Showing posts with label Ford Motor Company. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford Motor Company. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
Ford to recall 390,000 Fiesta's and Fusion's and Lincoln MKX models for a possible Door Latch issue.
Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for approximately 390,000 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta and 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a door latch issue. The door latch in these vehicles may experience a broken pawl spring tab, which typically results in a condition where the door will not latch. If a customer is then able to latch the door, there is potential the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford is aware of two allegations of soreness resulting from an unlatched door bouncing back when the customer attempted to close it, and one accident allegation when an unlatched door swung open and struck an adjacent vehicle as the driver was pulling into a parking space.
Affected vehicles include certain 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta vehicles built at Cuautitlán Assembly Plant, Feb. 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013; certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013; and certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013.
There are approximately 390,000 vehicles in North America (actual 389,585), including 336,873 in the United States and federalized territories, 30,198 in Canada and 22,514 in Mexico.
Dealers will replace all four door latches at no cost to the customer.
Limited Edition Shelby GT350 and GT350R to headline Ford's Mustang range - Can I have one free please ?
- Ford to produce limited run of 2015 Shelby® GT350 to commemorate the nameplate’s 50th anniversary
- 2015 Shelby GT350 comes with a unique 2015 VIN – the envy of Shelby enthusiasts everywhere
- Limited run of 37 Shelby GT350R models to be built in homage to original GT350 competition model of 1965
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350, Ford will build a limited run of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs for 2015. The original Shelby GT350, introduced in 1965, established Mustang’s performance credentials on racetracks around the world.
The all-new Shelby GT350, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, re-establishes Mustang as a world-class sports car.
Only 100 Shelby GT350 models will feature a 2015 model year designation before production switches over to 2016. Of these, 50 will be equipped with the Technology Package and 50 equipped with the Track Package.
“Fans of the Shelby brand are among the most passionate in the automotive industry,” said Henry Ford III, Ford Performance marketing manager. “To honor the passion of our fans for Shelby GT350’s 50th anniversary, a limited run of GT350 models will be built in 2015; these cars will be highly coveted by both Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts alike.”
2015 Shelby GT350R: Celebrating 50 years of a pony car legend
In 1965, Carroll Shelby developed and sold an FIA-homologated Mustang called the Shelby GT350 competition model. This race-ready Mustang took to tracks around the world, competing in the most prestigious races and against the stiffest competition there was.
In addition to winning the Sports Car Club of America’s B Production national championship in 1965, 1966 and 1967, the car entered races throughout South America and Europe, including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is heated debate among Shelby enthusiasts over how many 1965 GT350 competition models were built during the extremely limited production run. While Carroll Shelby insisted two prototype cars and 35 production models were built, most records show only 34 production models received serial numbers from the Shelby production facility.
For 2015, Ford will make sure there is no confusion about the number of GT350R models constructed; 37 cars will be built in Carroll Shelby’s memory.
USA - Ford Motor Company and Hot Wheels® break world record for biggest loop the loop.
- To help children cultivate an interest in science and engineering, Ford attempted to set a new world record for building the largest Hot car track loop as part of this year’s Take Your Child to Work Day
- Ford Mustang Hot Wheels car started at more than three stories high inside Ford Research and Innovation Center
- Old record loop stood at nine feet, nine inches tall
Ford ran circles around the old Hot Wheels® record loop as part of this year’s Take Your Child to Work Day. When the effort was complete, Ford had made a world record attempt with a Hot Wheels car track loop that exceeded 12 feet tall.
The world record attempt was the brainchild of Ford dynamometer technician Matt West, who had built increasingly large Hot Wheels loops with his six-year-old son Blade at their home in Monroe, Michigan.
The attempt took place in the three-story atrium of the company’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn in support of Ford’s participation in national Take Your Child to Work Day.
“It started as part-fun, part-physics lesson with my son at home,” said West. “We built one in our playroom, and then built a five-foot-tall loop in our backyard. When people at Ford heard what we were up to, everyone thought it would be a great way to get young people excited about science and engineering by trying to break the world record on Take Your Child to Work Day.”
The current record of nine feet, nine inches tall was set in Ohio. West and his friends at Ford successfully made a Mustang Hot Wheels car complete a 12-foot, six-inch loop.
“On a track, a Hot Wheels car can only go so fast, so carrying the momentum of the vehicle through an entire loop is harder than you might think,” said West. “In a world where kids are inundated with TVs and tablets, I thought teaching my son with actual moving vehicle models would be so much more rewarding, and then it took on a life of its own.”
Early on, West and Blade went to work dreaming up the world record-breaking loop. With the help of others at Ford, including John Jaranson, technical expert in interior systems, and Grant Compton, computer-aided design engineer, they created the loop using computer-aided design software called CATIA, which is often used for car design.
Knowing they had to create the super structure out of four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood, they designed the loop into sections that would get bolted together.
Once designed, the team enlisted the help of Will Brick, general manager of TechShop Detroit, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio, to bring the digital design files to life. Jaranson is a member of TechShop, thanks to Ford’s innovative relationship with the company, a part-time instructor who helps other members utilize the available tools. The team cut the sheets of plywood using a water jet cutter.
“At TechShop, we like to say, ‘Build your dreams here,’” said Brick. “It was great to help Matt and to work with the Ford team to bring his son’s idea to reality.”
“It’s an honor for Hot Wheels to have inspired Matt West and the Ford team to embark on such an epic world record attempt,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and general manager, Hot Wheels. “Ford and Mattel have a history going back more than four decades. We both have tremendous passion for pushing the limits of design, and we’re happy to be involved in trying to generate enthusiasm for science and technology for kids everywhere.”
With its signature 1:64-scale models, Hot Wheels has created hundreds of Ford Motor Company vehicles, including many of the original 16 Hot Wheels models released in 1968 – a custom Mustang, Thunderbird and Cougar.
100,000th Police Interceptor produced in just three years, it's the best you can get !
On April 23, employees at Troy Design and Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, celebrated a major milestone – production of Police Interceptor No. 100,000. Since 2012, the 54,000-square-foot Troy Design and Manufacturing upfit facility has been the single source for America’s best-selling line of law enforcement vehicles.
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Troy Design and Manufacturing has the flexibility to produce between 600 and 1,200 vehicles per week depending on demand. It takes an estimated 5.5 hours for a vehicle to be completely upfitted with law enforcement equipment.
Law enforcement agencies from across the United States – and around the world – can select from more than 125 packages, including different lighting options, wraps and styles. Police Interceptor No. 100,000 will be put into service with the Chicago police force later this year.
In 2014, Ford Police Interceptor was the best-selling law enforcement vehicle in America. It is the market share leader in 40 states, and has a 55 percent market share nationally. Production of the new 2016 Police Interceptor Utility, which was revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, begins this summer. With innovative features like Surveillance Mode, Pursuit Mode and EcoBoost® power, Ford Police Interceptor Utility will continue to change the face of law enforcement vehicles everywhere.
Ford Motor Company launches the All_New Galaxy MPV - the ultimate in Passenger transport ?
- All-new Ford Galaxy MPV debuts Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and road-holding
- Intelligent All-Wheel Drive continuously measures traction at all four wheels and instantaneously calculates where to deliver engine torque
- Ford expands the number of vehicles with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – including Kuga, all-new Mondeo, S-MAX and Edge
- Galaxy available to order in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X series, priced from £26,445
- Seven-seater people mover provides luxurious and safe travel with practical innovations, class-leading refinement and advanced driver assistance technologies
Ford Motor Company today announced that the all-new Galaxy will be available with all-wheel drive. Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system delivers enhanced traction and road-holding with a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing, especially in slippery conditions.
Measuring how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds – 20 times quicker than it takes to blink – the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, and make required adjustments in just 100 milliseconds.
By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.
“Families across Europe have grown up with the Galaxy. Customers are reassured by its ability to carry seven in first-class comfort and safety, and to constantly surprise with its unmatched versatility,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
“The all-new Galaxy now delivers even more assurance with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, actively optimising traction for even smoother and more refined journeys.”
Ford is expanding the number of vehicles available with AWD. First available on Kuga, it is also available on the all-new Mondeo and S-MAX and will be offered on the Edge SUV later this year.
More grip on demand
The all-new Galaxy’s Intelligent AWD is always on. The primary goal of Intelligent AWD at low speeds is to improve traction. If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is not, the all-wheel-drive system can send all the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear, putting power where the driver needs it.
At speeds above 18mph Intelligent AWD is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses using information from body control, braking, gearbox and the Electronic Power Assisted Steering.
By sending torque to the rear wheels when cornering at speed, the system can help reduce understeer – those situations when a vehicle’s momentum causes it to continue straight instead of following the driver’s intended path.
“Intelligent AWD activates when it is needed, so it can help Galaxy drivers find grip in wintery conditions and enhance the signature car-like driving dynamics with minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and without affecting refinement.
With Intelligent AWD, Galaxy drivers also can tow up to 2,000kg,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.
The all-new Galaxy offers Intelligent AWD with the 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, and with the 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi engine and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
Galaxy can also be equipped with a 120PS version of the 2.0-litre TDCi engine, and Ford’s new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi bi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhanced responsiveness and 450Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.
Petrol engine options include Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and the entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO2 emissions from 129 g/km* supported by Smart Regenerative Charging, Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter technologies.
First-class travel
Ford also today announced prices for the all-new Galaxy. Available to order now in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X series, it will start from £26,445.
Featuring the company’s latest global design language with a sophisticated grille and slim-line headlamps, the all-new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, with practical innovations, class-leading refinement, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
Families can easily switch between seating and load space with a segment-first feature that raises third-row seats at the push of a button. Comfort is enhanced for front seat passengers with massaging Ford Multi-Contour Seats; and for rear seat passengers with integral link rear suspension that offers a smoother, quieter ride and more space.
Second- and third-row passengers benefit from up to 10mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third-row seats offer up to 40mm more headroom than key competitors.
The all-new Galaxy also supports drivers in town and on the highway with advanced technologies including:
- Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether
- Glare-Free Highbeam technology within the adaptive LED headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas
- Front Split View Camera, which enhances the driver’s field of vision when pulling out of a parking space or junction with a 180 degree camera system installed at the front of the Galaxy, and displays the image on the 8in high-resolution touchscreen in the centre console
Galaxy takes the nameplate’s signature car-like driving dynamics to a new level with Ford Adaptive Steering technology, which adjusts steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision.
The technologically advanced Galaxy seven-seat people mover was revealed for the first time in April earlier this year – on the back of a moving trailer – through a stunt performed with the help of illusionist Darcy Oake.
Q1 dips amongst the launch of the Aluminium F-150, and a range of other new models for Ford.
Ford Motor Co., which has forecast a “breakthrough year” for itself after remaking a large swath of its global lineup, today said its first-quarter net income fell 6.6 percent to $924 million as the launch of its aluminum-bodied pickup cut production.
Ford said the F-150 introduction has gone so well that it is increasing its projections for North American profit margins slightly but that economic conditions in South America have been worse than expected.
Revenue in the quarter fell 5.6 percent to $33.9 billion.
“The first quarter was a good start to a year in which our results will grow progressively stronger as the new products we have been launching start to pay off,” Ford CEO Mark Fields said in a statement. “We are re-confirming that 2015 will be a breakthrough year for Ford.”
Chief among those new products is the redesigned F-150, which analysts say accounts for a majority of Ford’s profits. The truck went on sale at the end of 2014, but sales have been slow because the plant changeover process has kept it in short supply so far.
The F-150 and other introductions have reduced margins and contributed to a U.S. market share decline. But Ford said it now expects North American margins of 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent for the year, up from earlier guidance of 8 percent to 9 percent.
In the first quarter, Ford earned a pretax profit of $1.34 billion in North America, 11 percent less than the same period a year ago. Operating margins declined to 6.7 percent from 7.3 percent.
Ford’s U.S. vehicle sales in the first quarter rose 2 percent, but its market share fell half a point to 15 percent.
Job cuts
Last week, Ford confirmed plans to cut 700 jobs and eliminate a shift at a small-car plant outside Detroit as low gas prices dampen sales of the Focus and C-Max it builds there.
Brian Johnson, an analyst with Barclays Capital, estimated that reduced production cost Ford $450 million during the quarter, with the F-150 representing the bulk of that amount.
“We likely won’t have a true feel of profitability until at least the [third quarter], the first quarter when Ford will be fully ramped on F-150 production and when we will have a more accurate feel of demand,” Johnson said in a report Monday.
Overseas results
In South America, Ford reduced its first quarter loss by 63 percent to $189 million. It said full-year results are expected to be improved from a year ago, but not as good as it had estimated in January.
Its European loss shrunk 4.6 percent to $185 million. Ford lost $1.1 billion in Europe last year due largely to issues in Russia, a market that General Motors last month said it would largely abandon.
Ford was profitable in its Asia Pacific region, as well as Middle East and Africa.
Ford is introducing 15 new or refreshed vehicles this year, including three in the first quarter, after rolling out 24 in 2014. The Ford Edge crossover went on sale in March, and the Explorer is on the way this summer. It’s also in the midst of a major product offensive in China, where it last week showed a new SUV called the Everest and a version of the Taurus sedan designed specifically for that market, with massage units built into the rear seats.
Ford executives have said the product-launch schedule means the company will post stronger results in the second half of the year, when sales of the new vehicles begin to hit their stride.
“Since the recession, Ford has been spending on technology and expansion overseas in key markets. This year these risks will start to pay off,” David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management in Grand Blanc, Mich., said in a report last week.
“We believe the new model launches around the world, particularly with the ramp-up of the F-150, are beginning to take effect and will provide a much needed jump start to the stock's performance this year.”
Nick Bunkley
UK SALES APRIL - FORD - Ford stretches UK market lead through April and outpaces CV rivals.
Ford total vehicle sales increased in April, and for the year to date, compared with the same periods in 2014, as it stretched its total vehicle sales lead by over 11 per cent over its nearest competitor.
A surge in Ford commercial vehicle (CV) sales was a major factor, with registrations up by 39.5 per cent for the year to date, and more than double those of its nearest rival, compared with the same period in 2014.
According to the official April sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):
- Ford is the UK market leader in total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle sales
- Ford CV sales and share grew in April and for the year to date
- Fiesta is UK best-seller, alone it outsells the full ranges of all but four rival car makers
- Fiesta, Focus and Transit brand are the UK’s top three best-selling vehicle lines
- In its 50th year as UK CV sales leader, Ford’s lead increases by 75 per cent
Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "UK car sales have grown consistently for more than three years and it is gratifying that, through this period, Ford has maintained, and extended, its long-standing UK market leadership.
“This is the result of our continued investment in exciting products and industry-leading technologies, delivered through the strongest UK dealer network. We are reaping the sales benefits of our fresh and extended CV range, while our launch cadence is accelerating with highlights this year including C-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy, Mustang and Mondeo Vignale."
The official figures released by the SMMT today show that total car sales in March were up 5.1 per cent to 185,778 units, compared with April 2014. Ford car sales were 25,018, 6,328 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. For the year to date (end April) total UK car sales were 920,366, up 6.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2014. Ford car sales for this period were 119,822, 28,108 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. Ford lead in retail car sales reflects the preferences of private buyers. In April, Ford was 2.7 percentage points of retail car sales share ahead of its nearest rival and for the year to date, it was ahead 4.3 percentage points.
The Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus were the number one and two top sellers in April with Fiesta’s 10,294 registrations placing it sixth among the top-selling car manufacturers - outselling the entire car ranges of all but four of Ford’s rivals. The Ford Kuga is another strong sales performer, recording sales and share increases in April and for the year to date, compared with 2014.
The broad customer appeal of Ford’s car range is demonstrated by Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Galaxy all occupying top three places in their respective market segments in March and for the year to date.
UK commercial vehicle sales in April were up 22.3 per cent at 29,690, compared with April 2014. Total sales of Ford CVs were up 37.3 per cent at 7,334, compared with April 2014. For the year to date total UK CV sales were up 23.2 per cent at 139,065, compared with 2014. Total sales of Ford CVs for the same period were up 39.5 per cent at 34,848, compared with 2014.
Ford light commercials sales in April were up from 1,012 to 1,740, compared with April 2014, and LCV market share increased from 17.8 to 24.5 per cent. For the year to date Ford LCV sales have more than doubled, compared with 2014, increasing from 3,702 to 8,133 with share up from 12.4 to 22.5 per cent.
Ford medium commercials sales in April were up from 4,329 to 5,594, compared with April 2014, and MCV market share increased from 26.8 to 29.6 per cent. For the year to date Ford MCV sales, compared with 2014, increased from 21,287 to 26,715 with share up from 28.8 to 29.9 per cent.
Ford’s entire CV range: Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger, are all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.
SHANGHAI 2015 - Ford launches three new models into the Chinese market.
- Ford unveils new Ford Taurus, a sophisticated sedan designed with Chinese consumers in mind
- New Ford Focus brings a bold redesign, a more modern interior and smart new technologies to China’s best-selling nameplate
- New Ford Explorer features rugged new look, more refined interior and improved driver assist technologies
- New Ford Edge offers third row of seating, new features for the Chinese market starting at RMB249,800
Highlighting its commitment to serving consumers in China and expanding its presence in the world’s largest auto market, Ford Motor Company today unveiled the latest additions to its line-up of global vehicles, including the global debut of a new Ford Taurus sedan.
“Less than a month after we opened a brand new Changan Ford plant in Hangzhou, we’re taking another step to expand our vehicle line-up in China,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “These fantastic new vehicles are the latest example of how we continue to innovate and grow in China and around the world.”
In addition to the global unveiling of the new Ford Taurus, a large sedan designed specifically for the Chinese market, Ford debuted the new Ford Focus sedan and hatchback as well as the class-defining new Ford Explorer SUV.
The company also announced pricing for the new seven-seat Ford Edge SUV.
The historic Taurus nameplate comes to China as a new flagship model for Changan Ford, and will be produced at the new US$760 million Hangzhou facility.
Setting a new benchmark for large sedans in China, the Taurus features a clean, contemporary and harmonious design created by combining Ford’s global design expertise with an understanding of and respect for the specific needs of Chinese customers.
“The new Ford Taurus is another example of the best Ford has to offer globally, designed and developed with the Chinese market in mind,” said Marin Burela, president, Changan Ford Automobile Co. “More than just a premium business sedan, it’s an elegant statement of what is possible under the One Ford plan.”
With its shield-like trapezoidal grille, slender LED headlights, muscular sides and multi-piece LED tail lights, the Taurus has an elegant presence on the road. Inside, sophisticated consumers will appreciate a spacious interior with premium features including power reclining rear seats with a massage function, a panoramic sunroof and exceptional second-row legroom.
Under the hood, a new high-output, twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine offers effortless power and exceptional efficiency.
Ford’s commitment to bringing advanced technologies to a wide range of consumers was evident in Shanghai with the debut of the new Ford Focus.
The Focus has been redesigned with a sleeker exterior, a cleaner, more modern interior, smart driver assist technologies and even greater fuel efficiency.
Advanced technology, including improved Active City Stop, which helps to mitigate low-speed collisions; enhanced Active Park Assist with perpendicular park assist, which helps to take the hassle out of parking; and SYNC 2 connectivity make the new Focus one of the smartest cars in its class.
With enhanced handling and a choice of Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder, a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine or a 1.6L Ti-VCT engine, the Focus remains true to its fun-to-drive DNA. More efficient engines and new Auto Start-Stop technology, which turns off the engine while the vehicle is idling, also help the new Focus to save fuel.
Twenty-five years after the unveiling of the original Ford Explorer, Ford introduced the new Explorer to China. A rugged new look and new technologies make it smarter, more efficient and ready for any adventure.
The updates to the Explorer’s exterior include a redesigned, higher grille and robust LED headlights with visible heat-sink structures that cool the LEDs and impart an innovative look.
Inside, the Explorer has simplified infotainment controls and refined detailing throughout the cabin.
The new Explorer offers an upgraded technology package, including enhanced Active Park Assist and a hands-free tailgate. Improved suspension delivers improved handling and a comfortable ride. For efficient power, the Explorer can be equipped with one of two advanced EcoBoost engines – a 3.5-liter V6 or a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
Ford also announced pricing for the new Ford Edge, which offers a third row of seating and new features to meet the needs of the Chinese market. Boasting a more rewarding driving experience and new technologies like Auto Start-Stop to save fuel and make driving more convenient, the new Edge starts at RMB249,800.
“Bringing one new vehicle to our customers is exciting. To be able to showcase four new vehicles at once is a special thrill,” said Lawler. “With the new Edge, Explorer, Focus and Taurus, we will be able to serve customers in China like never before – and there’s plenty more to come.”
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