a video about the 2012 Ford Focus on DriveLiveTV. Then schedule your own test drive at Lakewood Fordland.

High Gear Media Named Ford Focus a 'Best Car to Buy 2012'

2011-12-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

High Gear Media has named the Ford Focus as one of its recommended 'Best Cars to Buy 2012':

High Gear Media, the fastest growing automotive publisher on the Web, today named three cars as its “Best Cars to Buy 2012”–the Ford Focus, the Porsche 911 and the Toyota Prius. The awards were named by expert editors from High Gear Media’s premium destination sites The Car Connection, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports.

The Ford Focus was named The Car Connection’s Best Car to Buy 2012 after being chosen by the site’s editors from amongst a field of 40 nominees using the site’s unique “meta reviews” that combine reviews by staff journalists with opinions gathered from around the Web – all presented together with a simple rating. “The 2012 Ford Focus has great looks, gas mileage and handling, plus some of the most advanced technology features in its class,” according to Marty Padgett, editorial director of High Gear Media. The Focus earned the highest rating from editors this year, topping other brand-new vehicles such as the Hyundai Veloster, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Chevy Sonic.

Read entire press release here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford F-150 With Fuel-Saving Technology Popular With Customers

2011-11-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•F-150’s fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and electric power assist steering earn high ratings from customers in Ford quality survey.

•F-150 also was the highest-ranked full-size pickup this year in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS), and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

•Ford’s EcoBoost technology is helping lead a consumer shift to smaller engines. Ford sold over 13,000 F-150 pickups equipped with EcoBoost engines in both September and October.

The F-150’s EcoBoost engine and another fuel-saving technology – electric power assist steering – earned high ratings from customers in Ford’s 2011 U.S. Global Quality Research System, or GQRS, helping to power the F-150 to some of the industry’s strongest independent quality rankings in 2011.

The V-6 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 is achieving customer quality ratings on par with F-150s equipped with the popular 5.0-liter V-8 engine, according to data from GQRS, a quarterly survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The data was gathered from surveys of more than 1,600 F-150 owners who purchased their trucks between September 2010 and May 2011.

“Ford F-150 customers are very discerning so we are pleased they rate our new EcoBoost technology as highly as V-8 engines that some thought truck customers would never give up,” said Doug Scott, group marketing manager, F-Series trucks. “We believe this is a good sign as we plan to roll out this innovative, powerful and fuel-saving technology to most of our lineup during the next few years.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Focus Electric to Use Recycled Materials in Fabric

2011-11-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Sitting on empty plastic bottles while driving or riding in a car would be less than ideal. That’s not the case when it comes to the all-new Ford Focus Electric, as it features seat fabric made of recycled material that includes the equivalent of more than 20 plastic bottles per car.

The fiber – called REPREVE® – is made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials and manufactured by Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), a global leader in sustainable textile solutions.

Unifi officials say 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles are used in the seat fabric of a single Focus Electric. The figure is based on the amount of REPREVE branded fiber used in the production of fabric in each vehicle.
Ford is the first automaker to use REPREVE branded fiber in its seat fabric.

“What better vehicle than the Focus Electric to put seat fabric made of recycled materials?” said Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford. “Not only does the use of this fabric in Focus Electric help reduce waste, it also helps to offset the need to produce new raw material from crude oil – a process that consumes precious energy and natural resources.”

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is green in other ways, too. Focus Electric runs on battery power alone, requiring no gasoline and producing zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus Electric at Lakewood Fordland!

Ford Offers Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-11-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Don’t fret this holiday season, the Ford Marketplace will help simplify shopping with hundreds of gifts for any Blue Oval enthusiast. For the 2011 holidays, Ford is offering all-new gifts with special pricing including presents for the young kid who wants to “drive” a Mustang like his or her dad, teenagers looking to accessorize cell phones with Ford-themed vinyl skins, or cabinetry and flooring for the ultimate Dream Garage.

“We couldn’t be more excited to reveal the new gifts the Ford Store has to offer for your Blue Oval enthusiast this holiday season, including an all-new Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels, and cabinetry and flooring to create the ultimate Dream Garage,” said Betsy McKelvey, marketing manager for Global Brand Licensing.

Items are available at store.ford.com/holiday and at hundreds of retailers including Toys ‘R’ Us, Target, WalMart and Hobby Lobby.

New items for holidays 2011 include:

•Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels:The little one can roll around like the old man – this brand-new Power Wheel is a mini-Mustang for young tykes

•Build-A-Bear Mustang:Bossy the Mustang Pony is a soft, plush pony that gallops a bit more slowly for the next generation of Mustang enthusiasts

•Skin It: Skinit Ford skins are an easy way to show your love for everything Built Ford Tough! Protect and customize your phone, laptop, gaming device and more with high-quality vinyl skins

•Dream Garage: Take your garage to the next level with Ford’s own flooring and cabinets

•Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set:Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with these special glasses

•Vintage wooden signs: Bring Ford memorabilia into your man cave and even customize your own sign

Read entire article here.

All New Ford Escape: The 'Smarter Utility Vehicle'

2011-11-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford’s newest sport utility vehicle (SUV) arrives next year, bringing clever technologies and features designed to make life easier, and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market

•Versatile vehicle features new hands-free technology – including liftgate with motion-sensing technology similar to video games’ and upgraded MyFord Touch® system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier

•New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engines save customers fuel and money

•Customers globally will start seeing this sleek small SUV next year, too. Named the Ford Kuga in Europe and China, this vehicle makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will offer unique powertrains and features for customers in those markets

Read more about the 2013 Ford Escape here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information.

New Design for Ford Mustang

2011-11-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

•New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look

•Drivers of automatic-equipped Mustangs will be able to shift their own gears with new SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, now a standard feature

•Industry-first technology allows drivers to monitor their own acceleration, g force and braking on the track with new 4.2-inch LCD screen showing Track Apps

Read all about the new design and driving technologies featured on the Ford Mustang here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for more information on the Ford Mustang.

Ford to Use Game to Reveal All-New Escape

2011-11-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Fans of the popular mobile and online social game, “Words With Friends,” will be able to participate in a bigger version of the game on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Actress Jenny McCarthy will compete against the entire country in the world’s largest Words With Friends game, and in the process reveal the all-new 2013 Ford Escape.

Ford and Zynga, the world’s largest social game developer, are collaborating to reveal the all-new Escape in a novel integration of social platforms and mobile gaming. The use of mobile devices has grown, with nearly 33 percent of Americans owning smartphones and one out of three mobile phone users playing mobile games on their devices.

“By revealing the new Escape through a popular social game like Words With Friends, Ford is able to expand its reach beyond traditional social channels to mobile platforms that engage a broader audience,” said Matt VanDyke, director, U.S. Marketing Communications for Ford. “This will be the first of a series of social gaming initiatives that are integrated into the launch of the Escape next year.”

This partnership with Zynga marks the first time an automotive company has revealed a vehicle through a social game.

The event will be live-streamed at www.Facebook.com/fordescape and www.livestream.com/ford so fans at home can play along.

New Ford Flex Will Debut This Month

2011-11-08T08:28:00.001-07:00

From Ford.com:

•The latest three-row, seven-passenger Ford Flex offers comfort and advanced technology in a distinctive package, including sleek new front end and modern interior

•New Flex features the latest MyFord Touch® system, new safety and driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) as well as push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist

•Under the hood, Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 20 more horsepower and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy, or the popular and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine

Read more about the features on the Ford Flex here.

Contact Lakewood Fordland for information on the Ford Flex.

MyFord Touch Upgrades for 2013

2011-11-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

From Ford.com:

Ford customers said MyFord Touch® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback.

“SYNC® has clearly been a game-changing technology and now we’re changing the game again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto industry.”

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners.

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about vehicles with SYNC and MyFord Touch at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Introduces Hands-Free Power Liftgate

2011-11-02T14:39:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford this month is introducing its all-new Escape SUV featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

The new Escape, which makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16, will be the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates the system and raises the liftgate. The same kicking motion closes the liftgate as well.

“The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down.”

The hands-free liftgate builds on Ford’s Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take the key out of their pocket or purse.

The hands-free liftgate uses two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Escape at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford's New MyKey Technology

2011-10-31T13:20:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford will become the first automaker to allow parents to block their teens from receiving phone calls and deter text messages while driving with a new MyKey® Do Not Disturb technology that launches on the Ford Explorer in early 2012
The most complete research shows manually operating electronic devices while driving substantially increases the risk of accidents. Ford SYNC® reduces that risk by allowing drivers to operate their devices through voice commands while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
The riskiest drivers on the road, teens are a special group that would benefit from restrictions such as those offered through graduated drivers licensure programs and MyKey’s practical limits that provide a technological complement to such laws
The Do Not Disturb feature, which can be controlled by parents, adds to MyKey’s other innovations such as a “No belts, no tunes” feature that mutes the audio system until front occupants buckle up

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the technological features of Ford's vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford F-150 Named "Truck of Texas"

2011-10-25T08:58:00.001-06:00

The 2012 Ford F-150 was named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Assoc. at their annual Truck Rodeo:

•The 2012 Ford F-150 is named Truck of Texas, the most prestigious award presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at its annual Truck Rodeo in the country’s largest truck market. In addition, Ford products and technologies win top honors in seven other categories

•The 2012 Ford Edge is named CUV of Texas

•Ford EcoBoost® technology – available for both F-150 and Edge – is named best vehicle feature. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines

•Ford also is named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year, in recognition of the best-in-class capability and durability of its truck lineup

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Finds Use for Recycled Plastic Bottles in Next Ford Escape

2011-10-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•The next Ford Escape uses 25 recycled 20-ounce plastic bottles in the carpeting of each vehicle
•That means more than 4 million bottles could be diverted from landfills and instead find a home in the next Ford Escape, based on current sales

•The new Ford Escape will be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November

Ford is using 25 20-ounce plastic bottles to make the carpeting in every all-new Ford Escape utility vehicle it builds. It’s the first time Ford has used this type of carpeting in an SUV.
“It’s a good use of recycled product and keeps it out of landfills,” said Laura Sinclair, a materials engineer for Ford and mother of two young boys.

Read entire article here.

Find out more about the Ford Escape at Lakewood Fordland.

Safer Texting Alternatives With Ford SYNC

2011-10-19T21:19:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Latest Ford SYNC® software updates will give owners of select SYNC Generation 1-equipped 2011 and 2012 vehicles access to the emerging Bluetooth® standard – Message Access Profile (MAP) – so SYNC can stream and read text messages aloud from compatible smartphones
Ford elected to voluntarily adopt MAP in an aggressive effort to improve the number of phones that will work with the hands-free text message readback feature of SYNC
Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) sees growing MAP adoption among leading cell phone manufacturers

Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.

Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone.

Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's SYNC at Lakewood Fordland.

Auto Manufacturers Collaborate on Electric Vehicle Charging Solution

2011-10-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Recognizing the importance of a single international approach for DC fast charging, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed on the combined charging system as an international standardized approach to charge electric vehicles (EV) in Europe and the United States.

The system is a combined charging approach integrating all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station. This allows electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen can share the same fast charging stations.

The seven auto manufacturers believe the development of a common charging approach is good for customers, the industry and charging infrastructure providers. Standardization will reduce build complexity for manufacturers, accelerate the installation of common systems internationally and most importantly, improve the ownership experience for EV drivers.

The endorsement of the combined charging system was based on reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the ergonomics of the connector and the preferences of customers in both the United States and Europe. The harmonized approach – across both continents and all manufacturers - will provide a framework for future infrastructure planning as well as a communication protocol to assist in the integration of electric vehicles into the smart grids.

The seven auto manufacturers also agreed to use HomePlug Green Phy as the communication protocol. This approach will also facilitate integration of the electric vehicle into future smart grid applications.

Read entire article here.

Ford Debuts New Vehicle Colors

2011-10-11T11:06:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Color on vehicles is extremely important to customers; research shows up to 40 percent of car buyers say they would walk out of a dealership if they could not buy a vehicle in the color they want
Ginger Ale, a classic gold neutral with slight green undertones found in rocks and minerals, debuts on the all-new Ford Escape at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show
Kodiak Brown, a deep brown with warm highlights, is a color widely used in the fashion industry, paired with caramels, blues and greens

“The new colors coming on vehicles this year are fresh, rich and grounding,” said Susan Swek, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. “We don’t just choose a color and it winds up on a car. We study and understand how important color is to all kinds of our customers.”

New color choices arriving on the freshest vehicles from Ford include:

Ginger Ale, which will be seen on the all-new Ford Escape when it debuts at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, was named for its energy and refreshing qualities. A classic gold neutral with slight green undertones, it’s found naturally in rocks, minerals and sandy beaches as well as jewelry, gems and textiles
Kodiak Brown, named after Alaska’s Kodiak bear for its richness and strong presence, is a deep brown with slight warm highlights. The fashion industry pairs it as a neutral with black, caramels, blues and greens
Frosted Glass, a signature color of the Ford Focus Electric, is an icy light green that elicits a sense of calm, relaxation and tranquility, remindful of a spa or warm tropical waters. Seen in the fashion world, from light shades of green to dark teal

Ford's Inflatable Seat Belts Earn Award

2011-10-10T09:01:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford’s industry-first rear inflatable seat belts combine the attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide additional crash protection, giving parents particular peace of mind since children are common rear-seat passengers

•Lead developer Srini Sundararajan will accept the prestigious Breakthrough Product Award from Popular Mechanics tonight in New York, on behalf of Ford Motor Company

•Rear inflatable seat belts were introduced on the 2011 Ford Explorer and will be introduced on other global vehicles in the future

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland for more information on rear inflatable seatbelts and other innovative safety features in Ford's vehicle line-up.

2012 Ford F-150 Offers Variety of New Options

2011-10-04T07:47:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package, and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines

•Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel

•All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the 2012 Ford F-150 at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Partners in Box Tops for Education Program

2011-10-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

By purchasing a Ford vehicle, ordering a brochure or watching a product video, consumers will be able to raise money for schools of their choice from Ford, thanks to its new tie-up with General Mills’ Box Tops for Education® program
Ford is the first automotive company to partner with General Mills’ Box Tops for Education® program
Ford estimates it will provide more than $1 million dollars to schools during the two-month program through box top redemptions
America’s schools have earned more than $400 million through Box Tops for Education® since the General Mills program started in 1996; Ford has donated more than $100 million to education in the same timeframe

Ford, the first automotive company to partner with General Mills on its Box Tops for Education® (BTFE) initiative, today kicks-off a two-month program, which aims to generate $1 million in support for schools throughout the U.S.

“Since this company started, Ford has always looked for ways to support our country’s young people and their education,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Ford Global Marketing. “We are delighted to be the first automotive company to partner with General Mills on Box Tops for Education because it provides us a unique way to reach and help students across the whole country.”

Ford has taken General Mills’ consumer fundraising effort and evolved it so Ford vehicle owners and shoppers can now easily participate and generate funds to support their local schools. Starting Oct. 3, participants can earn and collect Box Tops for their local school in three new ways. They can request a brochure from the official Ford/BTFE program website at FordDrivesBoxTops.com; watch product videos on the program website; or purchase a Ford vehicle at dealerships during October and November.

“The partnership with Ford is a major step for Box Tops for Education as we continue to offer new ways to activate the program beyond the packaged goods category,” said Mark Addicks, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for General Mills. “Ford’s involvement in the program will allow us to drive needed revenue for schools across the country in a very interactive way with one of America’s most storied brands.”

During the two-month “Ford Drives Box Tops” Sweepstakes, Ford will provide sweepstakes winners with eBoxTops, which will be automatically credited to the school of their choice. Five 10,000 Box Top prizes worth $1,000 and one 200,000 Box Tops prize worth $20,000 will be given to the BTFE-eligible school of the winner’s choice at the end of the Sweepstakes. Schools can use the money in any way they choose.

Read entire article here.

SYNC Adds Live Operator Assist

2011-09-27T07:57:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•After successful beta test, Ford adds live operator assist as standard feature of SYNC Services, providing another free enhancement to the SYNC® owner experience

•Customers driving SYNC Services-equipped Ford cars and trucks now can talk to live operators when seeking directions or searching for business addresses

•SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions

In a step to further enhance the SYNC® experience, Ford is adding Operator Assist, a new free service that allows users to connect with a live person, as a standard feature of SYNC Services.

Previously in beta test trial phase, the service is now available as part of SYNC Services and joins the growing list of cloud-based driver assistance features offered by Ford Motor Company.

“This isn’t just about offering customers a back-up option to the services we have already. This is about giving customers a variety of choices when it comes to how they would like to receive information,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about vehicles equipped with the SYNC system at Lakewood Fordland.

New Website Highlights SYNC Technology

2011-09-26T14:21:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford Motor Company has launched a new, easier-to-use website that is focused on all things SYNC®, the voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system
Owner experience videos on the new website feature customers talking about the role SYNC plays in staying in touch, driver assistance, entertainment and safety
SYNC is installed in more than 3 million Ford cars and trucks

The new Ford SYNC website, www.ford.com/sync, is designed to help visitors understand how and why SYNC® matters by enhancing the instructional approach of the original site with a more experiential feel.

Ford web designers said they built the easy-to-use and understand website for anyone interested in SYNC – from those shopping for a SYNC-equipped Ford car or truck who want to know more about the technology to those who have it already.

Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford has installed the system on more than 3 million vehicles. Ford’s entire North American retail lineup offers this must-have technology, demonstrating its rapid, consumer-driven adoption.

“What we’ve tried to do is deliver a simpler and more intuitive way for consumers to understand the benefits of SYNC,” said Cole Buccafurri, Ford Digital Marketing Communications. “It’s delivering contextually relevant information to them at the right time. If they’re an owner and want educational material, it’s right there. If they’re a shopper and just want to know about SYNC, it’s all right there, too.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the SYNC technology at Lakewood Fordland.

Design Your Ultimate Ford Mustang With New Customizer Website

2011-09-21T14:55:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

New Ford Mustang Customizer website allows enthusiasts to create their very own Mustang, selecting colors, accessories and decals to complement the classic design
The website lets enthusiasts customize a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 with three different backgrounds, five different angles and hundreds of accessories from which to choose
Additionally, users can connect to the site via Facebook with a tool that lets them share and store all of the Mustangs they have created. They can even use “battle mode” to ask people to vote for their Mustang

Visit the website at www.ford.com/cars/mustang.

Read the entire article here.

Ford Offers Anti-Theft Tips

2011-09-20T08:59:00.000-06:00

Auto theft numbers have decreased, likely due to the increased availability of anti-theft devices. Ford Motor Company supervisor of security products, Mark Zielinski, offers some tips and information on reducing auto theft in sound clips found here.

Ford Notes Customer Interest in Warning Technologies

2011-09-13T16:37:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Customer interest in radar-based technology systems designed to help drivers avoid crashes, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support, has soared since 2009 at rates double or triple initial expectations

•Ford has sold nearly 320,000 radar warning systems, including 30,000 systems on the new 2011 Ford Explorer, after pioneering the technology in mainstream vehicles

•2011 Ford Explorer and Edge were the company’s first mainstream vehicles to have their forward collision systems recognized as a “Recommended Technology” from NHTSA; 2011 Lincoln MKX also earned this rating

Ford customers, more than ever, are buying vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems. Ford’s radar-based technologies that help alert drivers of potentially dangerous situations are being purchased at rates sometimes approaching double or triple what was anticipated.

“Today’s customers are extremely informed about technology and advanced features available in vehicles,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “They have an incredible amount of access to information, and we’re responding to their interest by offering vehicles with the technologies they want.”

Overall, approximately 320,000 radar systems – such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and collision warning with brake support – have been purchased by Ford customers across the 2010 and 2011 vehicle lineup. For example, nearly 30,000 BLIS packages were sold on 2011 Ford Explorers. The customer take rate was almost three times higher than anticipated.

BLIS employs sensors on the outboard rear quarter panels that help monitor the traditional blind spot area. The system can notify the driver with a warning indicator light on the corresponding side mirror if the sensors detect a vehicle in the blind spot.

Increased interest in smart features by customers goes hand in hand with increased focus by Ford Motor Company on delivering technologies that can help drivers avoid a crash, and is shifting the discussion from one of crash worthiness to one of helping drivers avoid crashes.

The adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support integrated system, for example, allows the driver to set vehicle speed and maintain it without using the accelerator. Radar sensors detect moving vehicles ahead and warn the driver of collision risks. On the 2011 Ford Edge, almost 10,000 systems have been sold, about twice what was projected.

Research indicates such forward collision warning technologies could help in warning a driver who is distracted or drowsy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of accidents involve driver inattention. The agency’s research found one extra second of warning could prevent up to 90 percent of rear-end collisions.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland for more information.

Lincoln MKZ Named Most Dependable Entry Premium Car by J.D. Power and Associates

2011-09-12T21:20:00.000-06:00

From Lincoln.com:

The LINCOLN MKZ is the "Most Dependable Entry Premium Car" for the second year in a row according to J.D. Power and Associates.*

"The Lincoln transformation toward becoming a world-class luxury brand is underway," said Ken Czubay, Ford Motor Company Vice President, U.S. Sales, Marketing & Service. " It's personally gratifying to our Lincoln-dedicated team that third-parties are seeing the results of the Lincoln team's long-term quality focus."

This year's study was based on responses from almost 44,000 owners of 2008 model year vehicles. The three-year, new-car dependability survey covers 202 different problem areas that may occur within eight major vehicle categories, such as engine and transmission, seats and exterior. The rankings are determined by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles.

And seven new or significantly refreshed models are planned in the next three years. The Lincoln team continues to push even harder to deliver class-leading technology, standout vehicle design and new powertrains - all with an eye toward long-term dependability.

*The Lincoln MKZ received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among entry premium cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Vehicle Dependability StudiesSM. 2011 study based on 43,779 consumer responses measuring problems consumers experienced in the past 12 months with three-year old vehicles (2008 model-year cars and trucks). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed October-December 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Lincoln MKZ at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Increases Sustainable Material Usage

2011-09-05T14:46:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford and Lear Corporation have introduced a new head restraint foam with 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy
•75 percent of Ford’s North American-built vehicles feature bio-based foam in the head restraints. Vehicles include the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion

•All Ford North American-built vehicles use bio-based foam in seat cushions and backs. Ford’s use of bio-based foam has helped the company reduce its petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds annually and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds

Ford and Lear Corporation are taking another leap forward in sustainable technology with the introduction of new head restraint foam that has 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy.

Seventy-five percent of Ford’s North American vehicles feature bio-foam in the head restraints, including the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion. All Ford Motor Company vehicles built in North America use bio-foam content in the seat cushions and backs.

“We are continuously looking for new ways to expand our use of bio-based foam, and head restraints are a perfect example,” said Debbie Mielewski, technical leader, Ford Plastics Research. “It’s a new location with higher soy content. We’re not stopping at head restraints, either. There are still many other applications in which traditional foam can be converted to bio-based soy foam on vehicles, such as energy-absorption areas, steering wheels and armrests.”

The extended use of soy foam results from the continued research collaboration between Ford and Lear; Ford first used sustainable soybean oil-derived seating foam on the 2008 Mustang. The collaboration also generated the recent complete conversion of all Lear North American Ford seating cushion foam to Lear SoyFoam™.

SoyFoam is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum-based foam. The biomaterial has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds. The use of SoyFoam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds. SoyFoam also can provide a 67 percent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's use of sustainable materials in their vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Get Exclusive Ford Focus ST Progress Reports on Facebook

2011-09-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Exclusive video and photography of the all-new Ford Focus ST to be shared first on the Focus Facebook page, highlighting the car’s technology, performance and practicality
•Videos will give global Focus fans insights into the project from key members of the development team, as well as previously unseen vehicle footage ahead of next year’s launch

•Online campaign will be ongoing, helping Focus Facebook fans – more than 300,000 strong – stay up to speed with the progress of Ford’s first global performance car

Since Ford first announced its all-new Focus ST, performance car fans around the world have been eager to find out more. To answer this demand, Ford will begin actively sharing both exclusive video and photography, first on the Ford Focus Facebook page, to keep enthusiasts up to date on the development of this sporty new model.

The materials will explore technical highlights, the driving experience and high levels of refinement that make up the core DNA of the new Focus ST, which is expected to deliver an estimated 247 HP/250 PS when production begins. The more than 300,000 fans of the Focus Facebook page will be able to access newly generated and previously unseen footage of Focus ST development cars undergoing testing, plus insights into the car’s features from key members of the Global Performance Vehicle team.

“Our Facebook page allows us to reach out to enthusiasts around the world for the first time and share with them the final stages of development of the new Focus ST as it happens,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications.”

To follow the new Focus ST story and get involved in the action, visit Ford’s Focus Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fordfocus

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

3 Ford Vehicles Make 2011 Best Cars for Families List

2011-08-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-29T08:33:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-24T07:49:00.001-06:00

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.

Read entire article here.

Ford and Toyota to Collaborate on New Hybrid System

2011-08-23T07:58:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-17T19:11:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-16T12:04:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-09T11:18:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-09T08:01:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-06T10:06:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-06T10:01:00.001-06:00

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.

Teens Win Ford Song Contest

2011-07-19T10:15:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•High school group wins $25,000 in savings bonds as first place winners in a Ford Driving Skills for Life nationwide song contest about the dangers of distracted driving
•Teens also win free trip to Usher's New Look Foundation World Leadership Conference to speak in workshop with Usher and John Rich, country music star and Celebrity Apprentice

•The national contest engages teen musicians in educational campaign about the dangers of distracted driving; more than a half million online votes were cast

Five lucky teens have won a national Ford song contest that involved 520,000 public votes and final judging from Shawn Wilson, president of Usher's New Look Foundation. The public selected the five finalists on www.drivingskillsforlife.com from among videos by teen musicians performing original songs, and Wilson chose the first, second and third-place winners. Distracted driving is the theme for the 2011 Ford Driving Skills for Life “Belt It Out” contest.

The winning musical group -- from Germantown High School in the Memphis area -- has five members: Nathan Waters, Eric Rulerman, Elijah Berry, all 18, and Jared Dover and Sophia Frantz, both 17. Each won a $5,000 U.S. savings bonds and a free trip to Usher's New Look Foundation World Leadership Conference. They also are invited to join Usher and John Rich, country music star and Celebrity Apprentice, in a conference workshop on July 20 on how music can create awareness and inspire social change.

Read entire article here.

Ford Continues Commitment to Environment

2011-07-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford and Recycled Polymeric Materials (RPM) have teamed up to deliver environmentally friendly gaskets and seals made from recycled tires and bio-renewable content such as soy

•More than 2.2 million pounds of rubber from recycled tires has been made into seals and gaskets and more than 210,000 used tires have been recycled. 150,000 pounds of soy has been used to create the materials

•The gaskets and seals are featured on 11 2011-model-year Ford Motor Company vehicles, including F-150, Escape, Mustang, Focus and Fiesta

Ford and Recycled Polymeric Materials (RPM) have found a way to put discarded tires to good use. By combining recycled tires with bio-renewable content, they are delivering environmentally friendly seals and gaskets for Ford Motor Company vehicles.

The gaskets and seals are derived from 25 percent post-consumer, recycled tire particulate and 17 percent bio-renewable content from soy.

In total, more than 2.2 million pounds of rubber from recycled tires has been made into RPM seals and gaskets and more than 210,000 used tires have been recycled. Additionally, 150,000 pounds of soy has been used to create the materials.

The seals also offer a weight savings, with more than 1,675 tons of weight removed from Ford vehicles on the road.

“When it comes to finding a way to use more renewable and recyclable content, Ford and our suppliers are looking at every part of a vehicle,” said Dr. Cynthia Flanigan, technical leader, Research and Innovation. “As long as an application meets our strict quality and performance standards, we’ll strive to get these sustainable materials on our vehicles."

Read entire article here.

Hatchback Popularity Rises

2011-07-12T11:17:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Rise in hatchback popularity in the U.S. may signal lasting market acceptance shift

•Approximately 50 percent of 2011 Ford Fiesta vehicles now being sold in the U.S. are hatchback models; 41 percent of the all-new 2012 Ford Focus sales are hatchbacks

•Ford is the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer both sedan and hatchback versions of its small B- and C-car lineup in America

•In addition to more cargo space, both vehicles offer impressive fuel economy and deliver unto 40 mpg

Customers seeking more versatile vehicles with better fuel economy are finding what they’re looking for in hatchbacks and U.S. sales of these popular five-door cars continues to skyrocket.

It’s a trend reflected in sales of two of Ford’s hottest-selling cars. Approximately 50 percent of retail sales of the 2011 Fiesta have been for hatchbacks. On the market for just a few months, 41 percent of retail sales for the all-new 2012 Focus have been for the hatchback – a number Ford expects to continue rising.

“The hatchback is hitting an unmet need for versatility as people continue to downsize their vehicles,” said Paul Russell, Focus brand manager. “No other competitor in the top-five of total market share offers a hatchback option in the small car segment.”

The total number of hatchbacks available in the U.S. market increased 63 percent between model years 2006 and 2010, going from 291,853 to 475,048, according to Ward’s Auto World data.

“American car buyers have become appreciative of the convenience and flexibility that hatchback bodystyles offer after years of owning SUVs and crossovers,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “Combined with the generation of younger drivers who have been exposed to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks.”

Unsure of how the market would react to new hatchback offerings, Ford prepared itself by investing in flexible plant capacity. This flexibility ensures Ford is able to react quickly to changing tastes, providing a vehicle mix – hatchback or sedan, base model or fully loaded Titanium – to serve varied customer demands.

Read entire article here.

Check out all of Ford's hatchback options at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Research Team Tackles Tire Technology

2011-07-11T09:56:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford Motor Company has established a unique cross-functional team whose mission is to develop innovative new tires that improve safety, boost fuel economy and enhance vehicle handling.

Located at Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, the dedicated tire team works closely with Ford's Chassis Engineering and Vehicle Engineering functions, as well as leading tire companies, to test new compounds, new tread designs and other innovations.

Most automakers don't influence significantly the development of the tires they use. But tires -- the only component that touches the road while you drive -- are one of the most important components of any vehicle.

Because tire tread is the main contributor to rolling resistance, which is simply the measure of force needed to roll the wheel forward, the team has focused its immediate attention on this part of the tire.

The three key attributes to any road tire tread are traction or grip, wear and rolling resistance. The challenge to building a better tire is that often improving one attribute may compromise another. A tire with better grip, for example, may have a higher rolling resistance and therefore, energy consumption.

“Traditionally, the challenge of improving tire treads is to expand all facets of the ‘magic triangle’ – grip, wear and rolling resistance. We want to improve all attributes without compromising others,” said Dan Haakenson, technical expert, Vehicle Dynamics. “Our goal is to anticipate, innovate and incorporate technologies to make Ford a leader in fuel economy and to help deliver superior low-rolling-resistance tires to customers faster than anyone else.”

Driving toward a no-compromise solution

A no-compromise attitude to fuel efficiency has been a key benefit for Ford customers. The 2011 Ford Mustang coupe, for example, is the first car to achieve the combination of 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway. The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Ford Focus usher in a new era of what a small car can achieve in terms of in-vehicle technology and a fun-to-drive experience as well as fuel economy.

Producing no-compromise vehicles has its roots in an exhaustive, focused examination of each component – like tires – to optimize design, systems and materials.

“While Ford doesn’t manufacture tires, we do want to become smart buyers for our customers,” said David Rohweder, global chief engineer for Tire and Wheel Engineering.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's commitment to vehicle safety and fuel economy at Lakewood Fordland.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips From Ford

2011-07-05T11:10:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Top safety tips from Ford:

•Buckle up and do it right: The seat belt remains the most important piece of safety equipment. Ensure that it tightly encircles your hips, not your waist. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm

•Keep small children belted in safety or booster seats: Children under four-feet-four-inches tall who weigh less than 79 pounds should by regulation be fitted in child safety seats or booster seats and properly belted. The safety seats need to be securely fitted to the rear seat – and the latest Ford cars are now designed with ISOFIX fittings, which provide a rigid and robust connection between the vehicle and the seats

•Ensure that the tilt and height of all head rests are correctly adjusted

•Avoid placing objects over the airbag cover: Do not place any object between an occupant and an airbag or near any other airbag covering. The airbag may not inflate properly and might force an object into that person, causing severe injury or death. The instrument panel grab handle should never be used for storage. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear at all times

•Do your homework. Know your car’s condition and its safety features: Check for basic maintenance and items in your car before heading off for a trip. Items to check include tire tread depth, tire pressures, and ensuring oil and water levels are correct

•Be responsible and know the speed limits: If you’re traveling across the country, be aware of the speed limits and road laws of the states you will travel through. Always carry your driver’s license with you

•Give yourself enough time to complete the journey: Plan for stops along the way. Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions and leave sufficient space between the vehicles around you

•Pack heavier items in lower areas of the vehicle: When filling up the cargo areas of the vehicle, always place the heaviest items close to the vehicle floor or truck bed so that in the event of a quick stop, those items remain in place and do not move forward in the vehicle where they can collide with passengers or other materials

•Use a voice-activated, hands-free connectivity system like Ford SYNC® to control your mobile phone or navigation system: Ensure the system is ready to go before you set off

• Don’t drink and drive

•Don’t drive when you’re tired: It is recommended that you take regular breaks on a long journey

Technology that can help

Ford offers a variety of technologies in its vehicles that can support the driver on long journeys – and hopefully make such trips more enjoyable and less stressful:

•SYNC:SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system for Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones that allows hands-free calling among its many available features

•MyFord Touch™: MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides an intuitive way for drivers to connect in-car technologies and their digital lives

•Active park assist: An advanced new system that automatically guides the vehicle into parallel parking spaces. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors to scan for a suitable space between parked cars. Once a space has been identified, which can be as little as 1.2 times the length of the vehicle, the driver is informed and clear instructions are shown in the center display. The driver controls the accelerator and brake pedal, and selects a forward or reverse gear, while the steering system is automatically controlled by the vehicle

•Auto high beams: This feature is designed to detect light sources ahead and automatically switch the headlamps between main and low beam to avoid glare and help maximize visibility when driving at night

•Adaptive cruise control: A radar-based cruise control system that helps to maintain a preset cruising speed as well as a preset distance from vehicles ahead. If the system detects the vehicle in front is slowing down or is too close, it decelerates automatically. Once the road is clear again, it will accelerate back to the chosen cruising speed

And a few things you might not know…

•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

•Sheets: If your trunk looks like a linen closet before you leave, then you’re prepared. Pack bed sheets – you can drape them over car seats that have become baking hot in the sun

•Tennis, anyone? Slice open a tennis ball and use it to cover your tow bar when you’re not using it. It will protect it from scratches, and will keep the moisture out

•Don’t forget your shades: Troubled by sun glare? Add a few pairs of sunglasses (in case you lose one) to your travel bag before you leave

•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

Read entire article here.

Ford Tackles Fuel Theft Issue Resolution

2011-07-05T10:16:00.000-06:00

•Ford-exclusive Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) system deters fuel thieves from siphoning gas with a unique mis-fueling inhibitor

•Inlet check valve reduces the chances of fuel theft by automatically closing after the fueling process

•Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States; some cities warning residents about the thefts attributed to the increase in fuel prices

The only thing worse than paying more for gasoline is paying more for gasoline and having it stolen out of your gas tank. As reports of fuel theft continue to rise, Ford owners can feel a little more secure knowing their vehicles have fuel system innovations such as the Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) feature.

The Ford Easy Fuel feature is designed to easily let fuel in and make it difficult to get fuel out.

That’s important as gas prices hover at the $4 per gallon mark, and demand remains high with drivers in the United States consuming about 400 million gallons of gas daily.

“Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,” said Brian Aitken, supervisor, Fuel Systems. “But if it also slows down would-be thieves. Ford customers benefit that way as well.”

Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States, from New Jersey to California. The West Sacramento, Calif., Police Department, for example, issued a warning to residents about a rise in fuel theft that it attributed to the increase in fuel prices.

One report from Atlanta centered on a man who was caught running a garden hose from his house to a nearby car he didn’t own.

“It’s not a shock that illegal siphoning is rising with the sharp increase in the price at the pump,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, an independent website that monitors the fuel industry. “Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”

Ford’s capless full filler deters gas theft two different ways. With Easy Fuel, a spring-loaded flapper door is held closed by latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. This eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release, and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flapper door to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flapper door automatically is forced closed by the spring.

Read entire article here.

Learn more at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Expands Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Usage

2011-06-28T11:26:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford will quickly expand availability of the just-launched rear inflatable seat belts by offering them on the Ford Flex and on Lincoln vehicles starting next summer

•The industry-first rear inflatable seat belts are designed to reduce head and neck injuries for rear seat passengers, especially children and older people

•The advanced restraint system debuted on the 2011 Ford Explorer

•Flex is one of 12 Ford Motor Company vehicles to have earned Top Safety Pick ratings from IIHS; Ford has the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automaker ever

“This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Expanding the rollout of this technology is another example of Ford leading the way to enhance vehicle safety for our customers.”

The addition of the inflatable rear seat belts to Flex builds on the Top Safety Pick ratings the vehicle recently earned from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Ford plans to continue offering the inflatable belts affordably after launching them on the new Explorer.

Early data show approximately 40 percent of Explorer buyers are parents who are ordering the rear inflatable belts, said Amy Marentic, Car and Crossover Group marketing manager.

“The addition of inflatable belts enhances Ford’s well-earned reputation of adding technology that enables safety,” she said. “This is especially important to customers of products such as Explorer, which often serve large families who are looking for that extra peace of mind found in technology like inflatable belts.”

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the inflatable rear seat belt option.

kbb.bom Names Ford Vehicles to Coolest List

2011-06-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editors have compiled their 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list and two Ford vehicles have made the cut. The “Euro-sweetened 2012 Focus,” kbb.com says, offers “head-turning looks, sporty handling and a healthy standard equipment list in an efficient and affordable package.” And the editors expect the 2011 Fiesta will be a perennial favorite: “Its European looks and well-crafted interior outclass everything else in the category, and its sharp driving dynamics and nimble handling impress us every time we get behind the wheel.” Read the entire press release here.

Learn more about Ford's vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Fuel Economy Key in Vehicle Purchase

2011-06-22T20:04:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•42 percent of all consumers surveyed in a 2011 Maritz Research study say fuel economy is an “extremely important” new vehicle purchase driver – up 13.5 percent versus a decade ago; Millennials rank its importance even higher and rate it most often as having the “greatest impact” on future vehicle purchases

•Fuel economy as a reason to purchase has jumped in importance across nearly all vehicle segments since 2001, becoming even more important for small vehicles

•12 Ford and Lincoln vehicles lead their sales segments in fuel economy, and four models deliver 40 mpg or better – a claim no other full-line automaker can match

More than 40 percent of consumers view fuel economy as “extremely important” when considering a new vehicle purchase today, a new study finds.

What’s more, one third of consumers say fuel economy will have the “greatest impact” on their next vehicle purchase, and younger buyers place an even higher priority on miles per gallon.

“Customers are telling us clean and green vehicles matter most because they are good for people’s wallets and good for our planet,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We hear what they are saying, and that is why Ford is absolutely committed to giving our customers vehicles with top fuel efficiency.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's fuel-efficient vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford's SYNC Offers Fantasy Baseball Updates

2011-06-20T08:17:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford SYNC®, the company’s award-winning hands-free in-vehicle connectivity technology, offers access to an on-demand weekly fantasy baseball update through available Traffic, Directions and Information Services

•Drivers can get a list of weekly hitting and pitching leaders in both the American League and National League using simple voice commands

•SYNC Services is an off-board network of voice-requested features, connected via a customer’s cellphone, including directions, traffic, business search, weather, news, sports scores, stock quotes, horoscopes and movie listings – all free for the first three years of vehicle ownership

Using a properly paired Bluetooth®-enabled phone with an active SYNC Services account, Ford owners can receive weekly player updates to find out who’s hot and who’s not. Once connected to Services, the driver simply says “Sports,” then “Baseball” then “Fantasy Update.” The weekly leaders in both the American League and National League are then read out aloud, along with hitting statistics including batting average, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases and runs scored. Pitching statistics include records, saves and strikeouts.

“It’s been estimated that nearly 7 million people play fantasy baseball, and all of them scramble to get any kind of information about the very best players they should be putting in their lineups,” said David Gersabeck, SYNC Services product manager. “This is all about giving our customers what they want. The Fantasy Update feature on SYNC gives our customers fantasy baseball updates quickly and concisely using easy voice commands.”

No longer do fantasy baseball players need to pore through pages of statistics and articles to find out who they should be adding – and dropping – from their fantasy team. SYNC Services users simply press the voice button and say the command “Services” to access a wide range of cloud-based on-demand voice-activated features and information, including turn-by-turn navigation, business search, traffic, news coverage, sports reports, weather forecasts and even horoscopes and stock prices. The most recent additions to the Services network include movie listings and travel information, offering a direct connection to 150 airlines, 50 hotel chains and 11 of the largest rental car companies in the U.S.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's SYNC-equipped vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford to Triple Production of Electrified Vehicles by 2013

2011-06-15T07:46:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford to triple production capacity of electrified vehicles in North America by 2013, investing in even more C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles

•Expanding production capacity of electrified C-MAX lineup brings a stronger business case than introducing gasoline-powered seven-passenger vehicle in North America

•Ford adding more than 220 green technology jobs in Michigan, including total of 170 at Rawsonville and Van Dyke Transmission plants, plus more than 50 new electrified-vehicle engineers based in Dearborn in the past year

•Production of all-new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid scheduled to begin at Michigan Assembly Plant in 2012, with locally sourced battery packs and electric drive transaxles built by Michigan workers

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's fuel-efficient vehicle options.

Ford Focus Electric Keeps Its Cool

2011-06-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford’s use of an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system in its Focus Electric lithium-ion battery packs will provide customers in hot climates an advantage over competitive models

•When charging or being used, the battery is cooled by an integrated cooling system using a “chiller” to lower the temperature of the coolant going through the battery when needed

•Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric – the company’s first all-electric passenger car – is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular global Focus model

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford Focus Electric at Lakewood Fordland.

Motor Trend Offers Long-Term Review of Ford Fusion Hybrid

2011-06-06T08:06:00.000-06:00

From Motor Trend (2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Year-Long Review):

How times change. It wasn't long ago that the consensus of the esteemed experts in our business was that America was no longer able to build an affordable, well-constructed sedan. Lengthy editorial columns were devoted to the problem, all pretty much saying we'd abandoned what was perhaps the seminal product of the 20th century, the thing that made Ike's Interstate highway system make sense, and together, modern America.

The skillset had been quietly sold off, subcontracted, outsourced, lost somewhere in the paperwork while Detroit refocused on more important things, like rebate schemes. Cradling their heads in their hands, my knowing colleagues lamented, "Why can't this country build a Camry or an Accord?"

Well, it turns out they're right. We can't build a Camry or an Accord. No, to everyone's surprise, the folks in Dearborn created something maybe even better, the Ford Fusion Hybrid-such as the light ice-blue metallic one before you that recently concluded its 12-month stay here.

To cut to the chase, it whined and regen'd and cut the engine at stops (and restarted it) and all those other hybrid things for 23,475 faultless miles.

It also did something extraordinary for a Motor Trend long-termer: When it left, we actually liked it better than when it arrived. And when our weekly signout sheet of test cars finally appeared without the Fusion's name, many of us muttered "nuts" and "heck" and occasionally worse.

We've had plenty of American long-term cars around here, and even if they didn't expensively fail big time, or inexpensively small time, by return time they were old beyond their age. There's a disease called Werner syndrome that causes terribly accelerated aging in humans. For a while, its automotive strain was absolutely epidemic in Detroit.

However, our Fusion aged better than gracefully. And that includes, you perceptively ask, its newfangled electromechanical hybrid bits. There wasn't a single problem. Nada. Which brings us to the point in the program where we normally roll up our sleeves and go into all the gory details about what went wrong and the horrifying costs. And so here goes for the Fusion Hybrid: (cue thunder bolts and whistling winds).

The oil was changed three times, as were the tires rotated. Two hundred and eighteen bucks and eighteen cents. That was it.

Read entire article here.

Visit Lakewood Fordland to find out more about the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Ford Adds New Fuel-Saving Engine & Transmission to Lineup

2011-06-06T07:32:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Newest EcoBoost™ engine, Ford’s first three-cylinder, to be launched globally in Ford small cars

•New engine will deliver performance of a larger four-cylinder with even higher fuel economy

•Ford announces first eight-speed automatic transmission for future vehicles

•The first Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built hybrid transmission begins production late this year; Ford expects to be largest domestic producer of hybrid transmissions by next spring

Ford is expanding its industry-leading range of fuel-efficient powertrains in North America with the addition of a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost™ three-cylinder – the smallest engine Ford has ever built – and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, Ford’s next generation of hybrid vehicles, including a new plug-in hybrid that will launch next year, will have a Ford-engineered transmission that will be built in Michigan.

The arrival of the latest member of the EcoBoost family, Ford’s first eight-speed automatic and its new hybrid transmission will further strengthen the company’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles. Today, Ford Motor Company has 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy and four vehicles that deliver at least 40 mpg, a lineup no other automaker can match.

“In the last five years, we have made a record investment in new powertrains and fuel-saving technologies,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Today, we have the freshest powertrain lineup in the industry. And there is plenty more coming.”

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's fuel-saving options.

Ford Receives Prestigious Department of Defense Award

2011-06-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford Motor Company is being honored with the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Sponsored by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Freedom Award is the highest honor bestowed upon America's employers who provide exceptional support to their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

Ford is one of 15 companies nationwide to be selected for this prestigious award. More than 4,000 nominations were submitted this year.

“We are proud of our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve and it is our privilege to support them,” said Mike Bannister, Ford executive vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company, and executive champion of the Ford Veterans Network Group. “We thank ESGR and the Department of Defense for this recognition. We appreciate the honor, and we deeply appreciate all the men and women involved in military service.”

The Freedom Award, now in its 16th year, is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Department of Defense. “To stand out among the many thousands of employers who firmly support our Citizen Warriors is a testament to the remarkable efforts of these 15 recipients,” said Dennis McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. "On behalf of the Department of Defense, I congratulate the 2011 honorees and thank them for serving as outstanding partners in our nation's defense.”

Ford received a total of six nominations. One nomination was submitted by Todd Brooks, an employee currently serving in the Navy Reserve. “Ford makes service to our country much easier. From senior leadership all they way down the ladder, they understand the necessity of the citizen soldier and the difficulties their loved ones face as a result of their commitment,” said Brooks, an engineering supervisor, Body, Chassis & Steering Test Labs. “Ford really gets it. Truly it is One Team and for that we are ever so grateful.”

The Freedom Award recognizes employers for the formal and informal initiatives they put in place for Guard and Reserve employees and their families. For example, Ford currently offers differential pay for its employees on active duty. In the U.S. there are approximately 700 Reservists and Guardsmen employed by the company along with more than 7,000 veterans. Ford currently has nearly 30 employees actively serving in the military

Read entire article here.

Ford Identifies Optimal Electric Vehicle Charge Port Location

2011-06-01T19:02:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford engineers researched several locations for the Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi charge ports to ensure the port was in the best possible place for customer use

•The team used market research studies to identify consumer expectations about how owners would charge the vehicle

•The front and rear of the vehicle were determined as unsuitable locations for the charge port because they are areas with high risk of damage in small crashes

•Ford’s aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013

Read entire article here.

Ford Highlights Intelligent Vehicle Potential

2011-05-26T15:32:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

Ford takes its industry-first intelligent vehicle tour to California’s biggest markets to demonstrate how researchers are leading development of a more sustainable future transportation system

Ford will demonstrate Intelligent vehicles that use Wi-Fi and GPS to wirelessly talk to each other to help reduce crashes and the ever-increasing time drivers spend in cars

Intelligent vehicles could potentially help in preventing 81 percent of all police-reported light-vehicle crashes involving unimpaired drivers, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Report

Traffic congestion continues to worsen in American cities, annually wasting nearly 3.9 billion gallons of fuel and costing the average Los Angeles commuter an additional $1,464 a year, according to the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) 2010 Urban Mobility Report; that figure is likely higher today due to higher costs of fuel

Ford’s broader sustainability plan includes a commitment to delivering top fuel economy performance, with at least 12 Ford vehicles – including four 40-mpg vehicles – offering best-in-class fuel economy

Read the entire article here.

Ford Researchers Work On Heart-Monitoring Car Seat

2011-05-24T14:12:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford engineers aim to one day reduce the number of accidents caused by heart attacks at the wheel with an innovative new in-car heart monitoring research project

•Ford’s heart monitoring driver’s seat could potentially link with other Ford safety systems to reduce risk for drivers with heart conditions and benefit fellow road users

•Even at an early stage in development, contactless heart monitoring using special sensors provides accurate readings during 98 per cent of driving time for 95 per cent of drivers

Read entire article here.

Ford Researches SYNC Health & Wellness Connectivity Services

2011-05-18T19:09:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

•Ford researchers demonstrate a series of possible in-car health and wellness connectivity services and apps aimed at helping people with chronic illnesses or medical disorders such as diabetes, asthma or allergies manage their condition while on the go

•Leveraging Ford SYNC®, researchers developed glucose device connectivity and monitoring capability, location-based allergy and pollen reports and voice-controlled, cloud-based health management services

•Ford is working with leading healthcare industry experts such as medical device maker Medtronic, mHealth pioneer WellDoc®, and SDI Health, developers of the informational allergy website www.pollen.com, to develop its initial Health and Wellness connectivity portfolio

Read entire article here.

2011 Ford F-150 Chosen as IIHS Top Safety Pick

2011-05-16T09:21:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Ford F-150 has been chosen as a IIHS Top Safety Pick:

•2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for models built after February 2011. Ford now has 11 vehicles on the road that have earned Top Safety Pick ratings

•Ford F-150 features a number of standard safety and stability systems including Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), SOS Post Crash Alert System™ and trailer sway control

•The Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine represented 37 percent of 2011 F-150 pickup truck sales in April; incoming F-150 EcoBoost orders tracking at more than 40 percent reflect strong consumer demand

•Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for 34 years

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the 2011 Ford F-150.

Ford Researches Potential Usage of Dandelion Roots

2011-05-11T09:38:00.000-06:00

Ford and Ohio State are researching the feasibility of using dandelion roots in production of cup holders, floor mats, & interior trim:

•Ford and The Ohio State University are looking at dandelions in a new way by researching their potential use as a sustainable resource for rubber

•A milky-white substance that seeps from dandelion roots is used to produce the sustainable rubber. The substance could potentially find its way into plastic parts in Ford vehicles, including cupholders, floor mats and interior trim

•Potential use of dandelion root as a rubber substitute is another example of Ford’s investment in sustainable materials for its vehicles including soy foam seat cushions, wheat straw-filled plastic for interior trim and recycled cotton from blue jeans as sound-dampening material

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's committment to sustainable resources at Lakewood Fordland.

Motor Trend: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO Revealed

2011-05-09T07:41:00.002-06:00

From Motor Trend:

The biggest news surrounding the updated 2013 Taurus is the pending addition of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four to the engine bay, tentatively rated for the Taurus at 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four in the Taurus? Why not, says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's chief product honcho. With the Edge and Explorer set to get a version of the same engine, it makes sense, he says. And the estimated 31 mpg highway number the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver will no doubt help with the marketing spin.

Taurus buyers still looking for two extra cylinders will be able to select Ford's revamped 3.5-liter V-6, which serves duty as the standard engine. The updated six is estimated to deliver 290 horsepower (up by 27 hp) and 255 pound-feet with slightly better fuel economy, thanks in large part to the addition of Ti-VCT, Ford's twin independent variable camshaft timing tech. Continuing to power the Taurus SHO is Ford's much-lauded 365 horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which remains unchanged. All engines will continue to be mated to six-speed automatics, optimized for each engine. All-wheel drive remains an option.

Read entire article and watch a video here.

Find out more about the Ford Taurus at Lakewood Fordland.

2011 Ford Fiesta NADAguides Car of the Month

2011-05-05T14:48:00.000-06:00

From NADAguides:

NADAguides, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta the NADAguides Car of the Month for May.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month based on the vehicle's quality of engineering inside and out, driving comfort, fuel efficiency, overall value, and wealth of features above and beyond what is expected in its class.

Increased consumer interest for the Ford Fiesta on NADAguides.com also played a role in the vehicle's selection as the Car of the Month. NADAguides' market analysts saw an increase in consumer interest for the Ford Fiesta of nearly 55 percent during the first quarter of 2011, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, and expect to see that percentage continue to increase over the coming months considering rising gas prices and the Fiesta's ability to reach 40 mpg on the highway.

NADAguides analysts agree that the Fiesta's tagline – "It's a Pretty Big Deal" – is extremely fitting for this feature loaded, sub-compact vehicle that scored a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The technology, performance and options of the Fiesta are not typically found in a sub-compact vehicle priced under $20,000, and NADAguides analysts foresee this vehicle making a large impact on Ford's overall sales in the coming months with 2 body styles and 5 trim levels available to car shoppers.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fiesta at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Wins Safety Award for Rear Inflatable Seat Belts

2011-05-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

Ford has won the prestigiou 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award for the rear inflatable seat belts in the 2011 Ford Explorer:

•The already popular new Ford Explorer may get even more looks after its industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts received another important honor, the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award

•The rear inflatable seat belts just launched on the new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV – named in January as the North American Truck of the Year

•Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology

•New Explorer safety innovations include Ford’s MyKey® teen safety technology – a prior recipient of this safety award – and curve control, which can help drivers maintain control of a vehicle if they drive too quickly into a curve

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Explorer at Lakewood Fordland.

New Car Buyers Impressed With Ford Image

2011-04-28T09:59:00.000-06:00

Ford has won 2 awards in the 2011 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. Read more here in the full press release.

Learn more about the full line of Ford vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

2011 Ford Edge Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

2011-04-25T10:14:00.001-06:00

The 2011 Ford Edge has earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick:

•The popular new 2011 Edge earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick (for models built after February 2011), adding to Ford’s leading number of top safety ratings

•Edge sales are up 25 percent in 2011 as Ford’s stylish crossover wrapped up March as its segment leader, accounting for 18 percent of medium crossover sales

•The 2011 Ford Edge is EPA-rated at an unsurpassed 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined

•Edge features advanced airbags such as Safety Canopy® side curtains, pioneers available radar-based collision warning with brake support crash-avoidance system

Read the entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to see the 2011 Ford Edge and find out more about its safety features.

Ford Features All-New Explorer in Webisode

2011-04-22T15:04:00.001-06:00

From Ford.com:

The all-new Ford Explorer can handle just about any kind of terrain, but the first webisode of the “Go Do Adventures” campaign shows this sport utility vehicle can help make dreams come true, as well.

Ford’s new Go Do Adventures program invites consumers to suggest how they would use an Explorer to create their own unique adventure. Those people whose ideas are selected will then be able to live out their dream adventure, courtesy of Explorer.

“This particular entry provided us with a way to really show consumers what Go Do Adventures is all about – especially with the background being Hawaii,” said Kevin Schebil, Ford experiential marketing manager. “It seemed compelling as a celebration for the family and as a way to show the back-road, adventurous nature of the new Explorer.”

This first video webisode features a California family on a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaiian adventure. It is the first in a series that will run through the end of the year.

The Asdel family from Northern California wanted nothing more than to escape the cold winter and head to the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, to bodysurf and dive with the sea turtles of Laniakea. An all-new Ford Explorer took them there, traveling from the paved highways on the island all the way to the dirt roads leading to the secluded beach.

Once there, a legendary North Shore lifeguard, Mark Cunningham, offered the family a “backstage pass” to the North Shore and took them out to the Wiamea Shorebreak for a lesson in bodysurfing. He also gave them an overview of Ka’ena Point and the number of protected species that reside there. The Asdels made sure to document the adventure with plenty of pictures, which they were able to download back on land into the MyFord Touch™ system in their Explorer.

The trip proved especially meaningful for the family, since they’re going their separate ways in the coming month. The father is heading to Puerto Rico to continue his studies in dentistry, his daughter is returning to college and the son is traveling to Guatemala for mission work. Check out the webisode here: www.facebook.com/FordExplorer.

Read the entire article here.

Learn more about the 2011 Ford Explorer at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Pushes for Electric Vehicle Readiness in U.S.

2011-04-18T10:11:00.000-06:00

From Ford.com:

While Ford is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012, cities around the country also are preparing for the arrival of new electric vehicles. Some of the key actions Ford has identified in working with cities and utility partners include:

•Utility rate structure that encourages "off-peak" or nighttime EV charging to minimize demand on the existing electric grid

•Streamlined permitting and inspection process to support customer and commercial EV infrastructure installation

•Integrated advisory committees that include participation from electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, EV customers and local coalitions

•Urban planning approach to optimize public/commercial EV charge locations

•Infrastructure incentives to offset a portion of customer costs for hardware/installation

“As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it’s incredibly important that cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for citizens,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford’s manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “Ford continues outreach with cities across the country to spread best practices and work with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's electric vehicle options at Lakewood Fordland.

2 Ford Vehicles Named to Top Green Car List

2011-04-12T08:36:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2012 Ford Focus were named to the kbb.com 2011 Top 10 Green Car List. Read more about it here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's green technology.

Ford Wins 2011 Edison Awards

2011-04-11T08:39:00.000-06:00

Ford's innovative technologies have won 2011 Edison Award honors:

•Ford’s industry-exclusive technologies – rear inflatable seat belts, MyFord Touch™ and MyKey® – each received top honors as 2011 Edison Best New Product Award winners by grabbing the Gold in their respective categories

•SYNC® AppLink captured recognition as a Silver award winner, second only to MyFord Touch in the Transportation – In-Car Driving Aids category

•Ford CEO Alan Mulally, a first-time Edison honoree, was presented with the prestigious Edison Achievement Award for his career-long commitment to innovation

With pioneering technology, forward-thinking innovation and market success behind them, three of Ford’s latest industry-exclusive technologies – rear inflatable seat belts, MyFord Touch™ and MyKey® – took Gold at the internationally known 2011 Edison Best New Product Awards™ gala in New York last night.

Joining the Ford family of 2011 Edison Award Gold winners was a Silver award for SYNC® AppLink.

“We are pleased that our latest consumer technologies have been recognized as Edison Award winners, a testament to our skilled and motivated teams that are passionate about and committed to developing industry-first innovations our customers want and value,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development.

The distinguished awards program symbolizes the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, inspiring America’s drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Ford's innovative technologies by visiting Lakewood Fordland.

Aerodynamics Help Improve Ford Fuel Economy

2011-04-05T09:54:00.000-06:00

Ford has utilized aerodynamics to help improve the fuel economy of their vehicles:

•Wind tunnel development time enables Ford engineers, aerodynamicists and designers to optimize vehicle fuel efficiency

•Aerodynamics help Ford vehicles achieve class-leading or unsurpassed fuel efficiency in each segment where they compete

•The all-new Ford Focus employs an innovative active grille shutter system to help deliver up to 40 mpg highway by improving aerodynamics

“Aerodynamic development has yielded significant improvements in fuel efficiency across the full line of Ford vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Full-size trucks, family-friendly utilities, and cars in each segment add fuel economy from careful attention to aerodynamic details.”

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the fuel efficient line of Ford vehicles.

Ford Begins Digital Child-Sized Crash Dummy Research

2011-04-04T09:58:00.000-06:00

•Ford begins one of the world’s first research projects to build a digital human model of a child with more lifelike re-creations of the skeletal structure, internal organs and brain – to enhance future safety research

•Ford researchers are building the model from child MRIs to better understand how crash forces affect children and adults differently

•Current adult digital models took more than a decade to create and are painstakingly detailed

•Researchers started the project after monitoring and studying injury trends for children who generally are more vulnerable in crashes

Read more about this here.

Learn more about Ford's committment to safety by visiting Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Hybrids Top List for Value

2011-03-31T11:08:00.000-06:00

•Ford hybrid vehicles rank at the top of the list for payback and fuel cost savings, giving consumers more value and return on investment, compared to competitors
•Ford’s hybrid vehicle lineup – the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid – is industry leading for overall investment among competing midsize, luxury and SUV hybrids

•Hybrid vehicles are part of Ford’s overall electrification strategy, which includes a suite of five new electrified models spanning hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles

Edmunds.com lists the Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid as class leaders for best monthly fuel cost in the publication’s annual best and worst monthly fuel cost estimates analysis. The hybrid versions of both vehicles led the pack for best monthly fuel costs, with consumers paying over $100 less for fuel per month, compared to competing vehicles.

Further building Ford’s reputation as a leader in hybrid vehicles, CarGurus.com recently named Escape Hybrid one of the best vehicles for hybrid investment. According to the site, the Escape Hybrid is one of the few hybrid vehicles consumers can justify paying a premium for, compared to the gas-only version, as the Escape Hybrid pays for its own premium once gas prices and savings are factored in.

“In less than 10 years, Ford has become a leader in hybrid technologies that are both advanced and innovative for the market,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford’s director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. “True to our electrification strategy, we continue to invest in hybrids and improve on technologies every year.”

Read entire article here.

Stop by Lakewood Fordland to learn more about Ford's Hybrid vehicles.

Ford Offers Truck Line With Fuel Economy and Power

2011-03-28T10:17:00.001-06:00

The Ford pickup truck line offers a variety of vehicles with fuel economy, power and value:

•2011 Ford F-150 and Ranger cited by the EPA as most fuel-efficient trucks

•From small to extra large, Ford pickups – Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty – each deliver an unbeatable combination of outstanding value, capability and now fuel economy

•Ford’s two new V6 truck engines are a hit with customers, going from zero percent of sales mix to more than 35 percent of total sales in just four months. 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost™ is the fastest-turning truck in the entire Ford F-Series lineup

Buyers looking for the unbeatable combination of fuel economy, capability, power and value in pickups can find it all in Ford’s comprehensive truck range – Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 list of Most and Least Fuel Efficient Trucks cited two Ford pickups, Ranger and F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6, as the most fuel efficient in their segments. That gives Ford a clean sweep of best pickup truck fuel economy numbers from smallest to largest.

The 2011 Super Duty’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel, though not rated by the EPA, is the class leader in fuel economy, based on independent testing against General Motors and Ram diesel pickups.
The 2011 Power Stroke engine and its six-speed automatic transmission deliver a 20 percent fuel economy gain over the 2010 model, along with best-in-class horsepower and torque. No other diesel pickup engine delivers 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.

According to the EPA, the 2011 F-150 with the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid full-size pickup with a combined city and highway rating of 19 mpg, while Ranger leads the compact segment with 24 mpg.

“The No. 1 unmet need for full-size pickup truck owners has been fuel economy. With the recent hike in gas prices, this need is even stronger,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The good news is the 2011 Ford F-150 has best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit customers’ different needs.”

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the Ford truck line at Lakewood Fordland.

2012 Ford Focus Offers Colorful Customization Options

2011-03-24T09:43:00.000-06:00

The 2012 Ford Focus will offer a colorful variety of customization options:

•Ford Fiesta continues to deliver personalization options for customers, with the debut of three new packages for 2012. The offerings include two interior packages and one exterior package

•Forty percent of buyers purchase at least one accessory for their Fiestas, with more than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items already sold

•The new interior package delivers a custom look with two-tone seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components, and is available in both Race Red and Oxford White

•Inspired by the European Ford Focus RS, the premium sport appearance package offers customers several blacked-out components, along with a performance improvement when ordered with a manual transmission

Read entire article here.
Learn more about the Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.

Lincoln Durability Highest in 2011 Dependability Study

2011-03-21T10:10:00.000-06:00

Lincoln received the highest score in the recent 2011 J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Study:

•Lincoln received the highest score for durability in annual industry study of three-year-old vehicles
•Ford Motor Company has four award recipients in their respective model segments

•Lincoln MKZ is the second-highest performing vehicle in the study

Ford Motor Company vehicles received awards in four segments:

•Lincoln MKZ, Entry Premium Car

•Ford Fusion, Midsize Car

•Ford Mustang, Midsize Sporty

•Lincoln Navigator, Large Premium Crossover/SUV

In total, Ford had nine vehicles ranking in the top three of their respective segments. They include Ford Edge, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Taurus, Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger.

The study asks owners about problems they have experienced in the past 12 months with their three-year-old vehicles, (i.e., for the 2011 study, 2008 model-year cars and trucks were surveyed). Survey respondents were asked to indicate any problems they experienced with their vehicle in the past 12 months, choosing from a list of more than 200 issues in eight diverse categories.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about Lincoln and Ford vehicles at Lakewood Fordland.

Ford Opens Transformed Assembly Plant in Michigan

2011-03-17T14:07:00.002-06:00

•Transformed Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP), which will produce the fuel-efficient new global Ford Focus for North American customers, features flexible manufacturing, environmentally friendly practices and a highly trained work force

•A $550 million investment transformed the plant, creating new benchmarks for flexible manufacturing. Multiple models to run down the same production line, making Michigan Assembly the world’s first plant to build gasoline-powered, battery electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the same line

•MAP also features one of Michigan’s largest solar-powered generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations

Ford Motor Company is celebrating production of its all-new global Ford Focus, built for North American customers in its completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP). Following a $550 million transformation, the plant features an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability and a motivated, specially trained work force ready to deliver a fuel-efficient new car to the marketplace.
“MAP epitomizes the best of what Ford stands for – fuel efficiency, quality, smart technology,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “Focus delivers even more of what customers truly want and value – and this new car could not arrive in the market at a better time.”
The new Focus sets a new standard in the small car segment in North America, offering more technology and features than more expensive European cars, such as SYNC® with Traffic, Directions and Information, MyFord Touch™, active park assist and Wi-Fi access, while delivering up to an unsurpassed 40 mpg with an automatic transmission.

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the new Ford Focus at Lakewood Fordland.