DEARBORN -- It’s an everyday maneuver that can add stress and elevate blood pressure in novice and veteran drivers alike. It’s parallel parking. Active Park Assist, an all-new driver aide technology available in the distinctive new 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row luxury crossover vehicle, will address the “top 10” anxieties in the parallel parking process. They are:
Will I find a parking spot?
Will my vehicle fit?
Am I lined up correctly?
Did I "cut it" properly?
Am I in?
Am I too far from the curb?
Am I sticking out?
Am I too close in front or back?
Do I have to try again?
Will I be embarrassed?
How it Works
At the push of a single button on the Lincoln MKT center console, Active Park Assist initiates the parallel parking process.
Once the system is activated it begins scanning for an appropriate parking spot, eliminating anxiety number one. When a suitable space is detected an audible signal will sound and the cluster-mounted message center will display a space found notification.
Active Park Assist will coach the driver with a prompt when to stop, shift to reverse and let the system take over. Anxiety number two is eliminated as the system will not select an inappropriately sized space.
Anxieties numbers three and four are eliminated as Active Park Assist will calculate the appropriate trajectory, regardless of the distance between the Lincoln MKT and the vehicle parked in the space just ahead. Furthermore, the trajectory determined by the system will properly place the vehicle in the selected space.
Anxieties five through eight are addressed by Active Park Assist with the calculated trajectory, or the "cut it" element of the parallel parking maneuver. All steering is performed by the system, so the driver only needs to brake. Active Park Assist also properly positions the Lincoln MKT relative to the curb.
Anxiety number nine is addressed with coaching messages. If the vehicle is not positioned properly in the space, the system will continue to coach the driver for proper placement. The driver will shift and brake normally, but the system steers the vehicle throughout the maneuver.
Anxiety number ten is addressed by the system as Active Park Assist will park the vehicle swiftly and surely, every time. System accuracy will position the MKT properly, and embarrassment is thankfully avoided.
Active Park Assist is enabled by Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which is standard on 2010 Ford vehicles equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6.
Active Park Assist is optional on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 equipped Lincoln MKT, on sale at Lincoln dealerships, late this summer.
For more informationActive Park Assist Fact Sheet
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
2010 Lincoln MKT is coming soon to Island Lincoln Mercury!
Overview
The all new 2010 Lincoln MKT is available as a full-size four-door seven-passenger luxury crossover in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. It comes with various high-end features like configurable second row seating, climate controlled seating, panoramic vista roof, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, intelligent all-wheel drive, SecuriCode invisible keypad, voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, and SYNC voice-activated communications system. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is available in 4 different trims - Base, Elite Package, Ecoboost, and Ecoboost with Elite Package.
Power and performance
A 3.7L 24-valve Duratec V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 267 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,250 rpm mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard. A two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO), combined with optimized transmission and final drive gearing, are designed to allow this engine to deliver segment-leading fuel economy for Lincoln MKT. For performance-oriented customers, the 2010 Lincoln MKT also offers a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine delivering a class-leading 355 horsepower at 5,700 RPM, while generating 350 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,500 RPM with all wheel drive.
Body and styling
Nineteen-inch premium painted aluminum wheels, body color door handles with chrome inserts, fog lamps, adaptive HID headlamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, LED taillamps, power-adjustable pedals with memory, ambient interior lighting, appliques genuine wood trim on instrument panel and doors, armrest front with full storage console, AM/FM in-dash single CD/DVD/MP3 capable sound system with 10 speakers, SIRIUS satellite radio, auxiliary input jack with 10 GB music jukebox hard drive, USB Port - Voice-activated communications and entertainment system, cabin air-filtration system, tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, power lift gate, front bucket seats, premium leather seating surfaces for first and second rows, touch screen with audio and climate controls, compass, and rear view camera are among the standard exterior and interior equipment. Delayed accessory power shutoff, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler System, Intelligent Access with push-button start, remote keyless entry system (fob integrated into key), reverse sensing system, universal garage door opener, windshield wipers front rain-sensing, speed-sensitive, intermittent; and rear two-speed wiper with washer are the standard convenience features. Dual-Headrest DVD Entertainment System, 20" Polished Aluminum Wheels, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, turn signal mirrors, voice-activated navigation system and THX certified 5.1 surround audio system, power panoramic vista roof, acoustic laminated front door glass, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, and brake support are among the features available on higher trims Elite Package, Ecoboost and Ecoboost with Elite Packages.
Safety Features
Standard safety features include four-wheel ventilated disc Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger front airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, Safety Canopy System with third-row side curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Belt-Minder System - driver and passenger, child safety locks, rear doors Illuminated entry, and Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for CHildren (LATCH) System two in second row and one in third row. The standard Personal Safety System on the car includes safety belt pretensioners, energy management retractors, dual stage front airbags, driver seat position sensing, Front Passenger Sensing System (FPSS), SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The 2010 Lincoln MKT is arriving soon at Island Lincoln Mercury! Call us at 321-452-9220 for more details!
Cash for Clunkers
Last night, President Obama signed the CARS Act. NHTSA has 30 days to finalize the rules of the program and to execute it. Under the terms of the program, it begins with sales effective July 1. However, the final rules will not be announced until July 24th at the latest. Therefore dealers that try to leverage the program prior to the rules being announced are at risk of not completing all the steps that would be required to claim the incentive. The NADA and the Government are strongly recommending that dealers wait for the rules to be in place before selling vehicles under the program. Dealers are certainly encouraged to prepare to take advantage of this program and make plans for a fast start when all the rules are in place.
We have received many questions form the dealers about how to claim the incentive, timing of payment, how to scrap the vehicle and who is entitled to the scrap value of the vehicle. Those are all the questions that will be answered when NHTSA provides the final rules in the next 30 days.
We have received many questions form the dealers about how to claim the incentive, timing of payment, how to scrap the vehicle and who is entitled to the scrap value of the vehicle. Those are all the questions that will be answered when NHTSA provides the final rules in the next 30 days.
Ford Brand Quality Improves for the 8th Straight Year in 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study
On Monday June 22, 2009, 1:01 pm EDT
Ford brand's quality continues to improve faster than the overall industry; Ford brand remains statistically tied with top Japanese automakers
Ford brand's initial quality improved for the eighth consecutive year
Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable were quality leaders in their respective vehicle segments
F-250/F-350 Super-Duty manufacturing plant, Kentucky Truck in Louisville, was awarded a Bronze Plant Quality Award
DEARBORN, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F - News) recorded another strong improvement in J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Initial Quality Study, putting the Ford and Mercury brands in a statistical tie with the top Japanese brands.
The Ford brand, which continues to outpace the overall industry's quality improvement, now has posted eight consecutive years of gains in the closely watched quality study based on consumer evaluations after the first three months of new-vehicle ownership. Overall, the Ford brand improved by 10 points over last year's study.
"It is gratifying to see our commitment to quality paying off," said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. "Ford has demonstrated consistent and continuous quality improvement. We're now tied with the best of the Japanese automakers and we won't be satisfied until Ford is the industry's global quality leader."
Some of Ford's most popular nameplates received top honors for their respective segment, including Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable.
J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 80,930 new 2009 model-year vehicle owners after they have driven their new vehicles for three months. It measures problems per 100 vehicles and was based on November through February registrations.
In April, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based RDA Group's Global Quality Research System (GQRS) showed that Ford has surpassed Honda and is in a statistical tie with Toyota in initial quality. That report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford.
"The blue oval is becoming synonymous with high quality with customers," Fowler said. "We're not only dramatically reducing defects, we are delivering the long-term durability and the superior craftsmanship that today's customers demand."
Ford brand's quality continues to improve faster than the overall industry; Ford brand remains statistically tied with top Japanese automakers
Ford brand's initial quality improved for the eighth consecutive year
Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable were quality leaders in their respective vehicle segments
F-250/F-350 Super-Duty manufacturing plant, Kentucky Truck in Louisville, was awarded a Bronze Plant Quality Award
DEARBORN, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F - News) recorded another strong improvement in J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Initial Quality Study, putting the Ford and Mercury brands in a statistical tie with the top Japanese brands.
The Ford brand, which continues to outpace the overall industry's quality improvement, now has posted eight consecutive years of gains in the closely watched quality study based on consumer evaluations after the first three months of new-vehicle ownership. Overall, the Ford brand improved by 10 points over last year's study.
"It is gratifying to see our commitment to quality paying off," said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. "Ford has demonstrated consistent and continuous quality improvement. We're now tied with the best of the Japanese automakers and we won't be satisfied until Ford is the industry's global quality leader."
Some of Ford's most popular nameplates received top honors for their respective segment, including Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge and Mercury Sable.
J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 80,930 new 2009 model-year vehicle owners after they have driven their new vehicles for three months. It measures problems per 100 vehicles and was based on November through February registrations.
In April, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based RDA Group's Global Quality Research System (GQRS) showed that Ford has surpassed Honda and is in a statistical tie with Toyota in initial quality. That report, an analysis of "things gone wrong" in new vehicles as measured by customers, is commissioned quarterly by Ford.
"The blue oval is becoming synonymous with high quality with customers," Fowler said. "We're not only dramatically reducing defects, we are delivering the long-term durability and the superior craftsmanship that today's customers demand."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Senate passes 'cash-for-guzzlers' bill - President expected to sign measure
Neil Roland-Automotive News
The U.S. Senate passed a scaled-back $1 billion cash-for-guzzlers bill and sent it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The 91-5 vote took place after 5 p.m., after the Senate beat back a Republican attempt to strip the auto proposal from a $106 billion spending package aimed primarily at aiding U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The $1 billion initiative that passed the House earlier this week seeks to boost auto sales and increase the fuel economy of U.S. cars and light trucks. It would offer $3,500 to $4,500 cash vouchers for about 3½ months to consumers who trade in their cars for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"This program will provide a much-needed boost to the struggling auto industry, including manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and other related industries," Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said on the Senate floor today. It also will "encourage consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles," he said.
Congressional Budget Office data suggest the bill would result in the sale of 150,000 new cars, said Nichole Francis Reynolds, chief of staff to Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio. Sutton sponsored the original bill.Similar programs in Germany, China and France have resulted in substantial sales increases since the end of 2008
Full story also on MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31432867/ns/politics-capitol_hill/
The U.S. Senate passed a scaled-back $1 billion cash-for-guzzlers bill and sent it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The 91-5 vote took place after 5 p.m., after the Senate beat back a Republican attempt to strip the auto proposal from a $106 billion spending package aimed primarily at aiding U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The $1 billion initiative that passed the House earlier this week seeks to boost auto sales and increase the fuel economy of U.S. cars and light trucks. It would offer $3,500 to $4,500 cash vouchers for about 3½ months to consumers who trade in their cars for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"This program will provide a much-needed boost to the struggling auto industry, including manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and other related industries," Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said on the Senate floor today. It also will "encourage consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles," he said.
Congressional Budget Office data suggest the bill would result in the sale of 150,000 new cars, said Nichole Francis Reynolds, chief of staff to Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio. Sutton sponsored the original bill.Similar programs in Germany, China and France have resulted in substantial sales increases since the end of 2008
Full story also on MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31432867/ns/politics-capitol_hill/
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ford pulls ahead as GM, Chrysler get 'rinse'
With GM and Chrysler both in bankruptcy, a relatively healthy Ford stands to benefit, even its two struggling Detroit rivals gain the advantages of powerful government backing.
Read the Entire Article on MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31048538/from/ET/
Read the Entire Article on MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31048538/from/ET/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Daily Drivers: 2009 Lincoln MKS review -- St. Petersburg Times (Fla.) 06/13/09
Lincoln is shedding a stuffy image with its new flagship: the 2009 Lincoln MKS sedan. But is the MKS in the same luxury-car league as its competitors? The all-wheel-drive model we tested certainly has most of what it takes — electronic gadgets and sleek styling — to attract a younger generation.
Appearance: The split, waterfall grille gives the car an aggressive look that sets it apart from the competition and recalls some classics from the Ford stable — think of the '49 Mercury. The tradeoff for this sleek styling: a small rear window that compromises visibility.
Performance: A push of a button — there's no key — starts the 3.7-liter V-6, which cranks out 273 horsepower, certainly enough to get the more-than-4,200-pound car moving. But we feel it could use a little boost when merging onto the interstate. Whatever the MKS may lack in initial acceleration, the ride is smooth and the steering responsive. The SelectShift automatic was a bit clunky in the manual shift mode.
Interior: There's a split personality. We love the leather-covered doors and dash, but below the midline, the center console is plain and plasticky. That doesn't match well with the soft, supportive leather seats. Even worse, the console's twin cupholders are different sizes and too close together — so don't think about setting down two lattes at the same time. Still, there are nice details elsewhere: 12-way power front seats and a sliding center armrest, which is great for shorter drivers who have to move the seat forward. The buttons on the center console are small, making it difficult to push the correct one while driving. However, these controls are also available on the navigation system's touch screen. There is ample head- and legroom, but the rain sensor in the center of the windshield is bulky and can be distracting to the front passenger.
Our 3 favorites
Peter Couture 49, city driver, 6 feet tall, married with a teenager and a middle-schooler.
Styling: As Detroit luxury goes, I'll take it over an angular Caddy. Make my MKS black, please.
Back-up camera: Do you live on a street of joggers and kids? This is one option you'll rely on.
All-wheel-drive: This option kept us sure-footed in the rain.
Lyra Solochek, 43, highway commuter, 5 feet 1, married with a 5-year-old and teenager.
Home theater on wheels: A THX-II surround system delivers crystal-clear sound, whether it's NPR or Green Day. The speed-compensated volume control keeps the sound level perfect.
Exterior lighting: Your path is lit after you exit the car. Great for late-night arrivals.
Dual-panel moonroof: It lets in lots of light, but keeps the broiling sun out with a power shade.
The bottom line: There's a lot to like about this Lincoln, such as its styling and comfort, but we think the MKS needs another model year to refine its promise. We can't wait for the 2010 model with Ford's new EcoBoost twin-turbo engine.
2009 Lincoln MKS Price: $39,105 base, as tested $45,570 Powertrain: 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 with six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission Horsepower: 273 at 6,250 rpm Torque: 270 ft.-lbs. at 4,250 rpm Curb weight: about 4,300 pounds Dimensions in inches: Wheelbase, 112.9 Length, 204.1 Width, 85.5 Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway (front-wheel-drive); 16/23 (all-wheel-drive) Safety features: Post-crash alert system, dual stage front air bags, traction control, rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control.
Options worth considering: Ultimate Package, which includes moonroof, adaptable headlights, THX-II certified audio with 5.1 surround sound, push-button start, 19-inch wheels, rearview camera, more.
Web site: www.lincoln.com/mks
Appearance: The split, waterfall grille gives the car an aggressive look that sets it apart from the competition and recalls some classics from the Ford stable — think of the '49 Mercury. The tradeoff for this sleek styling: a small rear window that compromises visibility.
Performance: A push of a button — there's no key — starts the 3.7-liter V-6, which cranks out 273 horsepower, certainly enough to get the more-than-4,200-pound car moving. But we feel it could use a little boost when merging onto the interstate. Whatever the MKS may lack in initial acceleration, the ride is smooth and the steering responsive. The SelectShift automatic was a bit clunky in the manual shift mode.
Interior: There's a split personality. We love the leather-covered doors and dash, but below the midline, the center console is plain and plasticky. That doesn't match well with the soft, supportive leather seats. Even worse, the console's twin cupholders are different sizes and too close together — so don't think about setting down two lattes at the same time. Still, there are nice details elsewhere: 12-way power front seats and a sliding center armrest, which is great for shorter drivers who have to move the seat forward. The buttons on the center console are small, making it difficult to push the correct one while driving. However, these controls are also available on the navigation system's touch screen. There is ample head- and legroom, but the rain sensor in the center of the windshield is bulky and can be distracting to the front passenger.
Our 3 favorites
Peter Couture 49, city driver, 6 feet tall, married with a teenager and a middle-schooler.
Styling: As Detroit luxury goes, I'll take it over an angular Caddy. Make my MKS black, please.
Back-up camera: Do you live on a street of joggers and kids? This is one option you'll rely on.
All-wheel-drive: This option kept us sure-footed in the rain.
Lyra Solochek, 43, highway commuter, 5 feet 1, married with a 5-year-old and teenager.
Home theater on wheels: A THX-II surround system delivers crystal-clear sound, whether it's NPR or Green Day. The speed-compensated volume control keeps the sound level perfect.
Exterior lighting: Your path is lit after you exit the car. Great for late-night arrivals.
Dual-panel moonroof: It lets in lots of light, but keeps the broiling sun out with a power shade.
The bottom line: There's a lot to like about this Lincoln, such as its styling and comfort, but we think the MKS needs another model year to refine its promise. We can't wait for the 2010 model with Ford's new EcoBoost twin-turbo engine.
2009 Lincoln MKS Price: $39,105 base, as tested $45,570 Powertrain: 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 with six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission Horsepower: 273 at 6,250 rpm Torque: 270 ft.-lbs. at 4,250 rpm Curb weight: about 4,300 pounds Dimensions in inches: Wheelbase, 112.9 Length, 204.1 Width, 85.5 Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway (front-wheel-drive); 16/23 (all-wheel-drive) Safety features: Post-crash alert system, dual stage front air bags, traction control, rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control.
Options worth considering: Ultimate Package, which includes moonroof, adaptable headlights, THX-II certified audio with 5.1 surround sound, push-button start, 19-inch wheels, rearview camera, more.
Web site: www.lincoln.com/mks
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ford and Hydro-Québec Work Together to Develop Electric Vehicles
MONTRÉAL, Québec – Ford Motor Company and Hydro-Québec announced today that Hydro-Québec has joined a North America wide demonstration and research program on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Ford, in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is undertaking a three-year test program on the Ford Escape PHEV designed to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating PHEVs into the electric grid. EPRI has identified nine utilities across North America to test drive the vehicles and collect data on battery technology, vehicle systems, customer use and grid infrastructure. In total, Ford will provide 21 vehicles for the real-world trials. Hydro-Québec is the only Canadian company participating in the North American Ford PHEV Program.
Vehicle electrification is a sound environmental choice that may play an important role in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, it could be advantageous for consumers to refuel at plug rather than at the pump. Refueling costs for an average vehicle driven 18,000 km per year would be $244 as opposed to $1,383, which is 6 times less costly.
"We have to work towards replacing oil by electricity, at least for personal and urban transportation. The transport sector accounts for 42 percent of Québec's greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that could be achieved through the electrification of transport in Québec, where 98% of the electricity is produced from renewable sources, would be considerable. Hydro-Québec is committed to doing its part in this area,” noted Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s president and CEO.
The average consumption of one million all-electric vehicles, which represent 25 percent of Québec’s cars, is 3 TWh,(one billion kilowatts per hour) the equivalent of the annual generation of the Carillon hydroelectric facility.
The electrification of vehicles has sparked significant interest in the U.S.A and Canada. PHEVs are one element of Ford’s blueprint for sustainability that includes actions ranging from refinements in gasoline fueled engines and transmissions, to the development of battery electric vehicles.
“The delivery of this Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid vehicle today represents another step in our development and understanding of the technology and its place in the overall energy picture,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle programs at Ford Motor Company.
“We believe collaboration with utility companies to explore new business models, standards, infrastructure, and communication between vehicle and electric grids will be a key component to advancing the commercialization of electric vehicles in the coming years.”
The collaboration between Hydro-Quebec, Ford and EPRI represents a valuable contribution to the development of commercially viable plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,” said Arshad Mansoor, Vice-President of Power Delivery and Utilization at EPRI. “The expansion of field testing into Canada will enable us to gather the data required for the seamless integration into the grid while providing real world driving experience.”
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours.
When driven for the first 30 miles (48 km) following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg (2 L /100 km) when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid. The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver
Ford, in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is undertaking a three-year test program on the Ford Escape PHEV designed to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating PHEVs into the electric grid. EPRI has identified nine utilities across North America to test drive the vehicles and collect data on battery technology, vehicle systems, customer use and grid infrastructure. In total, Ford will provide 21 vehicles for the real-world trials. Hydro-Québec is the only Canadian company participating in the North American Ford PHEV Program.
Vehicle electrification is a sound environmental choice that may play an important role in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, it could be advantageous for consumers to refuel at plug rather than at the pump. Refueling costs for an average vehicle driven 18,000 km per year would be $244 as opposed to $1,383, which is 6 times less costly.
"We have to work towards replacing oil by electricity, at least for personal and urban transportation. The transport sector accounts for 42 percent of Québec's greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that could be achieved through the electrification of transport in Québec, where 98% of the electricity is produced from renewable sources, would be considerable. Hydro-Québec is committed to doing its part in this area,” noted Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s president and CEO.
The average consumption of one million all-electric vehicles, which represent 25 percent of Québec’s cars, is 3 TWh,(one billion kilowatts per hour) the equivalent of the annual generation of the Carillon hydroelectric facility.
The electrification of vehicles has sparked significant interest in the U.S.A and Canada. PHEVs are one element of Ford’s blueprint for sustainability that includes actions ranging from refinements in gasoline fueled engines and transmissions, to the development of battery electric vehicles.
“The delivery of this Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid vehicle today represents another step in our development and understanding of the technology and its place in the overall energy picture,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle programs at Ford Motor Company.
“We believe collaboration with utility companies to explore new business models, standards, infrastructure, and communication between vehicle and electric grids will be a key component to advancing the commercialization of electric vehicles in the coming years.”
The collaboration between Hydro-Quebec, Ford and EPRI represents a valuable contribution to the development of commercially viable plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,” said Arshad Mansoor, Vice-President of Power Delivery and Utilization at EPRI. “The expansion of field testing into Canada will enable us to gather the data required for the seamless integration into the grid while providing real world driving experience.”
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours.
When driven for the first 30 miles (48 km) following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg (2 L /100 km) when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid. The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
2010 Jaguar XFR: Hel-looo Kitty!
Check out this column in the LA Times on the new 1010 Jaguar XFR!
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil5-2009jun05,0,1661209.column
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil5-2009jun05,0,1661209.column
Friday, June 5, 2009
Lincoln’s New Luxury Liner is Family-Oriented
Jan 12 2009 by Sherrice Gilsbach from Motherproof.com
The new Lincoln MKT is a seriously luxurious station wagon that will appeal to any mom.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: Automotive industry folks don’t like the term “station wagon.” They don’t want the stylish, fuel-efficient and incredibly well-equipped models emerging today to be compared to the old, clunky, wood-paneled wagons of the 1970s and ’80s.
The MKT wipes away all our unhappy station wagon memories. It has an incredibly stylized exterior with a waterfall-like rear and a sharp front end that reminds me of the distinguished visage of an eagle. Lincoln is known as Ford’s higher-end line, and this interior lives up to the Lincoln standard. It’s roomy and comfortable, with all the conveniences a modern mom needs to get through a rough day.
If you’re having one of those “I want my mommy” days, the MKT comes to your aid with a panoramic vista roof to give you a view of the heavens, comfortable seating and surfaces that are pleasing to the touch.
The MKT’s full roster of technical features will also help you keep your sanity on drives to your kids’ school. Adaptive Cruise Control will set and maintain your speed while monitoring traffic ahead of you. We need this feature when the kids are screaming and fighting in the backseat and all we want to do is hit the gas as hard as we can to get home. The MKT also has automatic high-beam headlights and rain-sensing wipers, so you don’t have to think about little things like turning your lights on or fussing with the wipers. It has a blind spot warning system; a cross traffic alert system, which alerts you to approaching cars when you’re backing out of a parking space; a backup camera; and Sync, Ford’s communication and entertainment system. All of these features would make your time in the car safer, more comfortable and more fun! Of course we’ll need to drive the MKT before we can provide a full-fledged review.
OK, on to the kids. There’s plenty of room in the second row, and there’s even an optional third row. Be warned, your kids might find themselves getting into trouble in the MKT; it’s such a pretty car that you might not want them to touch it. I cringe at the thought of letting my kids get into the backseat with their dirty shoes, bags of Cheez-Its and their sporadically squirting juice boxes. Ugh!
The new Lincoln MKT is a seriously luxurious station wagon that will appeal to any mom.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: Automotive industry folks don’t like the term “station wagon.” They don’t want the stylish, fuel-efficient and incredibly well-equipped models emerging today to be compared to the old, clunky, wood-paneled wagons of the 1970s and ’80s.
The MKT wipes away all our unhappy station wagon memories. It has an incredibly stylized exterior with a waterfall-like rear and a sharp front end that reminds me of the distinguished visage of an eagle. Lincoln is known as Ford’s higher-end line, and this interior lives up to the Lincoln standard. It’s roomy and comfortable, with all the conveniences a modern mom needs to get through a rough day.
If you’re having one of those “I want my mommy” days, the MKT comes to your aid with a panoramic vista roof to give you a view of the heavens, comfortable seating and surfaces that are pleasing to the touch.
The MKT’s full roster of technical features will also help you keep your sanity on drives to your kids’ school. Adaptive Cruise Control will set and maintain your speed while monitoring traffic ahead of you. We need this feature when the kids are screaming and fighting in the backseat and all we want to do is hit the gas as hard as we can to get home. The MKT also has automatic high-beam headlights and rain-sensing wipers, so you don’t have to think about little things like turning your lights on or fussing with the wipers. It has a blind spot warning system; a cross traffic alert system, which alerts you to approaching cars when you’re backing out of a parking space; a backup camera; and Sync, Ford’s communication and entertainment system. All of these features would make your time in the car safer, more comfortable and more fun! Of course we’ll need to drive the MKT before we can provide a full-fledged review.
OK, on to the kids. There’s plenty of room in the second row, and there’s even an optional third row. Be warned, your kids might find themselves getting into trouble in the MKT; it’s such a pretty car that you might not want them to touch it. I cringe at the thought of letting my kids get into the backseat with their dirty shoes, bags of Cheez-Its and their sporadically squirting juice boxes. Ugh!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Strong New Products Drive Ford Sales in May
DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2009 – New products helped Ford Motor Company achieve its highest market share in three years, even as Ford decreased incentive spending in May. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 155,954, up 20 percent versus April and the highest sales for any month since July 2008.
Sales of the Ford Fusion were 19,786, Ford Flex sales were 4,305 and sales of the company's hybrid vehicles totaled 3,906 – setting three new sales records. In addition, Lincoln's new sedans, the MKZ and MKS, helped the luxury brand post a 2 percent sales increase.
"Consideration for our new products is increasing," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. "Even as the competitive environment intensifies, Ford's relentless pursuit of quality, fuel efficiency, smart technology and appealing designs is winning new customers."
The previous Fusion record was set last month with 18,321 cars when Fusion cracked the foreign stranglehold on the mid-size sedan market. It was the first time since July 2002 that a domestic car was one of the top three mid-size cars selling to retail customers. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans. In addition, both models are rated the most fuel-efficient sedans in America.
Combined sales for the Fusion and Milan hybrids and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids totaled 3,906 – a new company record for hybrid sales in a single month. The previous record was set in April 2006, with 3,420 hybrids.
The previous Flex record also was set last month with 3,190 vehicles. Combined sales for all crossover utilities were 35,582, Ford's strongest crossover sales month since last May.
May marked the first full sales month of the 2010 Ford Mustang. Mustang sales totaled 8,812, the highest sales month since last July. This year marks the 45th anniversary of America's legendary pony car.
Lincoln was one of the few brands in the U.S. to achieve a sales increase in May. Lincoln sales totaled 8,566, up 2 percent versus a year ago. Lincoln's sedans, the all-new MKS, redesigned MKZ and venerable Town Car paced Lincoln's sales increase. A new Lincoln full-size crossover, the MKT, will debut later this year.
Inventories and Production
At the end of May, Ford vehicle inventories totaled 350,000 (equivalent to 56 days' supply). This level was 41,000 vehicles lower than at the end of April and 210,000 vehicles lower than a year ago.
Given tightly controlled inventories and the strength of its new products in the market, Ford is increasing second quarter North American production by 10,000 vehicles (to 445,000). Ford also announced it plans to build 460,000 vehicles in the third quarter, an increase of 42,000 vehicles compared with third quarter 2008.
"At Ford, the future is now," said Czubay. "New products account for 50 percent of our sales, and demand for these products is driving our market share gains. We encourage customers who are in the market for a new vehicle to 'Drive the Ford Difference.' "
To provide added incentive, Ford is announcing a new summer merchandising program, Drive the Ford Difference. From June 2 through June 30, Ford will cover up to three months' worth of payments up to $2,100, and Ford Credit will offer 0 percent financing on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
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