Ford Parts Information

Ford Improves Year After Year According to J.D Power

2008-06-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm which was started in 1968 by the founder James David Power III. It accomplishes assessment of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for industries ranging from cars to restaurants.

It conducts annual surveys in the automotive industry including the world's third largest automaker the Ford Motor Corporation. The survey shows that vehicle brands from Ford have improved its quality at a rate faster than any average car model. According also to this customer based quality study; Ford is the sole brand with continuous improvement since 2004.

On its 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) it shows that Ford has improved by eight points as compared to last years study.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Last year we tied with Toyota, and this year our quality performance is as good as industry-leading Honda's too. 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, which is launching this summer.”

The Fords complete result shows that it received 10 credits for their products including three Ford models that ranked the highest in their respective category. This proves that Ford continues to make significant quality gain year after year.

The study shows other reports such us, Mercury brand which has improved by four points over last year, and the Lincoln brand exceeded the industry average. Mazda is the study's most improved brand jumping 36 points from the 2007 study.

Ford Focus Coupe Unveiled at 'American Idol'

2008-05-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Ford Focus is a small family car made by Ford. The Ford Focus came on the roads for the first time in 2000.

A new version of the Focus was launched in Europe in January 2005 and a face lifted version in January 2008. While the 2009 Focus Coupe was lately unveiled (Wednesday broadcast which airs at 9 p.m. EST.) on American’s hottest television show – “American Idol.” It is the first time the automaker will take advantage of the show's 20 million viewers by unveiling a new model on live television.

The 2009 Focus is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger family coupe, or family sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the S Coupe to the SES Sedan.

“Both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.” It gets good reviews for its engine power and better reviews for its handling and driving dynamics.

"The new coupe looks really sporty," said Thomas Tang, co-founder of focusfanatics.com. The new front fascia, 17-inch sport wheels and fog lamps provide a sportier appearance for the new car.

Ford is also making its Sync voice-activated communications and entertainment system available with this new Ford model. SYNC is a voice-activated communications and entertainment system for use with their Bluetooth cell phones and digital media players.

It is said that 2009 Focus coupe will carry a starting price of $15,920 later this summer.

2008 Audi A4

2008-05-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

Audi revealed a redesigned A4 sedan for the 2008. It was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Auto Show last September 2007. But the first official pictures were released in August 2007. The 2008 A4 is a 2- or 4-door, up to 5-passenger luxury vehicle.

“It is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2.0T SE Avant Quattro Tiptronic is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.”

The A4’s body is 10 percent lighter than that of the old model but it is surprisingly larger. It is caused by the use of new grades of steel that combine exceptional strength with low weight. With its larger size there is plenty of space for luggage and passengers. The interior is now 0.8 in. longer than the previous. The Headroom and width at shoulder height have also been increased.

Sitting on this new vehicle will give you the comfort and content that everyone is looking for. One of the features of this car is the Audi drive select, a system which can vary the engine, auto transmission, steering and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver’s need.

The Lexus LF-A concept

2008-05-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car. It debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). A revised version with more completely furnished interior was unveiled at the 2007 NAIAS. The goal of the new LF-A is to build a supercar with world-class performance that is uniquely Lexus.

The design of the LF-A is based from the design direction called L-finesse. Lexus has improved the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its glamour. The LF-A measured five inches shorter in than the Porsche 911, but had a wheelbase that was nine inches longer. The roof is slightly lowered one and a half inches compared to the Mercedes-Benz SLR The exaggerated proportions emphasizes the new styling design of the L-finesse.

In this concept we can expect a V10 engine, a spec that puts the LF-A comparable to other notable exotics like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche Carrera GT. The revised styling of this concept makes a top speed of 200 mph possible. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution.

Such a sweet machine! Another great car concept design. It looks very much like Japan product take on a Lamborghini Diablo. Although already in its last stage as a concept car, the final production of the LF-A cant is expected within this month. But I’m glad their in their process for production. In a recent interview, Lexus' Australian chief executive confirmed that "the LF-A is still being readied for production, although it may not reach showrooms until 2011.”

Volvo Reaches Milestone

2008-02-24T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ford's Swedish marque Volvo recently reached a milestone. Eighty years ago, the Swedish company produced its first car, the OV4. It is called the OV4 because the letters OV in Swedish stands for "Open Car". Thus, it is interesting to note that the 15 millionth vehicle to be produced by the Swedish marque is also an open car in the form of the Volvo C70 convertible.

Volvo reached the 15 million production milestone last February 20. Production for the Swedish automaker has increased exponentially through the years. During its first year of operation, the automaker produced 297 cars. Twenty-three years later, the Swedish automaker has finally produced 100,000 vehicles.

According to Ford's newsletter, that hundred thousand production figure is now easily attainable in just three months. It is not really surprising as the demand for vehicles has increased exponentially with the rise in population.

What is remarkable is Volvo's power to stay in the very competitive auto market where they are positioned against such heavyweights as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.

Although Volvo is not exactly known for the "luxury appeal" of its cars, the safety of their vehicles have made the automaker's vehicles very popular among consumers.

Apart from that, Volvo has also made a mark in the industry for its durable vehicles. In fact, a survey conducted years ago put the S80 at the top of its class because of its dependability even if it was pitted against vehicles which are priced higher.

The production of the 15 millionth vehicle for the Swedish automaker is not just as simple as manufacturing the umpteenth radiator hose because it entails a lot of processes. Thus, we can expect Volvo to continue production of high quality vehicles.

Three Ford Fusions In Top 10

2008-02-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

The NASCAR Nationwide Series Race last Saturday was apparently ‘Fusioned’. Four of Ford Racing’s drivers and their respective Ford Fusion race cars with performance engine mounts finished leading the pack! According to Ford.com, Matt Kenseth of No. 17 Kraft/Ritz Ford Fusion, finished in 5^th place and qualified in 14^th, Greg Biffle of No. 16 CitiFinancial Ford Fusion notched 7th, and last but not the least,

David Ragan of No. 6 Discount Tire Ford Fusion ended at the 9^th spot.

“It was a good race, we made it through without wrecking anybody. It was pretty cool and I’m excited about it. No, not really anymore, but it never hurts to be on track. It’s a whole different car, different aero package and tires, so there’s not much that you can transfer,” says Matt Kenseth.

“Well, my car was kind of tight in one and two all day, so I found my line and stuck to it and a lot of guys bailed out and went to the bottom. We got a good push from that 41 [Bryan Clauson] car and got back up there.”

ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE RESULT? “I’m really pleased. Our car wasn’t that great most of the day, we made some adjustment and got a decent finish,” explained Kenseth when asked about the change of shuffle.

“We knew our CitiFinancial Ford Fusion was not the best race car out there, but my crew guys did an awesome job making adjustments to keep us near the top. They worked real hard and the car was starting to come around near the end and we just ran out of time. I brushed the wall on the one caution that caused some damage to the right rear, but it wasn’t enough damage to take us out of the race. The guys fixed it and we didn’t have any problems after that. We had a good top 10 run and that’s a good way to start the year,” explained Greg Biffle.

"It was a fun day. I got to run on the top, the middle and on the bottom some. Hopefully, it will help me a little bit for tomorrow. Our Discount Tire pit crew did an excellent job. I think we picked up a spot or two every time we came down pit road. That makes it tough when the cars are so equal out there on the race track. A good pit crew really helps a lot. It was a lot of fun. There was a lot of slippin’ and slidin’ out there and I can only imagine what July is going to be like when we come back here. It should be a good race tomorrow,” says David Ragan.

Kudos guys!

A Glimpse Of The 2010 Ford Focus

2008-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

About 10 years after its first launch, Ford is now gearing towards the production of the fourth generation Ford Focus which would be made available in the market by 2010.

The Ford Focus, a compact car sold not only in North America but also in Ford markets worldwide, has gained lots of commendations. According to wikipedia, in 2001 and 2002, the Ford Focus was the world’s best-selling car while in 2007, it ranked third among the best-selling domestic nameplate cars in North America, and was 16^th among the Top 20 United States Vehicle Scorecard as published in Reuters.

This small family car, which is also known as Mazda Focus, originally comes in four body styles: the 3 and 5-door hatchback, the 4-door sedan, the 5-door station wagon and the 2-door coupe. However, in North America, the second generation Focus dropped the sedan and coupe versions. In Europe, it replaced the Ford Escort while it preceded the Ford Laser in Asia and Oceania.

Sleeker looks, bigger space and better driving experience are only some of the much-anticipated designs of the 2010 Ford Focus. The fourth generation Ford Focus will be “chunkier and sportier,” as described in drive.com. The Verve concept that is divided into 3 and 4-door body styles has inspired the Focus’ new “face.” It is also equipped with light-emitting diode headlamps and L-shaped lights at the tailgate. Furthermore, the 2010 Ford Focus is expected to come with a small upper grille, neat roof spoiler, and a windscreen that will allow more light to enter the car cabin.

Aside from that, the new Focus will deliver keyless entry and starting. Inside, it boasts of more spaces and classy appeal beginning with satellite navigation along with Internet access and Bluetooth connectivity.

A wheel hub may help decrease a car’s weight but in this 2010 Ford Focus, composite materials used in its interior system reduced its weight and its emissions.

The 2010 Ford Focus is said to be a symbol of Ford Motors’ “One Focus, One World” idea.

Aussie To Push The Tempo

2008-02-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Last year, Ford did not achieve much success in the Nextel Cup Series now named the Sprint Cup. This season might bring in a different result as JTG Racing's Marcos Ambrose affirmed that he will become more aggressive this year.

Ambrose, nicknamed Kangaroo in NASCAR owing to the fact that he hails from Australia will be driving the No. 59 Kingsford Charcoal Ford Fusion in the Nationwide Series. The Aussie said that he will become more aggressive this year in passing other cars as it would be the only way that he will be able to get in front and probably win races for Ford and his team.

Ambrose jumped to NASCAR even before other open-wheel racers such as Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve did. He started in 2006 and he said that it is time for him to finally showcase his skill. "I'm going to go to the front this year," said Ambrose.

"It's time to bust off some aggressive passes. To contend, you have to turn up the aggression level," said Ambrose further. This dedication on the part of the driver is sure to help Ford Racing gain more points in the championship. Of course, it also helps that he will be driving a new car which is equipped with high-quality racing parts more reliable than Acura oxygen sensors.

Throughout his stay in NASCAR, Ambrose is known for not pushing the action and is content in just grabbing the opportunities that present themselves instead of creating one. His announcement though that he will be more aggressive this year should mean that the fans will finally see the true skills of the Kangaroo.

Jaguar And Land Rover, More Than Just A Deal

2008-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

“If Tata (or Mahindra, for that matter) purchases Jaguar and Land Rover, the irony would be thick enough to cut with a knife. India, a former British colony for over two hundred years, would own Jaguar and Land Rover, two of England’s historic and iconic brands.”

That was an opinion posted in AutoSavant.net regarding the issue on Ford and Tata’s negotiation process in line with the former’s move to sell Jaguar and Land Rover - two of its luxury brands.

But it seems that there’s no more turning back for Ford.

At Reuters.com yesterday, it was confirmed that Ford’s negotiations with Tata Motors Company, one of India’s leading car manufacturers, is set to have its final deal soon - that would be about a few weeks from now.

According to Autosavant.net, the deal would cost Tata about $3 billion and $7 billion USD, a bid won over rival Mahindra and Mahindra and Ripplewood and TPG.

A few months ago, Ford announced its move to sell the two car models as part of its efforts to “cure” its sickly finances and to support its North American restructuring operations.

Last week, a spokesman for Ford said in Reuters, “We are still in detailed and focused discussions with Tata Motors, and these discussions are confidential.”

In 1989, Ford bought Jaguar for $2.5 billion while it acquired Land Rover in 2000 with $2.7 billion. The two luxury car brands, which most likely feature high-tech systems comparable to an Acura Legend antenna, plus the Aston Martin and Volvo, formed Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.

Lewis Booth, chairman of the Premier Auto Group, admitted that selling the two brands was really a tough decision for Ford. But he added, “The Land Rover and Jaguar decision is more about Ford than about jaguar and land Rover. I found it very important that having found a plan for them, that they could realize that plan in the future. We can’t guarantee it at Ford because of our other financial pressures.”

Ford To Bolster Incentive Scheme

2008-02-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Amid escalating competition, Ford intends to create a new twist by zeroing in at older vehicles, promoting new cars, give dealers more say and incentives.

Ford will be raising incentive spending this year to counter aggressive pricing by other automakers. This is an effort to ensure that demand for older vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Mercury Milan remains strong as the automaker prepares to launch newer versions later this year.

The maker of Ford Escort parts did say the exact cost of the new incentives. The dealers, meanwhile, said that it would amount to several hundred million dollars.

Sources familiar with Ford’s plan told the Detroit News that the automaker will use the money selectively to support specific models in specific markets, and local dealer organizations will have more say in where and how the money is spent. Moreover, as an alternative of across-the-board bonuses designed to draw auto shoppers into showrooms, the Dearborn automaker will target specific areas of the market where it has a chance of stealing share from competitors, the report continued.

"Conversations between Ford and our dealers are private," company spokesman Jim Cain said last Wednesday. "We're not going to give anyone insight into our marketing strategies."

Mulally's strategy to right-size Ford was bound to frustrate dealers, said Tom Libby, a senior director of industry analysis at Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power and Associates. "You have a distribution network out there that is adjusted to selling a certain number of units," he said. "But, long-term, it's a sensible policy. It's the only way to get competitive with the Asians."

Dealers are particularly anxious about sustaining sales of the company’s bread-and-butter F-150 pickup as well as the new versions of Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. "Any money they can give us now can really help," noted Dave Knittel, the general manager of Charlotte County Lincoln Mercury in Florida.

"Short-term incentives to give a specific market or model a boost are not necessarily bad," Libby warned. "When it becomes an ongoing trend, then it becomes negative. That's when it starts to erode residual values and net pricing."

Ford-Tata Deal Could Come Next Week

2008-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

As promised, sale of FoMoCo’s British brands - Jaguar and Land Rover - will be made early this year and it could come next week, reports say. The sale will be in favor of Indian automaker Tata Motors. Ford’s British brands are expected to sell for about $3 billion.

In November, Ford said that it wanted to sell Jaguar and Rover to cut debt and to rid itself of the poor-performing brands. However, it is not clear what the sale would mean for the automaker’s Irvine operation. The British brands are part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG) which has about 500 workers in Irvine and about $160 billion annual sales.

The Dearborn automaker has decided not to retain a minority stake in the British brands after the sell-off. The automaker doesn’t plan to keep a stake in the brands, a change from initial talks about keeping a minority ownership, said Ford Chief Financial Officer Don Leclair.

But the trade unions are demanding that the automaker retain a residual stake to make certain the continuity of production at the 3 Jaguar and Rover plants in the United Kingdom, The Economic Times reported quoting sources close to the developments. The said plants have 16,500 workers.

Ford officials and trade union members are expected to visit Tata Motors' plant at Pune in the western Indian state of Maharashtra in a fortnight to gather first hand knowledge of Tata Motors' expertise, Forbes reported.

As reported by Orange County Business Journal, Ford could keep selling engines and technology to Tata once the sale is complete.

It seems like the deal is now totally illuminated by fog light. I just hope it won’t blur the workers' future.

2009 Escape And Mariner In DC

2008-01-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Ford Motor Company’s range of fuel efficient, extra powerful and strongly related for the 2009 theme is now on display at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit. The company also confirmed that their best-selling Escape and Mariner will be as great as ever. Who needs an air filter recharge kit with these kinds of vehicles… None!

According to Ford’s announcements, the automotive group will also expand its obligation to biofuels by providing three other vehicles to its lineup with E-85-power-driven vehicles for next year.

“This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms. We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year,” says Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and CEO.

“Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers. In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today," says Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

Fresh from Ford

2008-01-25T22:33:00.001-08:00

Think ahead. By 2009, car enthusiasts can expect a more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner models - two of Ford Motor Company's best-selling sports utility vehicles (SUVs). This was announced by Ford during the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress held last January 22 at Detroit.

The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mariner are expected to bear Ford's expanding commitment to fuel economy and greenhouse gases reduction.

Their features include a new 2.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, an improved powertrain with an estimated 1 mile per gallon fuel economy and a refined engine that has dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control. In addition, it adopts a 170HP 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox replacing the previous 153HP 2.3-liter unit.

According to Ford Motor Company Senior Vice President Sue Cischke, sustainability, environment and safety engineering comprise Ford's vision of a customer-focused greenhouse gas emissions reduction and fuel economy strategies.

"In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today," Cischke said.

Included in Ford's 2009 E85-capable flexible fuel line-up are three more vehicles - the E-Series van and the Expedition and Lincoln navigator SUVs.

"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO, said.

Produced at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant, the 2009 Ford Escape and Mariner will soon be available in the market.

Ford Reported Loss

2008-01-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not really surprising that the Dearborn automaker posted a loss for 2007. We all know that the automaker has posted sales declining month after month.

Recently, The Auto Channel reported that Ford's 2007 revenue amounted to $173.9 billion. This shows that the company is showing signs of returning to profitability. As Ford CEO Alan Mulally puts it:

"Each of our Automotive operations is improving, and we are encouraged by the progress, which validates our strategy and plan. In 2007, we introduced great new products around the globe that received strong third-party endorsements for styling, quality and safety. This year, we have some outstanding new product introductions including the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Ford F-150 in North America, and Ford Kuga and the production version of the Ford Verve concept in Europe."

It is just a matter of time before the automaker returns to profitability and produces more vehicles with auto parts more valuable that an Integra mirror. Here are other highlights for the automaker in 2007:

Reached agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) on a new four-year national labor contract, which significantly improves the company's competitiveness going forward.
Continued to align capacity to match demand and improve productivity in North America, and reduced personnel by 32,800 in 2007.
Achieved $1.8 billion in cost savings in 2007 (at constant volume, mix and exchange; excluding special items).
Introduced Ford SYNC - the company's award-winning, fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system developed in association with Microsoft - which will be available in nearly every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury product by the end of 2008.
In the U.S., Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossover utility vehicles led the fastest-growing segment with a sales gain of 62 percent in 2007.
The Ford Mustang convertible made history as the first sports car and first convertible to earn the highest possible safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Mustang convertible earned five-star ratings in all crash test and rollover categories.
Ford Taurus, Taurus X and Mercury Sable earned Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for achieving the highest possible ratings in frontal, side and rear crash test performance. They also earned five-star crash-test ratings from NHTSA.

LR Unveils Hybrid Concept AT NAIAS

2008-01-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Ford is on a roll right at the start of the year. Land Rover, still owned by the automaker, recently unveiled what could be a show stealer at the NAIAS. The British luxury car brand unveiled the LRX Hybrid Concept at the North American International Auto Show according to the company's newsletter.

Phil Popham, the managing director of Land Rover, had this to say about the hybrid concept: "The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles. LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover."

"LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction - but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take," he continued.

Gerry McGovern, the company's design director, added: "LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting - because Land Rover has never built ordinary vehicles. LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy - it’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty." This hybrid vehicle is sure to have auto parts as reliable as Acura header pipes.

Mazda to Unveil Three Tuned Mazdas at the Tokyo Auto Salon

2008-01-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

Mazda the archrival of Honda the producer of high quality Acura CL window regulator has launched the Mazda6 or the 2008 Mazda Atenza last November at the Tokyo Motor Show and now it is preparing a tuned version of the model and will debut at the nation’s Tokyo Auto Salon on January 11.

The previous Atenza was very similar to the Mazda3 in the sense that it is a global car sold all around the world however that will not be the case for the second generation Atenza. Also to the disappointment of many enthusiasts the Atenza will not be introduced as the future Mazda6 but the automaker has made sure to release a concept tuned version of the Atenza courtesy by the in-house brand Mazdaspeed.

The notable changes made on the Atenza include a more aggressive front and rear fascias with bigger, contrast-color intakes and skirts, a set of highly-polished 10-spoke aluminum wheels with anodized blue brake calipers. The vehicle is also lowered attributed to the Mazdaspeed springs and dampers. The whole package is round up by the sport-tuned muffler.

In terms of engine the second generation Atenza will be equipped with Mazda’s MZR 4-cylinder family displacing 2.5 liters as compared to 2.3 in the current car. It is also expected that this same engine will end up in the Mazda3 in the future.

In addition, the design on the tuned Mazdaspeed Atenza is also close to the two other cars that the automaker will show at the Tokyo Auto Salon—tuned versions of the Mazdaspeed3 or Axela in its home market and Mazda2 or known as the Demio domestically. Both will show the same visual upgrades, same wheel and brake package as the Atenza. The Mazdaspeed3 and Mazda2 will also showcase interior upgrades that would include a pair of highly bolstered Mazdaspeed racing style bucket seats.

Ford F Series Continues Its Dominance in Canadian Market

2008-01-09T00:11:00.000-08:00

The Ford F Series truck model has already earned the title as the best selling vehicle in the U.S. through December 2007. Luckily, this Ford truck is also the best selling model in Canada, and now on its fifth consecutive year. In addition, total Ford truck sales in Canada were up by about 7%.

"We achieved two major goals in 2007 -- we promised to be a major contender in the crossover revolution in this country and continue to solidify our truck leadership. On both we certainly delivered," said Bill Osborne, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "Looking ahead, watch for the crossover momentum to grow as we launch our full size crossover, the Ford Flex, later this year – and for Lincoln's appeal to intensify with the hot new 2009 MKS."

Check out below for the sales highlights of 2007 from Ford Motor Company Canada

* Total truck sales up 7%
* Ford F-Series is the best selling vehicle in Canada for the fifth consecutive year
* F-Series up 2%, best selling pick-up in Canada for 42 consecutive years
* Ford Ranger sales were up 36%
* Ford Escape achieved a 24% rise in sales, and is once again Canada's best selling small SUV
* Total Ford SUV sales were up 36%
* Ford Mustang is once again Canada's best selling sports car
* Total Lincoln sales were up 39%

For quality Acura CL Ignition Coil, just check out the link provided.

UK: Mazda2 diesel revealed

2008-01-08T00:49:00.000-08:00

Next March, another major introduction will be made by Mazda Motors with the new Mazda2 diesel. Available in two trims, the TS and the TS2 and a base price of £9.499 each Mazda2 is a reflection of distinctive styling and performance plus environmental touch. Its striking features is matched with the new Mazda signature MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine.
“The new Mazda2 diesel has all the attractive and dramatic styling of the petrol models, and offers customers increased fuel economy, reduced CO2 impact and ultra-low road tax of just £35 per year,” comments Mazda UK’s marketing director Mark Cameron.
“It is going to deliver an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda’s renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and demand for small capacity diesels is growing. We expect the new diesel models to account for 12 percent of Mazda2 sales,” added Cameron.
For complete specs of the Mazda2 diesel, see below (source: duemotori.com).
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Mazda2 1.4D TS
Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km CO2, 5-speed manual
Safety & Security
All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Three 3-point rear seatbelts
Twin ISOFIX child Seat anchorages
Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser
Exterior
15-inch steel wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured bumpers
Electric door mirrors
Black mirror housings and door handles
Comfort & Convenience
Remote central locking and dead locks
Folding jack-knife key
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down
Remote release fuel filler flap
Electric speed-sensing power steering
Interior
Driver’s Seat height adjustment
Driver and passenger Seat height-adjustable head restraints
Front centre console with storage and cup holders
CD Radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers
Multi-function glovebox with magazine rack
Rear Seat three height-adjustable head restraints
Charcoal Black trim
Mazda2 1.4D TS2
Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km , 5-speed manual
Additional equipment over TS model.
15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors (electric, heated and folding)
Body-coloured door handles
Side and curtain airbags
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Two additional audio speakers (total 4)
60/40 split folding rear seats
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Manual air-conditioning
Black trim

Sexiest Cars for...

2008-01-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

ForbesAutos.com pick the sexiest car models for several individuals. Check them out!

For Hip-Hop Moguls:

Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan
Base Price: $333,000 (estimated)
For Hollywood Agents: Lexus LS Hybrid sedan
Base Price: Not Yet Available

For Miami Beach Plastic Surgeons: Lamborghini Murciélago convertible
Base Price: $319,000 (estimated)

For Mobsters: Cadillac Escalade pickup and SUV
Base Price: $55,045

For Newly Divorced Dads: Chevrolet Corvette convertible
Base Price: $53,335

For Newly Divorced Moms: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG convertible
Base Price: $186,775

Sexiest Car For Lobbyists: Cadillac CTS sedan
Base Price: $30,670

For Forbes Readers: Maserati Quattroporte sedan
Base Price: $110,000 (estimated)

For NBA Players: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Base Price: $260,000 (estimated)

For Driving Purists: Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari F430 (tie)
Base Prices: $165,000 (DB9, estimated); $168,000 (F430, estimated)

Unfortunately, no Acura models (like the CL with Acura CL brake booster) were included in the list.

Mazda2 to Go on Sale in China

2008-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

Mazda archrival of co-Japanese automaker Honda the producer of high quality Acura CL repair manual has recently announced that it will launch its Mazda2 in China next month and hopes to increase sales to 180,000 cars for 2008 from its previous estimate of 100,000 that is according to an official.

Mazda2 hatchbacks will be sold in China starting this January and the company is hoping to sell around 55,000 of them said the company’s spokesman, Ken Haruki. He also said that the Mazda2 will be produced at a joint venture factory in Nanjing of the US Ford Motor Co. and China’s Changan Automotive Group. Mazda is a Japanese subsidiary of Ford with 33.4 percent owned stakes.

Mr. Haruki further stated that the company plans of bringing the sedan type of Mazda2 popularly known as Demio in Japan early this year to China.

Ford Otosan Rolled Off its 1 Millionth Vehicle

2008-01-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ford Motor’s subsidiary in Turkey, Ford Otosan has recently announced that it has have successfully rolled off the millionth vehicle at the company’s Kocaeli plant.

In a press conference called for by Ford Otosan General Manager Michael Flewitt, he said that the main reasons for the success of Ford Otosan in producing a million vehicles in six years were due to the intellectual accumulation combined and the high standards in engineering and production.

Mr. Flewitt said that in six years time they have been able to increase production capacity six times. Additional investments have also helped in making the company grow. He also mentioned that the latest capacity increase happened in October 2007 which brings production to 300,000 vehicles per year.

Mr. Flewitt has also stressed that the production of a million vehicles is also directly link to the increasing demand which clearly demonstrates the quality of their vehicles.

Ford Otosan Vice General Manager Ufuk Güçlü has also announced that the İnönü plant that manufactures Ford heavy duty trucks has already produced its 500,000th engine.

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Mazda MX-5 Niseko Special Edition Soon in UK

2008-01-01T20:47:00.001-08:00

The MX-5 is currently one of the top selling sports cars in the UK and to celebrate its success, the Japanese subsidiary of Ford and archrival of Honda the producer of high quality Acura Legend axle, would present two special edition Mazda MX-5 Niseko models named after the ski resort in Japan. The MX-5 is designed to highlight the roadster’s all-weather abilities.

Unfortunately for US, the MX-5 Niseko will only be available in the UK and will bear a tag price of £17,995 and is expected to climb to £20,000 with options. The soft-top 1.8i Niseko is equipped with a 126 horsepower engine and a five-speed manual transmission while the 2.0i with 160 horsepower cost £19,995. A six-speed manula is mated to the hard-top 2.0i. Two new colors are offered the Icy Blue and Sunlight Silver metallic paints.

For the coming year customers will be pleased with the new offerings that include 17-inch alloys, body-color finish on the style bar trim, fog lights, a chrome package, and Niseko badging. Inside are dark brown heated leather seats with matching door trim, steering wheel, gearknob, and handbrake.

The Mazda MX-5 Niseko 1.8i soft-top will be offered in a limited number of 240 units while 560 units of the 2.0i roadster coupe will be made available to the British buyers.

Sime Darby Will Not Takeover Malaysia JV, Ford Said

2008-01-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ford Malaysia Sdn Bhd has recently denied reports stating that Ford Motor is planning to transfer its entire 49% stakes in Ford Malaysia to Sime Darby Bhd which holds the remaining percentage of the joint venture through its Tractors Malaysia Bhd unit.

The automaker said, "Ford Malaysia wishes to clarify that there will not be any transfer of Ford Motor's 49% equity stake in Ford Malaysia to Sime Darby upon the potential dissolution of the joint venture company, Ford Malaysia."

Sime Darby and Ford Motor are currently in talks for a new 100% owned subsidiary which will give Ford the distributor rights in Malaysia.

This statement was issued by the automaker in response to the reports in The Star newspaper that cited Ford Malaysia Managing Director Timothy Tucker as saying that Sime Darby is planning to takeover the 49 percent stake of Ford Motor in the joint venture.

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Ford High Performance Focus RS Coming in 2009

2007-12-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

Ford has recently announced its plan of creating a new version of its high performance Focus RS which is to be launched in 2009. A teaser image was already shown to provide a hint of what the new RS would look like but according to Ford it will be based in the 2008 Focus ST.

For the new Focus RS, Ford has created a Ford Team RS headed by Jost Capito who previously supervised the development of the Focus World Rally Car. The RS project was given the go signal and the team is given a number of months to work on the car. Jost Capito said, "We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results. Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

In terms of technical specifications, Ford has not released any information on this regard but guaranteed that they will release the needed details closer on the launching on the RS. John Fleming, Ford of Europe CEO also said, "We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling. But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

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Ford at the 2008 International CES

2007-12-26T23:17:00.000-08:00

After the successful launching of Ford SYNC at the 2007 International CES where it earned the highly coveted “People’s Voice” award, Ford will once again participate in the annual gathering in Las Vegas on January 6 to present key partnerships as well showcase further advancements in consumer-oriented, in-vehicle electronics.

According to Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development, "Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand. Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio."

CES visitors will get the chance to see Ford vehicles and technologies developed in partnership with key suppliers such as Dolby, Gracenote, Microsoft, SIRIUS, Sony Electronics and THX.

The technologies as well as the various advancements that are showcased on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products at the International CES will be made available to customers but many are already part of Ford’s next-generation navigation system which will be offered on selected model year 2009 vehicles.

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Analysts Lowers Predictions of Ford’s 2008 and 2009 Earnings after Reviewing the Automaker’s Financials

2007-12-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Two analysts have recently reduced their earnings prediction for Ford Motor Co. after reviewing the automaker’s finances but they did project an automotive demand heading into 2008.

Rod Lache of Deutsche Bank lowered his 2008, 2009, and 2010 estimates for Ford and projected higher losses from the automaker’s financing arm coupled with a continued decline in market share. The summary of his projection for Ford include:

• a loss of 65 cents per share for 2008 down from a projected loss of 48cents
• a profit of 97 cents per share in 2009 down from a projected profit of $1.15
• a profit of $1.13 per share in 2010 down from a projected profit of $1.42

Lache has also cut his price target for Ford to $13 from $14.50 but he retained his “Buy” rating. He wrote in a note to investors, "The change in our market share assumptions is a result of adjustments to our outlook for U.S. industry mix. We continue to recommend Ford shares based on UAW and non-UAW cost reduction plans and additional opportunities."

The analysts polled by Thomson Financial have also projected a loss of 23 cents per share in 2008 a loss of 8 cents per share in 2009 and a profit of 78 cents per share in 2010.

Robert Barry an analyst of Goldman Sachs has raised his fourth-quarter earnings prediction by 10 cents to a loss of 29 cents. He cut his estimates for 2008 and 2009 to 50 cents and $1 respectively attributing its prediction to the US macro economic factors and a weak product tempo. Analysts on the average expect for the fourth quarter loss of 21 cents per share.

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Ford’s Plant Problem in Russia

2007-12-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Just recently a strike happened at one of Ford’s assembly line that has resulted to the slowing down of production and we know just how costly a strike can prove for an automaker. Workers have walked out from their jobs last November 22 at Ford’s St. Petersburg’s plant.

Toyota and Nissan co-Japanese automaker of Honda the producer of quality Acura grille will also follow Ford’s footsteps and are planning to build their own plants in a region known as Russia’s Detroit due to the booming car business in the area.

The strike that happened at Ford’s plant simply goes to show the tightening labor market in Russia, a problem that seems to be inconceivable a few years ago.

Plants are also compelled to pay higher wages and after two raises of 15 and 20 percent the union is now demanding for a 40 percent increase in base pay.

According to Ford’s spokeswoman in Russia, Ekaterina P. Kuliko the average wage at the plant is 21,500 a month or $880.

Vladimir V. Lesik, 32 an organizer in the Inter-Region Union of Automotive Workers, an affiliate of the International Metal Federation union explains why they want an increase, "They say they produce cars to European standards, so we want to be paid to European standards."

There is presently a problem in workers in Russia attributed to the shrinking population, limited worker mobility and the rapid economic growth that has somewhat contributed to the scarcity of available labor. Ford need also to hurry up in fixing the problem in its plant or else it will wakeup one day with all of its workers transferring to Toyota especially when according to the union that the Japanese automaker is hiring experienced assembly line workers from Ford.

Ford has the reputation in Russia of paying high salary for assembly line workers and the automaker is proud to say that the wages they are giving are the highest in the district the average salary is 13,000 rubles or $530 a month.

Ms. Kuliko said, “We are ready for talks, we are ready for discussion, but their demands are excessive.”

Aside from the high wages the union is also demanding for shorter night shifts, overtime pay of three times their base pay and a formula indexing wages to the cost of living.

Ford has already guarantee 11 percent wage increases to match the inflation in 2008 that is according to Ms. Kuliko. Unfortunately, the union doesn’t like these terms and continued with their strike outside the factory gates.

The automaker fof the meantime has resumed one of the three shifts with nonunion employees working reducing the plant’s production of Ford Focus from 300 to 100 cars a day.

With the continuing strike it is expected for the waiting period for a new Focus to reach three months and may get even longer. This is not good especially since there is currently an increasing demand for the Ford Focus in Russia.

MADD Canada Calls on Ford to Remove Sutherland from Ads

2007-12-14T01:09:00.000-08:00

MADD Canada has recently called on Ford Motor Company rival of Honda the producer of quality Acura CSX seat belt to change Kiefer Sutherland in the company’s advertisement after the actor was convicted for drunk driving.

The star of ‘24’ will be serving 48-day sentence in a California prison after pleading no-contest in October for driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08.

The incident happened last September 25 after the Canadian actor left a Hollywood party. Before this, Sutherland was already in probation following a drunken-driving arrest in 2004, eleven years after the actor was convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving in 1993.

Sutherland will serve 48 days in jail and will serve 60 months probation, pay $510 fine, enroll in an 18-month alcohol-education class and attend a weekly alcohol-therapy sessions for six months.

According to Andrew Murie, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, Ford should look at the conviction as a wake up call that Sutherland is not the right guy to promote the company’s line of vehicle. In an interview with CTV, Murie further stated: "Obviously as a company they're against drunk driving, so why are they continuing to have somebody speak on behalf of their products that now has been convicted... of impaired driving? Literally, there are thousands of people out there that meet the moral standards of our society today that would love to have that kind of endorsement contract and they should be honored for their ethical behavior." Ford need to use people that uphold society’s standards.

Murie also suggests for Sutherland to get a personal driver or have a limousine take him home instead of driving home drunk.

Gina Gellert, Ford Canada spokesperson said that the company is monitoring the situation unfortunately Sutherland’s voice will still be used for the commercial that is according to The Canadian Press.

Ford to Recall 1 Million Large Trucks

2007-12-14T00:19:00.000-08:00

Ford Motor Co. the archrival of Honda the producer of high quality Acura CSX brake master cylinder in the large truck segment has announced a recall of more than a million large trucks caused by a faulty engine sensor that may lead to the sudden stalling and a possibly a crashing accident.

The said recall will affect 1997 to 2003 model year F-Super Duty pickups, Excursion sport utility vehicles, and E-Series vans, all with 7.3 liter diesel engines that is according to Ford last Thursday. The company has also announced that it would replace the sensor at no extra charge to owners.

There were already 14 reports of accidents or loss of control related to the sensor problem fortunately none resulted to injury. The vehicles were produced at Ford plants in Louisville, Ky., Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, and Avon Lake, Ohio.

Some Winter Driving Tips from Mazda

2007-12-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Aside from poor visibility and snow, winter also spells more hazardous driving conditions. The South Dublin Mazda dealer in the Sandyford Industrial Estate would like to be of help to make winter driving safer. Dealer Principal Bruce Soraghan with Sandyford Mazda shares some helpful winter driving tips in the cold, darker and snowy nights of the winter season:

1. Ensure your vehicle is well maintained: In particular, make sure all lights, indicators, wipers and washers are working properly. Check tire pressure and thread depth in all tyres, including spares.

2. Use screen wash additive and de-icer to keep your windscreen clear. Always keep a screen scraper and de-icer in your car.

3. Ensure that oil and water levels are topped up correctly, paying particular attention to the type of oil, as cold weather can thicken it.

4. Plan and give extra time for each journey, listening to weather forecasts and traffic and travel radio updates for possible delays and closures.

5. Essential items for winter driving include a fully charged mobile phone, sunglasses (as winter sun can be blinding), a shovel, torch, warm clothes and some food.

6. If visibility is poor due to heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, reduce your speed and turn on dipped headlights or fog lights if required.

7. Keep extra distance from the vehicle in front as braking distances are greatly increased in poor conditions.

8. Look out for potential skid traps such as black ice, frost or wet leaves. If you start to skid, ease off accelerator but do not brake suddenly.

9. Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.

10. Book a winter service if you have any doubts whatsoever about the condition of your car.

“Dark winter days and poor weather conditions highlight the need to take extra precautions such as these when driving," Mr Soraghan said.

“One of the most practical and suitable vehicles to handle all road conditions is the new Mazda CX-7, a completely new kind of crossover between 4x4 SUV and sports car."

In almost all situations, tips are so helpful especially when they com from experts. But as you buy your car, manuals also help the way tips does like how I find my Acura CL repair manual.

Land Rover LR2 HSE debuts

2007-12-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Ford’s Land Rover brand together with Jaguar had been receiving several bids, but before it moves to another parent company, it is giving Ford Motors one more reason to keep it, the Land Rover LR2 HSE.

Land Rover’s LR2 debuted in April of this year and from then, it had been receiving high demands from consumers strengthening Land Rover’s vehicle line-up in North America. For more reinforcement, the HSE is a better derivative.

The new body bumpers and side sills give the LR2 HSE a sportier look than the previous LR2 SE. The looks are greatly accented with rear spoiler with titanium door handles, new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and exclusive Land Rover headlights of top quality just like Acura CL headlights. The interior is made more roomy and accessorized with the 8x6 way power adjustable seats and a storage box with innovated sliding cover.

“The LR2 reflects Land Rover’s dynamic design, with a smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies. It has been very well received around the world since its introduction,” said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. “The HSE version offers subtle changes for those customers seeking a slightly different look to their LR2."

Most of the technical specs of the LR2 SE were carried on to the LR2 HSE like the 3.-liter inline-six engine generating 230 bhp speeding the HSE to 0-60 mph acceleration in just 8.4 seconds or 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

A new six-speed automatic transmission comes with the engine along with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ that offers manual sequential gear changes when needed. For more reactive drive, a sport mode choice is also an option. On-road and off-road performance of the LR2 HSE is made even better as it is jam-packed with exclusive Land Rover technologies. These technologies include the Land Rover Terrain Response designed for making off-road driving easier. A permanent intelligent all-wheel drive system is standard for optimum traction and fuel efficiency. Land Rover’s unique Gradient Release Control collaborates with the Hill Descent Control to improve braking in dangerous driving conditions like steep and slippery roads.

Ford Motors joins Suppliers Partnership for the environment

2007-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Last November 27, Ford Motor Company gained membership to the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

"The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment is very pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has joined SP," said Randy Leslie, Vice President & General Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc. and SP's Chair. "SP continues to grow by providing economic and environmental value to all levels of the automobile supply chain," said Leslie.

"One of the exciting things about this announcement for SP is that Ford Motor Company now joins Chrysler and General Motors in providing their leadership to SP," said SP's Membership Chair, Leon Richardson, President, Chemico Systems, Inc. "SP's mission is to reduce our member companies' environmental footprint and do so in a way that will provide economic opportunity for the automobile supply chain," continued Richardson.

"We welcome Ford Motor Company participation in SP and are we will continue to work to encourage other leadership companies to join the organization," Richardson concluded.

Susan Cishke, Senior Vice-president for Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering will be the SP Board Representative for Ford Motor Company. Last November 8, the SP 4th Quarter Membership Meeting was held in Washington DC. During the event, Andrew Hobbs, the Director of Environmental Quality Office at Ford Motor Co. was elected an At-large Chair of the SP Executive Committee. The Committee will take responsibility for all the organization’s activities.

"Ford Motor Company is pleased to be part of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment," said Hobbs. "We believe that our membership in SP is another indication of Ford Motor Companies continued leadership in global environmental and sustainability activities that improve the environment while providing increased economic opportunities for the automobile supply chain," Hobbs said.

"We look forward to working with SP and helping the organization expand its reach within the automobile supply chain while addressing important environmental and sustainability issues within the automobile industry," Hobbs concluded.

Ford is really helping the environment, but I bet if you keep those Acura CL exhaust in good condition you'd be sure be doing your part too.

Land Rover celebrates 60th Anniversary with Land Rover Defender SVX

2007-11-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of Ford’s Premiere Automotive Group (PAG), the Land Rover is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the British nameplate plans to celebrate by opening the curtains for their iconic Defender SVX.

Last November 23, at the British Red Cross Ball held in London, the first ever Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled by Zara Philips. The vehicle was donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to be included in the auction at the ball.

"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."

Every year, almost 25,000 Defenders are produced targeting farmers, foresters and aid agencies as buyers. But since it is their 60th anniversary, Land Rover made the SVX as the most stylish and the one with the most features.

"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."

In the UK, there will be a total of 200 Defender RVX to be made available for British car enthusiasts. The 200 units will be composed of 140 two seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. The Defender SVX will arrive at dealerships on spring of 2008 competing with other vehicles meant for rough road driving produced by leading automakers like Honda (creates original Acura CL brake booster), Chrysler, Toyota and the rest.

2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT bows in Arizona

2007-11-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

The limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT bowed at the Arizona International Auto Show. The car derived from the Ford Mustang was created by the consortium of automotive icons including Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles.

Starting last Saturday, car enthusiasts can already buy one of the 100 units of the car with an MSRP of $38,980. The new vehicle is available all through out the Arizona Region Ford dealers. The 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT is available in coupes and convertibles. For a good cause, every purchase of the vehicle entitles a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."

Barrett-Jackson is strongly supported by Ford Motor Co. The automaker shouldered the expenses for its Family Value Day that launched the lifestyle week in Scottsdale. The event gave car enthusiasts of all-ages tickets and it admitted children under 12 years old for free.

"Barrett-Jackson's unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America's love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."

Barrett-Jackson, from an auction became a retail automotive lifestyle event globally. Its auction block includes Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s and now the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT.

"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we've worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll's Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."

Limited edition it is. I guess I have to drive to Arizona with my Acura RL (with Acura brake dust shields) to see why the Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT is limited. And perhaps, see what’s there in the auction.

Old Luxury Cars are not Eco-friendly in Canada

2007-11-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

Industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers reported that 43 percent of passenger cars built 15 years ago is still on the road in Canada and this seriously hurts our ecology. For DesRosiers, the automakers’ pursuit of introducing new cleaner vehicles is a stupid idea when the old smokers still takes large part in pollution.

DesRosiers is Canada’s most famous auto industry observer and he noted vehicle brands that live longer than the others. DesRosiers concluded that high priced cars like Porsche as the leader with 98.7 percent of its vehicles created 11 to 15 years ago are still widely and longer used. Porsche is followed by premium brands like Volvo, Lexus, BMW (with standard BMW ignition coil) and Mercedes-Benz to wrap up the first five.

The overall longevity trend is "positive for the aftermarket, negative for the environment, negative for new vehicle manufacturers, negative for the government – and most immediately, positive for the average Canadian vehicle owner," DesRosiers states.

"Older vehicles are the least fuel-efficient and highest-polluting users of the road," he points out.

"A current model year vehicle emits 98 per cent less toxins into the air than a vehicle bought 15 years ago."

"This represents a much bigger challenge for green-concerned legislators than the issues related to getting the original equipment manufacturers to deliver a greener vehicle to the new vehicle buyer," he said.

"Last night I attended a dinner where one of our federal politicians stood up and beat up the automotive sector on the environment and proudly pronounced that the feds were going to implement strict vehicle emission standards for new vehicles," DesRosiers added.

"I think it rather foolish for any politician to target the already highly fuel-efficient and very environmentally friendly new vehicles. There are currently close to seven million vehicles on the road in Canada that are over 10 years old, or about 40 per cent of all light vehicles registered. But no politician has the backbone to target getting these old smokers off the road."

And with the strong Canadian dollar provoking an increase in imports from the United States, he warns: "There are over 240 million used vehicles parked within a few hours of Canada just waiting to come north, and most of them are gas-guzzling smokers."

Longest-lasting cars

The proportion of passenger cars 11 to 15 years old still in use averages 60.6 per cent across the industry but varies widely among manufacturers. The latest numbers from 2006, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants with data from R.L. Polk Canada:

Porsche 98.7%
Volvo 87.2%
Lexus 83.8%
BMW 83.6%
Mercedes-Benz 82.6%
Jaguar 81.4%
Toyota 78.2%
Audi 76.5%
Honda 76.5%
Acura 75.9%
Cadillac 74.6%
Lincoln 72.8%
Saab 72.2%
Saturn 69.2%
Buick 68.8%
Chrysler 68.8%
Oldsmobile 67.2%
Infiniti 65.8%
Mazda 64.8%
Volkswagen 63.1%
Nissan 61.0%
Subaru 59.1%
Mercury 54.9%
Dodge 54.6%
Pontiac 53.6%
Ford 53.6%
Plymouth 52.5%
Eagle 51.6%
Chevrolet 48.6%
Hyundai 32.8%
Suzuki 30.8%
Isuzu 19.8%
Lada 5.1%
Industry Average 60.6

Mazda’s Demio wins Japan’s 2008 Car of the Year Award

2007-11-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

Recently, Michio Takei, Mazda Motor Corporation Chairman announced that their Mazda Demio is the recipient of the 2008 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year. The Mazda CX-7 was also given the “Best SUV” title by the same award giving body.

The Mazda Demio made of Mazda performance parts, or the Mazda2 overseas shares the same platform with the 2008 Ford fiesta. Due to enhanced development opportunities the car is built with light weight material that reduces it’s over all dimension presenting exciting style and powerful performance. The RJC gave the Demio top scores in the fuel efficiency nad drivability criteria. The predecessor of the Demio is about 100 kilograms heavier than this new Demio. Mazda combined their MZR 1.3 Miller-cycle engine and a continuously variable transmission to gain a 23.0 km/L fuel economy in its 10-15 fuel mode.

Designed for cosmopolitan driving, the Mazda CX-7 is RJC’s “Best SUV”. The winning attributes of the CX-7 is its powerful and responsive dynamics given by its 2.3-liter direct injection turbocharged engine. For complete comfortable drive, it was also assembled with a six-speed Activematic transmission, it suspension is also complementary.

Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, said, “We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards from the RJC. Under our product-led growth strategy, we launched the Mazda Atenza as the first of our next-generation models in 2002 and it won the RJC Car of the Year award. We’re pleased to be chosen again by the RJC for the Mazda Demio, the first new model we introduced after announcing our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term technical development vision this year. We appreciate these accolades as a validation of where we are going with our products. Looking ahead, we will continue to strive to make cars infused with the Mazda spirit.”

Motor Trends’ 2008 Car of the Year Winner and Contenders

2007-11-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

Today, Motor Trend, the world’s leading automotive magazine announced the Cadillac CTS as their 2008 Car of the Year. Part of the Source Interlink Media, the complete details of the award and its recipient will be published in their January 2008 edition available in newsstands by December 4, 2007.

"The Cadillac CTS marks the first time in decades an American automobile has been designed and engineered with an eye on the global marketplace," said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "Among its many excellent qualities, perhaps the most valuable one is that it shows Detroit can build a world class car to compete with the best Munich, Stuttgart and Toyota City have to offer. With the CTS, Detroit is officially back in the car business, not just the truck or SUV business."

"The CTS's winning attributes go far beyond a well-designed facade," said MacKenzie. "It's the star of a new GM revival, and with a base price of just $32,990, the car is truly accessible to a wide spectrum of car buyers."

The CTS’ base model produces 263 horsepower via its VVT V-6. Other spec highlights includes its eight speaker Bose audio, 17-inch wheels and a dual zone climate control, interior is classically and comfortably designed, its six-speed automatic version goes 0-60 mph in just a flick of 6.3 seconds.

"This year's 18-car field was laden with truly significant vehicles," said MacKenzie. "We had all-new interpretations of high-volume benchmark cars that virtually define their respective categories, such as the Honda Accord and Chrysler-Dodge minivan. We had reworked icons such as the Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza WRX and Scion xB. We had new cars with old nameplates that carried the collective hopes of an entire company, along with all-new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Audi."

To make it among the nominees for Motor Trend’s 2008 Car of the year Award, a vehicle must be redesigned and released 12 months before January 2008. Cadillac CTS was the champ among this list of also honorable cars:

Audi A5/S5
Audi TT
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Avenger
Ford Focus
Ford Taurus
Honda Accord
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mini Cooper
Mitsubishi Lancer
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza
Volvo C30
Volvo XC70

The CTS also won the award way back in 1949, it was the first vehicle to win the prestigious title. Cadillac and General Motors have again captured the make of what should be a car of the year.

"The CTS obliterates the 'old man' image of Cadillac," said MacKenzie. "This car will turn heads in the same way that the elite European models do, but it is unmistakably American and uniquely Cadillac. This is a bold and uncompromising showpiece of a sedan."

MacKenzie added, "Tested and developed in the U.S., Germany and China, the CTS exhibits a global poise far beyond its predecessors. The chassis has the race track in its DNA. And it has an interior that manages to be avant-garde and innovative without being difficult to operate. The navigation/information touchscreen sets a new industry standard for stylishness and ease of use."

That’s another award guys, I have to go now. I’ll have to check out some magnaflow exhaust so see you guys later!

Lincoln will no longer be your Grandfather's car

2007-11-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Ford’s 86 year-old nameplate, the Lincoln, often owned by our grandfathers is enjoying a revival. Ford is equipping vehicles carrying the Lincoln badge with new Ford technologies to raise its dignity to be the car choice of not just the elders but for car enthusiasts of all ages.

At the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Lincoln Flagship debuted as the Lincoln MKS. According to analysts, Lincoln’s parent, Ford Motor Co. still has a long way to drive along the trek of reestablishing Lincoln as a good or even a great vehicle brand.

''Lincoln does have brand baggage, and when you couple that with unfamiliar model names, you're really up against a lot of marketing challenges,'' said Rebecca Lindland, an auto industry analyst with the consulting company Global Insight.

For the first ten months of 2007, the sales of the Lincoln brand rose by 10 percent more than the other luxury brands, thanks to the MKS crossover. The Lincoln Navigator, an SUV and the MKZ sedan reached an eight percent sales increase filling in the gap as the Town car and the Mark LT’s sales had a double decline.

With the new MKS, Ford hopes to surge the momentum for Lincoln. According to Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of design for the Americas, Ford created the MKS based from different design hints of past Lincolns which includes a distinct double-wing grille from 1941 giving the MKS a clean and confident look.

Next summer, the Lincoln MKS will be available with a 3.7 liter V-6 engine to produce 270 horsepower. Ford (makes original Volvo muffler) also plans to offer the MKS with direct-injection engine technology granting the vehicle a power of a V8 and the fuel efficiency rate of a V6. Ford’s award winning Sync system will be standard in the MKS allowing the drivers to enjoy hands-free access to their mobile phones and the media. To reduce emissions, the MKS will have a capless fuel system. Lincoln’s flagship will be priced slightly less than the Cadillac CTS, around $38,000.

''We think we have a strong entry here to really entice folks,'' said Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, at a recent media preview for the MKS in Dearborn, near Ford's headquarters.

Jaguar North America announces pricing for the 2009 Jaguar XF

2007-11-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, Jaguar North America announced their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of their new-fangled 2009 Jaguar XF in the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

"This is the New Jaguar" says Marti Eulberg, executive vice president Sales and Marketing, Jaguar North America, "The well-equipped 2009 XF sedan will go on sale March 1, 2008 at an MSRP under $50,000 with a standard V8 engine."

The MSRP of the 2009 Jaguar XF is $49, 975.

"The 2009 XF showcases Jaguar's leadership in automotive design, with stunning craftsmanship, quality and dynamic refinement, while offering exceptional standard equipment and exciting advanced technology," adds Eulberg. "This groundbreaking sedan is proof that Jaguar is moving boldly into the future with seductively-designed cars that are head-turning and of the highest quality."

Highlights of the new Jaguar XF are:

• Three trim levels will be offered in the U.S. market – Luxury, Premium Luxury and the 420hp Supercharged model.

• The XF is a four door Jaguar that combines the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan.

• Class-leading torsional stiffness delivers refinement and dynamic performance – underpinning the driver-focused yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.

• The XF will be available at launch in the U.S. with two different engines – 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and 4.2-liter supercharged V8 – all featuring Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles as standard in the XK sports car.

• With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful lines and a distinctive face, the XF is the first sedan to exemplify Jaguar's new design language.

• Using only the finest materials, which are applied in a very contemporary way, the XF's interior is crafted to create a truly warm and bespoke environment

• Challenging convention, the XF offers sophisticated instrumentation and intuitive technologies. Upon entry, the start button pulses, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive SelectorTM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.

• The coupe-like lines of the XF (which are similar to the XK's) belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a trunk capacity of 17.7 cu. ft., plus the opportunity to fold down the rear seats and add a further 14.8 cu. ft.

• Key driver aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.

• Jaguar-exclusive Bowers & Wilkins 440-watt Surround Sound System is available on all three trim levels.

• The first cars will be delivered to U.S. customers in March 2008.

Jaguar North America is one of Ford Motor Co.’s subsidiaries. Similarly, other Ford division includes Mazda (makes Mazda 626 performance parts), Volvo, Lincoln and Mercury brands.

Happily ever after for Detroit as Ford contract is ratified

2007-11-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, the United Auto Workers union announced that 79 percent of their 54,000 workers have ratified the new contract with Ford Motor Co. The new contract provides lower salary for new employees and a union-run trust fund for UAW’s retirees.

All three Detroit based automakers have reached their four-year contract with the labor union. General Motors and Chrysler (makes Jeep cargo net) have ratified their contracts in October while Chrysler’s deal was approved with small margin. Among the three automakers, Ford was the only that UAW did not launch a strike or even a threat of one.

All deals have been hailed by both the automakers and the union for providing job security and at the same time cost cutting for automakers they struggle to compete with their Japanese rivals.

According to UAW chief Ron Gettelfinger, the union agreed with Ford a contract protecting wages, benefits and seniority rights and it will provide his members with income at the same time securing health care for their retirees.

“We stood our ground in the face of some rather big asks by the company and came away with a creative agreement that addresses the concerns of our members and also gives the company the opportunity to move forward,” he said in a statement. “Now it’s up to Ford to successfully bring to market the top-quality vehicles our members are building in UAW Ford factories.”

UAW said that 81 percent of the production workers voted for the deal and 71 percent of the skilled trade workers also posed their in-favor votes.

“This agreement is proof that by working together with our UAW partners, it is possible to find solutions that collectively benefit our employees, retirees and the company,” Ford President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally said in a statement. “This contract will provide significant opportunities for the company’s long-term competitiveness, and that is good for all of us.”

Aside from the 54,000 workers, the four-year contract until September 14, 2011 will also cover the 94,000 Ford retirees and their 28,000 living spouses.

Ford’s Mariner Hybrid competes with Limos

2007-11-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Ford becomes the first automaker to offer a vehicle with a hybrid livery package with their Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The Hybrid Mercury Mariner is offered as an alternative to stretched chauffeured limousines, said Doug Walczak, Ford North American Fleet Limousine and livery manager. It is another response made by Ford to the growing trend of innovation and luxury put together.

"There has been demand for a hybrid livery vehicle for some time," said Walczak. "More and more livery clients are asking operators for environmentally friendly options. In turn, the operators are coming to us for a solution."

As an alternative to the Lincoln Town Car, the Mariner Hybrid is offered with the luxury package. The Lincoln Town Car is the premium choice of luxury sedans in the limo/livery industry accounting for the 80 percent of the market share. Walczak also said that the small SUV is already gaining considerations compared to other premium vehicles with German DNA, BMWs (all with BMW foglight) and Volks.

"The Ford Mariner Hybrid addresses a market need," said Walczak. "Compared to the other hybrids, the Mariner Hybrid is roomier and has more cargo capacity than the Toyota Prius and is much less expensive than Lexus hybrids."

Fuel economy is largely provided by the Ford Mariner Hybrid with an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Compared to larger livery vehicles, it is almost half or even third of that of the Mariner’s.

In the recent Limo and Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation (LCT) Eastern Conference and New England Livery Association trade show held in Connecticut, the Ford Mariner Hybrid really turned heads. One Limousine owner, Mark Shpilner had a Mariner Hybrid delivered in his garage in Boston from the Lincoln-Mercury from Acton, Massachusetts.

"I sold a 2003 Chevy Suburban and decided to try a Mariner," Shpilner said. "We're going to put it out there (as an option for our customers), and see what happens."

Most Popular Cars for Men and Women

2007-11-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

According to a research by AutoPacific, a market research firm in the automotive industry most human beings carrying the XY chromosomes, or the male specie buys the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty. The buyers of the truck are 93 percent men.

On the other hand, the female specie’s choice of vehicles ranges from Saturn, Honda and Volkswagen spelling refinement.

Although car makers aims to create unisex vehicles or avoid gender specificity for their autos, "some cars are more masculine or feminine by nature." says Jim Hossick, vice-president and senior consultant at AutoPacific.

From Forbes.com, here are the most popular cars for men and women.

Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty
Owners: 93% male
MSRP: $22,225
The Silverado comes with a 6-liter V8 engine that boasts 353 horsepower and 373 foot-pounds of torque. A 6.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine is an optional upgrade.

Ford F-350
Owners: 93% male
MSRP: $22,380
If the truck's 6.4-liter, 350 Hp diesel engine isn't enough to give it an image of toughness, its commercials feature burly men sporting cowboy hats.

Nissan Titan
Owners: 91% male
MSRP: $23,700
This full-size pickup (with Nissan oxygen sensor) packs a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 305 Hp. The 5-speed transmission has a towing/hauling mode for heavier loads.

Chevrolet Corvette
Owners: 90% male
MSRP: $45,170
The Corvette was the first all-American-made sports car. From its original 1953 150-Hp design, it has evolved into a 7-liter V-8 coupe with 436 Hp.

Dodge Ram
Owners: 89% male
MSRP: $22,405
The Ram comes with an option of either a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 215 Hp or the 4.7-liter V8 with 235 Hp for maximum capability.

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
Owners: 63% female
MSRP: $17,635
VW's remake of the classic '60s "Love Bug" is coming up on a decade of production and offers a five-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower.

Honda CRV
Owners: 62% female
MSRP: $20,700
Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, both CRV models come with a 166-Hp, 4-cylinder engine. The CRV is also among the top safety picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Hyundai Tucson
Owners: 60% female
MSRP: $16,995
Designed to compete with the Honda CRV, the Ford Escape, and Toyota's Rav 4, this petite SUV comes with a 140-Hp, 4-cylinder engine

Saturn Vue
Owners: 60% female
MSRP: $18,100
Saturn's small SUV comes standard with a 144-Hp, 4-cylinder engine, but the Vue is also available with a 248-Hp V6 or as a 170-Hp hybrid.

Honda Element
Owners: 57% female
MSRP: $18,980
This crossover SUV is powered by a 166-Hp, 4-cylinder engine and comes in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive models. The Element was designed to compete with compact SUVs like the Ford Escape and tall hatchbacks like the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Vehicle searches soar at Cars.com

2007-11-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Cars.Com Consumer Search Index revealed that there are several redesigned vehicles for the 2008 model year which are arousing interest of consumers logging on their site.

The most searched new car on Cars.com was the Honda Accord while the Mercedes Benz-C Class remains on the top ten of the most searched new cars for October. The Benz now occupies the sixth rank among the ten vehicles on the list.

"The interest generated for these new vehicles and redesigns has certainly meant good news in for manufacturers and has translated well into sales," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. "GM seems to have generated some real interest with their redesigns of the Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS and the new GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, both of which are just outside the top ten list of cars experiencing the largest increase in searches."

Most of the vehicles made its way to the list by receiving positive reviews and most of the time from good marketing strategies from their automakers.

Below are the new cars with the most searches on Cars.com and the cars experiencing the largest increases and decreases month over month.

Top New Car Searches (October)
1 Honda Accord
2 Honda
3 Toyota Camry
4 Honda CR-V
5 Nissan Altima
6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7 Toyota
8 Ford Mustang
9 Toyota Corolla
10 Chevrolet Silverado

New Cars with Largest Increase in Searches (October)

1 Chevrolet Malibu 148%
2 Honda Accord 29%
3 Chevrolet Tahoe 27%
4 Cadillac CTS 27%
5 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 19%
6 Chevrolet Corvette 17%
7 Acura MDX 17%
8 Dodge Charger 17%
9 Volkswagen Jetta 14%
10 Honda Fit 11%

New Cars with Largest Decrease in Searches (October)

1 Toyota Highlander 9%
2 Toyota Yaris 5%
3 Toyota Sienna 4%
4 Toyota RAV4 3%
5 Mazda Mazda3 3%
6 Jeep Wrangler 2%
7 Toyota Camry 2%
8 Toyota Prius 2%
9 Nissan Altima 2%
10 Infiniti G35 1%

So that’s it, the most searched cars. However if you are searching for performance or replacement parts an index of it is what you should look for.

Ford Falls, GM and Toyota rises

2007-11-07T00:23:00.000-08:00

Coinciding with the storming wildfires in California and the enduring crisis in the housing market, October had been a good month for GM and the Japanese automakers. According to October sales result released last Thursday, GM remains on top while Ford had been replaced by Toyota in the number two post in the U.S. auto market.

For Chrysler, sales have declined by nine percent, one of the biggest downfalls in the October car sales in America. Also last Thursday, the privatized automaker announced their 12,000 job cutting plans and shifts elimination to control vehicle overproduction and the falling demand for Chrysler made vehicles. According to the automaker, their sales rose by 12 percent but was pulled down by their truck sales which fell by 14 percent.

“Today’s company announcement on product changes reflects our customer-driven philosophy and current market conditions,” said Darryl Jackson, vice president of U.S. sales for Chrysler in a statement.

Joining Chrysler is Ford Motor Co. with 9.3 percent U.S. sales decline making October as the 12th month of Ford’s continuous sales reduction. Ford explained that their car sales decreased by 26 percent because their Ford Taurus no longer has thousands of sales to rental agencies. However, Truck sales for Ford increased by a minimal 1.2 percent.

“Almost all of this is due to a previously planned reduction in daily rental sales,” George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst, said in a conference call with reporters and analysts. “This summer has been tough. Beginning in May, the daily rental reductions on a year-over-year basis have had a big impact in total sales result.”

Sales for Toyota were up by 4.5 percent due to a seven percent sales increase in their truck and sport utility vehicles. For Toyota, October was their best month, a rise after a series of sales decline these past few months.

“When the bar is set as high as it is, any little misstep or lessening of our progress becomes fodder for analysis,” said Toyota spokesman Xavier Dominicis. “I think we’re optimistic as the year comes to a close. ... There’s a resilience (at Toyota) that can drive in the face of adversity.”

Still making it as the top U.S. automaker, sales of General Motors were up by three percent fueled by their six percent increase in their new trucks and SUV vehicles.

“We’re feeling pretty good we’re able to buck industry trends ... and post sales increases on the retail side as well as total sales,” said Paul Ballew, GM’s executive director of global market and industry analysis.

The introduction of the new Altima sedan and the Versa subcompact was a smart idea for Nissan that the automaker poses a 13 percent sales increase. Sales expectations were greatly exceeded by the two new models and the new Rogue crossover is bringing them good cash too. For the first month of the Rogue in the market, it already sold a total of 5,000 units.

Honda Motor Co.’s (sells genuine Honda CRV parts) car sales increased by 14 percent giving way for the company to achieve its four percent total sales boost. Partly, their Accord is to be recognized for this although their truck sales were down by eight percent.

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

2007-11-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

Who’s not excited of the Holidays? Its one of the most awaited festivities of the year. The Holidays spell a great opportunity for family and friends to get together in dinners, lunches, parties and road trips.

Get-togethers can be always fun-filled but it can also be tragic when your family or friends are injured or worse, killed in traffic crashes.

As the holiday season is approaching, motorists need to be mindful of actions that will make their holiday travel safer. Drivers can protect themselves and their passengers by following these holiday travel rules:

• Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is tuned up and in good shape for travel.
This is especially important for winter driving conditions.

• Restrain yourself and your passengers properly in seat belts and car safety seats. Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride.

• Be flexible in setting your travel plans. Leave early if you can to avoid the peak traffic hours. If snow is predicted during the time you plan to travel, change your schedule. It is better to reschedule your get-together than to risk the lives of traveling family or friends.

• Stay fresh and alert when driving. Take plenty of breaks and do not push yourself to meet an unrealistic schedule. If you get tired, pull off the road into a rest area or business, get out of the car for some fresh air, buy something to refresh you, or just relax until you feel revived. If that doesn’t work, find a motel or campground where you can spend the night. Forty-one percent of fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle crashes. These crashes most often occur during the late night/ early morning hours and the late afternoon hours to drivers who are tired, have consumed alcohol, or both.

• Keep your speed down. Give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation.

• Do not pass if you cannot see enough clear roads to pass safely.

• If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free.

• Because driving requires your full attention, pull off the road if you have to use your cellular phone.

It is also advisable to winterize your car for winter driving, the Holiday’s weather. Better have those Lexus sc400 parts properly checked and prepared for winter driving if you don't want to spoil your holidays.

Ford and UAW reached tentative contract

2007-11-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

At 3:20 am last Saturday, the United Auto Workers union reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co. after two days straight of bargaining. Compared to the UAW’s deals with General Motors and Chrysler LLC, there was no strike or even a threat to one.

“Our bargaining committee came through for our active and retired members,” UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in a prepared statement. “Our team is proud of each and every negotiator because they have encouraged Ford to invest in product and people while addressing the economic needs of our active and retired members.”

Specific details have not been released by the two parties involved in the bargaining. Comments were sought from Ford negotiators, however, none was given.

“We face enormous challenges – and we also have enormous potential,” UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the union's National Ford Department, said in the statement.

“Our goals for this contract were to win new product and investment, to enhance job security and protect seniority – and we made progress in all these areas.”

The new contract will cover the almost 54,000 UAW represented Ford workers. In a statement, Ford Motor Co. (makes Volvo engine mount) confirmed that they will be funding a union controlled trust for the retiree health care benefits known as the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) similar to the GM and Chrysler provision. According to some UAW sources the fund is estimated to be $22 billion. However, the VEBA will still be under approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

New hires are also subjected to lower wages in exchange of product commitments from Ford to its U.S. plants.

According to the UAW, specifics of the agreement will be provided to UAW members working at Ford facilities. The contract will undergo ratification which typically runs for a couple of weeks.

“Though we will not discuss the specifics of the tentative agreement until after it becomes final, we believe it is fair to our employees and retirees, and paves the way for Ford to increase its competitiveness in the United States,” according to a Ford statement released last Saturday morning attributed to Joe Laymon, Ford's group vice president of human resources and labor affairs.

UAW now faces the Ford Challenge

2007-10-31T00:27:00.000-07:00

The United Auto Worker Union had proven might with their labor force as they kicked off two strikes and a series of bargaining with America’s largest automakers. The union’s battle is not yet done as they are about to face their last bargaining foe, Ford Motor Co.

According to auto industry analysts, among the big three of Detroit, Ford Motor Co. is the most financially ill. Last year, America’s second biggest automaker lost about $12 billion and with the hopes of economic spin this year, it placed its assets on a mortgage for funding of its return to profit plan. The plan entails the automaker to close 16 of its plants and facilities by 2012.

The union’s national council has to persuade its members that they are going to have a good deal with Ford or else, any agreement with the automaker will be rejected. Being the first bargaining target for the negotiations, General Motors offered extensive commitments on future products in their facilities to guarantee job security. According to Erich Merkle, vice-president of auto industry forecasting for the consulting firm IRN Inc. Ford (sells original Volvo power steering pump) cannot do what GM did. Ford’s market shares have been steadily sloping down from 26 percent in early 1990s to 15 percent this year and the company is already utilizing 80 percent of its U.S. plant capacity.

“Ford has to close plants. I don’t know how Ford can provide a lot of security going forward in terms of jobs,” Merkle said. “That made it difficult at Chrysler to get the contract passed, but if you think it’s a problem for Chrysler, it’s even a bigger problem for Ford.”

Last Saturday, the UAW completely ratified the Chrysler deal tallying about 56 percent of their production workers and 51 percent of the skilled workers voted for the tentative deal. The clerical and engineering workers however had higher vote margins than these workers. The deal was made after the UAW launched a six-hour strike on October 10. It was the same day that the union ratified the GM deal.

“We are pleased that our UAW employees recognize that the new agreement meets the needs of the company and its employees by providing a framework to improve our long-term manufacturing competitiveness,” Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s vice chairman and president, said in a statement. LaSorda was the company’s chief negotiator.

The Ten Country Cars

2007-10-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

A country vehicle to drive you on the tough trails need not be a sport utility vehicle or a truck, a car with special features for country driving will also do. Askmen.com, a site for men’s hobbies and stuffs like cars ranked ten cars best for country driving. And take note, SUVs and trucks are excluded.

Hyundai Azera

Hyundai’s Azera is one of the company’s strongest efforts to date. Its roomy interior, standard features and refinement are impressive for the GLS’s approximate $25,000 base price. SE and Limited models get a slight bump under the hood from the GLS’s 3.3-liter V6 to a 3.8-liter V6, plus the requisite increases in equipment and sticker prices. Whichever you spring for, you won’t have to get the heebie-jeebies racking up the miles, since Hyundai backs the Azera with an impressive warranty, including a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Subaru Outback

For just under $22,000 you can get into the base Outback, but you’ll need to step to the $31,000 XT Limited if you’d rather have 243 horsepower than the 170 standard ponies. Regardless, any of the five editions make for a well-behaved (and finally, well-dressed) country car.

Mazda MX-5

Redesigned in 2006, and free of its Miata maiden name, Mazda wisely left the third-generation cars character intact. As always, you won’t be over-stimulated with straight-line acceleration, but in the curves, you will be reminded of how a lateral-g leaves its mark in the form of a smile that you can’t control. Since luggage space is a far lower priority in a car of this nature, the MX-5 is an ideal country car only when it’s a bachelor’s daily driver or the second car in a household.

Ford Taurus

With the crusty Crown Victoria phased out of civilian duty, there’s now a decent big car from the Blue Oval crew. Though still appearing sort of like the Five Hundred, it couldn’t be more different under the hood and in the cabin. First, you still get a V6, but the new car’s 3.5-liter makes 30% more power than the older 3.0-liter, and 0 to 60 mph is now achievable in the same week that it’s attempted. Inside, a completely redone layout means more comfort and useful space.

Volkswagen Rabbit

Though smallish for what some consider a country car, the Volkswagen Rabbit is admirably roomy and refined wherever you may roam. We can’t think of many $15,000 new cars that even faintly echo the European driving experience of the Rabbit’s headier kin from Audi. Plus, whether you opt for the two- or four-door model, cargo room is an impressive 46 cubic feet when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded. You’d best secure that cargo, because the Rabbit invites spirited driving, which is delivered by 170 horsepower from its smooth inline five-cylinder engine. More than a Golf with a cheeky name, the Rabbit proves useful and entertaining as a country car.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Instead of being a tarted-up economy car with superficial touches, Mercedes devoted the level of attention worthy of a Maybach model -- or at least an AMG edition -- to make the C-Class something to behold. Speaking of which, there will be a C63 AMG. For a country car, though, the more modest C300 or C350 will prove more than adequate without the added expense and mileage penalty of the tuned V8.

Volvo XC70

Buyers who prefer cars, yet need the space, ground clearance and capability of an SUV for inhospitable conditions will love this wagon. For 2008, the Volvo XC70 loses some of the unsightly scuff-resisting and (supposedly) image-boosting plastic body trim for a cleaner look that still announces willingness and ability to go where sport-utes dare to tread. And in the right hands, it can. The XC70 has 8.27 inches of ground clearance and standard Hill Descent Control. Yet, on the road as a country car, it’s still a comfortable, well-behaved Volvo wagon.

Porsche Boxster S

Granted, Porsche did make the car civilized and easy to drive in the city, but the Boxster was really engineered to run. And when you do let loose the 295-horsepower, 3.4-liter, flat-six in its natural environment, the Boxster S rewards you with a multi-sensory driving experience that few cars, at any price, can match.

Honda Accord Sedan

Obviously, Honda wants to regain top-seller honors with this car and we can see it happening. This is a nicely appointed, well-finished presentation, which is something that hasn’t changed from past models. Only now, this country car boasts style as an additional selling point.

BMW 535xi Sports Wagon

The Bavarians haven’t dulled the road manners in the process of adding space, and the all-wheel drive affords an extra measure of confidence on dry and sloppy roads alike. Although the automaker’s 4.8-liter V8 can’t be had in a wagon, it isn’t necessary. One spirited drive of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine should be all it takes to wipe out any doubts.

The Chrysler Sebring with its engine and its parts (including a Chrysler catalytic converter) did not make it to the list, I have driven one on one country road trip, it was great too.

2008 Residual Value Award Winners

2007-10-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, the Automotive Lease Guild announced their ninth annual Residual Value Awards that recognizes vehicles that have the highest percentage of their original price after the traditional three-year lease term in every segment.

The awards are based on vehicles in their 2008 model year. The ALG also awarded brands for their highest predicted resale values in the industry and the luxury vehicles which the company had been giving for six years now. Awards given by the ALG are based on an objective study in segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

Summary of 2008 Residual Value Award Winners

Brand Awards Brand
Industry Brand Residual Value Award American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Luxury Brand Residual Value Award Infiniti, A division of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

Segment/Awards Vehicle

Compact Car Mini Cooper
Midsize Car Honda Accord
Fullsize Car Toyota Avalon
Sporty Car Volkswagen Eos
Near Luxury Car Infiniti G35/37
Luxury Car BMW 5 Series
Luxury Sports Car BMW 6 Series
Minivan Honda Odyssey
CUV Subaru Tribeca
Luxury CUV Range Rover Range Rover Sport
Compact SUV Jeep Wrangler
SUV Toyota 4Runner
Luxury SUV Lexus GX470 (built with original Lexus steering rack)
Compact Truck Toyota Tacoma Pickup
Fullsize Truck GMC/Chevy Sierra/Silverado

Industry Brand Residual Value Rankings

Rank/Brand
1 HONDA
2 TOYOTA
3 VOLKSWAGEN
4 SUBARU
5 NISSAN
6 MAZDA
7 SATURN
8 GMC TRUCKS
9 JEEP

Only brands above the industry average were ranked. Below industry average were the following brands (listed in alphabetical order): Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Pontiac & Suzuki.
Luxury Brand Residual Value Rankings

Rank/Brand
1 INFINITI
2 LEXUS
3 BMW
4 ACURA
5 PORSCHE
6 MERCEDES BENZ
7 LAND ROVER
8 AUDI

"The 2008 awards prove once again that compelling design, high quality manufacturing and disciplined pricing and volume programs are essential to achieve the highest residual value," said John Blair, Automotive Lease Guide's Chief Executive Officer.

"Honda, Toyota, Lexus and BMW continue to show leadership. In addition, Infiniti should be applauded for substantially increasing their Residual Values over the past several years. They have shown steady improvement and the new G35/37 put them over the top. Residual Value continues to be the best metric for determining the health of an automotive brand, and the winners deserve a great deal of credit for their products and sales strategies."

The Top Spot is for Mazda 6

2007-10-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

The What Car? Used Car of the Year 2007 spot is for Mazda 6 toppling down 48 model contenders from 3000 vehicles. The selection was made by the judges from used vehicles built starting year 2000 and onwards.

What Car? Used Car Editor Matt Sanger said: 'The 2003 Mazda 6 2.0 TS is a clear winner, securing more than half the votes from the judging panel. It’s a great combination of value, reliability and desirability, alongside its fine handling and driving abilities. It proves the Japanese produce quality cars that are built to last.'

The best Luxury and Executive car of the year post is scooped by Ford’s (builds Volvo aftermarket parts) British-built Jaguar XJ6 3.0. It carries a price tag of more or less £16,000.

According to Judges, ‘The XJ is a great car when it’s new, and at used prices it’s a steal. It’s fast, frugal, comfy and very well built – a testament to the British Jaguar workforce. They should be very proud.’

Here are the other category winners:

Superminis Honda Jazz 1.4 SE
Small Family Cars Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate 5dr
Family Cars Mazda 6 2.0 TS
Estates Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI (130) Zetec
4x4s Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi SE
Sports Cars Volkswagen Golf GTi
Luxury and Executive Jaguar XJ6 3.0 SE
MPVs Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Life AC
Overall Winner Mazda 6 2.0 TS

Every year, there are at least 7.5 million sales for used cars in the United Kingdom. The figure is three times larger than the sales for brand new cars making the UK one of the strongest auto markets in Europe and globally. An average used car is 39 months old and had covered more than 50,000 to be bought for only £6,000.

The board of judges is made of respectable icons in their own leagues of the motor industry, leading UK car dealerships, British Car Auctions, Warranty Direct and Vehicle Experts from What Car?

The cars were judged according to a set of criteria which includes running costs, reliability, drivability, quality, longevity and desirability.

New Heights for the Ford F-Series

2007-10-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

The 2008 F-Series Super duty of Ford (which also makes Volvo products like Volvo hood) is the newest and toughest trucks on Earth. At the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, you will realize that it is also a fleet of vehicles that can be customized with little fuss. Customized Ford F-Series vehicles were designed by DeBerti, Xtreme Toyz, and Fabtech will be showcased by Ford on October 30 including other customized versions of Ford Edge, Mustang and Focus.

The customized F-Series are:

Ford F-450 Super Duty by X-Treme Toyz

This truck will leave you shaken and stirred. The Shaker 4x450 from X-Treme Toyz is the ultimate in off-road playthings. The massive F-450 sits 10-inches over stock on a Fabtech suspension with Dirt Logic shocks and X-Treme Toyz front and rear torsion sway bar system. American Force 22-inch wheels wear Toyo 40x15.5xR22 M/T Open Country Rubber. The 6.4-liter PowerStroke® diesel gets a power boost from a Banks Six Gun power tuner and AFE intake system. The bright red-on-black paint scheme by Matrix highlights the Fab Fours front and rear bumpers and Amp Research power steps. The sliding cargo floor uses a Thule Xporter rack system with bike mounts for the Cannondale mountain bikes. The Roadwire leather interior features a Seat Comfort Systems massaging front seats with entertainment courtesy of a Kenwood audio, video and navigation system.

Ford F-450 by DeBerti Designs

If you truly love your bike, then you’ll really love this truck. Dallas Smith Corp., the world’s leader in Axleless®, Lo-floor™ vehicles has applied its unique front-drive technology to the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty to deliver the ultimate hauler for your Harley. The 6.4-liter Powerstroke® turbo-diesel supplies plenty of pulling power for this low-rider, while the extra-extended cab and Katzkin leather interior provide plenty of comfort for the long haul. The Deep-V bed is custom-made for safe and secure transportation of your two-wheeled prized possession. Just drop the gate for easy loading and unloading. The DeBerti F-450 looks sharp in deep black PPG paint accented with bright purple pinstripes at the beltline and Alcoa aluminum wheels wearing large Bridgestones.

Ford F-350 Super Duty by Fabtech

Project “Power Storm” fuses extreme off-road with pro-street muscle to create this one-of-a-kind monster truck. Fabtech lifted the F-350 10 inches over stock and bolted the four-link suspension, Dirt Logic coil over shocks and a Fabtech custom Dana rear axle to a narrowed frame. American Force 20x12-inch front and 20x8–inch rear wheels accented with Fabtech custom lug nuts and wheels caps, mount Toyo 40/1550R20 Mud Terrain tires. The body enhanced with Fabtech custom air extractors and rear fender wells, a Precision billet grille, Sir Michaels roll pan and AMP Research electric side steps. The electrifying graphics are done by Haney Designs with House of Kolor paint. Cal & Ed’s Temecula Audio and Video installed the Clarion sight and sound hardware, while Tito’s custom upholstery, Recon doorsills and a Rhino bed liner round out the list of amenities.

Ford’s Quality up by 11 percent

2007-10-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

After their quality drive, the most recent Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study revealed that the line up of Ford were up in the auto industry’s improvement rate.

* Ford Motor Company quality continues its dramatic improvement, reducing Things Gone Wrong (TGW) levels for third straight year and further closing the gap with the best in class.

* Ford quality jumps 11 percent, soaring above the industry’s 2 percent improvement, according to GQRS study.

* A total of 16vehicles rank in top three for either TGW performance or customer satisfaction.

* Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford E-Series, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda MX-5 Miata ranked best in their respective segments.

* Ten Ford models outperform their competition, traditionally the best in class.

* Strong new vehicle launches are behind Ford’s quality gains.

Compared last year, Ford’s “things gone wrong” rating is up by 11 percent and a 2 percent increase in the industry-wide improvement rate. Aside from these achievements, 16 of Ford’s models were included in the study’s top three ranks for customer satisfaction or TGW performance and even both.

New models of the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and the Lincoln Navigator L were the strongest performers in customer satisfaction. While the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the Lincoln MKZ also performed solidly for the three quarters not deviating from their top quality ranks since their introduction in 2004 ahead of other models from diffenet brands leading in the U.S. market like General Motors, Toyota, BMW (makes BMW alternator), Mercedes and the others.

Second- and third-place winners for TGW performance and customer satisfaction include:

Second place:
Ford Mustang for TGW performance
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 for customer satisfaction
Ford Explorer for TGW performance
Ford Super Duty for customer satisfaction
Lincoln Navigator L for TGW performance and customer satisfaction

Third place:
Ford Fusion for TGW performance
Ford Super Duty for TGW performance
Ford F-150 for TGW performance
Ford Expedition EL for customer satisfaction
Mercury Mountaineer for TGW performance
Lincoln Navigator for TGW performance and customer satisfaction
Mazda CX-9 for customer satisfaction

“It’s great to see that Ford Motor Company has improved at a faster rate than the rest of the industry,” said Bennie Fowler, vice president, Quality, Ford Motor Company.

“Almost every vehicle line that we have has shown significant improvement in TGWs as well as customer satisfaction. Quality is the ultimate team sport, and I want to thank all of the teams for their hard work. We look forward to 2008 in our run to the number-one position.”

McDreamy becomes McMustang

2007-10-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

The ABC award winning hit series Grey’s Anatomy wouldn’t be a worldwide phenomenon without the adoring neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd. A.K.A. McDreamy, fans can also call Patrick Dempsey “McMustang” as this Hollywood actor competes in the Grand-Am Road Racing KONI series with a special edition of the Mustang FR500C competing against other racers with their performance cars from Mercedes, BMW, Toyota (makes genuine Lexus pressure plate), Mazda and others.

A self-confessed racer, Dempsey find more fun being in the racetrack than his 14 hour per day set in the famous medical drama series.

"It's a nice departure from Hollywood," said Dempsey, who co-owns the Hyper Sport racing team with fellow drivers Joe Foster and Rick Skelton. "It's a way to challenge yourself mentally, physically and financially. The camaraderie helps, too."

Driving his team’s Supercuts Mustang in the series’ Grand Sport (GS) class is really a passion for McDreamy.

"There's just something about the Mustang," said Dempsey. "You think of Carroll Shelby, of course, and the history of it and, to be a part of that history, is an honor. It's a fun car to drive.

"People have an emotional attachment to that car so they tend to gravitate toward the team," he said.

Dempsey’s fascination in the racetrack started in his childhood as he grew up watching the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix on TV with his father. Before becoming Derek Shepherd, Dempsey attended the Skip Barber and the Panoz driving schools pursuing his attraction to the sport.

"A lot of these people I race with knew me before the success of Grey's Anatomy, and everyone's real supportive of my involvement," he said.

During the recently ended KONI series, the actor having a hectic Grey’s Anatomy schedule alternates driving duties with Skelton. In the 12-race Koni Challenge season which just ended, Dempsey's best finish was sixth, at an April race in Miami.

The actor thanks his wife, Jillian for his Hollywood and racetrack success. Dempsey fathers an eight-month old twins and a five-year old.

"I just really have a supportive wife. It does take a lot of time away from the family. We all have kids on the team, and that's one of the frustrations," the actor said.
Aside from the Mustang, Dempsey also competes in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in a Mazda RX-8 GT said that being in the race track is a boyhood dream com true and it can cut both ways.

"At first, I was like 'I'm here and I'm doing it,' and after you do it for awhile, you're like, 'I'm doing it, but I'm not the fastest,'" he said.

"I just want to get faster."

Ford is still award winning

2007-10-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Taking note that Ford Motors is under a restructuring program, it is still amazing that the company’s product development, manufacturing and quality processes have put on a higher note of quality to its vehicles. The automaker is one of the best in the automotive business globally and especially domestically.

Ford Motors is using strategies like:

• Designing quality into our future models using customer feedback.
• Building quality into our current models by examining warranty claims daily and feeding the information back to the plant so quality teams can eliminate issues where they originate.
• Launching with discipline. Ford has raised the bar on our launch quality standards and vehicles are not released until they meet these stringent standards.
And these are working. No wonder why the company gained awards and acknowledgements from various organizations and award giving bodies. From Ford.com, here are the merits Ford gained for its improved vehicle quality since June:
Global Quality Research System study, Q3 2007 (Oct. 17)

• Ford Motor Company quality continues its dramatic improvement, reducing Things Gone Wrong (TGW) levels for third straight year and further closing the gap with the best in class.
• Ford quality jumps 11 percent, soaring above the industry’s 2 percent improvement.
• Five vehicles ranked best in their segment: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford E-Series, Mercury Milan, Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• A total of 16 vehicles rank in the top three for either TGW performance or customer satisfaction.
• GQRS third quarter study measures customer feedback on their three-month-old vehicles. The survey is conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., for Ford Motor Company.

U.S. News & World Report Best Cars and Trucks (Oct. 10)

Nine Ford Motor Company models are ranked among the top three in their respective segments in this list of 2007 Best Cars and Trucks. They include:

• First place: Mazda MX-5 Miata (double winner: Sports Cars, Two-Seat Convertibles);
• Second place: Ford Mustang Convertible (Four-Seat Convertibles); Mazda MAZDA5 (Compact Wagons);
• Third place: Ford Fusion (Midsize Cars); Mazda MAZDA3 (Small Cars); Volvo V50 (Full Size Wagons); Land Rover LR2 (Luxury Compact SUVs); Land Rover Range Rover (Luxury Large SUVs); Ford Escape Hybrid (Hybrid SUVs)

University of Michigan American Customer Satisfaction Index (Aug. 15)

• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands posts striking gains in the annual survey.
• Lincoln and Mercury satisfaction reach 86 percent, just one point behind Lexus.
• Ford brand scores the largest improvement of any brand, climbing 3.9 points to 80 percent satisfaction.
• The survey measured customers’ satisfaction with their three-year-old vehicles.
J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (June 28)

• Ford Edge (mats can be replaced by Weathertech)is ranked the industry’s top performing all-new vehicle, and Ford Mustang wins its segment for the third straight year in the APEAL study, in which customers assess product design, content and performance of their three month old vehicles.

GQRS Durability Study (June 18)

• Ford vehicle long-term durability improves by 5 percent and cuts by 50 percent the gap with best-in-class vehicles, industry-wide.
• GQRS annual durability study measures customer feedback on three-year-old vehicles. The survey is conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., for Ford Motor Company.

J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (June 6)

• Ford has 14 total vehicles ranked in the top three in their respective segments, more than any other automaker.
• Five vehicles received highest ranking in their segments including Ford Mustang, Lincoln MIKZ, Lincoln Mark LT, Mercury Milan and Mazda MX-5.

Strategic Vision’s 2007 Total Quality Index (June 4)

• Consumers rate four Ford SUVs and pickup trucks top in their segments: Ford Expedition EL; Ford F-150; Ford F-250; Ford F-350.
• The annual survey asks customers to rate their entire ownership experience on their three-month-old vehicles.

New Consumer Reports spots Toyota’s reliability slip and Ford rises

2007-10-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

It had been a tradition of Consumer Reports to recommend new Toyota cars and trucks. However, the recent reports shows that Toyota no longer deserves these recommendations after two of its vehicles gained below-average ratings in the reliability study.

Those vehicles are Toyota’s V-6 version of the Camry sedan and the V-8 version of the four wheel drive Toyota Tundra pick-up. The new reliability study ranked Toyota third next to Honda Motor Co. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd’s Subaru.

“Consumer Reports will no longer recommend any new or redesigned Toyota-built models without reliability data on a specific design,” the publication said in a statement. ”Previously, new and redesigned models were recommended because of the automaker’s excellent track record.”

On the other hand Ford Motors (sells good quality Volvo fan blade) gained in the same study where three of its models are included on the magazines “most reliable” list, these vehicles are the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the ever versatile Ford F-150 pick-up truck.

“Ford continues to improve,” David Champion, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said in a statement. “We believe Toyota is aware of its issues and trying to fix problems quickly.”

Consumer Reports ranked predicted reliability of 2008 models based on survey results from previous years. Here are the magazine’s two best and worst picks for predicted reliability in each segment:

Small Car:
Best: Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit
Worst: Dodge Caliber, Volkswagen Jetta

Family Car:
Best: Toyota Prius, Honda Accord
Worst: Chevrolet Impala, Volkswagen Passat

Upscale/Luxury Car:
Best: Lexus GS450h (hybrid), Acura TSX
Worst: Cadillac STS, Mercedes-Benz CLS

Wagon/Minivan:
Best: Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB
Worst: Chevrolet Uplander, Hyundai Entourage

Small SUV:
Best: Honda Element, Mitsubishi Outlander
Worst: Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler (four-door)

Midsize SUV:
Best: Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot
Worst: Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Large SUV:
Best: Toyota Land Cruiser (no second pick)
Worst: Chevrolet Suburban 2500, GMC Yukon XL 2500

Pickup Truck:
Best: Toyota Tundra (V8, two-wheel-drive), Toyota Tacoma (four-cylinder)
Worst: Cadillac Escalade EXT, Toyota Tundra (V8, four-wheel-drive)

Top Ten Reasons why you should check on the 2008 Ford Focus

2007-10-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Ford Focus is a product of fine craftsmanship of cerebrally capable engineers at Ford Motors. Out of so many reasons why you should pick this new vehicle, the second largest American automaker summarized ten very reasons why the redesigned 2008 Focus (with Ford oxygen sensor) should not be snubbed. New improvements of the 2008 Focus are long enough to be listed that’s why the 2008 model is better than ever as it also promise a 35 mpg rating and tagged with a price of below $15,000.

1. Ford SYNC™ – The 2008 Ford Focus is the first vehicle to offer the company’s industry-exclusive Ford SYNC technology. SYNC – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system – seamlessly integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. It is also updatable to support the portable electronic devices and services of tomorrow.

2. Fuel-Sipping Focus – Although Ford engineers added an average of 64 pounds of content to the 2008 Ford Focus, they also took dozens of actions to trim the weight –making the average car nearly 38 pounds lighter. The weight reduction, along with an improved powertrain, upgraded parts and fine-tuning from bumper to bumper, help the Focus achieve better mileage than the model it replaces. Initial figures show the 2008 Focus delivers a 3-5 percent improvement in fuel economy over the 2007 model. Under the EPA’s revised – and more realistic – mileage test standards, the 2008 Focus delivers 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway fuel economy with the automatic transmission and 24/35 with the 5-speed manual. Under the same standards, the previous model’s fuel economy rating would have been 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the automatic and 24/33 for the manual.

3. Fun to Drive – The Focus has long been hailed as an affordable car that handles and drives like a car twice its price. Its acclaimed driving dynamics are further improved in the 2008 model with a retuned suspension and chassis refinements, including new spring rates, dampers and stabilizer bushings. Its more powerful 2.0-liter engine delivers 140 hp, a 3 percent gain that comes from an all-new air intake system and a new cooling system, both designed to improve efficiency.

4. Mood Lighting -- Tapping the emerging trend of configurable lighting, Ford is making its ambient lighting system available to Ford Focus customers as a factory-installed option. The feature lets customers set the mood inside the vehicle with subtle LED lighting in the cupholders and in the front and rear footwells. The driver or front-seat passenger can choose from seven different colors – red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow – by cycling through a dash-mounted switch.

5. Cool Coupe – The 2008 Ford Focus features expressive new exterior styling inspired by the highly successful Fusion: a prominent chrome-bar grille design, flared wheel arches and sweeping, crisp lines, along with a sporty stance. For the first time, a Focus coupe is available in addition to a four-door sedan. Both are offered in three distinct trim series.

6. Inviting Interior – Focus introduces an all-new interior design with unique materials, plenty of storage space and new levels of craftsmanship. The redesigned cabin features an integrated instrument panel, a new top-of-dash display, new “Ice Blue” lighting for instruments and switches and distinctive cues such as metallic finishes. New seating provides more lateral and lumbar support.

7. Focus on Safety – The 2008 Focus comes standard with Ford’s Personal Safety System®, including thorax side air bags and side air curtains for increased coverage in the event of a side-impact crash. A tire pressure monitoring system also has been added as a standard feature. Anti-lock brakes are an available option.

8. Value Leader – The 2008 Ford Focus offers the best value in its segment, starting at only $14,695 for the Focus S coupe and $14,995 for the Focus S sedan, including $620 destination and delivery. Focus SE models are an additional $1,000. The top-of-the-line Focus SES coupe and sedan, with SYNC standard, begin at $16,695 and $16,995, respectively.

9. Sounds of Silence – Ford engineers made numerous enhancements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) on the 2008 Focus. Improved quietness comes as the result of new exterior design cues, a new acoustic windshield, new moldings and sealing systems, redesigned mirrors and much more. The 2008 Focus performs among the leaders in wind noise and powertrain NVH. It’s 3 dBA quieter than the outgoing model – a 10 percent improvement – and it achieves a 19.4 percent improvement in powertrain NVH, tying for best-in-class powertrain noise levels.

10. Manufacturing for Quality – Along with its new look and new features, the 2008 Ford Focus benefits from new manufacturing methods designed to deliver outstanding quality. Ford invested $130 million in its Wayne (Mich.) Stamping and Assembly Plant to build the new Focus, with much of the funding dedicated to enlarging and upgrading the body shop. The upgrades included the installation of new robots with much more precise welding guns that attach the body sides to the underbody. The new machinery allows the assembly process to be more flexible.

From Toyota’s yard, Farley now jumps to Ford

2007-10-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

Jim Farley, in November will be a member of Allan Mullaly’s team at Ford’s marketing and communications department. At 45, Farley was appointed as Ford’s senior marketing officer and will be directly under the tutelage of Ford’s CEO, Mullaly. Farley’s appointment is the first major hire done by Mullaly from outside of Ford’s fence in his 13 months of being chief at the second largest American automaker.

“He brings so many good things,” Mulally said in an interview with Automotive news yesterday.

“It’s a proven track record of marketing and product development and working together and the knowledge of one of the finest production systems in the world with Toyota. He also has admired Ford over the years. He appreciates what we’re doing today.” the CEO added.

Before joining Ford, Farley had fairly served Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., his most recent post was as General Manager of Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus. Prior to that, he was also the group vice-president of marketing for Toyota Division. One of Farley’s greatest contributions to the Japanese automaker was that he supervised the launching of one of Toyota’s major subsidiary, the Scion.

According to Allan Mullaly, Farley’s position will take part in Ford’s worldwide business units and global product development organization. Jim Farley is responsible for Ford’s global communications and public relations by developing new methods to relate more closely to their consumers. Farley is said to use marketing strategies like integrated marketing, advertising, digital communications, brand development, product planning, research, product communications, and public relations.

Ford’s CEO cited two priorities for his new appointee.

“The first one being to share the story, the wonderful story of Ford — the improvement in quality, the global product, the new cars, the crossovers, the SUVs, just to capture the excitement,” Mulally said.

“Another priority equally, is to join (global product development chief) Derrick (Kuzak) and the product development team as a partner to bring marketing and product development together to create the future cars and trucks that people really do want and value.”

After Cisco Codina’s retirement last month, Mullaly is seeking for someone as competitive as the retiree for his replacement as the company’s group vice-president of North American marketing, sales and service.

Jim Farley is very excited in his new post inside Ford and is already looking forward to getting his job started. “My connection with Ford goes way back to my first car, a 1966 Ford Mustang (wheels can be replaced with detata wheels),” Farley said in the statement. “I bought it when I was 15, restored it and drove it from California to Michigan. I am excited to make that trip once again.”

Mullaly during his first months in as chief of Ford had already expressed his criticisms over Ford’s marketing strategies and decisions. To boost efforts from his company’s marketing heads, he challenged them for better product promotions this year. Mullaly’s dare caused the shift from Ford’s Bold Moves in 2006 to Ford Campaign Challenge in 2007 as promotion campaign. The CEO said that he wants the marketing department to do a better job without an increase in its budget.

“We have a good investment today,” he said. “I don’t see that changing too much.”

For Toyota, Farley’s exit is another of their top management changes following several who also left for top positions in other auto companies.

Jim Press, formerly president of Toyota Motor North America Inc is now in Chrysler LLC as its co-president and vice chairman. Press was the only American to be member of Toyota’s board of directors and was the top North American executive for the automaker.

In August, Toyota’s vice-president for its Lexus Division, Deborah Wahl Meyer left for Chrysler’s chief marketing officer.

Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., said Farley’s hiring by Ford “shows how highly the industry prizes the talent, knowledge and experience” of Toyota executives.

“Toyota has an amazingly deep bench, and the new promotions provided an opportunity to reward a number of top performers,” Lentz said.

Farley position in Toyota is to be occupied by Mark Templin, formerly Toyota’s vice-president for its Scion Division.

How to Keep Your Vehicle Going at its Best

2007-10-11T02:10:00.000-07:00

Reliability and safety of your vehicle starts not with extreme costly repairs but rather the basics of car care like checking the oil. The Car Care Council, an organization providing information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign for car owners that aims to promote regular vehicle care and maintenance recommends ten basic car procedures for your vehicle to get going at its best:

Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up, and for maximum engine life, it should be changed per the owner's manual recommended intervals or every three months or 3,000 miles. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car's filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.

Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typically replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or the interval specified in the owner's manual to avoid a breakdown or serious engine damage.

Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Check the car's heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car's alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

Following these rules, I’m scheduled to replace my Volvo wheel hub assemblies with a new one. I don’t want to pay larger cash in case this little replacements lead to bigger repairs.

So how did the Ford F-series come to be?

2007-10-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ford’s F-series is undeniably the pick-up truck of all time. Yes, of all time because this super heavy duty vehicle had been towing our loads for more than five decades now. If you are the average consumer wanting a hefty, versatile and hardwearing vehicle, an F-series will suit you perfectly. Like a child, these pick-up trucks have undergone a series of growth and development milestones to be the super heavy duty vehicle it is now.

From media.ford.com, let’s look back on the milestones of the Ford F-series:

1948
• F-Series “Bonus Built” trucks are introduced Jan. 16 (F-1 through F-8), the first of Ford Motor Company’s all-new postwar line of vehicles.

1953
• F-100 pickup is introduced, replacing F-1.

1959
• Ford’s 4x4s are introduced, primarily for commercial use, but just in time for the growth in recreational off-road driving and personal use of pickup trucks in the 1960s.

1965
• Twin I-Beam front suspension is introduced. Suspension allows F-Series to “drive like a car – work like a truck.”
• Nearly two-thirds of pickup owners use trucks for recreational and personal use. In response, Ford introduces its Camper Special package for F-100 and F-250, an industry first.

1974

• Ford introduces F-Series SuperCab, signaling further growth in personal use of pickup trucks.

1975
• F-150 pickup debuts.

1978
• Ford sells 864,000 F-Series trucks, a record.

1980
• Most extensive redesign of F-Series to date. • Ford’s diesel pickups debut with 6.9-liter V-8.

1987
• F-Series becomes first truck with rear-wheel, anti-lock brakes.

1994
• Driver’s-side air bags introduced.

1995
• F-Series surpasses Volkswagen Beetle as world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate. • F-Series introduces the Eddie Bauer edition truck.

1997
• Completely redesigned F-150 and F-250 models introduced.
• SuperCab features industry’s first standard third door in a full-size pickup.

1999
• Ford and Harley-Davidson form an alliance and introduce the first Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150 as a 2000MY vehicle.
• The SVT F-150 Lightning is introduced and featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 with 360 horsepower.
• Ford launches a new F-Series Super Duty built on its own unique frame and ushers in the first true medium duty pickup truck.

2001
• A second passenger row is added, giving F-150 SuperCrew trucks more passenger space then the previous SuperCab trucks.
• Ford debuts the new super-premium King Ranch edition truck. • Ford unveils the second Harley-Davidson™ edition based on an F-150 SuperCrew.

2003
• Ford’s third Harley-Davidson™ edition F-150 debuts.
• The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel joins the Super Duty line-up.

2004
• All-new F-150 reflects shifts in market with more consumers using pickup as a daily vehicle. • Ford debuts new super-premium King Ranch edition truck.

2005
• Ford launches an all-new, redesigned and more capable Super Duty

2006
• Ford’s fourth Harley-Davidson edition F-150 and the first Harley-Davidson edition built on the new 2004 F-150 platform.

2007
• Ford introduces a supercharged F-150 Harley-Davidson™ edition truck. • All-new Super Duty is launched for the 2008 model year. For the first time the Super Duty includes the F-450 pickup and 6.4-liter PowerStroke® clean Turbo Diesel.
• The 2008 F-Series 60th Anniversary Editions are introduced

The F-series had proven to one of the toughest pick-ups ever competing those from Toyota (makes Toyota Tacoma parts), Honda, GM, Chrysler and other automaker who makes the same segment.

The 15 most fuel-efficient Luxury vehicles for 2008

2007-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

As consumers desire for luxury vehicles, fuel efficiency may not be that important. More often, luxury vehicle shoppers looks for vehicles with lavish performance features, comfortable cabins, and brand reputation. Little did they know that luxury can also team up with fuel economy.

From businessweek, here are the 15 most fuel-efficient luxury vehicles for the year 2008:

Acura TSX
Mileage: 23 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $28,905

The engine in the TSX is large (2.4 liters) and powerful (205 hp) for a nonturbocharged four-cylinder. According to Vincentric, the TSX sedan with five-speed automatic transmission gets slightly better mileage than the same car with a six-speed manual transmission, which still gets a roughly comparable 22 mpg.

Audi A3 2.0T
Mileage: 25 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $27,410

According to Vincentric, the 2008 A3 gets 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving, less than might be expected of such a small car. While turbocharging robs gas mileage, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the A3 generates 200 hp, almost as much as the bigger, naturally aspirated four-cylinder in the Acura TSX. The A3's EPA highway driving estimate is a very respectable 29 mpg, but the combined estimate is biased 55%-45% toward city driving, at an estimated 22 mpg, Vincentric said.

BMW 328i
Mileage: 21 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $33,175

The 328i has a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that generates 230 hp. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual. Except for big V-8 sedans like the 750Li (18 mpg combined) and the 10-cylinder M5 (13 mpg combined), most of the BMW lineup gets around an estimated19 or 20 mpg, Vincentric said.

BMW Z4 Roadster
Mileage: 21 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $37,175

The Z4, with 215 hp, has a slightly less-powerful 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine than the 328i. Some love the Z4's styling, some hate it. Considering that this is the "Ultimate Driving Machine" for power and handling, 21 mpg isn't bad, although it seems a little low for a small car.

Cadillac STS
Mileage: 21 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $43,135

The 2008 Cadillac STS has a new 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine that is 47 hp more powerful, at 302 hp, than the same-size engine it replaces. Vincentric estimates that at 2008 standards, the 2007 model gets 19 mpg combined, vs. 21 mpg for the 2008 model.

Infiniti G37 Coupe
Mileage: 20 mpg combined city/highway (approx.)S
tarting price: $34,965

Infiniti estimates that the racy, redesigned 2008 G37 Coupe gets fractionally better mileage than the G35 model it replaces, even though its 330-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 is bigger and 55 hp more powerful than its 3.5-liter predecessor. New valve-control technology also means the new engine has lower emissions, the company said.

Jaguar S-Type
Mileage: 20 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $49,000

The base-model Jaguar S-Type sedan, with a 235-hp, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, gets 20 mpg combined. The wood- and leather-lined S-Type is rear-wheel drive. It performs 2 mpg better than the smaller Jaguar X-Type with the same-size 3.0-liter engine, because the X-Type has mileage-robbing all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Lexus RX400h
Mileage: 26 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $41,895

The Lexus RX 400h (with Lexus fuel filter) is known for its hybrid powertrain, which teams a six-cylinder, 3.3-liter, internal combustion engine with two electric motors. Together, they produce 268 hp. Mileage is not astronomical, considering the hype around hybrid powertrains, but the RX is a fairly large sport-utility vehicle, after all.

Lincoln MKZ
Mileage: 21 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $29,305

The 2008 MKZ is bigger, more powerful (263-hp V-6 engine), and less expensive than some of its more prestigious luxury-import competitors. Fuel efficiency is better than decent, considering its size and power. According to the 2007 J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, the 2007 MKZ was the highest-ranked car, with the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in the entry premium car segment

Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
Mileage: 27 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $52,675

The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec has a diesel engine, which explains why it gets 27 mpg, according to Vincentric. As a rule, diesel engines get about 30% more miles per gallon than the same-size gasoline engine, as well as more torque, the twisting force that launches the car from a standing start. The engine is a 3.0-liter, 210-hp six-cylinder.

Porsche Boxster
Mileage: 23 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $45,800

The Boxster roadster has a 2.7-liter, 245-hp, six-cylinder engine that nevertheless gets a respectable 23 mpg combined, including 29 mpg on the highway, Vincentric said. True, the Boxster and its hardtop twin, the Cayman, are expensive, but that's better gas mileage than many cars that are nowhere near as much fun to drive.

Porsche Cayman
Mileage: 23 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $49,400
The hardtop Cayman is the Boxster's fraternal twin. They share the same 2.7-liter, 245-hp, six-cylinder engine. Porsche has a history of getting the maximum power from each liter of engine size.

Saab 9-3 2.0 liter
Mileage: 22 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $28,385

The turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2007 Saab 9-3 sedan generates 210 hp, which is potent for a four-cylinder, although gas mileage is less than what a nonturbo engine would get. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual; a five-speed automatic is optional.

Volvo C30
Mileage: 23 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $23,445

The tiny, all-new 2008 Volvo C30 hatchback gets 23 mpg combined, according to Vincentric, which is to be expected, considering its small size, despite being turbocharged for more power. The C30's 2.5-liter turbocharged engine gets 227 hp.

Volvo V50 2.4i
Mileage: 23 mpg combined city/highway
Starting price: $27,385

The V50 wagon gets the same 23 mpg as the all-new C30, Vincentric said. That's surprising, considering it's much bigger than the C30. The different size and weight of the cars, plus different powerplants, seem to balance out in terms of mileage. The base V50 has a nonturbo 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine with 168 hp.

Ten Best Car deals for October

2007-10-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a car bargain this month, I’ve got the answer for you. Edmunds.com identified the ten best car deals for the month of October, whether it is lease-financed or cash-based. The vehicles were identified after analyzing their monthly payments, down payments, term, mileage, drive-off fees and True Market Value.

For cash buyers, cash rebates and incentives were scrutinized so to identify vehicles that offers the largest discounts. For lease-financed vehicles, the APR term and the TMV were analyzed to recognize vehicles with special financing deals offering outstanding savings.

Here are the best car deals for October:

1. 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si Convertible: With spirited handling and exceptional build quality, the Z4 roadster offers BMW excellence in a relatively affordable package. Impressive lease and cash deals make it more enticing than ever this month.

2. 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible: The 9-3 offers great handling with its steering applications (includes Saab steering rack) for a front-drive car, and a muscular turbocharged V6. Current finance deals are outstanding.

3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport: The C-Class is built to please, with a bevy of luxury and safety-oriented features. Stellar cash deals make it even more of a catch.

4. 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid: Given the fact that it's a hybrid, this Nissan's superlative fuel economy comes as no surprise. What is surprising, though, is how sporty it feels; hybrids aren't supposed to be this much fun to drive. The Altima Hybrid currently offers finance, lease and cash deals, so now's your chance to make a move.

5. 2007 Mazda RX-8 Sport: With affordable pricing, seating for four and enthusiast-friendly handling, the RX-8 offers a rare blend of performance and practicality. Take advantage of this month's outstanding lease deals.

6. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit: With its high-end interior and solid build quality, the Rabbit offers more refinement than most others in its segment. Exceptional finance and lease deals make it a great time to purchase a Rabbit.

7. 2007 Cadillac STS: Offering lots of luxury for less than you'd expect, the STS is one full-size sedan that delivers lots of bang for the buck. STS aficionados can seize the day and save money, thanks to winning cash and finance deals.

8. 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser: The PT Cruiser's draws have always been its unique styling and its spacious cabin. Superlative lease deals are currently being offered.

9. 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE: The Maxima is a strong choice for those seeking a family sedan that offers comfort and performance. Thanks to amazing cash, finance and lease deals, now is a smart time to buy.

10. 2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon: With its superior handling and high-quality cabin, the Passat is an entertaining choice in the wagon segment. Finance and lease deals make it doubly appealing this month.

Ford's signature technologies

2007-10-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ford Motor Co., in its effort of providing its consumers with the latest and most advances technology to make every Ford ride, the highest quality in comfort, performance and safety has five new technologies. New Ford vehicles give you, Easyfuel capless fuel system, SYNC, Securicode keyless entry pad, Sony/THX audio—the name brand audio systems and Adjustable Ambient Lighting.

"In one market research study we did, 85 percent of customers said they'd pay (U.S.) $100 for a solution," says Joe Pierucci, manager, Advanced Product Strategy.

"We’re going to give it to them for free." he added.

The easy fuel capless system prevents car owners from getting their hands dirty at gas stations during fuel refill.

"Today's customers are looking for solutions to life's everyday challenges when they purchase a vehicle, and they are looking to brands that stand for something," says Jack Palazzolo, manager, Cross Vehicle Product and Features Marketing.

"Standing for something means you give the customer real solutions that no one else does. And you do it consistently across your showroom." Palazzolo added.

Although these new technologies have limited availability today, it will be standard or optional features on all Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles by the 2010 model year.

"Winning in a crowded marketplace means bringing a unique and relevant proposition to the customer before the competition does," says Palazzolo.

"So, Ford Signature Technologies are a core element of our Way Forward revitalization plan to be the No. 1 choice of our target customers." he added.

According to Palazzolo, they previously prioritize projects saying “We know what’s best” but know, they are emphasizing on what the consumer wants. Last month, the SYNC made it first in the five signature technologies of Ford as it had its debut last month. This technology features wireless system to make phone calls, listening to text messages and playing digital music when under the steering wheel. It would have been what consumers have wanted to find in a luxury vehicle unlike the Ford Focus with a base price of $14,695. The 2008 Ford Focus is the first vehicle to be installed with this technology with an additional $395 to the Focus’ tag price.

"It’s not by chance that the first car we’re offering this in is the Focus, our most inexpensive car," Ford spokesman Mark Schirmer said in a Sept. 23 Los Angeles Times story.

"This can't be some $2,000 option that only rich people are going to put in their cars."As the idea of the Five signature technologies are dealt, "the challenge was: How do we differentiate a Ford product in the marketplace?" says Pierucci.

"The answer was identifying certain key features unique to Ford, Lincoln or Mercury that we could then propagate across all of our products."The company’s most defined goal is to give its consumers the whole picture of the kind of product Ford entails them, "Ford Signature Technologies create a repeatable environment," Pierucci says.

"When someone gets into one of our cars -- whether it’s an Edge or a Taurus -- it feels like home."For an innovation to be one of the Ford Signature Technologies, the feature must be practical and intuitive. "This very much ties into the whole idea of Brand DNA," Pierucci says.

"We're developing content that has an impact on our overall business by resonating with our target customers." he added.

I’m just wondering if Ford is also considering installing their Volvo vehicles (made with Volvo auto parts) with their signature technologies.

Quick talks for UAW, Chrysler and Ford

2007-10-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

In the ground-breaking agreement reached by the United Auto Workers union and General Motors last Wednesday, Ford and Chrysler can already clinch their labor cost-cutting concerns next week according to auto industry analysts.

"We believe it is increasingly likely, based on the pattern set by GM's tentative deal, that Ford and Chrysler will reach a broadly similar agreement," said Robert Schulz, credit analyst with Standard & Poor's.

Last Wednesday, GM and UAW already agreed on a tentative contract that ended the two-day strike and operation cease in more than 80 GM facilities all over the U.S as its almost 74,000 workers joined the picket lines. The strike was the first nationwide strike against America’s top automaker since 1970.

According to one source, a person who has closely watched America’s auto market and had been well versed of the concessions, bargaining of UAW with Ford and Chrysler (offers custom car accessories for their vehicles) may not go the same lane with GM. The talks are said to resume as soon as Monday, the anonymous person confirmed.

The other two Detroit-based automakers announced that they are already ready to start bargaining with the UAW now that GM and the union had already solved their concerns. According to auto industry analysts, terms of the agreement between GM and the UAW may also apply with Ford and Chrysler but not entirely. There may be changes due to unlike circumstances of the other two companies.

"Each company has distinct work force and retiree demographics that could result in differences in projected cash savings from the contracts," Schulz said.

According to John Wolkonowicz, an analyst in Global insight, now that Chrysler is privately owned by Cerberus Capital Management LP after being sold by the DaimlerChrysler AG, the company may insist on a shorter contract term and other contract elements that would help to accelerate their move to be a public company again.

"For them, a four-year contract is like a million-year contract," Wolkonowicz said.

Before focusing on GM, the UAW already extended their contracts with Ford and Chrysler indefinitely on September 13. Since then, the union centered on the GM deal as the company being their strike target for the labor talks this year.

On September 26, the UAW chief, Ron Gettelfinger already announced his willingness to resume talks with Ford and Chrysler. There are 49,000 workers at Chrysler and 58,000 workers at Ford that the union will represent on the labor talks.

"There is no reason ... at this point in time why we can't get both of those done at the same time," Gettelfinger said in an interview with WJR-AM radio in Detroit.

"If we run into difficulty at one or another, then we will make a decision; but I am hopeful." the UAW chief added.

The VEBA or Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association included in the GM deal that will shift the $51 billion retiree health care obligation of GM to the union is expected to provide pattern for both Ford and Chrysler deals added Gettelfinger.

"We expect that this will basically be the kind of agreement that we get at the other companies," he said.

"There are some modifications at the others, but for the most part it will be a pattern agreement." Gettelfinger added.

The retiree health care obligations of the Detroit 3 may be very crucial as the companies lost a combined $15 billion in their sales last year. They also lost their market shares to less than 50 percent giving advantage to the Japanese automakers.

Volvo launching four vehicles

2007-09-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Swedish automaker’s targets young consumers but it does not deprive its traditional fans with its new vehicles. As reported in forbesautos.com, the Gothenburg based automaker plans to launch four new vehicles to drive the American roads.

For the youngsters out there, two new cool and hip models are Volvo made for you. The C30, a sporty hatchback will be arriving some time in October and the XC60, a small sport utility vehicle is due in showrooms in early 2009.

The redesigned version of the XC70 will be launched this November and the overhauled model of the V70 will follow comes February.

The C30 and the XC60 are more nimble and are intended to fit smaller parking spaces are created by Volvo for their youngest customers who lives in metropolitan areas says James Hope, Product Communications Manager for Volvo.

The C30 shares the platform of the Audi A3, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. With a tag price of $22,700, it’s the cheapest Volvo for youngsters to save from their allowances. The C30 is nine inches shorter and more than 300 pounds lighter than the S40, the smallest Volvo vehicle, it still gains the same fuel economy. Both car rates 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg in the highway on manual transmission and front-wheel drive and gets 27 mpg in the highway when at automatic transmission.

The XC60 is smaller than the XC90 SUV (with Volvo mirrors). This new vehicle is based on the concept car with the same name showcased at the North American International Auto Show last January in Detroit. The automaker have not released the specifics of the new car but according to Dan Johnston, the powertrain features of the car might be released in one of the auto shows in the first quarter of next year.

“This is just another part of an overall larger strategy to expand into segments where Volvo doesn’t yet exist,” said Tina Jantzi, manager of North American forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates.

“The C30 is going to grab younger buyers, perhaps those whose parents are buying them the car and who will be most concerned with safety.” The analysts say that the two new vehicles are Volvo’s strategy to entice the parents of the young drivers into their segment.

“This is a good way to maintain themselves and not slip any lower in sales, but it won’t necessarily increase sales by leaps and bounds,” she said.

“It could bring in sales of about an additional 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles annually in 2008. But the C30 may take off better than expected depending on how they market it and what price point they choose.”

For Volvo’s traditional customers, Volvo offers the XC70 and the V70, Both vehicles had their debut in the Geneva Auto Show last March. The new version of the V70 is said to be a toughed-up version of the best selling wagon. The XC70 and the V70 are both based from the S80 sedan that arrived last year.

“Whether Ford ends up selling Volvo may play into things,” she said. “Within a year, we may see more defined strategies coming from the company.”

Ford will make HD Digital Radio available in all Ford products

2007-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Ford claimed another first introduction in the automotive industry. Ford is the first automaker to offer the HD Digital Radio on all its product lines. Almost all of the 2008 model vehicles of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury are already built with this new innovation. The 2005-2007 model vehicles of Ford can already be installed by the HD Digital Radio. Recently introducing SYNC, the HD Digital Radio is another effort of the company onwards better entertainment technologies for their consumers.

"We believe HD Digital Radio will be an important part of Ford's commitment to delivering innovations with mass appeal," said Kim Irwin, Vehicle Personalization and Accessories manager for Ford's Customer Service Division.

"We're helping our customers stay connected by supporting the features and functions they want in their vehicles. The dramatically improved audio, text and data features of HD Digital Radio - along with its hundreds of new radio stations - create a compelling combination at the right price."

The HD Digital Radio is a new technology built to create the optimum sound quality of radio broadcasts and allows more than one radio broadcast in one channel. It enables the passengers to hear a variety of HD2 multi-cast stations and their favorite radio stations with the best sound quality free of monthly subscriptions. The HD digital sound currently broadcasts more than 1,500 radio stations in the U.S with more than 600 stations that air HD2 multicasts.

HD Digital Radio joins the SYNC, also offered in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles that make driving more comfortable and fun as ever. To start up, the HD Digital Radio will be available at dealers on new, pre-owned and presently owned vehicles. You can enjoy all its features not thinking to pay for monthly subscription fees.

"Drivers have always had a love affair with their car radios," added Irwin.

"HD Radio offers our dealers a triple threat: It differentiates their offerings from other brands; it lets them upgrade customer entertainment systems in a unique way; and it lets buyers of recent pre-owned vehicles as well as current vehicle owners share completely in the benefits. This is the kind of program that our dealers love to see."

My Honda CRX and its Honda CRX parts assembles a nice car, I just think its radio is a bit outdated with Ford’s. I’m just hoping that Honda will soon develop the same technology.

UAW Strike Magnitude felt across US Borders

2007-09-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, two General Motors plants in Canada were shut down and GM’s production in Mexico is threatened to stop as a result of the United Auto Workers strike against U.S.’ top auto maker. The closing of these facilities shows that the magnitude of the strike do not just affect the American auto industry, but those outside the American border as well. The strike began on Monday morning but talks have resumed the same day.

This strike accounts the first nationwide strike of the 73,000 UAW-represented factory employees of GM that walked out to be in picket lines since 1970.

The nationwide strike is a result of an almost 10 weeks negotiations between GM and the UAW as the automaker tries to survive its restructuring program by lowering labor costs and not properly answering its retiree health care obligations worth $51 billion.

The strike shut down more than 80 GM facilities in the U.S. as well as plants in Canada and Mexico whose operations greatly depends on plants and warehouses in the U.S.

Two plants in Ontario Canada stopped its operations and the company is reviewing the standing of another plant according to spokesman for GM in Canada.

About 17,000 GM employees in Canada can face layoffs due to the strike. According to Buzz Hangrove, Canadian Auto Worker President, almost 100,000 Canadian workers can be driven out of their jobs if the strike continues.

The workers continued to be in picket signs until today carrying signs that reads “UAW on Strike”.

"No one wants to see GM hurt, no one wants to see them go down the tubes," said Jim Brown, 58, a 38-year veteran of GM, who was picketing in Flint, Michigan. "But we have to keep our standard of living and GM is going to have to cooperate." the striker added.

In an interview with a Detroit radio station on Tuesday, the UAW chief, Ron Gettelfinger said that the strike may settle the dispute with GM quicker. "Obviously, we did not want to strike, but that's what was required and in many ways it may be a good thing because it'll bring an end to this thing quicker, we hope," Gettelfinger told the radio station.

According to the UAW, the automaker pushed them to a strike as they failed to show willingness to meet the union halfway on issues concerning job security.

I had been updated with the strike since the beginning, but that’s all for now, I have to buy Lexus car cover for my Lx 570.

The Strike was due to 'one-sided negotiation' on job security

2007-09-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

One historic move had been made by the United Auto Workers last Monday. Protesting of the negotiations for being one-sided, the top officials of the union and its 73,000 members walked out of GM plants and warehouses to put the ‘strike plan’ in action. For over 40 years, this is the second nationwide strike done by the UAW to defend the rights of its members against its employers.

For analysts, the top U.S. automaker can survive this fiasco as long as it is a short one. As estimated, each day that workers are on strike will cost GM $100 million. A short strike will be a warning for the automaker to do better in furnishing a new contract that will also favor its workers. But a prolonged strike can cause deep financial problems, something the already struggling automaker is not prepared to face.

The move of the UAW confused the people who had been very watchful on how the talks are going. The negotiations had been expected to settle all the issues both economic and non-economic.

Before the strike fired up, the focus of the talks was on the deal that will help GM shed its $5 billion annual health care bill. The VEBA or voluntary employee beneficiary association proposal was made to create a trust fund for retiree health care. The trust fund will be controlled by the UAW with the fund coming fro GM. GM has a health care liability of $51 billion.

In a press conference on Monday, UAW president Ron Gettelfinger confirmed that it was not about the health care trust fund that the negotiation failed. He pointed out that the negotiations was “one sided” on the issue of job security, making it the top unresolved issue.

“For the strike to come now seems strange,” said Rebecca Lindland, senior automotive analyst at consultancy Global Insight. “Our speculation is they have pretty much agreed on the big health care issue and they’re now grappling with the traditional things these contract negotiations usually deal with — things like job security, wages and negotiations around layoffs,” Lindland added.

“There’s also the issue of how much production goes overseas and outside the UAW’s jurisdiction to places like Mexico.”

GM represents Ford Motors (maker of Ford catalytic converter) and Chrysler LLS in the negotiations. The automaker had been chosen as the lead company and the strike target when the talk was just beginning.

Which Cars will be a Hit in 2008?

2007-09-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

Automakers are struggling to bring the most consumers to their showrooms and give a glance to their brand new vehicles, but only some of their models will be sure hits. 2008 vehicles had been all around the net and dealerships had been on going for months.

New car models are very important to auto companies. They want their vehicles to be as catchy as ipods and cellular phones -- simply something that consumers could not get enough of.

The three Detroit-based auto makers, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all have falling market shares and each quarter gives them scant profits and falling sales. Ford and Chrysler are undergoing a very difficult rehabilitation due to housing bust and credit swoon from sub prime mortgage lending.

On the other side, Japan based auto companies like Toyota and Honda (makes Honda Civic and Honda Civic parts) have had very promising market shares with an every month increase regardless of how housing prices are doing. Because the economic status for the auto industry seems really uncertain, vehicles with above-average fuel economy and certified of their reliability bound against production decline.

But the month of September signals hope for the automakers and car dealers. During this month, the companies expect that after the summer vacation, the consumers are ready to replace their wagon, minivan or sedan and add an SUV for their kids going off to college.

In demand vehicle segments are the small cars and car based, cross-over sport utility vehicles due to the continuous increase of fuel prices now at $3 per gallon to rumored $4 per gallon. These segments now replace the truck-based SUVs which are heavier and with less fuel efficiency. Luxury vehicle sales is still in its peak regardless of how the stock market is doing.

GM is creating its new design revolution. Germany’s Audi is ready to compete with BMW and DaimlerChrysler’s Mercedes Benz with new vehicles on their basements. Jaguar is set for a truly modern sedan, Honda’s Accord is said to be the ‘grown up’ Accord. The bite-size smart cars are on their way to the American market.

Leadership Changes in Ford Motors

2007-09-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Allan Mullaly, Ford’s President and Chief Executive Officer announced two major changes in his top executive team and the retirement of one.

John Parker, 59 has been appointed as the Executive Vice-President of Ford Motor Company for Asia Pacific and African operations. Parker was formerly Ford’s group vice-president in its base in Bangkok, Thailand operating for the region. The Asia Pacific and Africa is one of the American automaker’s regional business units. Parker will supervise all of Ford’s operations and partnership in the area including Japan’s Mazda. He will be reporting to the CEO, Mullaly.

"John is a tremendous leader delivering solid results in the world's fastest growing and most dynamic region," Mulally said.

"With John leading the way, Ford is poised for fast growth in Asia, as we work together to create the products that customers really want and value."

The next promotion made by Mullaly is Mike Bannister’s appointment from being the chairman and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Credit Company to be an Executive Vice-President of Ford Motor Company. The 57 year old executive will continue to supervise the worldwide operations of Ford Motor Credit. Bannister will report to Don Leclair, executive vice-president and chief financial officer.

“Mike is an exceptional leader with tremendous business and financial acumen. He is steering us to ever higher levels of excellence at Ford Motor Credit, which remains strategically core to our company's future," Mulally said.

"Under Mike's continued leadership, Ford Motor Credit is performing solidly through reduced costs, improved effectiveness and streamlined global operations."

After serving Ford for 30 years, Francisco Codina, group vice-president for North American Marketing Sales and Service has been elected to retire effective on November 1. The company is beginning an immediate search for an equally qualified replacement.

"Cisco's passion and dedication to Ford will be missed," said Mark Fields, executive vice president and president - The Americas.

"Under Cisco's leadership, we began to stabilize our retail market share, energize our dealers, improve the resale value of our vehicles and speak with a more confident tone in our marketing."

Like Ford, Chrysler (makes Dodge bumper bracket) had also made several appointments recently. Both companies are really working hard to raise their financial status.

Former Ford Motors Top Exec David Thursfield Occupies seat in Clean Power Technologies Inc.

2007-09-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

Former Executive Vice-President of International Operations and Global Purchasing of Ford Motor Company, David Thursfield left the American auto maker to become Executive Board of Directors at Clean Power Technologies Inc. The new company Thursfield will be working for manufactures heat recovery and hybrid power system for vehicle emission reduction.

With his 30 years of automotive industry experience, Thursfield had been a top executive for several auto companies including Ford Motor Co. His most recent position was at the automotive sector division of Cerberus Capital Management LP, he was the Chairman of Cerberus Automotive Group. Cerberus was the private equity firm that acquired Chrysler from the DaimlerChrysler AG.

"The appointment of David is a significant step in the development of Clean Power Technologies. I am personally thrilled to welcome a gentleman of such international industry caliber to our Board and we see his willingness to join us as a validation and endorsement not only of our unique heat recovery and hybrid power system but also our business strategy and market potential." said Abdul Mitha, President and CEO of Clean Power.

In 1979, Thursfield entered Ford Motors where held operating and purchasing positions. During his stay, he supervised Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, Mazda Motor Company, Ford of Europe, Ford Asia Pacific Operations and Global Purchasing arms. Starting 1998-2001, he held the Vice-President of Vehicle Operations at Ford Automotive Operations. He became the Chairman, CEO and President of Ford of Europe from 2001-2002.

"Having been a senior automotive industry insider for over three decades, David brings with him extensive global knowledge and key contacts in the sector," added Mr. Mitha.

He continued, "His expertise and industry leverage adds tremendous weight to our business as we step up our proven steam hybrid technology beyond R&D into a commercialization and marketing phase. His guidance and counsel will help Clean Power to formulate strategies and chart future road maps for this exciting post-development phase."

That's all for now, I have to check out that new Saab 9-3 (built with Saab brake dust shields).

Deal For Daimler Name from Ford

2007-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

After selling the troubled Chrysler LLC to Cerberus Capital Management LP, the DaimlerChrysler AG still wants to hold on to their Daimler name. During the turnover of Chrysler, Daimler got the $36 billion takeover that built the company back in 1998.

Last Thursday, the German automaker made the confirmation that with Ford Motor Co.’s permission, they required the cooperation of the American car maker and it British premium brand, the Jaguar which Ford owns for 20 years now.

Jaguar got the rights to the Daimler name almost half a century ago when it bought Britain’s Daimler Motor Co. Jaguar acquired the license to build the engine created by Gottleib Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach so it could produce and sell cars in the late 19th century.

Tracing history, the British Daimler Motor Co was bought by the BSA Group which later on became part of Jaguar Cars in 1960. In 1989, Ford acquired Jaguar.

According to Don Hume, the spokesman for Ford’s Premier Auto Group, Ford with Jaguar and the DaimlerChrysler agreed that DaimlerChrysler can use the Daimler name for trade and corporate purposes but not as a brand name."You won't see a Daimler-badged Mercedes," Hume said, adding that the Daimler name is used on vehicles only by the high-end Jaguar XJ series.

The last car in Germany that bore the Daimler brand was produced in the early 20th century. Daimler-Benz AG like DaimlerChrysler produced its vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz name tag since 1900.

"There is no disagreement with Ford regarding the use of the name Daimler." said DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Marina Raptis in a statement for The Associated Press.

The deal was finalized in mid-May, before DaimlerChrysler agreed to sell an 80.1-percent stake in the Chrysler Group to private equity group Cerberus Capital Management LLC in a $7.4 billion deal.

DaimlerChrysler shareholders will meet in Berlin on Oct. 4 to approve the name change. The proposal is expected to pass, despite concerns that, by not restoring the Daimler-Benz name, the company is ignoring the work of Karl Benz, who designed and patented an internal combustion flat engine before linking his company, Benz and Cie, with Daimler in 1926.

Germany is also the home of BMW, the maker of original BMW header.

2008 Ford F250: From the Bottom Roughing up

2007-09-06T01:15:00.000-07:00

For 2008, the Ford F250 gets its makeover -- though not the expected redesign, it is probably the toughest truck around that money can buy. With huge engines and dual-cab cabins, these trucks offer more power and interior room than any other trucks in their class.

From allautoreviews.com, the Special highlights of the Heavy Duty Ford F250:

Engine
5.4L displacement single overhead cam (SOHC) V8 cylinder configuration gas engine 16 valves 260 hp @ 4500 rpm 350 ft-lbs. @ 2500 rpm regular unleaded fuel

Drive Train
6-speed manual transmission rear wheel drive front independent suspension front stabilizer bar

Exterior
Length: 231.4 in. Width: 79.9 in. Height: 76.6 in. Weight: 5505 lbs. Wheel Base: 141.8 in. Ground Clearance: 8.3 in.
Heavy Duty Ford Headlights (different from Saab Headlights)

Interior
Front Head Room: 41.4 in. Front Hip Room: 67.4 in. Front Shoulder Room: 68 in. Rear Head Room: 38.5 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 68 in. Rear Hip Room: 67.3 in. Front Leg Room: 40.7 in. Rear Leg Room: 32.4 in. Maximum Seating: 6

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 5.4 liters Base Engine Type: V8 -1 Horsepower: 260 hp Max Horsepower: 4500 rpm Torque: 350 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 2500 rpm Maximum Payload: 3295 lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: 12500 lbs. Drive Type: RWD Turning Circle: 49.6 ft.

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 29 gal. EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway) Manual: mpg / mpg Automatic: : mpg / mpg Range in Miles: (City/Highway) Automatic: mi. / mi. Manual: mi. / mi.

Tires and Rims
alloy rims 16 x 7.0 in. rims LT265/75R16E tires all season tires fullsize spare tire steel spare wheel underbody mounted spare tire

Power Features
remote power door locks power windows 1 one-touch power windows power mirrors

Convenience
cruise control power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel front and rear cupholders front and rear door pockets front 12v power outlet(s) front console with storage overhead console with storage retained accessory power

Comfort
Air conditioning front reading lights passenger vanity mirror leather-wrapped steering wheel simulated wood trim on doors front floor mats cargo area light

AM/FM cassette in-dash single CD player stereo 80 watts stereo output, 4 total speakers mast antenna.

Certainly one of the biggest vehicles around, this 22 feet long and nearly 6,700 pound-truck will suit you if you need a vehicle for hard work and pounds to carry.

2008 Ford Taurus

2007-09-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

Having achieved the highest government rating of five-star front crash test, Ford’s Taurus is indeed a wolf under a sheep’s clothing. Acquiring its new look with Ford’s three-bar chrome grille and sexier rectangular headlamps, the Taurus will surely get your attention.

For the year 2008, this Ford nameplate offers five models: Taurus LX, SE, SES, SEL, SE Wagon, and Taurus SL Wagon. These five Taurus models share two different engines:

• The Taurus LX and Taurus SE come standard with a 3.0-liter FFV 2V V-6 that delivers 155 horsepower at 4,900 rpm

• The Taurus SES, Taurus SE Wagon, and the Taurus SL Wagon come standard with a 3.0-liter OHC 2V V-6 that delivers 155 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 200 pounds-per foot of torque at 5,650 rpm

From allautoreviews.com, the special features of the 2008 Ford Taurus:

Engine

3.0L displacement overhead valves (OHV)
V6 cylinder configuration gas engine
12 valves 155 hp @ 4900 rpm
185 ft-lbs. @ 3950 rpm regular unleaded fuel

Drive Train

4-speed automatic transmission front wheel drive
Suspension- four-wheel independent suspension front stabilizer bar
Exterior Features
steel rims 16 in. rims
P215/60R16 tires all season tires
spacesaver spare tire steel spare wheel (different from Volvo wheel)
full wheel covers

variable intermittent wipers privacy glass

rear defogger

Safety Features

ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes front seatbelt pretensioners
rear door child safety locks child seat anchors
emergency interior trunk release
front center lap belt
rear center 3-point belt 2 front headrests

Front Seats
6 person total seating capacity split-bench
front seats cloth upholstery

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gal.

EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)

Automatic: : 20 mpg / 28 mpg

Range in Miles: (City/Highway)

Automatic: 360 mi. / 504 mi.

Power Features
power door locks power windows
1 one-touch power windows power mirrors

Convenience

speed-proportional power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel
front cupholders
remote trunk release
front seatback storage front 12v power outlet(s)

front console with storage

Comfort

air conditioning
front reading lights
dual vanity mirrors front and rear floor mats

trunk light

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3 liters

Base Engine Type: V6 -1 Horsepower: 155 hp

Max Horsepower: 4900 rpm Torque: 185 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 3950 rpm Drive Type: FWD

Turning Circle: 39.7 ft.

AM/FM stereo 4 total speakers mast antenna

The Rebirth of the Fiat 500

2007-08-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

The original Fiat 500 was Italy’s symbol of postwar economic miracle. With persuasions from his aunt or his mother, Luca De Meo, chief executive of the Italian automaker, Fiat, the 1957 Italian icon is reborn.

Lining with the present day beetle of Volkswagen, Volvo C30 (built with Volvo oil filters) and BMW’s Mini, the new Fiat 500 is the new member of these diminutive vehicles. Its length is 11 feet and 6 inches, 4 inches shorter than Ford’s Ka and 18 inches longer than the 1957 version.

Appealing to the patriotic hearts of the Europeans especially the Italians, the New Fiat 500 sold 57,000 units in less than a month of being in the market.

“Don’t forget, the original 500 sold four million cars,” said Marco Zurru, an auto industry consultant during an interview with New York Times.

Part of the marketing strategy of Fiat, the slogans for the Fiat 500 contains “The new Fiat belongs to us” statements. Further emphasizing its Italian origin, side stripes nears the color of the Italian flag and little Italian flags are stitched into the upholstery. In France, where the original Fiat was known as “pot de yaourt” or pot of yogurt, their ads state “The new Fiat is your history too”.

The 2008 Fiat 500 Highlights:

Base Price: $18,000
Vehicle Layout: Front Engine, FWD, 4-pass, 2-door hatchback
Engine: 1.2 Liter/69 hp/75-lb-ft SOHC I4; 1.3L/75-hp/107-lb-ft SOHC I4 turbodiesel; 1.4L/100-hp/97-lb-ft SOHC I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 1903 lbs
Wheelbase: 139.6 inches
Length x Width x Height: 90.6 x 64.0 x 58.6
0-60 MPH 10.5 – 12.5 sec
EPA City/HWY Econ 37mpg – 56mpg (est)
On Sale in US 2011 (est)

Aside from these innovated specifications, despite the tiny form of the new Fiat 500, it features enhanced safety for its passengers too. It achieved a five-star safety rating, the highest possible rating in the standardized European frontal Collision test with its seven air bags.

“Like the mini, you buy it because it’s interesting, beautiful things for the beautiful,” says Martino Boffa, the managing director in Milan of the Marketing consultants Icon Added Value in his interview with NYT writer John Tagliabue.

“It’s not functional; it’s a luxury item; it’s a toy” he further speculated.

Ford’s Water Powered Fusion Hydrogen 999 goes 207 mph!

2007-08-20T01:02:00.000-07:00

In the Salt flats of Boneville in Wendover, Utah, Ford’s Hydrogen Fusion, fuel cell incredibly speeded up to 207.297 mph. It set the record of being the first production based fuel cell car to reach the said land speed.

Ford created the first and only production vehicle-based fuel race car in the icon of the Hydrogen Fusion 999. A consortium is responsible for the architecture and engineering of this car, which includes Ballard Power Systems, Roush and Ohio State University and Ford Motors.

It is one of the two vehicles that show its potential for fuel cell technology that the group was able to produce. Ford Motors is also supporting two student engineers who are working on their Buckeye Bullet 2 which is a Steamliner-type fuel cell-powered attempting to reach the land speed of 300+ mph.

“What we’ve accomplished is nothing short of an industry first,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company.

“No other automaker in the world has come close. We are excited to have accomplished something never before done. We established this project to advance fuel-cell-powered vehicles and to do what has never been done before; and we did it.”

The record was made during the annual speed week at Boneville, which was triple-digit one-upmanship across an oblivion of white salt.

Last month, Mujeeb Ijaz, manager of fuel cell vehicle engineering at Ford that the Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 is named after the car that Henry Ford used that also set the record of 91.37 mph in 1994. However his target was to strike 200 mph.

The Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 is created out of production body panels around a tube-frame chassis. Its power is generated from a motor that runs purely on hydrogen fuel cells and a 12-volt battery. After six months of intelligent engineering, it was completed.

“We gave birth to a racing milestone that no one can take away,” Mr. Ijaz said.

“I told our vice president after the 207 mph run, ‘When’s the next trip to Bonneville?’ It’s been a great experience.”

Enough of my news, since Hydrogen Fusion 999 is run by Hydrogen Fuel cell, it must be very friendly to the environment since its exhaust system won’t be releasing CO2. Ever wondered how much CO2 your Yukon, with its GMC exhaust system releases?

India to Develop World’s Cheapest Car

2007-08-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

India is famous for being the second most populous nation in the word, for world wonders like the Taj Mahal, and world figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Now to add to the list of must finds in India is the world’s cheapest car---Rs One Lakh.

For the Indian people, a life without a car is okay. Out of a thousand Indian, only eight of them own a car. On the other hand, 750 out of a thousand Americans have vehicles.

India’s largest four wheel automaker, Tata Motors is planning to develop and release the Rs One Lakh, a car worth $2,500. Of all prices of cars from American, Japanese, German and other international automaker, this car would be the cheapest of them all.

Manishi Ravchaudhuri, a UBS Analyst says, "The potential for that car to sell in large numbers is huge,"

"In India, the penetration of four-wheelers is very low. So naturally there's some status attached to having a real car--it's kind of a showpiece."

At present, Tata is India’s largest bus and truck company and the world’s second-largest heavy truck maker.

The company’s initial production capacity will be 100,000 units per year. 17% of Tata’s revenue comes from their exports. They are planning to make the Rs One Lakh exclusively available in India first. They may release the car to other countries but they do not have plans of venturing to the North American car market yet. Unlike China’s Chery which recently signed a partnership with Chrysler to sell their cars in the United States.

"We have no immediate plans to come to the United States," says Debassis Ray, Tata spokesman.

"We think U.S. is a difficult market. It's saturated and highly developed."

Tata is the first Indian Engineering Company to be listed in the New York Stock Exchange in the year 2004 with the company’s stock of 75%. With their growing success, they are thinking over bids for Ford’s Jaguar and Land Rover brands. But the rate of highway construction in India restricts Tata and other Indian car company; it is very slow compared to China’s frantic pace.

"We still have a ways to go before we can call India the Detroit of the East," says Ray Chaudhuri.
"But if you compare the broader economies of India and China, China is growing at only a slightly more rapid pace. When India finishes its highway system, things will definitely improve.”

Let’s just hope that this car, however the cheapest will not sacrifice the ride quality of its passengers. Its parts, the lighting system (like the GMC tail lights), exteriors, interiors, engine hopefully makes that $2,500 worth of investment.

How to take Care of your Emission Control and Exhaust System

2007-08-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Part of being a responsible driver and car owner is to cause no harm to other motorists, non–motorists and the environment. Being a careful driver is the key to safety of other people while having a well maintained and high quality emission control and exhaust system in your car is the best means to protect our environment.

The emission control and exhaust system is made up of basic parts, the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, muffler, exhaust manifold, and exhaust pipes. Let me share with you some tips on how to care for each part…so your car won’t be one to contribute to the air hazards.

The catalytic converter is one of the major and very vital components of your car’s emission control system. This engine part uses an internal catalyst that converts carbon monoxide, hydro carbons and oxides of nitrogen to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen to be released from your exhaust. Carbon Monoxide and the hydro carbons are considered to be harmful gases.

Care and Maintenance Tip: Catalytic converters do not require their own maintenance. It will depend on the maintenance of the vehicle. When the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT is on, have your car checked immediately to avoid severe damage. For replacements, factory catalytic converters of Toyota, Mazda, Nissan or of your chosen car brands are always available.

The muffler serves as a silencer; it reduces the noise made by the engine. The muffler with other parts of the exhaust system are closely connected, replacement of the muffler often means replacement of the other exhaust system parts.

Care and Maintenance Tip: An unusually loud noise from the exhaust and other parts of the engine is a warning that your car needs to be brought to an auto repair shop.

Oxygen Sensors serves as a measuring device to determine the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. It continuously monitors the exhaust gases and signals the engine computer to adjust the air and fuel ratio to ensure complete gasoline combustion.

Care and Maintenance tip: Oxygen sensors should be replaced as indicated in your car’s manual and if necessary. Oxygen sensor replacements are now very easy to find and most car makers offers their factory oxygen sensors. Fiat oxygen sensors, Geo oxygen sensors, Ford oxygen sensors guarantee superior quality.

The exhaust manifold serves as the route for the gases to leave the cylinder to the exhaust system. It also serves as a connection to the exhaust pipe.

Care and Maintenance Tip: Car owners should be alert for a ticking noise during acceleration or the sound or smell of leaking exhaust because it signifies a leak or break in the exhaust manifold connections. This engine part is not commonly replaced with other exhaust system parts.

Like other pipes, the exhaust pipes serve as a route, but for gases through the catalytic converter and muffler and out at the rear of the car.

Care and Maintenance Tip: Like other parts of the exhaust system, louder noise from the engine and smell of exhaust is a warning sign that your car needs an auto repair visit.

Toyota Blade Replaces Matrix

2007-08-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the best selling Mazda M3, Toyota’s Matrix will now be replaced by the newly improved Toyota Blade. The Toyota Matrix with installed Toyota Matrix parts had already proven itself, and now it is time for it to give way to its successor, the Toyota Blade which features sharpness in driving.

Still a hatchback, the Toyota Blade has thicker C – pillar than its predecessor and compared to the Matrix’s 1.8 liter engine that produces 126 horsepower and 122 pounds feet of torque, the Toyota Blade is engineered with a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine powered by 158 horsepower that will produce 161 pounds feet of torque.

Fuel economy is measured to be around 23 mpg, than that of Matrix’s four cylinder engine to 31 mpg. Also part of the package is its sporty suspension tune and larger disc brakes. Its appearance has a model specific badge and with mesh-look grille.

The four-wheel large-diameter disk brakes provide excellent braking performance and feature superior control with a high-quality braking. Road noise and engine noise have been reduced by the optimal distribution of vibration-controlling, sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials, delivering a quiet cabin space at par with that of a high-class sedan.

Named Auris in Europe, and Blade in Japan as well as in the US, the car is set to be available here next spring.

For Toyota lovers, the Blade will cost approximately $18,000 (2,247,000 yen).

GM's New Hybrid car Out to Double Toyota Prius' mph

2007-08-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Will the reign of Toyota’s Prius as the world’s best-selling hybrid vehicle soon reach its end? If yes, will General Motor’s new hybrid car, the Chevrolet Volt, be the perfect heir to the throne?

The new Chevrolet Volt is just one of the four hybrids being developed by GM. As part of the GM’s E-Flex architecture, its initial features include a plug in cable, battery – dominated series hybrid architecture. GM designed the Volt to start its engine when 40 % of the battery charge remains and it can gain fuel economy of 50 mpg. (4.7 l/ 100km) even when the vehicle is not plugged in.

While the best selling Prius can take you for no more than twenty miles (20), GM’s plan that their Chevrolet Volt will speed you up to forty (40) miles per hour after being charged in a common household outlet. Yes, you are not mistaken. That is, double the speed.

In an article entitled “Energy Diversity as a Business Imperative” in The Futurist” magazine, Elizabeth Lowery, said "Today, we are embracing multiple energy sources because there is no single answer available for the mass market…. In 2007, GM will debut four hybrid models—with many more in the years to follow."

A Hybrid car is a vehicle that combines a conventional propulsion system with an on – board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) in order to attain better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like an electrical vehicle.

Romania set a New Law for Ford to Acquire the Daewoo Factory

2007-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

The net revealed several stories about Ford acquiring the previous Daewoo plant in Craiova, southern Romania these past few weeks. And because the government has a different law, it hinders the possible selling of Daewoo plant to Ford. But Ford is very much willing to get it.

Ford was also reported selling both Land Rover and Jaguar but they don’t have plans of selling their Volvo brand which are known makers of Volvo Headlight.

Several auto makers developed interest on that facility. That includes other European brands like BMW and other Indian auto makers. Detroit General Motor Corporation was also revealed to have an interest on the facility but because GM is looking for more options, they were forced to drop the plan of acquiring the said plant.

Among all the automaker which plan to get the plant, only Ford Motor Company expressed this huge interest over it. And now, it seems like Ford id finally getting what they want as the news from sharewatch.com revealed a new luck for Ford.

The Romanian government will be setting a new law that can guarantee Ford Motor Company to acquire the Daewoo facility in southern Romania. The news came from the agency for privatizations or AVAS. According to AVAS, "The lawyers for the two parties met on Sunday to discuss the main elements of the deal to be included in this law."

“Ford has not asked for tax advantages, but for a clarification of all the issues linked to the factory, whether these concern debts owed to the State or responsibility for vehicles produced by the former owner which are still in circulation. Ford wants a clean factory," this was according to Sebastian Vladescu, the Secretary of State for Finance during an interview held by the NewsIn.

The Romanian government required Ford to have at least 72.4 pct stake in the company to own the operating company. But the financial terms has not yet published. The facility was bankrupt last 1999 and the Romanian government bought 51% of the South Korean car maker’s Daewoo facility plan last years August. The government invested a 60 mln to buy the said plant.

Concours d’ Elegance in Los Angeles

2007-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

If beauty pageants are for women, Concours d’ Elegance are for cars.

Concours d’ Elegance is a French term that means a competition of automobile owners who are to be judged according to vehicle they have set before the eyes of the judges. For those who do not know, this event had already been a tradition in the SoCal for two years now. This year, in the fields of Brookside Country Club, in Los Angeles, California, grand cars of all shapes and sizes showed up in their top form.

Who would not consider this show a great show where various car models of all time like the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe, 1970 Mercedes C-111-II, 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT, 1967 Bizzarrini 5300 Strada GT, 1955 Mercedes 300 SL, 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, 1937 Morris Eight Woody Panel Delivery Van, 1955 Porsche 356 Continental, 1929 Ford Model A V-8 Roadster, 1914 Cadillac Roadster, 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 were only some of the participants of extravagant happening.

Aside from allowing the world to see these beauties, this celebration was also for a good cause. The proceeds of the event will be forwarded to the Assistance League of Southern. If you want to be part of this affair, you can now mark your calendars for the Third Annual Los Angeles Concours d’ Elegance on the first of June next year.

Can Ford Sacrifice Volvo?

2007-08-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

By the end of the year, Ford will decide whether to forego Volvo - its upscale Scandinavian brand. But people familiar with the situation said that the matter could be decided in a matter of weeks if the Dearborn automaker manages to raise considerable cash from the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover, which form part of the Premier Automotive Group (PAG) where Volvo belongs.

It was previously reported that the struggling automaker intends to focus on its American brands. In fact, it has been rigorous in implementing its turnaround plan. After significant losses in the past, Ford couldn’t handle much financial crisis this time around. To stress, Ford lost $12.7 billion in the previous year.

Earlier, the company has decided to sell Aston Martin, the extra-luxury European brand. And the proceeds of the sale have been essential to its restructuring. But the proceeds aren’t enough.

"That (PAG profit) reduces some of the pressure to sell the unit immediately, and provides a welcome, if small, respite to the company's cash burn. That PAG is making money also bolsters Ford's leverage in negotiating a good price for the business - though it's not yet clear if these improved results are sustainable," reported the Wall Street Journal.

Press reports in London and New York in mid-July suggested that Ford might try to sell Volvo. If Volvo is going on the block, the sale isn't likely to take place any time soon; maybe a year from now, reported Detroit News. “That raises the question of who would buy Volvo, and there is no shortage of candidates. Investors from Russia, China, Sweden, the Middle East, and Renault of France are seen as possibilities.”

The maker of the Volvo S70 radiator, with its prominent place in the auto industry, still has a long way to go. Andrew Wright, a Senior Analyst, European Vehicle Forecasts at CSM Worldwide, expects Volvo to show steady growth, rising from 427,000 in 2006 to 641,000 by 2013. "These aren't premium sales, but they are near premium - Volvo is making handy profits and getting stronger in SUVs. It's difficult to justify the logic of selling Volvo," said Wright.

Global Insight auto analyst Paul Newton reckons that if Volvo was sold it would raise nearly $8 billion, but doesn't think it makes any sense. "Despite the boost that $8 billion would provide, a boost that the company has previously assured the industry it does not need, the logic of selling off one of the profitable arms of the company that provides solidly engineered technology on a global level would be hard to decipher," Newton said. "That's too cynical," said Newton.

Professor Peter Cooke of Nottingham Trent University's Motor Industry Management School believes Ford has decided that Volvo has no place in its future.

"Mulally is really taking the company back to areas where the Ford philosophy and ethos is volume cars,” noted Cooke. "Mulally is going to fix what the best auto brains couldn't.”

Identifying Brake Failures

2007-08-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Car brakes are one of the most important auto parts of your vehicle. Faulty car brakes can lead to serious car accidents or in more fatal cases, can lead to death. So if you notice that your car brakes are malfunctioning, be sure to have it checked or replaced by a professional mechanic. But how are you going to identify whether your brakes need replacement? Here is how.

If you hear strange noises on your car brakes, something is wrong with it. The two most common types of car brake noise that indicate problems are grinding and squeaking. Grinding noise is produced when two metals are in contact. If you hear this sound, you must replace your car brakes immediately. Your car brake is totally worn out. Squeaking is the sound produced by friction on the brake lining. The friction produces heat that damages the pads, lining, rotors and drums of your car brakes.

If your pedal also sinks to your car floor, you need to replace it. This can also cause accidents. This also causes leaks on your brake system, brake lines or your car needs a brake adjustment.

You can also identify if your car brakes are totally worn out if your vehicle pulls to one side. Your car brake may only need to be adjusted or if the case is irreversible, replace your car brake right away.

Now you know how to check whether your car brakes are in need of replacement. The next thing you should learn is how to maintain its functionality. You only need to follow simple steps listed below.

1. Master cylinder is the most important part of your brake system. This is the heart of the entire system and the reservoir of fluid. This car part is located on the firewall and must also be checked regularly to make sure that proper amount of fluid is present.

2. Another car part that is attached to the master cylinder. This is called brake lines. This should be checked regularly. You also must avoid it from getting rusty for it can lead to leaks. Any damaged brake lines must be replaced immediately.

3. Brake hoses are also important parts of your brake system. It must also be free from any dust, dirt, grime, salt and other harmful chemical elements that can ruin its function. This rubber easily gets brittle so it must be taken care of.

4. You should also check the linings and pads periodically. Check for excess wear, saturation or glazing. This can ruin the function of your car brakes.

5. Check also if leak is present on your calipers and wheel cylinders.

6. Regularly lubricated your bearings and seal. Any worn out car parts must be discarded and replaced.

7. Your parking brake is also important. Adjust your car parking brake regularly.

Just like BMW 328is Parts, all these parts needs to be regularly check in order to maintain its functionality.

GM, Ford Give Motor City ‘Lil Hope

2007-08-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

For quite a long time, Detroit’s Big Three has flaunted its political clout. Unfortunately, the influence has saturated to become one heck of a futile effort. The trace of its power is no longer apparent. And it seems clouded by apprehensions…

Do you doubt their influence? You are not alone, trust me. In the past couple of years, it seems that the domestics could do no right - closing plants, slashing jobs, and still losing millions. What’s more, the circumstances surrounding the industry have escalated the crisis. Gas prices rise, housing investments falters, and foreign automakers dominate the realm. Tell me, what’s gonna be more sore than that?

But the wind is changing its direction and a great monsoon has benefited the industry. In the most recent quarterly report, profits of GM and Ford rose. And said occurrence shed ‘lil hope to the industry. Workers welcome the change. But how long could the positive change linger?

Recent quarterly profits by GM and Ford have given the Motor City a postulation that better days are ahead, even though both automakers made most of their money overseas.

Of course, good news could be bad news. Earlier, GM ran its string of profitable quarters to three when it announced second-quarter net income of $891 million. Earnings growth in Europe, Latin America, Asia and other areas eclipsed lingering problems in North America. Although GM improved in its backyard, it still posted a net loss of $39 million there, reported the Associated Press.

Last week, the Dearborn-automaker reported its first quarterly profit in two years at $750 million but warned that it hadn't turned the corner to sustained profitability. Chrysler's second-quarter earnings results have been delayed until August by the pending sale of 80.1 percent of the company to Cerberus Capital Management LP.

Several industry analysts said that while signs of trouble remain at both Ford and GM, the profits are good news. At least for now, bankruptcy talk has subsided, the report continued.
"I think it's brightening up," David Healy, an analyst with Burnham Securities, said of the clouds that had been hanging over Detroit. "Both companies have shrunk about one-third of their hourly work force, and they've closed a lot of plants. They're basically adjusting to the level of business that they're doing now."

Peter Nesvold, an automotive analyst for Bear, Stearns & Co., said that Detroit is starting to see the results of changes in product lineups because of higher gas prices and competition from Japanese automakers. "I think that's what the last two years have been about," he said. "It's been responding, albeit late, to the shift in consumer preference and the ongoing competitive threat from the new domestics."

As the crisis gets more excruciating auto workers hope concessions will be more favorable to the labor. The UAW is doing different approaches to get the best out of the bargaining. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed…

Ford feels a surprising profit for 2nd quarter

2007-07-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Reports say Ford Motor Co. on Thursday posted its first profit in two years on a surprising flop in its motor vehicle business and cost cutting in its troubled US operations, making its shares to hike more than 3 percent.

The Detroit car maker also said that it was delving a sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover luxury units.

Moreover, the No. 2 US car maker also said that it was conducting a well planned review of its Swedish luxury nameplate Volvo, which is famously known as Ford's most valuable luxury brand that it expected to end by the end of the year.

Alan Mulally, the Chief executive of Ford said their company expected a tough second half and negative cash flow as it pushed ahead with the closing of its 16 plants and cutting up to 45,000 jobs in a sweeping restructuring process.

According to auto analysts, the results implied a faster-than-expected improvement for Ford in the United States market. However, some said that the weaker results for Ford's finance arm and the potential sale of its full portfolio of luxury brands pushed questions on future earnings potential.

Ford posted a net profit of US$750mil, or 31 US cents per share, as compared with a loss of US$317mil, or 17 US cents, a year earlier.

According to Reuters Estimates, profit from continuing operations, not including one-time items, was 13 US cents per share, which has well past the average Wall Street forecast of a loss of 37 US cents per share.

Since the seventh up to the twelfth month of 2005, the positive results marked the first profit for Ford as well as its first motor vehicle-related profit since the first six months of 2005.

These things are actually very normal to any enterprise. So Ford should not be worrying or be extremely happy when fluctuations occur. It just needs to continue its pursuit of making quality products for its customers. But I think Ford knows how to handle things like these.

Way To Go Mondeo!

2007-07-28T00:48:00.000-07:00

"...The Mondeo delivers effortlessly, performing with aplomb everywhere. It steers beautifully, rides with a composure and smoothness that's absent from even the best German executive cars, handles tautly and has a great range of engines. It's also vast inside, beats its rivals for quality, is clearly laid out with great refinement and comfort levels to take the sting out of everyday driving..."

These are the words used as commented by the impressed Editor in chief of Auto Express, David Johns, about the award-winning Ford Mondeo!

Way to go Mondeo! This lovely car earned three recognitions from the recent Auto Express Awards. The Ford Mondeo grabbed the Best Family Car, Best Estate Car and last but not the least, the highest honor there is, the 2007 Auto Express Car of the Year! Wow! One was enough; two was too much, and how about three awards?

Bravo Mondeo! The Ford Mondeo has proven itself as the newest variety of a certified family car that promises a whole lot of fun driving experiences for the whole family. As the best estate car, according to Auto Express, Ford had administered to start not only a sparkling hatchback with the Mondeo but it had also carried out an astonishing achievement by developing a class-leading estate type as well!

"Combining the sheer amount of room on board with its trademark hatchback, the Mondeo is more flexible than booted rivals. Every passenger gets increased space and greater seat comfort and no rival cruises as comfortably at high speed or deals with coarser surfaces so well. It even delivers a cosseting ride around town and thanks to its stiffer body it handles beautifully too. The incredible 75-car range completed the credentials that made Mondeo a worthy winner of the family car crown," added Johns.

The Auto Express staff, road testers and journalists has been stunned by Mondeo’s brand new styling with the gorgeous curves, well-refined details and bright edges on its body design. This was the factor that caught everyone’s attention and “admiration”! Plus, they were impressed on the abundant standard features of the Mondeo with its bigger space and legroom. Talk about performance, the Mondeo gave the road testers of Auto Express a dose of a powerful presentation of a premium best estate and the best family car! No doubt the Mondeo outperformed its competition on its range and placed itself on the top of Auto Express’ list of today’s best cars! Auto Express Car of the Year indeed!

In David Johns’ last comment, he stated, "Although Ford made public its intentions to make the Mondeo an object of desire, its designers didn't fall into the trap of putting form ahead of function. Quite simply, the new Mondeo estate is what all good load-luggers should be – big, practical and superb at carrying stuff. From its hangar-like luggage bay to clever options such as the sliding floor, the Ford feels like a car which is designed to work for a living."

Volvo C70 Will Get Something New Under its Hood

2007-07-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

Here is one great news for consumers who look for fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions for a vehicle model (excluding hybrids and fuel cell models!).

Ford Motor Company’s Volvo Cars division will add a new 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine under the hood of all Volvo C70 convertible models. This will be the first 4-cylinder engine installed on a convertible mode, according to the Swedish automaker.

The 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine is capable of pumping out 136 hp (100kW) and produces 320 Nm amount of peak torque. This engine allows the C70 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph within 11 seconds and can reach a maximum electronically limited speed of 127 mph.

Although the C70 2.0D offers powerful performance, it also offers an impressive fuel economy/fuel consumption of 6.1 liters per 60 miles. This is achieved by the engine's technological features like the 2nd-generation common rail technology with moving rails and standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). DPF acts as a guard to reduce the unburned fuel particles that flows to the car's exhaust system.

According to Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of the Volvo Car Corporation:
"The four-cylinder turbodiesel will be a very popular choice, especially in Europe where it will account for 20 percent of total C70 sales. The engine offers a very attractive combination of fuel economy and driving pleasure."

Volvo Cars plans to launch the Volvo C70 models equipped with 2.0D engines this fall 2007. Sales figures are expected to reach about 2,000 units every year. Hmmm... we'll see. Anyway, I wonder if the C70 will be equipped with a Volvo Cargo Liner. What do you think?

Ford Soars High In Oshkosh’ Annual Air Show

2007-07-25T01:12:00.001-07:00

One of my routines from last week is to check on some auto updates at ford.com. After I finished reading some featured stories, I browsed through their press releases from last week and I read some news that was quite interesting, so I told myself to read the entire article.

It’s about the annual EAA AirVenture festival which is the biggest aviation celebration! And since 1999, Ford has been a proud sponsor of this marvelous event! This is Ford’s biggest participation from July 23-29 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) aviation show expected a crowd of more than 600,000 spectators! Wow, this is the largest happening today so far… whew!

“AirVenture is a great opportunity to showcase Ford Motor Company vehicles and spur purchase consideration for all of our brands. This year, we are engaging event attendees in more ways than ever before. Half the battle in this business is getting buyers behind the wheel for a test drive. The Ford Challenge has proven very effective at improving purchase consideration,” expresses Kevin Keling, the Ford Corporate Events Manager.

The Ford Hangar will be the main featured vehicle to be demonstrated at this event. Visitors will be invited to learn and study about the company’s performance competence, ground-breaking technologies, vehicle modification options and vehicle styling! Among the vehicles scheduled to be on exhibit are two of Ford’s electrifying and latest cars which are planned to get underway by the year 2008 - the awesome Shelby GT500KR and the gorgeous Ford Flex! Visitors have the chance to see the Lincoln MKR and the Ford Interceptor concept cars as well. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 will be displayed also which is scheduled to try and beat the land speed record next month!

“Last year’s Beach Boys concert was successful beyond all expectations and we had many, many requests from EAA members and others for another opening-day concert. Through the support of Eclipse Aviation, Innovation Solutions & Support and Ford, we are able to bring the Beach Boys back in 2007 to round out an extraordinary opening day at Oshkosh,” said Tom Poberezny, the EAA president and AirVenture chairman.

Ford continue to gain quality satisfaction

2007-07-23T03:03:00.000-07:00

Vehicles of Ford Motor Company continue gaining quality satisfaction in the second quarter U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study.

This year, the company improved 10% while the report's average industry-wide improvement rate reached 4 percent. Moreover, 19 Ford Motor Company models ranked in the top three places for customer satisfaction, "things gone wrong" (TGW) performance, or both, after three months in service.

Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Mark LT pickup got the top spots for TGW performance, while Ford Edge, Ford E-series vans and Mazda MX-5 Miata bested in their segments in customer satisfaction. Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Navigator L, and other Ford’s newest vehicles were excellent customer satisfaction performers. Each launched with considerably fewer TGWs than the industry average. Meanwhile, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ still have high quality levels after their launches in late 2004.

Conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., the 2007 second quarter U.S. Global Quality Research System study, according to the Ford website, “asks customers of all major makes and models to comment on troubles and rate their overall satisfaction with their three-month-old vehicles”.

Second-place winners for TGW performance and customer satisfaction:
Ford Freestyle: TGW performance, Crossover utility.
Ford Expedition: TGW performance, Large traditional utility.
Ford Expedition EL: Customer satisfaction performance, Large traditional utility.
Ford E-Series: TGW performance, Full-size van passenger/cargo.
Mercury Milan: TGW performance, CD car segment.
Mercury Mountaineer: TGW performance, Medium traditional utility.
Lincoln Navigator L: TGW performance and customer satisfaction performance, Large premium utility.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: customer satisfaction, Sports car segment.
Volvo S60: TGW performance, CD Premium car segment.
Volvo S80: TGW performance, D Premium car segment.

Third-place winners:
Ford Fusion: TGW performance, CD car segment.
Ford F-150: TGW performance, Fullsize light truck segment.
Lincoln MKZ: TGW performance, CD Premium car segment.
Lincoln Navigator: TGW performance and customer satisfaction performance, Large premium utility segment.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: TGW performance, Sports car segment.

The TGW performance survey average is 1,447 and 78 percent for customer satisfaction level.

In June 28, J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study named Ford Edge the industry's top performing all-new vehicle and Ford Mustang won its segment for the third consecutive year.

If Ford parts are somewhat similar as Volkswagen Jetta parts, then I can conclude Ford can beat international brands as well.

The 40 Gorgeous James Bond Cars

2007-07-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have been a James Bond fan ever since I was a kid. My father and I used to watch Bond movies in his room. He got all the DVD copies of the 21 James Bond movies from "Dr. No" up to the latest Bond film "Casino Royale". Maybe I got this huge appreciation towards James Bond films because of my father. I mean you can feel that, I guess.

But what interested me most are the gorgeous cars on each film. I remember when I watched the "Die Another Day", and I found myself drooling over the stunning Jaguar XKR. And another vehicle that has got me gaping at it was the Aston Martin Vanquish which was used in the same movie - that really sent a huge wave of envy going over me.

Well anyway, I found this list on this website. Take a few times browsing the list of the top 40 cars used on the entire range of James Bond films:

1) DB5 (Goldfinger)
2) Aston Martin Vanquish (Die Another Day)
3) Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me)
4) BMW Z8 (The World Is Not Enough)
5) Citroen 2CV (For Your Eyes Only)
6) Jag XKR (Die Another Day)
7) Toyota 2000 (You Only Live Twice)
8) Lotus Esprit Turbo (For Your Eyes Only)
9) BMW Z3 (GoldenEye)
10) Ferrari 355 (GoldenEye)
11) DB5 (Thunderball)
12) Aston Martin DBS (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
13) Mustang Mach 1 (Diamonds Are Forever)
14) Aston Martin V8 (The Living Daylights)
15) BMW 750i (Tomorrow Never Dies)
16) Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me)
17) Sunbeam Alpine (Dr No)
18) Triumph Stag (Diamonds Are Forever)
19) MGB (The Man With The Golden)
20) Aston Martin DBS (Casino Royale)
21) Cadillac Eldorado (Live And Let Die)
22) Cougar (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
23) AMC Hornet (The Man With The Golden Gun)
24) Bentley IV convertible (From Russia With Love)
25) Tuk Tuk taxi (Octopussy)
26) Mini Moke (Live And Let Die)
27) Aston Martin DB5 (Casino Royale)
28) Moon Buggy (Diamonds Are Forever)
29) Lada 1500 police car (The Living Daylights)
30) Mercedes 250SE (Octopussy)
31) Hispano Suiza (Moonraker)
32) Ford Mustang convertible (Thunderball)
33) Mercedes Benz 600 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
34) Daimler limo (Tomorrow Never Dies)
35) Chevrolet Corvette (A View To A Kill)
36) Willy's jeep (Octopussy)
37) Range Rover convertible (Casino Royale)
38) Ford Thunderbird (Die Another Day)
39) Maserati Biturbo (Licence To Kill)
40) Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger)

Ford To The Rescue

2007-07-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

“There’s always a rainbow after the rain” as the famous line goes. In times of trouble and distress, there will always be someone who will take you out of the dark and somehow give strength and hope to move on… and that’s one of the major goals of the Ford Motor Company right now! After a destructive tornado that nearly destroyed the City of Greensburg, Kansas, the Ford Motor Company delivered an E85 Escape Hybrid to assist the local government in rebuilding the city. Ford, in cooperation with the city government of Greensburg, plans to rebuild the place into an environmentally-friendly and sustainable city after the vicious catastrophe hit the town.

South Central Regional governmental Affairs Manager Tony Reinhart of Ford handed over the keys of the Ford E85 Escape Hybrid yesterday to John Jansen, Greensburg respected Mayor. Aside from the vehicles donated by Ford, $5,600 dollars was also given courtesy of Ford-UAW Local 249. Greensburg was almost entirely ruined by an F5 tornado last May 4, 2007. Greensburg lost 12 lives and 95 percent of its buildings were leveled, sending-off the remainder in a state of disrepair.

"This is a win-win for both Ford and Greensburg because the use of the E85 Escape Hybrid will allow the town's municipality to utilize an environmentally-friendly vehicle as it works toward rebuilding the city. At the same time we gain insight into the technology as it is used under day-to-day driving conditions," said Tony Reinhart, manager, South Central Region Governmental Affairs for the Ford Motor Company.

"We are excited that Ford is including us in its demonstration of E85 Escape Hybrids," said John Jansen, Greensburg's Mayor. "This opportunity fits in with our green vision to rebuild Greensburg to a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable community."

There is more than earning massive sales to auto manufacturers… it’s helping those who are in need… Providing a shed of hope to people who have lost everything… We are glad that the Ford Motor Company is very compassionate aside from being one of the top automakers in the planet!

Ford Kuga to Debut in Frankfurt

2007-07-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Yup, Ford is introducing the newest addition to the family. But, unluckily for us folks here in the States, the newest model is Europe-bound only.

And as our luck (or lack of it) must have it, Ford of Europe’s newest baby – the Ford Kuga, set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September – is, judging from the picture of the Iosis X concept (where it is based) above, quite a looker. The sporty looking crossover looks better than out Escape here. Well Europe has the Mondeo and the better looking European Focus, so why should we be surprised with this recent development right.

The Kuga, which is based on the iosis X concept from the 2006 Paris Auto Show, communicates Ford's new "kinetic design" philosophy, according to the automaker.

Set for production early next year at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany, the compact five-door 4x4 will go on sale next spring. Ford has released a sketch but technical details about the new model are yet to be announced.

The Ford Kuga is based on the stunning Ford Iosis X concept car first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. It uses the automaker’s exciting 'kinetic design' form language which, the company press release says, is meant to introduce a compact and distinctive new 4x4 crossover to the Ford portfolio.

"Kuga is adventurous and distinctive, and we wanted to highlight this in our first official image," Stefan Lamm, Ford's Chief Designer for Exteriors, commented. "We believe that there is a role for a more athletic and charismatic vehicle that marks a departure from the norm, in the same way that the award-winning Ford S-MAX carved out new territory for an MPV."

Well we can always hope for better things, can’t we?

In the meantime, weren’t you going to check your Mustang cold air intakes?

High Fuel Prices take its toll on Ford’s Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

2007-07-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

The news purporting that Ford’s inline six-cylinder engine is to be phased out in 2010 didn’t really came as a surprise, at least not to me. It was only a matter of time before the ever increasing high fuel prices takes its toll on Aussie’s famous RWD 6-cylinder cars---and finally it happened.

But the sad part of this news is that Ford would have to close its Geelong plant in Melbourne which happens to be building the automaker’s inline six-cylinder engine. Around 600 workers are to be affected on the closing of the plant.

According to Ford the closing of the plant is necessary in order for it to employ its new product manufacturing strategy but of course even though the automaker did not mention it, the decline in demand for Australia’s traditional large sedans due to the soaring fuel prices as well as the imminent changes to local emissions standards had major impact on the decision.

In place of the inline six-cylinder engine Ford will be replacing it with a global Duratec V6 engine plus some high performance derivatives that are to be utilized for locally manufactured Falcon, falcon Ute, and Territory model lines.

Ford’s Aussie division will still be pursuing its new R&D center as part of Ford’s $1.8 billion Australian investment program likewise investment programs in new emissions laboratories together with the wind tunnel technology will not be halted.

Ok, I’ve spent so much time on this blog I forgot that I was suppose to buy a new BMW window regulator for my car. Ciao!

A New Facility for Penske Logistics Opens to Support Ford Motor Company

2007-07-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Just when the Ford Motor Company needed it the most, it would also be the time when Penske Logistics opens a new logistics facility plant in Louisville, Kentucky to support the US auto maker. The new facility was built by First Industrial using Penske specifications to produce more parts for the Ford Motor Company which is based in North America.

The vice president of Penske Logistics in terms of operation and management, Bill Scroggie, said, "We worked as a team to develop a facility that is customized to meet Ford's logistics needs and one that helps drive greater efficiencies in its supply chain."

The new facility plant is expensive on its 118,000-square-foot built along the major rail line just beside the 65 and 265. The warehouse is surrounded by 140 doors and the facility has the capacity to unload up to 6 86 ft. boxcars to accommodate both rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail shipments. The new warehouse is also capable of handling almost 80 shipments everyday to the manufacturing sites of Ford in North America.

The new Penske Logistics facility is built on the 3200 Pond Station Road which replaces the smaller Penske facility located at the 2203 Walrich Drive. There are 65 people working on the new facility.

He added, "We are very pleased to continue to invest in and be a part of the Louisville community as an employer. We have already created more than 15 new jobs and we will continue expanding our staff as demand requires."

The Penske Logistics has been supplying the Ford Motor Company through its North Amercan Alignes Business Framework program.

Is paranoia raging at Ford?

2007-07-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

There is a growing confusion on the issue of Volvo being sold. And it’s not surprising with so many people from both inside and outside Ford saying different things on the issue. Just take for instance the London Times Online which has posted an article yesterday stating that Ford has already decided to sell Volvo but only in principle at a supposedly board meeting that transpired two weeks ago. The article has quoted unnamed city sources that are knowledgeable on the issue.

Since the issue is a hot stuff other press outlets have gotten into the story. The New York Times has also shared their side of the story quoting people with supposedly knowledge on the situation but those people said that the board meeting was last week and not two weeks ago as reported by the London Times.

The Detroit News has also shared what they know on the issue and posted a column stating the “Ford won’t confirm the possible sale of Volvo”. It also quoted John Gardner, a spokesman for Ford Europe saying, "We're not in discussions with any company in relation to selling Volvo Car Corp." John Hoyt, an American Ford spokesman was also quoted saying that the board meeting was in fact last week but he said, "He knew of no decision". This is not yet the end of the story, last Monday while I was searching for an online dealer where I could buy a GMC vent visor there was another article released by Detroit News stating the same sale speculations again.

The way is see it, these speculations are fueled by the fact that Ford is in dire need of additional capital right now. And we all know that Volvo is a subsidiary of Ford placed under the automaker’s Premier Automotive Group which means that if Ford would really want to forgo of it then it would be to a right buyer offering a sweet price with the willingness to continue sharing Volvo tech with FoMoCo.

But until then, Ford claims nothing more than to be assessing its business options. There was no bank assigned to handle the sale of Volvo just yet but according to some articles, the Detroit-based automaker is already looking for an $8 billion offer to let go of Volvo.

Aside from Volvo, there is also a hinted sale of Jaguar and Land Rover in an article released by the London Times and they quoted one person close to the talks, "Those involved with the discussions say Ford has imposed strict conditions of secrecy on would-be bidders, even to the point of vetting potential advisers. They are completely paranoid about leaks.”

Gerald L. Shaheen Joins Ford

2007-07-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

Another addition to Ford Motor Company’s Board of Directors has been proclaimed yesterday. Mr. Gerald L. Shaheen was elected from yesterday’s election at Dearborn, Michigan. Shaheen is the group president at Caterpillar Inc. who received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bradley University in 1966. He has an MBA in 1968 as well. Shaheen worked and served the University in a number of capabilities which includes his being president of the Alumni Association and at this time as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also accomplished the Tuck Executive Program at Dartmouth College in 1988.

“Gerry is a respected business leader with more than 40 years of service in a variety of management positions with Caterpillar,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “He brings a manufacturing and dealer perspective to Ford's Board of Directors. We look forward to the significant contributions he will make in helping Ford to deliver its plan for automotive leadership and for creating profitable growth for all going forward.”

“I’m both thrilled and honored to be in a leadership position as a Board member with the Ford Motor Company, one of the truly great American companies.” said Shaheen. “I look forward to working with Ford’s Board of Directors and the leadership team to make this great company even stronger.”

The Ford Motor Company’s Board of Directors:

William Clay: Ford Director Emeritus
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.: Retired President and CEO Hallmark Cards Inc.
Richard A. Manoogian: Chairman and CEO Masco Corporation
Ellen R. Marram: Managing Director North Castle Partners, LLC
Alan Mulally: President and Chief Executive Officer Ford Motor Company
Homer A. Neal Director, University of Michigan ATLAS Project
Samuel A. Goudsmit Distinguished University Professor of Physics, and Interim President Emeritus University of Michigan
Jorma Ollila Chairman, CEO and Chairman of the Group Executive Board Nokia Corporation
Gerald L. Shaheen: Group President Caterpillar Inc.
John L. Thornton: Professor and Director, Global Leadership Program, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Ford to attempt speed record for fuel cell-powered Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer

2007-07-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

Ford is set to attempt land speed record with its production-based fuel cell powered vehicle, the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999. The Dearborn automaker and maker of top of the line Mustang body kit, will take its 10 years of hydrogen research expertise to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August in an attempt to set the world land speed record in a hydrogen fuel cell powered Ford Fusion.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car – a jointly engineered racer with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University – is one of two vehicles Ford's fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records.

Ford researchers are also collaborating with Ohio State University student engineers on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category.

Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company said, "Racing is part of Ford Motor Company's DNA so it seemed only natural for us to build a fuel cell race car that runs on hydrogen, a fuel that could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector,".

The goal in attempting the record, says Schmidt, is to further expand Ford’s technological horizons with fuel cell powered vehicles.

The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week from Aug. 10-17. The attempt will be sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and fabricated and built by Roush in Allen Park, Michigan. Providing the design of the 770 hp electric motor are the Ohio State students while the hydrogen fuel cells is provided by Ballard. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, will pilot the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

A Week Of Racing Highlights For Ford

2007-07-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ford marked another highlight in their racing campaign as three of the Ford race drivers each won a title in three different series. The driver of No. 26 Fusion, Jamie McMurray, topped in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at Daytona last Saturday. John Force won his first ever NHRA Funny Car Series race in Bristol this season and Eric de Doncker was victorious during Race 2 of the GT4 European Cup at Oschersleben, Germany last weekend which marks the second win for the Mustang FR500C. Tears went flowing down and it was an emotional day for McMurray after winning at Daytona’s 2.5-mile track. McMurray couldn’t believe that he won the race. He was not convinced until his team called him up on the radio confirming and clearing it out with him that he won at Daytona.

“I didn’t even know it was the last lap, to be honest with you guys. I was on the backstretch, and I’m like, ‘How many laps are left?’ And Larry [Carter] is like, ‘This is it.’ And I was like, ‘Okay. I’ll do my best. I didn’t know that I won. I actually hit the wall after crossing the start-finish line, and I wasn’t sure I won; there was so much screaming on the radio and I couldn’t tell. I didn’t know if we were screaming because we were happy or we were screaming because we didn’t know if we won. So, I was trying to just hold it all in until I was positive that we’d won,” said McMurray.

“We’re real excited; it’s our first top-10 for our Free Credit Report Ford Fusion. We struggled in practice – we were okay on the speed charts, but the car just wasn’t driving the way I thought it should. It’s been a challenge all year, knowing what we need in practice where you don’t know what the race is going to do. But, we’re real happy. We brought the car home in one piece; brushed the wall one time, but we weren’t the only ones that did that. We’re real happy. We kept making adjustments, kept getting it better and better and better. It was good, a good solid top-10,” said Gilliland.

Carl Edwards: Pepsi 400 Preview

2007-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ford driver Carl Edwards in now ready for the upcoming Pepsi 400 racing event that will take place at the world famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Edwards aims to grab a pole in the qualifying and hopes to make his win at Daytona, after finishing in 13th place at the recent Lenox Industrial Tools 300 race at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon. Edwards was a bit frustrated during the race and said:

"We had an awesome car. The good news is we had an awesome car. The bad news was it fell off the jack when we were leading the thing pitting under green, but everybody kept their composure. The car was still good enough. We finished 13th, but this is a race winner right here. It's a huge step forward for us with the car of tomorrow. It's just terrible. This is the same thing that happened to us at Pocono last year. We had a plan. We got the car back up and we only lost a lap, so it wasn't the end of the world."

Now for the forthcoming race in Daytona this coming July 7th, Carl Edwards will make his 6th NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start in Daytona and will take his No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion for the Roush Fenway Racing team aiming for the coveted NASCAR trophy.

Here is what Carl Edwards has to say about the upcoming race in Daytona:
"After the disappointment of last weekend in Loudon, I'm really looking forward to going to Daytona and having a strong run. I know a lot can happen at Daytona and I haven't had the best finishes there, but I feel really confident in my team and our equipment. If I can keep the Office Depot Ford out of trouble and finish up front, I think we'll be in good shape. We have a fast car and a great team so it's not out of the question to finish well at Daytona. It would be pretty neat to win there and that's what we are going there to do."

Meanwhile, Edwards' Crew Chief Bob Osborne also commented:
"I think we will be competitive this weekend, no doubt. The most important thing for us right now is to stay out of the wrecks and finish the race up front. I think a solid run at Daytona will be important to get our team back on track. Anything can happen there, but I feel that with smart racing, we'll be in good shape. My goal is to contend for a championship and I think Carl and the entire team are capable of that. We just need to finish up front and I know we can do that."

I hope Edwards Ford Fusion can perform well in the race just like how BMW F1 cars equipped with BMW brakes did at the 2007 French Grand Prix.

The Sales Growth on Ford Focus in China

2007-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

It may seem a little too hard for the Ford Focus to sell on the US car market as they are noted to have an 11.5% decrease on their June 2007 sales. But because of their revamped 2007 Ford Focus model which was released in the China Market, Ford was able to receive a 25% increase for their 93,206 car units which were sold in the first half of the year.

Ford tried introducing their car brands like Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo, Lincoln and Ford to the Asian market which they regard as the fastest growing market in the world. Ford’s hottest car model in China is the Ford Focus which is built in Chongqing since 2005’s first quarter. It's noted a huge sale of 55,676 units after six months.

Ford will be announcing their Mondeo car model later this year. The company is boasting that the new car model sports the domestic premium CD-car segment which is considered as one among the major players in the domestic car market.

The first Ford model to reach china was the Model T back in 1913. It was imported from the US and was sold in Shanghai. At present, Ford has a 30% share holds of the Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited which is the producer of some of their products and commercial vehicles. Ford is the one producing their own car parts like Ford wheels, Ford Bronco parts and Ford bumpers.

The US car maker also has a 50% share on their venture with the Changan Automotive Corporation Limited. The joint venture is called the Changan Ford Automobile Corporation Limited. The collaboration of local and foreign brands has produced two of the on going models - the Mondeo and the Fiesta. The construction of the second passenger car plant started in 2005 at Nanjing. In April of the same year, Mazda joined the venture and soon built a new three way engine plant in China. The venture soon became the Changan Ford Mazda Engine Company Limited and a new plant started producing products in April 2007.

The China government approved the venture of Mazda with the Changan Ford in March 2006. The venture was soon named as the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company Limited (CFMA). A 50% share between Mazda and Ford was invested to Changan and soon they started building vehicles for the three-way company.