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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Lincoln MKZ Named Most Dependable Entry Premium Car by J.D. Power and Associates
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.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Ford Increases Sustainable Material Usage
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.
•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
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.
•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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
3 Ford Vehicles Make 2011 Best Cars for Families List
Three Ford vehicles have made the U.S. News 2011 Best Cars for Families list:
2011 Ford Fusion-- Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families
2011 Ford Taurus-- Best Affordable Large Car for Families
2011 Ford Explorer-- Best Off-Road SUV for Families
The 2011 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards highlight vehicles that make family life easier. The awards are based on a combination of data from the U.S. News car rankings, safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. The winners are cars, SUVs and vans that impress car reviewers with their family-friendly features and space, but also keep families safe and on budget – factors that matter to any parent.
Read the article here.
Visit Lakewood Fordland to learn more about the many family-friendly Ford vehicles.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ford Commits to More 2012s With EcoBoost
From Ford.com:
•2012 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost® delivers full-size three-row SUV segment-leading fuel economy with an EPA-rated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway
•Edge with EcoBoost for 2012 raises fuel-efficiency bar for Ford’s popular crossover utility, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway
•Expanded EcoBoost product offerings reflect Ford’s commitment to this fuel-saving global technology
•Focus – all-new for 2012 – offers small car buyers an expanded range of model series and premium features unexpected in a small car
Ford Motor Company is expanding its range of vehicles with the award-winning EcoBoost® engine, offering the fuel-efficient powertrain in the 2012 Ford Edge and Explorer that are arriving in dealerships now.
Edge and Explorer are the first vehicles in North America to be offered with Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The four-cylinder EcoBoost marks the next chapter in the company’s strategy to downsize engines and use turbocharging and direct injection to deliver the power customers want from their vehicles with the fuel economy they demand.
The success of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Europe – its blend of fuel economy, lower emissions and usable performance and pulling power – makes it the ideal powertrain for Edge and Explorer.
Ford has committed to offering fuel-efficient, high-technology EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its global vehicle portfolio by 2013. Combining turbocharging with direct injection of gasoline in a smaller-displacement engine, EcoBoost delivers the power customers desire with the fuel efficiency the challenges of today’s world demand.
Read entire article here.
Learn more about the vehicles currently available with EcoBoost technology at Lakewood Fordland.
•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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Consumers Provide Feedback on Potential Ford Focus Electric In-Dash Displays
From Ford.com:
•Ford driving simulator helps ensure the MyFord Touch® interface will best fit the needs of drivers in the all-new Ford Focus Electric
•The simulator takes users on an 11-mile circuit through a variety of terrain that a typical drive might include – hills, cities and flat land
•The new Ford Focus Electric includes a unique extension of MyFord Touch driver connect technology that provides easy-to-understand information about range, destinations and charge points, helping owners plan trips most effectively
Potential customers are getting a chance to help develop the final in-dash display for the Ford Focus Electric through the use of a specially designed driving simulator. The driving simulations and feedback are helping Ford engineers make sure the unique extension of the MyFord Touch® interactive display in the Focus Electric is easy to use and meets the needs of potential owners. The new Ford Focus Electric uses the high-tech driver interface to help drivers optimize range and experience the freedom of fuel-free driving.
When stepping into the simulator, a user sees exactly the same information that would appear in the real Ford Focus Electric, including two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking the speedometer in the center. These screens provide details on battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding budget and expected range surplus.
“These screens are an integral part of Focus Electric and we thought the best way to make sure they would do their job is to have people come in and try them out for themselves,” said Paul Aldighieri, HMI engineer. “The only true way to get a feel for what the screens are telling the driver is by actually getting behind the wheel.”
Since last year, nearly 30 drivers have participated in the simulator exercise, an 11-mile circuit that traverses a variety of terrain that a typical drive would include. Hills, city streets, country roads and flat lands make up the circuit.
The studies evaluated how well participants comprehended the gauge concepts and validated the gauge design. Feedback showed the core behaviors of the system were well understood, and the engineering team received feedback on how to improve the interface. The team incorporated the feedback and received high acceptance levels for the new graphics.
Read entire article here.
•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.
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