Back in May, Ford showed off the first of what will likely be many special edition Mustangs based on the 2011 model: the DUB Edition Package. Available on the Mustang V6, the DUB Edition features an assortment of Roush aero components, a Ford Accessories hood scoop, stripe package, lowering springs, 3:31 gears, DUB-embroidered headrests and, of course, 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli tires.

Starting next week, the DUB Mustang will be available at Ford dealers across United States and Canada, kicked off by a launch party at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA this weekend. Pricing has also been announced for the package, which carries an MSRP of $3,599.00 plus an additional $100 for shipping. DUB says that its contract calls for at least 1,000 of the limited edition pony cars to be built through 2012, with the possibility of a V8 version being added in the future.

[Source:Autoblog]

Best Buy is looking to save a few bucks on fuel while adding functionality to its Geek Squad fleet, so the big box store is looking to Ford Motor Company’s commercial vans to for an answer. The ubiquitous electronics and entertainment store is replacing some of its larger cargo vans with a fleet of 290 fuel-thrifty Transit Connects.

Best Buy will hand over the Transit Connect vans to GS employees responsible for delivering, installing and servicing home appliances. The Transit Connect definitely fits in with the unique look of the typical Geek Squad mobile, and the van’s side access panels will give technicians easier access to tools and diagnostic equipment.

The still new Transit Connect gets top billing here, but the bulk of Best Buy’s fleet purchase goes to the tried and true E-Series vans with a sizable order of 738 vehicles. Best Buy Fleet Manager Jason Pucely says the Ford cargo vans have smaller, more efficient engines than the vehicles they will replace, saving the global retail outlet a significant chunk of change.

* The Ford Transit Connect and Ford E-Series vans are joining Geek Squad as part of Best Buy’s ongoing efforts to build a more fuel-efficient fleet
* 290 Ford Transit Connect compact utility vans will be used instead of larger cargo vans by Geek Squad technicians who service home appliances
* Best Buy also is taking delivery of 738 Ford E-Series vans, which will be used by Geek Squad technicians who install and service home theater equipment; the E-Series vans have smaller displacement engines, which provide better fuel economy than their current vans with larger engines

The Ford Transit Connect and Ford E-Series vans are joining Geek Squad
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DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 26, 2010 – The Ford Transit Connect and Ford E-Series van are joining Geek Squad as part of Best Buy’s continuing efforts to build a more fuel-efficient fleet and streamlined transportation system.

Best Buy® – an international leader in consumer electronics and entertainment – will soon take delivery of 290 Ford Transit Connect compact utility vans and 738 Ford E-Series vans. The Transit Connects will be used instead of larger cargo vans by Geek Squad technicians who deliver, install and service home appliances. The E-Series vans will be used by those who install and service home theater equipment.

“We appreciate Best Buy’s business and confidence in our commercial van lineup,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing. “The combination of Transit Connect and E-Series provides a wide range of utilization that will help Best Buy meet its customers’ needs.”

Ford Transit Connect provides utility and fuel efficiency
According to Jason Pucely, senior manager, Best Buy Fleet Operations, the selection of the Ford Transit Connect was dictated in many ways by the company’s new operating model, which drives to deliver superior client service through more efficient scheduling, inventory management and transportation systems.

“We’re streamlining all of our activities,” he explained. “We’ve developed a more effective routing system, and we’re more efficient with the tools and parts we carry when we do our work. That has enabled us to put the same technician doing the same work in a smaller, lighter vehicle.”

Pucely says the Ford Transit Connect offers the functionality Geek Squad technicians require to get their work done, while not compromising on some of the space requirements that a full-size cargo van offers.

In addition to the cost and environmental benefits, Pucely foresees other advantages.

“Our technicians typically carry diagnostic equipment, motors and other electronic parts, so having the side access panels will make it easier for them to get to the equipment they need,”
he said.

The unique appearance of the Ford Transit Connect promises to be an added bonus, says Pucely.

“A distinctive vehicle has been part of the history of Geek Squad in the marketplace,” he said. “We value our fleet as a tool to enhance our brand messaging, and the Transit Connect will certainly help in that effort.”

All of the vehicles will carry the familiar Geek Squad branding – black-and-white with the orange-and-black Geek Squad logo.

Ford E-Series vans provide functionality and improved fuel efficiency for larger jobs
While Ford Transit Connect provides an ideal solution for Geek Squad technicians who service home appliances, a full-size cargo van is essential for those who install and service home theater equipment. With fuel efficiency a priority, Best Buy opted to purchase 738 Ford E-Series vans with smaller – 4.6-liter – displacement V8 engines that provide better fuel economy than its current vans with larger engines.

“Home theater equipment is large, and it requires the space of a full-size van,” said Pucely. “But our technicians can do the same amount of work using a vehicle with a smaller engine, which is less expensive to run and burns less fuel.”

Ford Motor Company and Best Buy: Teaming up in other ways
Ford recently teamed up with Best Buy to ensure consumers have a great experience learning about and using Ford industry-leading SYNC® system. Best Buy Mobile offers thousands of specially trained associates to assist with Ford SYNC mobile device/phone compatibility and basic feature setup, and SYNC training for consumers.

Best Buy also includes Ford SYNC mobile device/phone compatibility results in its monthly Best Buy Mobile Buyer’s Guide to identify which of the latest mobile devices work seamlessly with Ford SYNC. The ratings are based on phone compatibility tests conducted by Best Buy’s Geek Squad and are updated frequently. The SYNC ratings also can be found at www.syncmyride.com.

In addition, Best Buy is the primary sponsor of the No. 43 Best Buy/Insignia Ford Fusion of Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. The Fusion is driven by A.J. Allmendinger. In August, Best Buy and Ford will launch a national sweepstakes focused around the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta, the Insignia television brand, Richard Petty, Allmendinger and Ford’s Rally America and X Games Fiesta driver Ken Block.

[Source:Autoblog]

According to popular American folklore, you should always buy the biggest engine available. Such thinking likely became prevalent in the 1950s, when the American automotive industry was busy building new V8 engines, experimenting with multiple carburetors and high compression, and generally discovering the art of hot-rodding. Gas prices? Fuel economy? Pfft. It was a great time to be an American.

These days, life isn’t quite so simple. There are countless reasons to consider a downsized powerplant. First off, we all care about fuel mileage and many of us care about emissions. Then there’s the cost consideration, and, finally, the biggest engine isn’t always the best performer. Proof of such can be seen in the new 2011 Ford Edge, that we just drove ourselves and that was recently put through the full testing regime by the boys at Motor Trend.

There are currently two V6 engines available in the Edge (a 2.0-liter EcoBoost is on the way in a few months), a 3.5-liter and a 3.7, which comes straight from the Mustang. Power for the smaller engine comes in at 280 horses and 253 pound-feet of torque. The larger 3.7 puts out 305 horses and 280 lb-ft and is available only in the Edge Sport. So, the Sport is the fastest, right?

Not so fast… literally. MT clocked a 7.1-second run to 60 in the base Edge, but only managed a disappointing 7.6 seconds in the 3.7-powered Edge Sport. Apparently, the problem is weight. The base Edge tipped MT’s scales at 4075 pounds while the Sport came in at an obese 4405, part of which can be explained by the addition of all-wheel drive. In any case, the Edge Sport, with its massive 22-inch wheels and wide tires, can’t keep up with the base Edge in a straight line.

On the flip side, the AWD Edge Sport (with those aforementioned oversize wheels and tires) handily out-handled its base model sibling. In other words, this is a case where you need to pick your poison, either handling or straight-line acceleration. And of course the upcoming EcoBoost will add another interesting option to consider in a few short months.

[Source:Autoblog]

If you checked Ford’s bloodstream right now, you’d probably find trace amounts of Ritalin floating along with the 5w-30. The company is an absolute blur of product development – churning out new models (Fiesta), entirely reworking staples (Focus) and honing beloved and established products (Mustang), into cars that can swing well above their intended weight class. The Blue Oval isn’t sitting around waiting for the competition to guilt it into making its vehicles better. Instead, the company is constantly improving what needs attention, even in the case of the Edge – a crossover that’s had no problem establishing itself as a market force to be reckoned with.

Just recently, Ford announced that 400,000 Edge crossovers have found homes in the U.S. since late 2006, making it king of the high-riding crowd in the process. Ford credits much of that success on the Edge’s styling, which the rest of this crowd just can’t seem to match. There’s no mistaking this five-door with anything in its segment (MKX aside), and that won’t change anytime soon. For 2011, Ford has given the Edge a detailed once-over, plopped a few new engine options under the hood and given the interior the kind of remake that doesn’t typically pop up mid-cycle. If the rest of the segment was hoping to catch up, it can keep dreaming.

When we say that styling is as important to the Edge DNA as the wheels the crossover rolls on, we aren’t exaggerating. Ford’s researchers say the number one reason buyers choose the vehicle over its competitors is not because of its efficient V6 or the impressive onboard tech. Nope. The number one reason buyers take home an Edge is because of its duds. And who can blame them? The crossover segment is a mire of vapid design that’s more likely to induce rigor mortis than to tickle your pulse. If you absolutely have to drive something that can fit the family and gives a commanding driving position, why not go with a vehicle that stands out from the rest of the mall crowd?

For 2011, the Edge comes equipped with a completely re-sculpted front fascia with a chrome front grille that’s grown by a few magnitudes. New LED running lights decorate the lower realms of the bumper and body-color side view mirrors now find their way to the CUV’s sides. Speaking of sides, the Blue Oval is now offering a total of four new wheel options, starting with 18– and 20-inch rollers that are half an inch wider than the outgoing pieces. Buyers keen on shelling out the cash for the top of the line Sport trim are rewarded with epic 22-inch forged aluminum wheels that are as sharp as they are absurd. We love the way they look, but buying tires for those drums could necessitate a second or fourth mortgage.

Our tester came rolling on those fancy, split five-spoke wheels and carried all of the rest of the Sport regalia as well. In its most aggressive trim, the Edge’s massive chrome grille of the SE, SEL and Limited models gets swapped for a blacked-out piece that looks menacing no matter the finish. When the Edge wears the Tuxedo Black Metallic hue of our tester, the crossover is downright sinister. That effect is bolstered by the smoked tail lamp lenses and the wheel’s matching wheels tuxedo-black accents. We get the feeling that this is the vehicle the FBI would use as standard equipment if it suddenly found a sense of style.

Otherwise, the Edge keeps the same not-quite-round profile we’ve come to appreciate outside. The story is completely different once you open the driver’s door, though. Whereas the 2010 model could boast an interior that was perfectly capable of keeping its head level with the crossover waters, the 2011 version is now the same kind of beautiful found in the 2011 Mustang. The bland, blocky center stack that dominated the old dash has been banished for a new, sweeping design that features a pass-through nestled behind thin audio and climate controls. In Sport trim, those controls were designed by the minds at Sony – the same crew that penned the slick buttons on consumer electronics like the PlayStation3 and any number of massive televisions. Ford calls the control tech “touch capacitive” and there are no buttons to push or levers to slide. Simply run your finger across your choice and the electronics do the rest. It’s beyond cool. While lower-rung trims don’t carry the fancy Sony switchgear, they do benefit from the same touch capacitive tech. Of course, we prefer the backlit goodness of the Sport’s interior, but the center stack on the SEL is just as handsome.
One of the biggest shortcomings of the interior in the 2010 Edge was the crossover’s instrument cluster. While the rest of the vehicle carried itself as a futuristic, forward-looking craft, the gauges looked as though they’d been borrowed from the last century. Fortunately, when 1998 called looking for its speedometer, Ford was happy to hand it over. The company swapped in a slick unit with two small LCD screens on either side of a large, zero-down speedometer. Each screen is individually controlled by two five-way switches on the steering wheel. To the left, the driver is supplied with a range of pertinent vehicle information – average fuel economy from the past 30 minutes, over all fuel economy, traction control settings, temperature gauge and tachometer, among others – from easy-to-navigate nested menus. Very handy.

The right screen serves up a condensed version of the same information displayed on the large eight-inch touch screen on the center stack. In a stroke of genius, the screens are color coded – red for the entertainment system, green for navigation, blue for climate control and yellow for the hands-free phone system. The idea here is the less time the driver spends staring down and away from the road, the better. The screen will even show you your turn-by-turn directions, complete with distances and road names.

Ford also decided to debut the company’s new MyTouch system on the 2011 Edge. The next evolutionary step in Sync, MyTouch now recognizes over 10,000 different voice commands, allowing you to control nearly everything in the cabin without your hands leaving the steering wheel. At least, that’s the theory. During our short time with the system, we had a few issues getting the onboard brain to comprehend our (apparently) muddled voices. It did handle dialing a phone number with nothing more than a spoken command to guide it, which is pretty impressive. When it comes to adjusting the stereo or climate controls, however, we’ll probably just stick to fiddling with the trick center stack controls.

More impressive is Ford’s move to eschew the traditional DVD or hard drive-based navigation system in favor of a simple SD card set up. For under $800, you can have a complete map-based navigation system with 3D images of important landmarks and a bevy of points of interest. Of course, if you don’t feel like shelling out that kind of cash, each Edge comes with Sync Services turn-by-turn navigation without the maps free for the first three years.

It’s tempting to think that Ford simply slapped a new grille on the Edge and shoved a boatload of new tech into the cabin, but the company’s engineers have taken the time to iron out some of the issues that reared their heads on the outgoing model. For starters, the cabin is significantly quieter, thanks in part to increased baffles mounted in areas previously empty, as well as a thicker firewall to isolate the cabin from engine noise. Under the hood, that sizable piece of plastic obscuring the engine helps to direct noise away from the occupants. Likewise, an acoustic windshield is part of the recipe for all models, and higher trims also get acoustic side glass to keep road noise at bay.

As anyone who has ever driven a 2010 Edge can tell you, the crossover didn’t exactly come from the factory with confidence-inspiring brakes. Ford has taken care of that problem by building in a firmer pedal feel with less fade thanks to a new set of larger rear rotors as well as new calipers and pads. With the roads wet during the majority of our drive, we didn’t get a chance to really lay on the stoppers, but the pedal was finally devoid of that warm marshmallow feel of last year’s model.

With stopping sorted out, Ford turned its attention to working on the suspension to accommodate the larger wheel selections. Completely new springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars were installed to cope with the added unsprung weight, and surprisingly enough, the 2011 Edge serves up a ride that isn’t rough or jarring, even with the 22-inch wheels found on the Sport.

Now for the bad news: if you were hoping to lay your grubby mitts on the new Ecoboost four-cylinder engine Ford plans to offer in the Edge, you’re going to have to wait until late next year. In the meantime, the Blue Oval has upped the available engines by one. In Sport trim, the crossover now packs a 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, all while returning 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. That extra grunt helps the Sport feel a little lighter on its feet compared to its siblings, but the acceleration is hardly neck-snapping.

The SE, SEL and Limited models all come from the factory with a 3.5-liter V6 with 285 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque for now, though the smaller mill serves up 19 mpg city and a more impressive 27 mpg highway. Power from both engines makes its way to either the front wheels or an all-wheel drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford had us out to the hills of Tennessee to put the Edge through its paces on a variety of roads, from full-on interstates to twisty single-lane threads of asphalt, and rarely did it disappoint. Lean on the throttle in the Sport and you’re rewarded with acceleration that’s quick enough to get you to speed without feeling bored, but slow enough to keep you from getting into too much trouble. Down the undulating apexes of Tennessee’s Natchez Trace Parkway, the Sport felt more planted compared to its SEL sibling, but we’re not entirely sure the average Edge owner would note any differences in the suspension setup. They would, however, note the firmer, more capable brakes in both vehicles compared to the 2010 model. It’s a big – and welcome – difference.

Combined with the significantly quieter cabin, the revisions to the Edge’s driving experience makes for a more enjoyable vehicle. What’s more, we’re guessing when buyers opt for the upcoming Ecoboost four-cylinder, fuel economy will improve in direct proportion to driving enjoyment – a recipe sure to put the hurt on the rest of the high-riding bruisers.

If this whole recipe sounds like the kind of thing you could get excited about, Ford will be happy to put the keys (or key fob, whichever the case may be) in your hands starting at $27,220 for SE trim. Stepping up to all of the fun stuff in Sport trim will hit your bank account for $36,995, though it doesn’t take much effort to start optioning well above $40,000.

And here’s where we run into the hitch in our giddy-up. That kind of money can buy you a lot of vehicle, even within the Ford stable. The Flex, Explorer and Edge are all within $2,000 of each other and offer up similar functionality for under $30,000. With the Explorer having kicked its body-on-frame habit, the parallels between it and the Edge are almost too numerous to count. The real question is whether the Edge will continue to rely on its unique styling to differentiate itself from the rest of the family or if Ford will choose to make one of its crossover entries a new value story. If it were us at the helm, we’d chop $5k off of the MSRP of the Edge to put some growing room between the three. But as it is, the Edge has the style and substance to keep it on top – as long as you keep the option check boxes at bay.

[Source:Autoblog]

Heads up, pony fans; Ford has just released the details on its new graphic program for the 2011 Mustang. Just like with the pint-sized Fiesta, the company will let you slather the muscle car in any number of graphics packages to suit your tastes. The designs vary from tasteful stripes and accents to some cringetastic pieces like the “clear hood” 5.0 shown above and various tribal decals. Jersey Shore, here we come.

Ford has priced the most of the vinyl packages at $299, though prices vary depending on how complicated the design is and how much vinyl is used in the process. Near as we can tell, the priciest of the lot are the reverse stripes that cover the majority of the top of the car in the sticky stuf. That package will set you back close to $1,000.

You can even pick from a number of colors to suit your vehicle, including a carbon-fiber look material. Please, for the love of the ponies, stay away from that one. You can play around with the configurator yourself at the Ford site. Word has it that the next vehicle to get the vinyl treatment will be the Taurus starting next month. Stay tuned.

[Source:Autoblog]

It goes without saying, but we’re going to go ahead and say it anyway: Crossovers are so hot right now. According to data compiled by Ford, the CUV industry has expanded 220 percent since 2006, which is the year the Blue Oval introduced the world to the Edge, its main player in the hotly contested market.

Ford also contends that the over 400,000 Edge CUVs have sold since late 2006, making it the best-selling mid-size crossover over that period of time. Don’t expect that growth to slow down any time soon, either, as Ford projects the CUV segment will increase another few percentage points in 2011. In fact, the market for CUVs will grow to be as large as that of full-size pickup trucks.

In order to meet the increased demand it expects for CUVs, Ford has sharpened its Edge (sorry, couldn’t resist) for the 2011 model year. Of special note are the two new drivetrain choices that join the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 285 horsepower and a 3.5-horsepower 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 in the newly beefed-up Edge Sport.

The House that Henry Built is also quick to point out that its next-gen Edge will come with a full suite of technology options, including Sync and MyFord Touch. So, will all of this added goodness equal a worthwhile improvement to the hot-selling previous-generation Edge? Stay tuned for a First Ride report, and feel free to click past the break for Ford’s official press release.

FORD EDGE REACHES 400,000 SALES SINCE INTRODUCTION, MORE THAN ANY OTHER MIDSIZE CROSSOVER

* Ford Edge sales this weekend hit 400,000, more than any midsize crossover since its introduction in late 2006
* The crossover segment is one of the most fiercely contested in the industry, expanding 220 percent since 2006 – and expected to grow another 20 percent this year
* The new 2011 Ford Edge began shipping this weekend from Oakville Assembly Complex and is arriving in dealership showrooms
* 2011 Ford Edge introduces America to the revolutionary MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology and offers unbeatable fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 17, 2010 – Sales of Ford Edge, which arrived on the market in late 2006, hit 400,000 this weekend – more than any midsize crossover vehicle during the same period.

Also this past weekend, the new 2011 Ford Edge began shipping from Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario to dealerships across the United States and Canada.

“Edge competes in one of the fastest-growing and most fiercely competitive segments in the industry,” said Amy Marentic, Ford’s Crossover Group Marketing Manager. “Still, Edge is growing sales at an incredible rate.”

As of July, Edge sales for the year were up 33 percent over last year – more than double the overall industry sales.

In 2006 when Edge was introduced, the midsize crossover segment accounted for 4.3 percent of the retail industry. Last year, that number grew to 9.5 percent. And this year, it’s expected to top 11 percent, making the segment the same size as full-size pickups and more than sports cars.

Now comes the new 2011 Ford Edge with three new powertrains, bold new styling, improved driving dynamics and industry-leading MyFord Touch technology.

“Edge defined the crossover segment when it was launched in 2006. Ford has taken a great vehicle and made it even better,” Marentic said. “The new Edge promises to take the segment to an all-new level.”

The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category among V6 competitors.

The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway – with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.

MyFord Touch, standard on the 2011 Edge Limited, 2011 Edge Sport and available on the 2011 Edge SEL, defines an all-new in-car experience. It takes vehicle interior design into the realm of popular personal electronics devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones and MP3 players.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

Ford is crowing that its freshly retooled Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI is now the most flexible final assembly factory in its global network. The Wayne plant used to assemble the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs but is now building pre-production examples of the 2012 Focus. One of the features touted by Ford for its new global C-segment platform is that it is driving down development cost by building 10 different bodystyles on the architecture using many of the same mechanical components.
At launch, the Wayne plant will build both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variants, but those are expected to be joined by a new Lincoln compact and possibly variants like the Grand C-Max. Ford will also be building versions of these vehicles with conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. Over 80 percent of the equipment in the body shop is programmable and can run different body styles almost with the flip of a switch. Ford says this new flexibility will also allow it to quickly adjust its product mix to shifting market conditions.

TRANSFORMED MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY PLANT SETS NEW STANDARD FOR FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING AT FORD
* Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., home of the 2012 Ford Focus, will be Ford’s most flexible high-volume manufacturing facility in the world when production begins
* More than 80 percent of the body side tooling and equipment in the Michigan Assembly Plant body shop can be programmed to weld the bodies of a variety of vehicles, enabling production of many different vehicle body styles in the same facility without lengthy tooling changeovers
* Ford’s system at Michigan Assembly Plant provides manufacturing flexibility – specifically in body construction – the company never has had before, allowing it to more quickly and efficiently meet changing consumer preferences

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 2, 2010 – When production of the all-new 2012 Ford Focus begins later this year, Ford Motor Company’s newly transformed Michigan Assembly Plant will be the company’s new benchmark for flexible manufacturing around the world.

Michigan Assembly is one of three truck plants in North America that Ford is revamping to make fuel-efficient passenger cars. The plant will build the new Focus and Focus Electric beginning next year with more models coming in the future.

At Michigan Assembly, Ford will utilize programmable equipment in its body shop, which will allow the company to run multiple body styles down the same production line without requiring considerable downtime for changeover of tooling. In fact, more than 80 percent of the body tooling in the plant’s body shop can be programmed to weld a variety of body styles without delay in tooling changeover and can adjust the mix between models without restrictions.

“If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that customer wants and needs can change quickly – much more quickly than we have been equipped to respond to efficiently in the past,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “At Michigan Assembly, we will achieve a level of flexibility we don’t have in any other plant around the world, which will allow us to meet shifting consumer preferences in real time.”

While the state-of-the-art Michigan Assembly facility is utilizing Ford’s industry-leading virtual manufacturing technology, three-wet paint process and a common build sequence in the final assembly area, the most significant step toward improving flexibility is taking place in its body shop. The company’s Manufacturing operations worked closely with its Product Development teams to construct product platform designs that enable use of the programmable equipment to produce multiple variations of products in one facility.

Body construction has long been a limiting factor in any plant’s flexibility. Under traditional systems, unique tooling is required to weld each individual vehicle body style. Running a different body style down the same line traditionally requires considerable additional downtime for physical tooling changeover.

In recent years, Ford has made important strides in assembly plant body shop flexibility in plants such as Chicago Assembly, Oakville Assembly and Kentucky Truck, where significantly different products are built on a common system. However, Ford’s latest strategy dramatically reduces physical tooling constraints through use of the programmable tooling technologies that eliminate the need to replace model-specific tooling for locating, clamping and welding. This saves time and limits disruption to the plant’s operations.

“Manufacturing flexibility provides a competitive advantage, so it is essential that we continue to improve our flexible capability,” Tetreault said. “The automakers with true flexibility will be positioned to compete more effectively in the global marketplace. That’s why continuous improvement in flexibility is a priority for us.”

[Source:Autoblog]

The Highway Data Loss Institute has churned out its official list of vehicles with the highest and lowest insurance claims for theft. The study combines the rate of insurance claims per vehicle as well as the cost of those claims, helping companies that supply coverage determine exactly how much to charge us poor saps. The Cadillac Escalade took top honors this year with $146 in theft loss payments per insured vehicle, per year. On average, insurance companies pay out around $11,934 per theft claim when it comes to the Escalade with 10.8 of the SUVs stolen per 1,000 vehicles. That’s more than 10 times the theft rate of the vehicle with the lowest theft losses – the Volvo S80.

In fact, of the top 10 vehicles on the Highway Data Loss Institute’s list, six were of General Motors origin. How do the thieves get around the bad-guy battling OnStar vehicle immobilization? Easy. They load the coveted SUVs onto a flat bed and drive away.

The 2008-2009 Ford F-250 crew cab four-wheel drive took the silver when it came to vehicles with the highest theft loss, followed by the 2008-2009 Infiniti G37 coupe. Hit the jump to see if your vehicle’s on the list.

Cadillac Escalade, Ford F-250 pickup, and Infiniti G37 top list of highest insurance claims for theft

ARLINGTON, VA - The rate at which people file insurance claims for theft is highest for versions of the 2007-09 Cadillac Escalade, a luxury SUV, followed by the Ford F-250 crew pickup, Infiniti G37 luxury car, and Dodge Charger with a HEMI engine. Theft rates for these vehicles are 3 to 5 times as high as the average for all vehicles. These are the latest theft loss results for passenger vehicles 1 to 3 years old published by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“Sedate family cars and fuel sippers aren’t on the hot list,” says Kim Hazelbaker, HLDI senior vice president. “Thieves are after chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs.”

Overall theft losses take into account not only the rate at which insurance claims are filed but also the size of the payments for claims, and most of the vehicles with the highest overall theft losses are SUVs and large pickups. The Escalade has ranked worst in overall theft losses in 6 of the past 7 HLDI reports. In fact, all 4 versions of the Escalade head the list of the worst overall losses for theft, with average yearly losses more than 7 times the average for all passenger vehicles. The Escalade EXT 4-door 4-wheel-drive has the highest theft losses of all, with $146 in theft payments per insured vehicle year. This is more than 10 times the $14 average theft payments per year for all passenger vehicles.

The vehicle group with the highest overall theft losses ($82 in theft payments per year) is very large luxury SUVs. Losses for these vehicles are nearly 6 times as high as the $14 average for all passenger vehicles. Very large pickups have the second highest overall theft losses, at $57 per insured vehicle year, and 2-door minicars have the lowest at $4 per insured vehicle year.

Almost 1 of every 4 Escalade theft claims is for $40,000 or more. These vehicles are equipped with standard antitheft ignition immobilizers that are supposed to prevent them from being started without a proper key. The problem, Hazelbaker says, is that “even though Escalades have the latest immobilizer technology, thieves still can put them on flatbeds and haul them away.”

HLDI’s are the only reported theft results based on the number of insured vehicles on the road. Information on theft losses published by the National Insurance Crime Bureau doesn’t take into account the number of each vehicle insured, so the most popular vehicles on the road tend to top this organization’s list of most-stolen vehicles. This doesn’t tell an individual owner how likely a particular car is to have a theft claim. To answer that question, HLDI identifies vehicles with the worst theft losses by counting the number of insurance claims by make and model relative to the number of each make and model insured. This indicates the vehicles that are most likely to be theft targets, taking into account their exposure on the road.

New to the worst list: The Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a high-performance midsize sports car, isn’t stolen nearly as often as the other vehicles on the worst list, but claims are expensive when the Z06 does go missing. The average size of an insurance claim payment is $41,229. This compares with $10,118 for a Dodge Charger with a HEMI engine, a large family car that makes the worst list mainly because of how often it’s stolen.

Pickups are a group to watch: “In many cases it’s tough to pinpoint exactly why a vehicle becomes a theft target,” Hazelbaker says. “Investigators tell us big work trucks like the Ford F-250/350, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Dodge Ram 2500 are attractive not only because of the vehicles themselves but also because of the tools and cargo they carry.”
HLDI results take into account theft of a vehicle and also vehicle content. Overall theft losses for pickup trucks climbed steadily between 1999 and 2006 as the US economy boomed but now are decreasing. Still, as a group these vehicles have losses that are at least twice those of cars and SUVs.

Best theft losses: The Volvo S80, a large luxury car, leads the best list with overall losses equal to 4 percent of the average for all passenger vehicles. Next best are the Saturn VUE 4-wheel-drive midsize SUV and Nissan Murano midsize SUV. The Toyota Prius, a hybrid car, also ranks among the top 10. The 10 best vehicles have overall theft losses less than 15 percent of the average. Average payments for a theft claim are less than one-third the average.

Long-term trends: Since 1998 the frequency of theft claims for cars and SUVs has declined while average insurance payments per claim have increased. Frequencies have dropped the most for SUVs, declining from 4.9 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years in 1998 to 2.4 in 2008. (An insured vehicle year is 1 vehicle insured for 1 year, 2 for 6 months each, etc.)
For pickups, the downward trend in claim frequencies that began in 1998 reversed in 2001 and increased through 2006. Meanwhile, average insurance payments per theft claim have risen the most for pickups. SUVs had the highest average payments per claim until 2005, when results for pickups overtook those for SUVs.

HIGHEST LOSSES

Cadillac Escalade
Ford F-250 crew 4WD
Infiniti G37 2-door
Dodge Charger HEMI
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Hummer H2 4WD
Nissan Pathfinder Armada
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
GMC Yukon

LOWEST LOSSES

Volvo S80
Saturn VUE 4WD (2008-09)
Nissan Murano (2009)
Saturn VUE (2008-09)
Honda Pilot 4WD (2009)
Subaru Impreza (2008-09)
Toyota Prius
Mini Cooper
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Sienna 4WD

[Source:Autoblog]

Ford has made it official: beginning with next week’s production, the 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbo diesel in the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup will be upgraded to 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. That’s a bump of 10 hp and a jump of 65 lb-ft, enough to leapfrog General Motors’ 6.6-liter Duramax by 3 hp and 35 lb-ft. Or, to put more bluntly, enough to run over the Duramax on its way to the top of the heavy duty engine heap.

Further, at the end of August, the Super Duty’s frame will be strengthened, upping its payload rating by 550 pounds (to 7,070), which will also increase its fifth-wheel tow rating by 1,000 pounds to 22,600.

Although not much can be done for your tow rating if you bought a Super Duty as soon as it hit the showroom, you can get the power upgrade from your suddenly feeble 635 torques. For one year starting on August 31, 2010, will be able to take their pickups into Ford dealers and get their engines tweaked to the new standard. Since there’s no hardware involved, Ford says it should take just 20 minutes to get the reflash job done – learn more with the official press release after the jump.

UNIQUE CUSTOMER PROGRAM ALLOWS ALL PICKUP OWNERS TO GET 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY POWER GAINS

* The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series
Super Duty is now rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower
* Existing 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel pickup owners can get the increased power along with additional fuel economy improvements through a free dealer-installed software upgrade to the truck’s powertrain control module

For more news from the CAR Management Briefing Seminars, please click here.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 3, 2010 – In an industry first, Ford Motor Company will make sure all 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup customers – past and future – receive the added power produced by the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel.

The new Power Stroke is now rated at a best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower. Owners who purchased a 2011 Super Duty diesel earlier this year will receive a letter inviting them to their dealership for the free 30-minute software upgrade to the truck’s powertrain control module.

The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory also will receive the upgrade.

“We want to take care of our loyal, F-Series Super Duty pickup owners who supported us when we debuted our all-new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built Power Stroke earlier this year and reward them by offering them the same best-in-class torque, horsepower and fuel economy our new customers are receiving right now,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford Motor Company’s vice president of powertrain engineering.

Samardzich made the announcement at the Center for Automotive Research’s annual Management Briefing Seminars.

Marc Cross, co-owner of Jordan Ford in San Antonio, is eager to share the news with his loyal customers. His store is in the center of the largest truck market in the country – about 20 percent of truck sales nationally – and among the top 100 retail Super Duty volume dealerships in the country.

“Simply put, I love it,” said Cross, who has been with the dealership since 1987 and a co-owner since 2003. “Not just the increased power, which is fantastic, but the fact that I can call my loyal customers who bought the 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups at the outset and let them enjoy this upgrade, too.

“It’s human nature to say, ‘Darn, I should have waited.’ But with this program, there’s no penalty for being an early adopter, so to speak.”

Cross’ affiliation with Ford dates back to 1978; he says this type of program is a first as far as he can remember.

“I think this is unprecedented; I don’t remember anything like this,” said Cross, who added the 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup is outselling the outgoing product about 3:1. “This shows the tremendous alignment between Ford Motor Company and its dealers and its customers. I also think in a way people expect this type of action from Ford. Ford is operating differently – at a higher standard.”

This latest initiative complements ongoing customer service related to the introduction of the new Power Stroke. 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup customers also can return to their dealers for one no-charge DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) top-off. DEF is used in the aftertreatment system to help reduce emissions. It generally is topped off during oil-change service intervals, depending on customer use.

“For customers who haven’t yet taken advantage of this free offer for a DEF top-off, the software upgrade might be the perfect time to come in and have both services at once, free of charge,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager.

[Source:Autoblog]

After months of protracted negotiations, Ford has officially sold Volvo to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited – aka Geely – for $1.8 billion.

The Chinese automaker originally included a $200 million note and the balance in cash, and today, it paid the remaining $1.3 billion to wrap up the sale, although the final sale price won’t be released until later this year and could put more cash in the pockets of FoMoCo.

Under the terms of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo with everything from powertrains to stamping systems and other vehicle components for differing periods of time. Additionally, Ford and Geely have come to an agreement on intellectual property usage, with Volvo allowed to grant sub-licenses to specific systems to third parties, including Geely.

Stefan Jacoby – formerly of Volkswagen – will take the helm as the new President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, and under the new ownership, the automaker will continue to keep it headquarters and manufacturing centers in Swedehttp://www.automobilesnews.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpn and Belgium.

Full details in the dueling press releases after the jump.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY COMPLETES SALE OF VOLVO TO GEELY

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today announced it has completed the sale of Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

The total purchase price for Volvo and related assets set forth in the agreement signed in March 2010 was $1.8 billion, including a $200 million note and the balance in cash, with the cash portion subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Geely today issued the note and paid $1.3 billion in cash to complete the sale. The estimated purchase price adjustments used at closing are expected to be finalized and settled following final true-up of the purchase price adjustments later this year. The final true-up is expected to result in additional proceeds to Ford.

“Volvo is an excellent brand with a strong product line, and it has returned to profits after a successful restructuring. We are confident Volvo has a solid future under Geely’s ownership,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to sharpen our focus on the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo in several areas to ensure a smooth transition, but has not retained any ownership in the Volvo business. Ford will continue to supply Volvo with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components. Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period.

Agreements between Ford and Geely govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and establish the proper use of each other’s intellectual property.

“The Volvo team has made tremendous progress in restructuring its business and delivering results during the sale process,” said Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president and chief financial offer. “We believe this agreement will provide Volvo with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future. We wish Volvo’s management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.

“Ford appreciates the support of the Volvo management team, Volvo’s labor unions and the government officials in Sweden and China during this transaction,” Booth added.

As previously announced, Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, is returning to Ford as group vice president and Chairman and CEO of Ford Europe. Stuart Rowley, CFO of Volvo Cars, is returning to Ford as chief financial officer, Ford Europe.

“Volvo is a proud company with a talented and dedicated team of employees,” Odell said. “I am especially pleased that with Ford’s continued investment in recent years, Volvo is well positioned for the future with an exciting range of products that remain true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.”

Geely Holding Group Completes Acquisition of Volvo Car Corporation

Stefan Jacoby Named President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars; New Board Unveiled

HANGZHOU, China and GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Aug. 2 — Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (”Geely Holding Group”), one of the fastest-growing car manufacturers in China, today announced it has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of Volvo Car Corporation (”Volvo Cars”) from Ford Motor Company.
Geely also announced that Stefan Jacoby, the Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group of America, would become President and Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars.

Li Shufu said: “This is a historic day for Geely, which is extremely proud to have acquired Volvo Cars. This famous Swedish premium brand will remain true to its core values of safety, quality, environmental care and modern Scandinavian design as it strengthens the existing European and North American markets and expands its presence in China and other emerging markets.”

Stefan Jacoby, the new President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, said: “I am honoured to join a company with the prestige and growth potential of Volvo. Our employees, suppliers, dealers — and above all our customers — can be confident that Volvo will preserve its special status as the industry leader in vehicle safety and innovation — even as it pursues new market opportunities.”

Following completion of the transaction, Mr. Stefan Jacoby will join the board of Volvo Cars, chaired by Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group. The board will comprise several new directors including Hans-Olov Olsson, a former President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars and a former Chief Marketing Officer of Ford, who will become Vice-Chairman of the board.

As announced on the signing of the stock purchase agreement on 28th March, 2010 Geely has agreed to pay USD 1.8 billion for Volvo Cars, which included a USD 200 million note with the balance paid in cash.

Geely issued the note and paid USD 1.3 billion in cash for Volvo Cars, utilising financing from Chinese institutions and its own balance sheet as well as international capital market resources. The closing consideration reflects adjustments in areas such as pension obligations and working capital.

Under the new ownership, Volvo Cars will retain its headquarters and manufacturing presence in Sweden and Belgium; and its management will have the autonomy to execute on its business plan under the strategic direction of the board.

As part of the transaction, Volvo and Ford will maintain close component and supply relationships, ensuring continuity in areas where they provide supply to each other.

Completion of the acquisition, which follows more than a year of talks between Geely and Ford, was marked at a signing ceremony in London attended by Li Shufu and Lewis Booth, Chief Financial Officer at Ford.

Mr. Li thanked Ford and the Volvo Cars management for their support during the transaction negotiations, and also paid tribute to union and government officials with whom Geely built close contacts.

“The signing and completion of this acquisition reflects the commitment of Ford and Volvo executives to the future of this company, along with the vital input of labour representatives and government officials in Sweden, Belgium and China as well as other relevant countries,” said Mr. Li.

The Geely Chairman added that Mr. Stefan Jacoby will succeed Stephen Odell as Volvo Cars’ President and Chief Executive, taking up his role on 16th August, 2010.

Hans-Oskarsson, deputy Chief Financial Officer, will become acting CFO of Volvo Cars, replacing Stuart Rowley. Mr. Odell and Mr Rowley are moving to leadership roles at Ford of Europe.

Along with the new management team at Volvo Cars, Geely today named the full board of directors for the Swedish carmaker, comprising:

Li Shufu (Chairman)
Hans-Olov Olsson (Vice-Chairman)
Freeman H. Shen
Hakan Samuelsson
Dr. Herbert Demel
Lone Fonss Schroder
Winnie Kin Wah Fok

The board — which will include three labour representatives nominated by unions at Volvo Cars — will assume its duties on completion of the transaction.

[Source:Autoblog]