Mulally upbeat about 2009

Decision to pass on bailout good for image, but firm now must get people to showrooms.
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
It is hard to imagine the head of any automaker -- foreign or domestic -- being optimistic about 2009. But Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally is downright ebullient.
While he is all too aware of the dangers posed by the deepening recession, Mulally says Ford's decision to pass on the initial federal bailout of the U.S. auto industry has resonated with many Americans. The challenge now is getting them to come into the showroom and buy a Ford car or truck.
"This has turned out to be quite an opportunity for us, because it has put a real spotlight on Ford," Mulally told The Detroit News in an interview Monday. "We just need to continue to tell our story."

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC will spend the first three months of 2009 trying to implement restructuring actions that will assure their long-term viability -- a condition of the $17.4 billion loan package President George W. Bush approved earlier this month so they could stave off bankruptcy. That will mean wresting significant concessions from workers, suppliers, creditors and investors. They also will have to seek approval for major expenditures of $100 million or more.
Ford is bound by no such restrictions. The automaker is only required to return to Washington in March with GM and Chrysler to provide an update of its turnaround efforts.
But Mulally said the company is working closely with Washington. Congress and the incoming Obama administration want a reorganization of the entire U.S. auto industry -- not just GM and Chrysler --and Ford still hopes to secure a $9 billion line of credit from the government as a hedge against a worsening economy.
Industry watchers say Ford's decision to forgo emergency federal loans has given it an advantage over its Detroit rivals, but only if Ford can gain enough traction in the market to stay off the public dole.
"They might have a competitive advantage if things turn around," said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. "The problem is that, if sales remain as poor as they've been for the past couple of months, it's going to drain their pot, too. If things stay like they are, they're going to be in the sewer with everybody else."
Ford has sidestepped that fate largely because of a $23 billion financing package Mulally secured shortly after taking over as CEO in late 2006 that gave the automaker a sizable cash cushion. To stay out, he says Ford needs more than money; it needs the American people to fall in love with its cars and trucks again.
"The fact that we obtained financing for this transformation is one key piece, but there are a number of pieces to the transformation plan that are very unique and that differentiate Ford," Mulally said.
He names several factors that he sees as key differentiators between Ford and its Detroit rivals: the company's decision to sell its foreign brands and concentrate on fixing the Blue Oval; its efforts to consolidate its global operations and focus them on that goal; the progress made on quality and safety and new products like the fleet of small, fuel-efficient cars that will begin arriving from Europe in a little more than a year.
Mulally cited recent surveys by J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports that put Ford's quality on par with the best Japanese automakers as "proof points" of the progress Ford has made.
"We are competing with the very best in the world," he said. "That is a very marketable, very exciting development."
Ford does not expect auto sales to rebound in 2009, but sees an opportunity to steal market share from its struggling competitors. Over the past two months, Ford has gained a point of U.S. market share after yielding share to foreign rivals for the better part of two decades.
To sustain that gain, Mulally said Ford needs to play offense.
"We're going to use every medium we can. It's all about getting the message out," he said. "It's going to help people know that they've got great choices with Ford -- that we're well on our way, that we're financially viable, that we've got great products, a great production system and that we're making tremendous progress."
Mulally is eager to enlist employees, dealers and suppliers in that effort. But Wall Street says he also must hit them up for the same kind of concessions that GM and Chrysler will have to negotiate under the terms of the federal loans if it is to remain competitive.
Ford is confident that the UAW, at least, will give the automaker any deal the union gives the other two Detroit automakers.
That confidence is well-founded, said UAW member Brian Pannebecker, a worker at Ford's axle plant in Sterling Heights.
"There is a special relationship between Ford and the UAW, and that's largely due to the (Ford) family," he said. "There's a lot of loyalty there. A lot of workers put their 401(k) money into Ford stock. They want to see the company succeed."

New Lincolns will park themselves

Engineer says sensor system beats the competitors' cameras.
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co. said Monday that it will introduce a new automatic parallel parking system as an option on some Lincoln models next year, aiming to match rival offerings from Lexus and other luxury brands.
Ford's system, called Active Park Assist, would be the first such offering from a domestic manufacturer.
It is slated to debut on the Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover next year, and will be introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January.
Unlike the Lexus system, which uses cameras, the Lincoln system uses sensors mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide it into a parking space. Ford claims its technology leapfrogs its competitors' because it does not require the driver to select the parking space manually.
On the Lexus system, drivers must first line their car up with the vehicle in front of the place they want to park. They must then push a button to activate the system and use a touch-screen display to select the parking space. Once they have done that, the car steers itself into that space while they control the gas pedal and brakes.
Ford's system eliminates several of those steps. When drivers wish to park, they simply push a button to activate the system and cruise the street until their car finds a suitable parking space. When it does, the system tells them to stop, asks them to confirm that they wish to park in that space and then uses the vehicle's electronic power steering to guide it in as they control the gas pedal and brakes.

It works on hills

"It's fast and simple to use and more accurate," said Ali Jammoul, chief engineer of chassis and steering systems for Ford North America. "There is no driver interface. It does it automatically."
The Ford system prevents drivers from trying to park in spaces that are too tight for their vehicle. And, unlike rival offerings, it will work on hills.
Analyst Erich Merkle of Crowe Horwath LLP said parallel parking systems are fast becoming a requirement for luxury brands.
"You're going to see it become more prevalent on luxury vehicles," he said, adding that he expects Cadillac and others to introduce similar systems soon. "It's an incredibly competitive market, and consumers are asking for more and more -- and this is one of those features consumers are going to want to see. You can never have too much anymore."
The Lexus system debuted in 2006 on the Lexus LS460 L and is still available only on that model. The car carries a base price of $73,585, and the parking system is part of an $8,530 option package.
Ford has not yet announced pricing for its system.
The Dearborn automaker is devoting considerable resources to bolstering the Lincoln brand, which it sees as critical to its success in the U.S. market. Once Lincolns were just rebadged Ford cars and light trucks, but newer Lincolns now boast unique styling and features. Cutting-edge technology is a big part of the Lincoln equation, Ford said.

Debut set for next year

It began working on the parking assist system with supplier partner Valeo SA about 18 months ago.
"We think it is best in class," Jammoul said, noting that the system can fit into any space that is at least 20 percent larger than the vehicle itself, while Lexus' system requires a space that is more than 50 percent larger. "We find tighter spots, and we also park closer to the curb and at less of an angle. The system has to do it better than you can. That was our objective."

Ford tops safe car list

KEN THOMAS
The Associated Press
November 25, 2008 at 6:55 AM EST

WASHINGTON — The insurance industry named dozens of new cars and trucks, led by Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo subsidiary, to its annual list of the safest vehicles Tuesday, helped by the increased use of anti-rollover technology.
Ford and Volvo had 16 vehicles in the 2009 model year on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of the safest new cars, followed by Honda Motor Co. with 13 vehicles.
Seventy-two cars, trucks and SUVs received the top safety pick designation for 2009, more than double the number of vehicles in the 2008 model year and three times the number in 2007.
“The sheer number of this year's winners indicates that automakers have made huge strides to improve crash protection,” said Institute president Adrian Lund.

The selected vehicles are the best in protecting people in front, side and rear crash tests based on institute evaluations during the year. The vehicles are required to have electronic stability control, or ESC, to qualify for the award.
IIHS said electronic stability control is now standard equipment on virtually all new SUVs and three-quarters of passenger cars for the 2009 model year. ESC is standard on more than one-third of 2009 pickups.
Ford was led by the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize cars with optional ESC; the Ford F-150 pickup, Ford Edge and Ford Flex midsize sport utility vehicles; and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small SUVs. The list also included the Mazda Tribute, which has the same underpinnings as the Escape and Mariner.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally argued last week in Washington that the automaker had made safety strides when he testified along with other Big Three executives seeking massive government aid.
“Every year, we're going to improve the quality, we're going to improve the fuel efficiency, we're going to improve the safety, and we're going to keep improving the productivity so we can offer the consumer the very best value,” Mr. Mulally told a House committee.
Honda and its Acura unit had vehicles in nearly every category, including top-sellers such as the Honda Accord; the Honda Civic 4-door with optional ESC; and the Acura MDX and RDX midsize SUVs; and the Honda Fit with optional ESC. The Fit is the first mini-car to earn the safety award.
Volkswagen AG and its Audi brand had nine vehicles on the list, including the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat and the Audi A3, A4 and A6.
General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. both had eight vehicles on the list. GM's included the Cadillac CTS and the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook large SUVs.
Toyota's top performers were the Toyota Corolla with optional ESC, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and Scion xB.
Using the awards, consumers can compare vehicles without having to review results from multiple tests. Automakers pay close attention to the institute's findings and frequently note positive ratings in television commercials.
The institute has advocated for an early adoption of anti-rollover technology such as ESC ahead of a government requirement for the systems by the 2012 model year.
Electronic stability control senses when a driver may lose control and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle stable and avoid a rollover. It helps motorists avoid skidding across icy or slick roads or keep control when swerving to avoid an unexpected object in the road.
IIHS said Chrysler LLC was the only major automaker that did not receive a single award. They said Chrysler could have picked up five awards if the head restraints had been improved in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, the Sebring convertible and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country.
Chrysler spokesman Cole Quinnell said he could not comment on whether the head restraints might be upgraded in the future. He said Chrysler vehicles are equipped with a variety of safety features and the institute's results “are just one of the sources of information about a vehicle's crash performance.”

Preview: Ford Transit Connect coming to America...with top rating

November 10, 2:28 PM
by John Matras, Auto Review Examiner

Cue Neil Diamond for a chorus or two of “Coming to America.” Mid to late-summer 2009, a new Ford --at least new to us--will be imported. Not that imports are anything new, even for Ford, which has been bringing cars to the U.S. from overseas since the 1950s.

But this one’s really new. It’s the Ford Transit Connect.

It’s new because it’s the first time for Ford to bring a small tradesman-type truck/van to the States. But more surprisingly, the Ford Transit Connect is made in Turkey. As in the country in the Middle East. Ford has a plant in Ankara where the Transit has been made since 2002 for export mainly to Europe.

Built for European use, it’s built to European dimension. The Transit Direct’s wheelbase is 114.6 inches, much shorter than Ford’s conventional American E-Series van which measures a whopping 138 inches. And instead of that vehicle’s big V-8, the Transit Connect is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 136 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 19 city/24 highway mpg. Don’t ask what the E-Series gets. It’s too heavy for EPA mileage rating.

The Transit Connect won’t be in direct competition with the E-Series van or the E-Series’ equivalents from Chevrolet and GMC. Rather it will match up against the Chevy HHR or Honda Element. Advantage: Transit Connect with its 143 cu ft of cargo volume and maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The Chevy has about 62 cu ft and the Honda 74.6 cu ft of cargo volume, and neither—as technically automobiles—has a payload listed. Neither has the height inside that a Transit has either.

The Ford Transit Connect, not to sound too much like a cheerleader, sounds like the right product at the right time. And if the origin seems a little odd, consider that the British trade magazine Fleet News has called the Transit Direct the “second most reliable model” for 2007 and 2008. That’s not faint praise considering that number one was also a Ford, the larger Ford Transit van.

It can’t happen fast enough for Ford, of course, even it means that some of its income is made overseas. After all, as Ford products, the profits are coming to America too. Sing it, Niel.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Put To The Test

Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor of Edmunds' Inside Line had the opportunity to test drive the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck out in the Nevada desert prior to SEMA. The video below showcases an interior view of the truck in action, as well as its handling, ride quality, and ability to suck up the bumps at over 90 miles per hour.

Local ties can't save Sterling Truck plant

London Free Press October th 2008

MANUFACTURING WOES: Daimler Trucks boss Chris Patterson says the failing bottom line, not emotion, is the deciding factor

Local roots run deep for the man in whose hands lies the fate of workers at Sterling Truck in St. Thomas. But local loyalties do not make a difference when it comes to deciding which plants remain open and which close down, said Chris Patterson, chief executive of Daimler Trucks North America. It is all about the bottom line -- and that states clearly Sterling Truck will be shut down in March, he said.

Patterson was born and raised in Toronto, but his family hails from Goderich -- his parents retired back to Goderich after leaving Toronto and still live there. He also graduated with an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in 1978.

"We do not discriminate based on lineage," Patterson said. "It is brutal. . . . We cannot stay with Sterling longer because we have an emotional connection." Daimler is ending the Sterling Truck line -- also closing a plant in Portland, Ore. -- as its Freightliner and Western Star brands will fill the void.

Patterson will sit down with Canadian Auto Workers union officials tomorrow to hear a plea from workers to keep the plant open and they will come armed with pledges of financial support from the federal and provincial governments.

"We never had any dialogue on this," said Jim Stanford, CAW chief economist. "There are all kinds of things we can do. The province has a $1-billion fund, the federal government a $450-million innovation fund. They did not even try and that is outrageous."

In 2003, a federal and provincial government bailout and CAW concessions helped save the International Truck plant in Chatham from a planned shutdown and more than 800 workers are still there.

But Patterson will not ask for a bailout and bristled at the International example.
"I am very aware of that situation. I am not prepared to comment on the fact our government used our tax dollars to bail out a competitor that was failing. It is not a positive comment about our government's industrial policy. "If they (International) had gotten out of the heavy truck business, perhaps this (Sterling closing) may not have happened."

Closing a plant is nothing new to Patterson. He shut down a Kenworth plant in B.C. during the 1980s and a Freightliner plant also in B.C. in 1992.

As for the Sterling plant's future, "we will be happy to entertain offers to purchase . . . We cannot make money with it at this juncture."

Daimler took over the Sterling truck line from Ford about 11 years ago and since then tried to build the brand, but it never caught on, he added. In fact Sterling has about six per cent of the market in the U.S., and it would need twice those numbers to be viable, he said.

Daimler stated in a release the closings will cost $600-million and save $900-million a year by 2011.

Patterson also rejected suggestions a new plant in Saltillo, Mexico, will replace the Sterling trucks now being made in St. Thomas. Freightliner's new Cascadia truck will be made in Mexico, he said.

The closing is also not an issue of unionized wages, about $30 an hour at Sterling, or the fact the St. Thomas plant endured two strikes in its history. "That has zero, nothing to do with it," said Patterson. "The state of labour relations has not influenced things one way or the other."

The plant closings in St. Thomas and Portland as well as other hourly and salaried cuts will trim about 4,500 workers from Sterling workforce in the U.S, and Canada.

Ford second to none in quality: study

A new study says that when it comes to initial quality, no automaker performs better than Ford. According to the 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System study, Ford's initial quality now equals that of Toyota and Honda- representing a statistical tie for top place with the Japanese automakers. The study represents an 8 percent increase in quality over last year, and says that each new car and truck launched with improved quality versus it predecessor. How is the quality determined? It's an interesting measure called the "Things Gone Wrong" rating- resulting in a 'TGW' number per 1,000 vehicles during the first three months of ownership. Fords vehicles averaged 1,284 TGW items, statistically equivalent to the 1,250 TGW rating level of Toyota and Honda.

"Last year we tied with Toyota, and this year our quality performance is as good as industry-leading Honda's too," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Our world-class quality is one of the most important aspects of our turnaround in North America. This consistently strong quality improvement should offer today's customer renewed confidence, setting the stage for important new products like Ford Flex."Ford earned extra honors from the study in the areas of interior trim, seats and appearance- as well as paint, vehicle engineering and electrical / entertainment systems. A total for 15 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury vehicles are now ranked in the top three of their respective segments for either TGW performance, customer satisfaction or both.

Ford to Receive a 10 Million Dollar Grant to Develop Plug In Hybrid Technology

Ford Motor Company is set to receive a $10 million grant from the United States Department of Energy to be spent on plug-in hybrid research and development. The government is funding half of Ford’s three-year plug-in development and demonstration program that currently has 20 plug-in hybrid vehicles on test.

According to the automaker, the three-year program is designed to demonstrate plug-in hybrids to consumers, as well as serve as a developmental test-bed for the untested technology. Ford has been working on a fleet of plug-ins with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, Johnson Controls-Saft and Michigan’s DTE Energy.

Ford is currently using the Edge and Escape SUVs as test-beds for plug-in hybrids. More details of the government’s grant are expected to be released tomorrow when an official announcement is made.

Programmable key will rein in teen drivers

So you think junior is a little too lead-footed when he drives the family car? Starting next year, Ford Motor Co. will give you the power to do something about it.

The company will roll out a new feature on many 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 m.p.h. (128 km/h), using a computer chip in the key.

Parents also have the option of programming the teen's key to limit the audio system's volume, and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn't wear a seat belt.

"Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often," said Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronic and electrical systems engineering.

The feature, called "MyKey," will be standard on an unspecified number of Ford models when the 2010 cars and trucks come out late next summer. The feature will spread to the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup as models are updated, spokesman Wes Sherwood said.

Ford arrived at the 80 m.p.h limit even though freeway speed limits are lower in most states because it wanted to leave a margin in case an unusual situation arises, Buczkowski said. In some states, freeway speed limits are above 70 m.p.h., Sherwood said.

"Just lopping it off at exactly 70 m.p.h. was felt to be too limiting," Buczkowski said.

The company already uses computer chips in its keys to prevent thefts. The car won't start unless it recognizes the chip in the key.

"It's making use of existing technology, and through the magic of software, we're able to build features on top of the features we already have," Buczkowski said.

In addition to speed limits, MyKey also will limit the volume of the audio system, and it will sound a six-second chime every minute if seat belts are not fastened. The chime sounds for adult drivers, too, but ends after five minutes to avoid annoying adults who adamantly don't want to wear seat belts, Buczkowski said.

Parents also have the option of having the car sound a chime if the teen exceeds 45, 55 or 65 m.p.h.

Ford said its market research shows 75 per cent of parents like the speed and audio limits, but as you might expect, 67 per cent of teens don't like them.

Danisha Williams, a 16-year-old senior at Southfield-Lathrup High School in suburban Detroit, said she's against the idea.

"I wouldn't want my parents to have that much control over how I'm driving," she said. "If your parents are holding your hand, you're never going to learn.''

Brittany Hawthorne, 17, another Southfield-Lathrup senior, said there may be emergency situations where she'd have to drive more than 80, possibly to accelerate to avoid a crash.

Ford's research shows that parents would be more likely to let teens use their vehicles with the system, Sherwood said, and if it gets them the car more often, the number of teens objecting drops by nearly half.

A top official from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group funded by the auto insurance industry that is pushing to raise the minimum driving age to 17 or 18, found the key intriguing. IIHS says car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers.

"Research we've done has shown that speeding is a major factor in teen crashes, especially novice teen drivers," said Anne McCartt, the institute's senior vice president for research. "So I think a system that tries to correct the speeding behavior has the potential to improve safety.''

More than 5,000 U.S. teens die each year in car crashes. The rate of crashes, fatal and nonfatal, per mile driven for 16-year-old drivers is almost 10 times the rate for drivers ages 30 to 59, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2009 Ford F-150 Video Preview

Kansas City Starts Production of 2009 Ford F-150

Ford Motor Company employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrated the production of the new 2009 Ford F-150, which offers the most capability in the full-size pickup market with unsurpassed fuel economy. “Ford is the truck leader and core F-150 truck buyers expect and demand the best truck on the market,” said Ford Motor Company Group Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs Joe Hinrichs, who thanked plant employees for a successful launch of the new F-150. “Ford’s quality is on par with the best in the industry and the team at Kansas City Assembly Plant is delivering a truck that is ‘Built Ford Tough’ with an unrelenting focus on quality and craftsmanship.” On sale later this month, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match. The new F-150, part Ford’s F-Series lineup that remains the best selling vehicle on the market, also offers more standard safety equipment than any other half-ton pickup on the market, with comparable or better pricing at all three cab configurations versus the competition. The F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, for example, starts at $35,820*, more than $5,000 less than a comparably equipped 2009 Dodge Ram. Ford invested $110 million in Kansas City Assembly Plant for new tooling and equipment to build the new F-150, which offers consumers the most cab styles, box options and trim levels. Upgrades include the addition of 24 new clearcoat robots for flexible automation in the paint shop. In final assembly, the box line was extended to support installation of the F-150 cargo management system and the tailgate step. The plant also added 65 new error-proofing devices to ensure quality is built into every new F-150. In the body shop, state-of-the-art, precision lasers were installed to mate the roof and body-side panels to the truck’s new roof structure, which features the industry’s first use of super high-strength, dual-phase steel. The stiffer, tighter structure contributes to improved safety and delivers a quieter more refined ride. These measures, along with other design changes are key to delivering Ford’s most capable F-150 ever. Even before production of the 2009 F-150 began, prototypes of the new truck endured 4.5 million miles of real-world and laboratory testing and quality checks where genuine truck customers use their pickups. And while the truck was undergoing tough testing, Kansas City employees were focused on ways to build in quality into each new F-150. “The team at Kansas City Assembly Plant understands the importance of the F-150 to Ford,” said Ken Ward, plant manager, Kansas City Assembly Plant. “They are proud to build Ford’s most capable F-150 ever.”

Source: Ford

Ford Wins Truck Trends "Best in Class Work Truck 2008"

Ford Super Duty F-250 (Truck Trend Magazine)

This class is about back-breaking heavy-duty work chores and abuse. As such, we look more closely than usual at things like price, GVWR, actual curb weight, and engine options. We like that the Ford had the lowest base price, the highest real payload number, a towing capacity we know (for a fact) is quite conservative, and has one of the most sophisticated and high-tech twin-turbo diesel engines around. That's not to say there isn't plenty to love about the Cummins Ram or the Duramax Silverado HD too, but in the end having the truck look as different as possible from the half-ton version seems to tip the scales in the Super Duty's direction.

United States Senate Approves $25 Billion Automotive Industry Loans

The Detroit News is reporting that the United States Senate has approved a $25 billion dollar loan for the automotive industry to re-build factories and produce more fuel efficient vehicles. In a 78 to 12 vote, the bill is expected to be signed by President Bush before the current government's budget expires tomorrow. Talk about last minute, right? General Motors spokesman, Greg Martin, stated the loans "will help speed the transition to cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles". Automakers will have 25 years to repay the loans and have the choice to defer repayment for up to five years. The lay also states that since they feature sub-investment grade credit, for every $1 billion the manufacturers borrow, they will have to save more than $100 million. Ford Motor Company also made a statement regarding the loans, s is an important first step to providing access to capital for important investments in the future at a time when the capital markets are distressed".

Ford Mid Box will be available on the Super Duty

Ford Mid Box will be available on the 2009 Ford Super Duty. The 2008 Ford F-150 was introduced earlier this year the the Canadian International Auto show in Toronto. The Super Duty truck will offer more payload and capability to a client that needs a Multi Purpose Service Truck. An exclusive and innovative new Mid-box, mounted in front of the standard pickup box and behind the cab, provides lockable storage for tools and other valuable items.



The 2009 F-Series Super Duty builds on Ford truck leadership with a bold exterior design, a finely crafted, functional and capable interior and an 6.4-liter Power Stroke® clean diesel engine.

Super Duty also leads the segment in innovation:

An industry-first fully integrated Tailgate Step provides simple access to the truck bed.

An industry-first stowable bed extender offers customers a convenient means of adding cargo-hauling flexibility.

Industry-exclusive PowerScope® tow side mirrors, power-fold and power-telescope to enhance the towing experience.

York: Ford best placed among Big Three

DETROIT (Reuters) - Jerry York, an adviser to Tracinda Corp, which has a $1 billion investment in Ford Motor Co (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), said he believed the automaker was better positioned in a tough market than its U.S. rivals. York, speaking at the Reuters Autos Summit on Monday, said that Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally has brought a "maniacal" focus to the automaker's restructuring. "Ford right now is looking fairly clean," York said. "That's not to say it's a walk in the park. It's a tough, ugly industry right now and all three have a lot of work to do." Tracinda, billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian's investment vehicle, began investing actively in Ford shares in April and holds a 6.5 percent stake in the automaker. York declined to comment on any future investment in Ford by Tracinda.
York said that Chrysler LLC CBS.UL, the No. 3 U.S.-based automaker now controlled by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, is in the "toughest situation" and it was possible that only two of three U.S. automakers would survive the deep U.S. auto industry downturn. "They don't have the diversification in the markets that GM and Ford have," he said. "It's possible we could end up with two."

Ford continues to offer Retail Leasing to Clients

After a lot of speculation that Ford may cancel leasing like Chrysler and General Motors. Ford Canada remains in the Leasing Business. There are some adjustments made to Residual Values to reflect the current market. The vehicles that have the highest resale will have lower payments and vice versa for vehicles that have lower resale values. This is a relief to our Clients who typically lease a new vehicle every 3 years and like the idea of getting a new car or truck more often.

Still available and unique to Red Carpet Lease are:

Additional (Extra) Kilometers: Additional kilometers may be purchased at lease inception for $0.11 per kilometer for new Expedition and Lincoln vehicles (except MKZ) and $0.08 per kilometer for all other new vehicles. Lessees who purchase additional kilometers at lease inception but do not use all of the kilometers, and do not choose to exercise their purchase option, will be reimbursed for the unused portion of the additional kilometers purchased upon satisfactory termination of the lease.

Optional Advance Payment Plan: A Red Carpet Lease program that permits the lessee to prepay all monthly lease payments up-front. Lessee receives a discount in the form of a reduction in their RCL monthly lease payment. At lease end, a final invoice is generated for any unpaid excess kilometers, wear and tear charges and other miscellaneous charges. Please see your dealer for details.

Standard GAP Protection: If your Red Carpet Lease customer's vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair during the term of the Red Carpet Lease, Ford Credit will waive the difference - or gap - between your insurance payoff amount and the amount due on the lease's early termination payoff amount. With gap protection, the customer is only responsible for the insurance deductible, any lease payments which are due prior to the accident, other charges up to the date of the total loss and any excess kilometrage charges*. In contrast, conventional retail purchases and some other leases do not automatically include gap protection, which means that you are responsible for any differences between the insurance proceeds and the actual payoff amount.
Note: In the event of a theft or accident customers should contact FCCL immediately to facilitate.
* Kilometrage charges will be calculated on a pro-rata basis as of the date of the total loss.

You can Lease or Finance a vehicle and you decide what makes more sense to you. Having a choice is the most important thing after all.

Daimler Trucks Opens Global Hybrid Center

STUTTGART/KAWASAKI - August 28, 2008: Daimler Trucks inaugurated its new Global Hybrid Center at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in Kawasaki. Located within the company’s R&D facilities, the Center will be the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks’ hybrid development. A ceremony was held today to officially open the Center. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG, and one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
“The establishment of the Global Hybrid Center at MFTBC shows the increasing focus of Daimler Trucks and Mitsubishi Fuso on developing hybrid commercial vehicles,” said Dr. Eike Böhm, MFTBC Vice President of Product Engineering. “We believe the market for hybrids will expand more rapidly in the future, given the need to further reduce vehicle emissions as well as fuel consumption. The new Center will concentrate our efforts in developing clean, efficient hybrid commercial vehicles to meet market needs now and in the future.”
According to Dr. Böhm, the role of the new Global Hybrid Center is to direct and synchronize Daimler Trucks hybrid development activities on a global basis. All of Daimler Trucks hybrid activities will be aligned under the Center, including regional hybrid personnel at Daimler Trucks divisions MFTBC, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Trucks North America LLC. A total of 50 people will be affiliated with the Center.
Mr. Fumio Akikawa has been named as Director of the Global Hybrid Center. Mr. Akikawa, a 35-year automotive and truck industry expert, also will continue in his current role as Director of Powertrain Development for MFTBC. MFTBC was chosen as the location for the Center because of the company’s history and expertise in hybrid vehicle innovation. Mitsubishi Fuso has been developing hybrid vehicles for over 10 years and today offers fuel efficient, low emissions products like the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck and the Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus for the Japan market. The company has also developed the Canter Eco-D, a concept hybrid light-duty dump truck. Already, MFTBC had been serving as the hybrid competence center for Daimler Trucks. The founding of the Global Hybrid Center expands this role and creates a formal organizational structure for coordinating hybrid development on a global basis. With the opening of the new Center, Mitsubishi Fuso also announced it will double the number of its dedicated hybrid engineers to about 35 people.
Hybrid Fleet Test Now Underway in EuropeThe opening of the Global Hybrid Center comes as Daimler Trucks and Mitsubishi Fuso has launched Europe’s largest fleet test of hybrid trucks. Mitsubishi Fuso in Europe has presented ten Canter Eco Hybrids to eight customers in London. The three-year evaluation will examine the use of the 7.5-ton hybrid trucks by customers and demonstrate the diesel-electric hybrid drive's high level of efficiency. The vehicles in the test could consume up to 15 percent less fuel than conventional diesel vehicles, and also significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The Canter Eco Hybrid’s performance will be documented in a variety of applications, including frequent stop-and-go delivery in the heart of London, as well as longer runs between stores and warehouses. The eight customers involved in the fleet test are Amey, DHL, Hill Hire, Ringway, Royal Mail, Scottish and Southern, Tesco, and TNT. The vehicles used in the test are tailored for European requirements and include hybrid systems with electric motor and the Euro 4 power train of the series-produced 7.5-ton Fuso Canter. They will be equipped with a new measuring system to collect performance data and will be serviced by two specialized Mercedes-Benz service centers located in the London metropolitan area.
“Shaping Future Transportation” The opening of the Global Hybrid Center and the start of the Mitsubishi Fuso Europe hybrid test are two more important milestones in the “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses. “Shaping Future Transportation” is the name of the global initiative of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses to redouble ongoing efforts to achieve a major reduction in the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of commercial vehicles. Announced in November 2007 at an event in Stuttgart, Germany, “Shaping Future Transportation” encompasses alternative drive system initiatives across various commercial vehicle brands. Hybrid technology plays a key role in these vehicles, as it can reduce diesel consumption by up to 30 percent, depending on the application.

2009 F-Series Super Duty offers Cabela FX4 And Harley Davidson F-450 Models

Ford F-Series Super Duty, America's most capable work truck, offers more standard capability for 2009, including an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer tow mirrors on select models.
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of industry-first, affordable technologies available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks that will provide customers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business - from their Ford truck, even on the job site. New 'Built Ford Tough' factory-applied spray-in bedliner, available on 2009 F-Series Super Duty pickups, delivers exceptional weather resistance and protection against gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. The 2009 F-Series Super Duty line of pickups, the industry's most capable full-size heavy-duty work trucks, come equipped with even more capability, thanks to new standard features and two new packages - a Cabela's FX4 for the outdoor enthusiast and for the first time, a Harley-Davidson™ F-450 pickup. All four Super Duty trim levels - XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat - come with new standard features. The XL, the no-frills workhorse version, now comes standard with air conditioning, Securilock and manual trailer tow mirrors. The XLT, a step up from the XL, now has power-heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, remote keyless entry and Securilock as standard features. For 2009, the FX4 adds standard PowerScope™ integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller, captain's chairs and SIRIUS satellite radio. The most luxurious of the Super Duty lineup, Lariat adds all of the new FX4 standard content as well as the reverse camera system, a power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards and SYNC, Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

New Smart Technologies
Ford is further expanding its 'smart' features for truck customers by equipping its trucks with new technologies that make staying connected and getting the job done easier.
SYNC is Ford's industry-first, voice-activated hands-free system that fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.
Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ offers a host of convenient features including more than 150 hours of music storage and a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. Users can browse the music juke box via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display.
Ford Work Solutions, a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans will help make business owners more productive and successful. Four industry-exclusive innovations include: An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It's the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. It features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access and send documents stored on their home or office computer networks - right on the job site.
Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system developed with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle.
Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons. All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Cabela's FX4 Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to customer data, 76 percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish. With F-Series serving as the official truck of Cabela's for the past 7 years - and trucks prominently placed at stores nationwide and featured in Cabela's publications and TV programming - there's no more authentic way to connect with customers. The Cabela's FX4 package for 2009 features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic. Each is contrasted with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings, finished off with custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging. The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué. All-weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.

Harley-Davidson™ F-450 Ford and Harley-Davidson team up again for a new Harley-Davidson™ F-450, the "Big Hog Daddy" of the road. As with the still available F-250/350 SRW models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson™ F-450 features a unique blue-flame paint scheme that starts at the side vents and runs down to the box side of the truck. The flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The custom-perforated black leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson™ badges are visible on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script located on the box side.

Tough Bed Ford is offering Tough Bed, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner for the first time on the 2009 F-Series Super Duty. "Tough Bed is a smart solution for Ford Super Duty customers who want to better protect their most important asset - the pickup box," said Tom Aubrey, Ford F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "Like the entire truck, Tough Bed stands up to the most stringent durability standards including those required by the U.S. Military - that definitely makes it 'Built Ford Tough.'" According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), installation of spray-in bedliners grew from 27 percent in 2004 to nearly 34 percent of all pickup trucks in 2006 and will continue to grow at a steady rate to nearly 40 percent in 2008. Developed in partnership with PPG Industries, Tough Bed exceeds the standards of today's typical aftermarket spray-in bedliner solutions. This military-grade coating has been through the government's toughest blast mitigation testing to determine whether the material can with stand the force of a bomb blast. It has performed equal to or better than other protective coating systems at one-third the thickness. The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision, high-pressure, automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat - unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bed liners. The finer application ensures that the bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box in addition minimizing unnecessary weight. Tough Bed does not compromise Super Duty's class-leading cargo capacity or the installation of aftermarket assets such as tool boxes, tonneau covers and truck caps. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance. The special bedliner material formula is immune to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and will not fade or chalk. It also protects against physical damage to the pickup box such as gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping. It is covered by a three-year/100,000-km factory limited warranty. All F-Series Super Duty models are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

Fuel Saving Tips for your Fleet

Some tips for drivers include:

• Fuel consumption increases dramatically as speed increases, so cruise control can be a great tool for speed management. On a truck with excellent aerodynamics, a driver can save up to 1.5 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower, and up to 8 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower. On a truck with less aerodynamic features, a driver can save up to 3 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower and up to 15 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower
• Throttling back 8 Kmh can result in a fuel savings of up to 15 percent
• Reduce stops
• Avoid idling
• Manage speed changes and routes
Environmental
Where you operate your trucks can also have a significant impact on fuel consumption.
Climate: Fuel efficiency improves about 2 percent with every 10 degree increase in ambient temperature. However, warm weather means that air conditioning is used more, which increases fuel usage. Chilly temperatures mean that trucks take longer to warm up, need to idle more, and create more aerodynamic drag due to increased air moisture and wind.
Route Planning: The route you travel can also have an impact on fuel. Traveling on flat major route highways as much as possible
– instead of mountainous roadways, suburban routes, or stopand-go urban streets – can save up to 165 percent on fuel. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic can use up to one-third of a tank. Plus, keeping track of road closures will avoid unnecessary idling, and traveling roads with less traffic can avoid frequent speed changes.
Fleet Management
The last factor to consider when looking for ways to keep costs down is fleet management. There are several easy business decisions you can make that reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Monitor your fuel usage. Use software to monitor L/100 km, and use engine data reports to understand what is affecting fuel economy. Also, remember to factor payload in your calculations: 1 percent for every 1,000 lbs. Make realistic delivery promises to your customers. By avoiding “run hard” situations in which your drivers need to deliver cargo quickly, you can improve fuel economy and safety. Another way to monitor logistics is to continually work with shippers to reduce loading and waiting times. Help drivers improve their habits, and keep them happy.
Consider offering an incentive or bonus to the drivers with the best fuel efficiency numbers. Another option is reducing the maximum allowable fleet speed. Keep all aerodynamics parts and devices maintained. Also, use maintenance tracking software to monitor the last time tires, filters, and other parts have been changed. Stay current on new industry technologies by keeping in touch with your dealer about new components and features that you can use to help your business be more efficient. The work truck experts at Sterling dealerships are always available to help you determine which technologies are right for your business.

Consider investing in APUs. Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are generators that can be installed to run heat, A/C, and other electric-powered items without running a truck’s engine. They cost as little as $6-8,000, and based on fuel savings alone, they can pay for themselves in just over a year. Plus, many provinces and municipalities have anti-idling regulations, so APUs can help keep your drivers comfortable and out of trouble.

Ford EcoBoost Engine For F-150 To Produce Significant Power Gains Over Current Model

Advanced Engine Design Manager, Brett Hinds of Ford Motor Company believes the 3.5 liter six cylinder EcoBoost engine that will find its way into the Ford F-150 pickup truck in 2010 will produce "significantly more than 340 horse power and 340 foot pounds of torque" which beats the current 300 horse power 5.4 eight cylinder currently offered with the pickup truck. The new EcoBoost option is also believed to be equipped with two turbochargers, which prove to be very fuel efficient while producing more power. There is also a chance that the EcoBoost engine may find itself under the hood of the re-designed 2010 Ford Mustang but that has yet to be confirmed. Truck owners, get excited.

Coming Soon Ford Transit Connect

Lots of businesses and even regular folk have a need for a vehicle with plenty of space inside to carry stuff that isn't necessarily incredibly heavy. For those applications, something like a full-size van is just overkill and results in higher than necessary operating costs. Over the years, Chevy, Dodge and Ford have all offered cargo van versions of their mini-vans for plumbers, caterers and anyone else that didn't need the extra two rows of seats but wanted more storage space. With the demise of the Windstar/Freestar in late 2006, and new, stricter fuel economy regulations on the horizon, Ford found a new solution in its European lineup. Several years ago it launched the Transit Connect, a smaller, tall roofed front-wheel-drive van. At 6'8" tall, the Transit Connect easily fits in a garage, but the low floor provides lots of room for racks of tools, parts or whatever else the owner might need to haul around. It will be available with either just the two front seats or with an additional second row bench seat for three. In two seater form, the Connect has 143 cubic ft. of storage space that is easily accessible from either of the two sliding doors or the 180o fold out rear doors. The front wheels will be driven by a 2.0L four cylinder gas engine in the US version since Ford is trying to keep the Transit affordable and skipping the diesels for now. It's currently estimating 19/24 mpg city/highway, which is about 2 mpg better than the Chevy and Dodge cargo vans. Ford will start bringing the Transit Connect to the US in mid-2009 from an assembly plant in Turkey and pricing has yet to be announced.

New Lincoln MKT Crossover Announced

2009 Lincoln MKT
SEE ALSO: 2008 Detroit Auto Show Lincoln MKT Introduction - VIDEO
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 15, 2008 - Kicking off the weekend marking the celebrated Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Lincoln today confirms it will produce the Lincoln MKT, a premium, three-row luxury crossover based on a the well-received concept vehicle.
"The Lincoln MKT reinforces our commitment to further expand America's fastest-growing luxury brand, providing an all-new vehicle to the showroom that's been crafted and honed for a new kind of customer," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas.
"The MKT will offer the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a crossover and the performance of a sports sedan, courtesy of its EcoBoost engine," he added. "At the same time, this perfect blend of performance and power is elegantly wrapped in the refined design cues that have become synonymous with modern Lincolns."
The Lincoln MKT will build on a string of successful Lincoln products launched in recent years. The Lincoln MKX, a two-row crossover, and the Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan have earned high praise from consumers and continue to gain share in their respective segments.
The flagship Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, introduced earlier this summer, has seen strong early sales, as well. Dynamic and clean-lined, the Lincoln MKS is the first production vehicle to embrace the strong new Lincoln design DNA. New Lincoln products, including the new MKT crossover, will feature this distinctive new Lincoln design language as well as industry-leading technologies.
The Lincoln MKT crossover will join the Lincoln lineup in calendar year 2009, along with an upgraded Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan - plus an additional version of the flagship Lincoln MKS sedan powered by an EcoBoost engine.
In addition to a fuel-efficient 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKT also will offer an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will deliver an estimated 340 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Lincoln MKT will join other vehicles early in the EcoBoost engine technology rollout, including the Lincoln MKS luxury sedan and Ford Flex.
EcoBoost engines feature turbocharged direct injection technology and deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent improved emissions than larger-displacement engines. In the Lincoln MKS and MKT, for instance, the EcoBoost engine delivers the fuel economy of a V-6 engine but the performance feel of a V-8.
Ford is making a significant commitment to EcoBoost engine technology. Within five years, the company plans to produce 750,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles annually - in vehicles ranging from small cars to full-size pickups in markets around the world.
"EcoBoost engine technology is another symbol of what luxury means today," Fields said. "Lincolns should drive as beautifully as they look, delivering as much refinement on the road as their designs do even while standing perfectly still."
Taking cues from its performance sedan sibling and the MKT concept vehicle first shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, the Lincoln MKT will feature the distinctive bow-wave, double-wing grille; clean, uncluttered surfaces; powerful, dynamic beltline; chamfered surface running parallel to the beltline; significant C-pillar that smoothly transitions into the cantilevered roof and a powerful roofrail.
"Embracing the same spirit as the concept, the Lincoln MKT's design represents harmony in motion, balancing sculptured shapes and contours traditionally associated with beautiful cars on a crossover vehicle that offers the luxury of space and efficient, powerful performance," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design for The Americas.
The MKT will provide seating for up to seven passengers and all the latest in-car connectivity technologies that customers have come to expect from Lincoln.
This includes a new version of SYNC, the company's industry-leading connectivity technology that fully integrates customers' Bluetooth technologies including mobile phones and MP3 players.
Plus, next-generation navigation system technology and new safety and security features will be available, including the new Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert System.
Working in conjunction with the blind spot information system, Cross Traffic Alert warns the driver of impending traffic while backing out of a parking spot. When cross traffic is approaching, an indicator light provides a warning in the corresponding outside mirror, as well as an audible warning.
Cross Traffic Alert utilizes the blind spot system's two multibeam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels - one per side. These modules identify when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone; an indicator light provides a warning in the outside mirror corresponding to the side in which the vehicle is approaching.
The system can pick up an object moving at up to 18 miles per hour within a 65-foot range - or three parking spaces - from either the left or right side of the vehicle.
The Lincoln MKT will be manufactured in Ford Motor Company's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. Additional product details will be made available closer to the Lincoln MKT's launch.

Ford Flex hits Safety Pinnacle with 5-Star Ratings

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• Flex earns U.S. government's top 5-star crash ratings for all four front- and side-impact tests - adding to Ford's leading number of 5-star vehicles.
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The daringly designed and fuel-efficient seven-passenger crossover continues to draw praise and customer interest.

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 5, 2008 - The 2009 Ford Flex has earned five-star frontal- and side-impact crashworthiness ratings, the highest possible scores, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.
The results for Ford's newest full-size crossover are better than the Toyota Highlander's and include class-leading four-star rollover ratings for both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
"The 5-star ratings for the Flex are evidence of Ford's overall safety commitment. In fact, we have produced more 5-star-rated vehicles than any other automaker," said Susan Cischke, Ford's senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "The Flex offers it all: a head-turning design, top safety ratings, unsurpassed highway fuel efficiency in its segment, power, spaciousness, comfort and great features."
Flex safety standard
Flex, which went on sale this summer, has a full array of standard safety equipment.
This includes dual front air bags, headliner mounted side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Ford-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and tire pressure monitoring system.
Flex gets some of its core strength from the use of lightweight aluminum-coated boron steel - one of the strongest weld-able materials - in the body structure. The use of high-strength steel in the B-pillars is only part of the Flex's robust safety profile. Ford engineers also located the side door intrusion beams to help manage and absorb energy during side impact crashes.
"Flex safety is built on a solid foundation - the platform of the 5-star rated Ford Taurus and Taurus X," said Gary Boes, Flex chief engineer.
How the Crash Ratings Work
NHTSA's frontal collision ratings are determined by placing crash-test dummies in the driver's seat and front-passenger seat and securing them with the vehicle's safety belts. Vehicles are then crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, which is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles that are moving at 35 mph. The 5-star rating attained by Flex indicates a 10 percent or less chance of serious injury to a belted occupant in the front seat.
Side-impact crash testing represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into the Flex, with crash test dummies buckled into the driver and rear passenger seats. Flex's five-star rating, the highest possible, indicates a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury.
"Safety is a top purchase consideration, second only to fuel efficiency, so Flex's top safety ratings and highway fuel economy are a winning combination," said Catherine Pearce, Flex marketing manager.
Even More Technology Works in Customers' Favor
Flex also can help drivers avoid problems on the road.
The new SIRIUS® Travel Link™ feature, praised for helping motorists find the cheapest gas, also can help route them around congested, potentially dangerous conditions using the vehicle's navigation system with real-time traffic information, available in select markets.
SYNC®, Ford's hands-free connectivity system for Bluetooth-enabled phones and digital music players, helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel to reduce distractions.

Turbo Sales on the Rise; Ford's Ecoboost leads the Charge

DEARBORN, Mich., July 30, 2008 – Honeywell Turbo Technologies, a technology leader in engine boosting and modern turbo technologies, estimates that the global turbocharger segment will grow from 30 percent of the overall automotive market to more than 38 percent by 2013 as automakers look to boost engines to help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without hampering the fun-to-drive factor.
Ford is at the forefront of this spiking trend with its EcoBoost engine strategy, applying modern turbocharging and direct injection technologies to smaller displacement engines that offer improved fuel economy and fewer emissions, yet deliver performance feel of larger displacement engines.
What separates Ford from the automotive pack using turbo technology today: Ford will apply the technology in significantly higher volumes, featuring turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 and V-6 applications in half a million vehicles annually within the next five years – across multiple product lines globally.
Turbos are the secret behind the downsizing, allowing for smaller displacement without performance loss. Unlike a supercharger, today's turbocharger uses the waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive the turbine – energy that would have otherwise been lost. The result is increased torque and better performance, without increasing engine displacement.
EcoBoost engines will be powered by turbochargers that leverage the latest advances in turbine design and materials. These aren't the turbos of the 1980s that delivered great amounts of torque yet frequently were plagued by short time gaps between stepping on the pedal and feeling the power – turbo lag. They are smaller, spin faster, offer variable flow solutions and are fully interconnected with the engine management system for peak performance.
EcoBoost debuts on the Lincoln MKS with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. This engine will deliver upwards of 340-plus lb.-ft. of torque across a wide engine range – 2,000 to 5,000 rpm – versus 270 to 310 lb.-ft. of torque for a conventional naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 over the same speed range.

The Truth About Trucks

The Truth about Trucks Join Rick Titus as he shows all of the Strengths of the Ford F150 and the Ford F-Series Super Duty. Rick is the host of Drivers Talk Radio. Although he has consulted and written for a number of manufacturers, Titus is especially proud of his 20-year association with Ford Motor Company people and products.

What you don’t know about the “Highway Traffic Act” and the MTO will cost you

There are some Facts you must know when operating a Commercial Vehicle in Ontario.

CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operating Registration)
Any Corporation, Company or Person operating a vehicle with a registered Gross Vehicle Weight over 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) or any Bus with 10 or more passengers must have a CVOR. The registration of a CVOR is free. (www.mto.gov.on.ca)

G License
G License allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVW or GCW of up to 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs)
GVW Gross vehicle weight (the weight of the Vehicle and its contents)
GCW Gross Combined weight (the weight of the Vehicle and it’s contents plus the weight of the Trailer and it’s contents.) The Trailer and its contents can weigh no more than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs.)

D License
D license allows the Driver to operate any Truck or Trailer with a GVW or GCW over 11,000 kilograms (24,250 lbs) provided the Trailer and its contents are under 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs)

Z Endorsement
Is required to operate any vehicle with an Air Braking System regardless of any other Criteria.

A License
“A” License is required to operate a vehicle pulling a Trailer and contents greater than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs). Provided it does not exceed the weight restriction of the Manufacturer or the Length and Width restrictions of the MTO.

Weigh Scales
All Commercial Vehicles regardless of size are required to stop at Weigh Scales when the Amber Lights are flashing. This includes Pick Up Trucks. The MTO is mainly concerned with Heavy Trucks and Trailers however Light Duty Trucks may also be pulled over.

Vehicles with Plows
Roof Clearance Lights and Rear Marker Lights must be on every Vehicle that is over 81” Wide.
(This would pertain to Dual Rear Wheel Vehicles and most Plow Trucks)

Most Common Offences and Their Fines
Overloading 100 to 2,499 kg $ 5.00 per 100 kg (No less than $ 100.00)
Overloading from 2,500 kg To 4.999 kg $ 10.00 per 100 kg
Overloading from 5,000 kg To 7,499 Kg $ 12.00 per 100 kg
Unsafe Load Commercial Vehicle $ 315.00
Uncovered Load (No Roll Tarp) $ 315.00
No Clearance Lights on a Vehicle over 81” wide (Plow Truck). $ 205.00

Is Auto Leasing Really Dead?

August 1st 2008 it was official GM and Chrysler are no longer Leasing Passenger Vehicles and Light Trucks through their Finance Companies. This comes after the American Housing Crisis which eroded the ability to borrow money and the high oil prices have not helped at all. The decision to cancel the lease program was not easy decision to make but I am sure they did not have a choice.

Leasing is available from Ford’s Red Carpet Lease program. Residuals (Buybacks) of the Ford Product have been adjusted over the last 3 years and will be adjusted even further to reflect the market. Ford also has taken an 8 Billion Dollar write down on its lease portfolio in order to avoid such radical steps that GM and Chrysler is faced with.

The trend for GM and Chrysler now will be long term financing for 60 month and 72 month financing. I am not sure if this will be good for the customer as there are typically higher costs of repair and maintenance in the 4th, 5th, and 6th year of ownership.

The Auto Industry is the biggest employer in Canada and the US and it is important to our economy. We need to keep it strong and support our local car and truck plants. Buying vehicles manufactured off shore created competition and made the American Vehicles on Par with the Japanese and in some cases better.

It will be interesting to see the impact of all the new smaller vehicles that Ford GM and Chrysler will be launching in the next 18 months. The Koreans and the Japanese manufacturers have never had massive direct competition in their small car market. In addition the North American Manufacturers are making sure they will make profit on the cars they sell.

I will keep you posted as this story develops. Remember this is a correction in the market and it will work it self out over the next few months.

Sterling Trucks Debuts New Integrated Sleeper

The new Sterling NightShift™ maximizes productivity and driver retention with
the most abundant driver amenities in a mid-size sleeper

Sterling Truck Corporation today introduced the Sterling NightShift™ – its new integrated sleeper. Designed to maximize productivity and driver retention in regional haul applications, The NightShift features best-in-size storage of a mid-size, mid-roof sleeper, a stand-up walk-through configuration, ultimate comfort and a significant amount of natural light – together offering the most abundant driver amenities in a midsize sleeper.
Designed specifically for the less-thantruckload (LTL), distribution and leasing markets, the NightShift is ideal for drivers who travel multiple days per week and is available in a 60-inch mid-roof configuration for the Sterling® Set-back 113 and Set-Back 122 models.
Best-in-Size Sleeper Storage
The NightShift features a flexible storage configuration including the wrap-around sleeper storage and overhead console – making use of all available space to rest and work. The sleeper includes a space-maximizing overhead rear wall and forward center storage, side
storage cabinets and under bunk storage.
Driver Comfort
One of the key benefits in the NightShift is an 8-inch quilted deep sleep premium mattress—deeper than any other standard mattress on the market. Another comfort feature found in the NightShift is its significant headroom. With an 80-inch floor-to-ceiling height – enough for a 6’4" driver – and ample room between the seats, the driver can easily stand up and walk through the cab to the sleeper without crouching or
bending over. The NightShift also offers its Sterling clear view 36 x 10-inch back window, which improves visibility by providing drivers with a better back-up view and job site visibility. In addition, the combination of the back and side windows increases natural light which can reduce eye strain and driver fatigue – a common problem noted by drivers.
Sleek Interior
The NightShift’s dash and sleeper control panels feature a new, contemporary finish. A pull-out workspace that’s perfectly sized for a computer or log book is also available, as well as a 32 liter coolbox that can serve as a refrigerator or freezer – the only one in its class. Plus, drivers have extra room to install a television and microwave. Other interior amenities include a single bunk with tent-style restraints; an upper television cabinet with electrical outlets and connection capabilities; privacy curtains; and an over windshield console with CB connections.
Exterior Styling
The truck’s exterior features include a right-hand access door with a sliding window and a left hand window with a sliding section for ventilation. Also standard is a left-hand luggage door and rear work lights. Optional side fairings and roof fairing with trim tabs are available for highway applications where aerodynamics is critical.
Quiet Ride
The Sterling NightShift comes standard with Sterling’s noise control package, which delivers a significant noise reduction during peak torque engine RPMs. This noise package includes new door and engine cover seals; shift boot and steering boot material and construction; a new door weather seal for improved surface contact; front wall inter-panel sealing and front wall joints on the floor between the seats. "With the addition of the Nightshift to our family, we now offer the broadest product line in the Class 3-8 market. In addition, drivers and owners can rest
easy knowing that our sleeper is backed by more than 300 Sterling dealers in the United States and Canada," said Shearing.