Ford to Collaborate with Toyota on the Development of a New hybrid system

Ford and Toyota have put their rivalry away momentarily to combine forces for the development of a new "advanced" hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers. The two automakers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, in which they will be equal partners, with the formal agreement expected by next year.
Although neither side revealed which vehicles are to receive the new hybrid system, the two companies announced that it will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade and that while they will share significant common technology and components, each company will individually integrate the system into their own vehicles.
In a joint statement, Ford and Toyota said they believe that their newly formed partnership will allow them to "bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone".
“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”
Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.”
In addition to the MOU agreement on the development of the rear-wheel drive hybrid system, Toyota and Ford also agreed to collaborate on standards and technologies for in-vehicle telematics systems, with each company to continue to separately develop their own in-vehicle products and features. 

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Ford Taurus 2013

Ford Taurus is the first car in the range of North American Ford to offer advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost ™ engine that combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection. It is intended to provide the best economy-class highway fuel at least 31 mpg. Provides plenty of power, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers an estimated 237 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The new Ford Taurus has more customers really want large sedan model year 2013 - with fuel economy, better, more technology, sophistication of design, craftsmanship and improved driving dynamics improved.

A selection of new engines gives customers greater fuel efficiency without sacrificing the high performance they want. "We have significantly improved Ford's flagship sedan with an obsessive attention to detail," said Mark Fields, Ford president of America. "The new Taurus is based on the transformation we achieved in 2010-model. Provide as many improvements as soon as further underlines the leadership and commitment from Ford to offer high quality, fuel efficient cars for our customers."

The standard 3.5-liter V6 Ford Taurus is expected to offer an unmatched fuel efficiency among V6 competitors in the segment while providing a greater return on an expected 290 horsepower. This is accomplished by adding a dual independent variable camshaft (Ti-VCT) for enhanced fuel economy while delivering 27 more horsepower, lower emissions and greater capacity of partial response.

Both engines are mated to an exclusive six-speed automatic gear selection that offer optimized power delivery off the line of gears, while helping to save fuel with higher proportions to keep the engine running efficiently to cruise low. The team put special emphasis to all Ford Taurus with the EPAS to improve steering response of the acceleration of the ratio of the stiffness and steering assembly in the steering rack bracket. The EPAS system also allows a high degree of tuning engineers Ford vehicle dynamics to optimize the feeling of flight service, friendly drivers and fans as a confidence builder for inexperienced pilots. The interior remains green Ford Taurus with extensive use of recycled materials in the areas of tissue in the pavilion, and the components of noise, vibration and harshness control (NVH). Ford Taurus Seat cushions are of a high concentration of soy foam, significantly reducing petroleum-based substances.

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Ford Taurus SHO 2013

The new Ford Taurus SHO, a subtle separation of the other members of the family starts in front of the Taurus, the performance-inspired black-mesh grille - one SHO - backed by a number of special, high-intensity discharge headlights. Openings behind the front wheel, fender mounted contains a thin shell distinctive SHO. Ford Taurus SHO Taurus sport is still used for the execution of the coveted badge. Its unique combination of award-winning, EcoBoost ™ engine fuel, driving dynamics and performance inspired design, the new Ford Taurus SHO to show it means business. Unprecedented combination of power, fuel economy and technology will have this prestigious sports saloon to a new level.

Unique 19-inch wheels premium painted wear all season standard P255/45VR-19 fill openings that give the Ford Taurus SHO muscular, athletic look. Buyers can choose between 20-inch wheels machined and painted. SHO-specific side mirrors - also in contrasting black - are heated, a memory feature and includes the lower face puddle lamps; characteristics of the driver's side rear view mirror. The rear features a Ford Taurus SHO single trunk lid-mounted spoiler.

"Taurus SHO has always adhered to the original formula for stealthy sleeper, and the new model is no exception," said Gordon Platto, chief designer. "We wanted to keep it subtle, discreet, but the sporty elegance, but we knew it was time for the differentiation of super-model production even higher in other models of the Taurus. " Inspired by the enthusiastic buyers and SHO club, the design team knew exactly what to do.

Inside, the new Ford Taurus SHO communicates its sporty performance with a perforated leather steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats with sport graphics SHO embroidered, unique forged aluminum plate and aluminum pedals with adjustable memory. Ford signature technique is also characterized by a new Ford Taurus SHO, in addition to standard MyFord Touch ™ technology-Sync ® combines the control and the replacement of many traditional knobs and controls with clear, colorful liquid crystal display and five buttons directional. These display screens of information can be customized for each driver using a voice command, a button or touch screen.

MyFord touch is powered by the latest generation of award-winning Ford SYNC, voice functions as an advanced vehicle control combined with Bluetooth ® devices, MP3 players, and a variety of external media.

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Ford mustang

Ford mustang

The Ford mustang is among the most highly popular pony or muscle cars for the entire planet. Why? The Ford mustang has not yet only its Legendary background and solid styling to lean upon, however it is also one of the best cars available that men and women can truly originate from the showroom floor to make it their particular. As an effect, the Ford mustang is king in the aftermarket having an unparalleled collection of modifications ranging from simple decals and vinyl to accomplish crate engine build-up kits. Some want “show” and select new wheels, spoilers, hoods, mirrors, valances, and stuff like that. Other Mustang enthusiasts opt for “go” and select superchargers, turbo kits, exhaust, shifters, along with other performance based modifications to the Ford mustang.The Ford mustang Shelby GT500 is further set in addition to other Mustangs by its front air dam and rear spoiler which enhance its aerodynamics. Optional for 2011 can be a SVT Performance Package, which — amongst other things — includes a 3.73 limited slip rear axle, eye-catching 19″ front and 20″ rear painted forged aluminum wheels, and unique front and back springs.

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

 Ford mustang

Ford mustang

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25% of Americans Couldn’t Afford a US$2,000 Car Repair Bill

The former American Automobile Association, now known by its acronym AAA, is probably the most recognisable organisation of its type in the world.
And with some 52 million members, it’s also one of the world’s largest if not the largest automobile associations in the world.
Suffice to say, when the AAA speaks, the world listens. In a recent telephone survey of 1,009 adults in the continental United States, the AAA found that 12.5% couldn’t cover a US$1,000 (€701) car repair bill and 25% couldn’t cover US$2,000 (€1,402) car repair bill.
Additionally, 50% of those surveyed are holding on to an older vehicle until the economic climate improves and 25% have neglected repairs or basic maintenance on those vehicles over the last twelve months. Doing so, the AAA says, can greatly increase the risk of major and costly repairs.
Marshall L. Doney, AAA’s VP for Automotive and Financial Services explains:
“Economic conditions have taken their toll on many Americans resulting in them neglecting their cars and leaving them at increased risk for very expensive repair bills. Many Americans rely on their cars for their livelihood and losing access to them could be financially devastating during an already troubling economic time."
"It’s important for drivers to not only continue to maintain their vehicles, but also have a financial emergency plan in place should they be faced with a sudden unexpected auto repair bill,” continued Doney.
Of those who can afford the US$2,000 repair bill, 38% said they would pay with their savings account, 20% said they would pay by credit card and 11% would have to borrow money from friends, family, their retirement fund or home equity to pay it.
Things are a little less grim for those can afford the US$1,000 bill. 46% said they would pay with their savings account, 22% would pay with their credit cards and 14% would need to borrow money.
Such bills are not unheard of with older vehicles, especially those that have been mistreated or improperly maintained. A transmission repair can cost anywhere from US$2,000 (€1,402) to US$4,000 (€2,804) and engine repairs can exceed US$5,000 (€3,506).
Similarly, major brake repairs or a new set of tires can pull US$300 (€210) to US$1,000 (€701) depending on the make and model.
All in all, the AAA survey should give owners of older vehicles something to think about in the coming months or years of ownership.

 

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2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

Since teaming up in 1999, the brand alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson has produced 10 F-150 models, six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, as well as the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck in 2009, resulting in more than 70,000 sales.
The latest Ford model to wear the Harley Davidson badge is the 2012 F-150, which like its predecessors, gains distinctive design tweaks and added standard features.
This year's F-150 H-D is offered in the traditional Tuxedo Black color or a new White Platinum Tri-Coat finish combined with fresh bodyside graphics executed in a snakeskin texture.
The brand-new 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap shod in low profile tries, along with the smoked out headlamps and tail lights, as well as the six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille and “Harley-Davidson” badging, complete the exterior mods.
Inside, the trim panels are covered in high-gloss Tuxedo Black paint, while the console lid and upper steering wheel are dressed in snakeskin leather.
Ford's reptilian love affair continues with the scuff plates featuring brushed aluminum trim with snakeskin texture, as well as the snakeskin leather-trimmed seats with accent color inserts and unique cloisonné badge.
Standard features include a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, voice-activated Navigation System, power moonroof, rear view camera, second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, remote start system, a 110-volt power inverter and power-adjustable pedals.
The 2012 F-150 H-D is powered by Ford's 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides a maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. 

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Ford to Launch Pure-Electric Focus in New York and California

On Monday, a rumor spread over the web saying that Ford has delayed the launch of the 2012 Focus Electric in 17 of the initial 19 markets, and that the company would offer a limited number of vehicles only in California and New York by the end of the year, with the remaining markets to follow in spring of 2012.
This email from David Finnegan, Ford's electrified vehicles marketing manager, was posted on the myfocuselectric.com forum:
"For the first few months of production, we will be concentrating on California and New York. Our dealers in those areas will be the first to have their retail orders scheduled and receive the Focus Electric. We will be rolling out to the remainder of our initial markets starting in Spring 2012, including Raleigh/Durham."
On Monday Ford issued the following statement, saying that there is no delay and that the launch in California and New York first was part of the company's plan:
“Ford remains on schedule to deliver the initial Focus Electrics by the end of the year. As previously communicated to dealers, the first few months of Focus Electric production will be concentrated on delivering vehicles to California and New York. We will be rolling out to the remainder of the initial Focus Electric markets starting with production ramp up in spring 2012”.
The remaining market where the Focus EV will go on sale next Spring include: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson and Washington, D.C.

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NHTSA Investigates 2011-2012MY Ford Mustang

The feds have opened an investigation into the latest generation of the Ford Mustang to look for possible transmission problems.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration [NHTSA] issued a statement saying that it has received 32 complaints from owners of the 2011 and 2012MY Ford Mustang that were unable to change gears on the car's new six-speed manual transmission.
Ford had introduced the new six-speed manual gearbox on the refreshed 2011 Mustang replacing the previous five-speed unit. You can read NHTSA's statement after the break.

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Statement:
"[The] ODI has received 32 complaints alleging an unexpected inability to shift into gear on model year (MY)2011-2012 Ford Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions.
Some reports allege incidents occurred while merging into high speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. Some complainants allege that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.
A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect."

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New Ford Fiesta Centura

If you haven't heard, Ford is celebrating its 100th anniversary in Britain this year. The first Ford to be manufactured in the country was the legendary Model T in 1911.
To celebrate the event, Ford is launching a new special edition version of the Fiesta called the Centura and like the original Model T, it too will be available exclusively in a black finish.
The Centura is based on the Fiesta Zetec trim level adding several standard features, including chrome mirror and door caps, LED daylight running lights, 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, reverse parking sensors and a parking camera mounted in the rear view mirror.
Power comes courtesy of a 1.25-liter petrol engine delivering 82-horsepower, while the supermini model is available in both three-door and five-door body styles.
Ford said that is will build only 1,000 examples of the Fiesta Centura, with pricing set at £13,395 for the three-door version and £13,995 for the five-door.
Just 1,000 Ford Fiesta Centura special editions will be available, priced at £13,395 for the three-door version and £13,995 for the five-door. The Ford Fiesta remains the UK's best-selling car with 52,327 sold in the first half of this year.
Anthony Ireson, marketing director, Ford of Britain, said: "Fiesta has been a UK favourite its entire lifetime and it was a natural choice to use this great icon to help mark our centenary. With a unique specification and affordable price, the Centura will appeal to thousands of customers, and we anticipate strong demand – who knows it might even become a collector's car one day!"

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FVP Falcon GT Black Enters Limited Production

Remember the murdered-out GT Black Edition concept revealed by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) at the Australian International Auto Show in Melbourne back in June?
Well, responding to what the company describes as overwhelming customer feedback, Ford Australia's in-house tuning division has decided to give the green light for a limited production run of the GT Black Edition.
"We were totally blown away by the positive feedback received from fans and show-goers on our Concept," said FPV General Manager, Rod Barrett.
"We knew we had a winner with the black paintwork and we wanted to action something immediately. The public spoke and we listened and I am just thrilled we have been able to put the GT BLACK into production so quickly," Barett added.
The Black Edition is based on FPV's GT model, itself a high-performance version of the rear-wheel drove Ford Falcon sedan powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged Boss V8 delivering 449-horses (335kW) and 570Nm (420.4 lb-ft) of peak torque.
The special treatment starts with Silhouette black paintwork on the body enhanced with matt black stripe decals on the bonnet, rear wing and bodysides.
The black paint treatment continues with the fog lamp bezels, the exhaust tips, and the new five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black with black wheel nuts.
The same color theme continues inside with black leather trim throughout, a black finish around the Interior Command Centre (ICC) unit, tissue box and door spears, and a unique black gear shift badge on manual transmission models. Each vehicle will also feature its own unique build badge and certificate of authenticity.
While the concepts study also featured certain performance modifications such as the upgraded suspension and braking system components, FPV did not pass these changes onto the production model.
FPV said it will build 125 examples of the GT Black, each priced at AU$74,290 (US$77,675 at the current exchange rates).

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