It's a good day for Ford Sync

It's a good day for Ford Sync users. The Blue Oval has officially announced two big leaps forward for the company's infotainment system for smartphone users. For the first time, Apple users will find that their iPhone is now fully compatible with Sync. Previously, the system was only usable with devices that used RIM or Android operating systems. What's more, users can now control the applications on their smartphones using a hands-free, voice-operated system. So far, there are only a handful of apps that will gel with Sync voice activation, including Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak (a Twitter client), though Ford says that there are more on the way.

The new and improved Sync will first show up in 14,000 Ford Fiesta models, though the free Sync application will eventually be equipped on every Sync-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicle. Fiesta owners can get the ball rolling by logging into their Sync account online and pointing their browser toward the Update and Customize section of the site.

[Source: Ford]

1968 Ford Mustang fastback is our kind of holiday caroler

Mooresville Ford

Wishing all a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year from all of us at Mooresville Ford!!

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Video: 2012 Ford C-Max Hands-Free Liftgate In Action

Yesterday, Ford introduced the 2012 C-Max MPV ahead of its official debut in January. In addition to its stylish European design, the C-Max is also incredibly versatile, offering the benefits of a crossover, a wagon, and a minivan, all rolled into one compact vehicle.

Ford has already shown some of the C-Max’s innovative features, namely its storage solution for the middle seat in the second row. But another feature that Ford is particularly proud of is its hands-free liftgate, which is an industry-first.

“In the new C-MAX, customers no longer need to set their packages down or fumble to locate their keys to open the rear hatch, especially when their hands are full,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The hands-free liftgate allows them to easily and quickly open the cargo area with one simple leg motion.”

The hands-free liftgate will be demonstrated when the vehicle is shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. In the meantime, you can see this feature in action via the video below.

NEW FORD C-MAX: CLEVER, COMPACT VEHICLE TO MOVE YOUNG FAMILIES WITH FLEXIBILITY, FUEL EFFICIENCY

The Ford C-MAX is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

“The Ford C-MAX provides still more proof of how our One Ford plan continues to deliver the high-quality, fuel-efficient products people really want,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.”

This new compact family vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.

• New Ford C-MAX combines a fresh new design, flexible seating configuration for seven, outstanding craftsmanship and occupant safety and advances in driving dynamics
• Ford C-MAX offers life-enhancing technologies such as SYNC® connectivity, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, HD Radio™ and an industry-exclusive hands-free liftgate
• A “white space” entry representing the best features of a car and minivan, the Ford C-MAX will deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy with sporty performance and handling.

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Ford Explorer Fuel Economy Rating 25 Percent Improvement

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 fuel economy ratings are now EPA-approved at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 25 percent improvement over the previous V6 model.Ford Explorer, America’s most popular utility vehicle and safety innovator, is now the segment fuel economy leader.

With an EPA-certified 25 mpg highway rating – a 25 percent fuel economy gain over the outgoing V6 model – the 2011 Explorer sets a new benchmark for vehicles in its class. The Explorer EPA-certified rating of 17 mpg city can’t be bested by competitors, either.

“The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “An efficient six-speed transmission mated to this efficient V6 helps Explorer deliver 25 percent better fuel efficiency. This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment.”

Explorer’s fuel efficiency improvement is the cumulative result of multiple individual technologies, innovations and advancements.

The all-new Explorer body shape was optimized in a wind tunnel to reduce wind noise and increase fuel economy. Ford aerodynamicists and designers found that coordination between the front-mounted air dam and the rear liftgate lip spoiler could add almost 1 mpg at highway speeds.

The new Explorer marks the introduction of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), yielding significantly improved maneuverability, reduced parasitic engine drag, weight savings and increased fuel economy. media-ford

FORD FOCUS CRASHED MORE THAN 12,000 TIMES

Ford safety engineers in the U.S. and Germany crash tested the new 2012 Ford Focus more than 12,000 times in real and virtual worlds to prove out innovative new technologies designed to protect occupants in crashes. 

Improved interior safety features
The Focus offers a suite of new safety innovations, which includes Ford’s next-generation driver-front airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes.

Ford’s innovative side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.

Focus also will be Ford’s first car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the air bag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of Ford’s advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.

The new passenger airbag is designed to enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This innovative system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.

Innovative “tailor-rolling” process
In addition to the new airbags, the new Focus’ vehicle structure provides enhanced crash protection with a B-pillar reinforcement, a key structural part made from ultra-high-strength steel produced using an innovative “tailor rolling” process. The process allows the thickness of the steel sheet to be varied along its length so the component has increased strength in the areas that are subjected to the greatest loads.

High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the Focus’ body shell, and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Wins Four Wheeler magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year Award!

“Raptor is every four-wheel-drive enthusiast’s dream of what a factory pickup truck should be,” said Douglas McColloch, Four Wheeler editor. “Straight off the showroom floor, Raptor comes equipped with all manner of premium performance parts that are designed for extreme off-pavement forays – be it rock crawling, mud bogging or desert racing. The Raptor undertakes these tasks without compromising the F-150 platform’s class-leading ride and handling characteristics on pavement. It inspires confidence in the dirt and delivers serenity on the street.

 

“All told,” McColloch added, “the Raptor 6.2 is a joy to drive, and a very deserving winner of our Pickup Truck of the Year competition.”

 

Since Raptor’s debut, customers have been asking for a SuperCrew version. They wanted even more utility added to its already impressive performance credentials. For 2011, Ford has answered the call with the introduction of the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew.

The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been awarded Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine. This is the 10th award for the off-road performance truck that has been a huge hit since its debut last year.

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FORD TO COMPLETE REAR CAMERA ROLL-OUT ON NEARLY ALL MODELS

Ford’s rear view camera system is unique in that it displays video at bumper level in the rear view mirror as opposed to the navigation system. We found Ford’s system to work well when we tested it, and customers appreciate the fact that they can purchase the system without also buying an expensive navigation system.

Ford Motor Company will continue its aggressive technology onslaught by completing the roll-out of its innovative Rear View Camera System that will be available on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of 2011.

“Ford is making new innovations such as the Rear View Camera System available to a wide range of customers in most of our vehicles to help them see better when reversing,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronics systems engineering at Ford.  “Our research shows that visibility is one of the biggest customer concerns today, which is why we are the only company to offer a Rear View Camera System, Blind Spot Mirrors and the radar-based Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic system.”

Ford’s system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when the driver is in reverse.  The rearview mirror system allows customers a choice in systems.

Ford’s Rear View Camera System image is overlaid with lines that mark the width of the vehicle and are shown either on a rear-view mirror display or navigation system screen.  The camera’s low light capability, combined with the intensity of the vehicle’s reverse lamps, helps illuminate the image even in dark parking areas.

The 2011 Explorer

The reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer has started rolling off the line at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, marking a new beginning for both the historic factory and the iconic SUV.

The Torrence Avenue plant has been extensively renovated to accommodate production of the new Explorer, and all employees have prepared for its launch by participating in extensive training programs. 

“Ford is investing in American manufacturing, ensuring that the most important new products in the company’s lineup are built in the U.S. by UAW workers,” said Jim Tetreault, vice president of North America Manufacturing. “We are thrilled to bring 2011 Ford Explorer production to Chicago Assembly Plant along with the jobs and investment it provides to the region.

“We look forward to finding more opportunities for competitively growing our business and providing customers with capable, fuel-efficient, stylish, high-quality products.”

The all-new Ford Explorer SUV offers best-in-class fuel economy from high-tech powertrains, featuring multiple enhancements to improve mechanical efficiency. Explorer comes standard with a powerful, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing.

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Engineering the 2012 Ford Focus for Minimal Unwanted Noise

Ford Squeak and Rattle Prevention Engineer Jeff Fessenden is based at the recently renovated Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Jeff has been with Ford for 10 years, and he is aiming for high quality and customer satisfaction with the all-new Focus. Jeff spends much of his time in the assembly plant with a 4-post tester as well as on the plant floor helping address issues. He also helps evaluate vehicles on the test track located at the plant.

Jeff is partnered with Gurjeet Bains, who is also a Squeak and Rattle Prevention Engineer, from the Ford product development launch team. Gurjeet had been with Ford for 9 years, and he is responsible for full vehicle squeak and rattle testing. He identifies issues and proposes engineering solutions to produce squeak and rattle free vehicles.

Together, these engineers take pre-production Focus models over varied road surfaces, replicated on a four-post platform – housed in a semi trailer rig – that simulates actual vehicle driving behavior in hot and cold temperature extremes, making sure that squeak and rattle error states are eliminated.

MyFord Touch - Faster, Friendlier Voice Recognition Control

Ford is showing off the latest update to its Sync multimedia system that will debut in the upcoming 2011 Edge SUV.

The 10,000 commands Sync now understands — versus 100 in the first generation — is the showstopper, but after watching the somewhat lengthy video above, we’ve found a few things that we really think will improve the daily interaction with Sync after our years of firsthand testing of the current system. 

• You no longer need to specify “Phone” or “USB” before a command. This is the most annoying part of the current system. Sync now understands what you want when you say “Call Joe.” You don’t have to say “Phone” first.
• You can use multiple words for the same action, like “Play song” or “Play track.”
• You can control the climate controls via Sync with the MyFord Touch system.

2012 Ford Focus Electric Will Launch in 19 U.S. Cities

Just the Facts:

• 2012 Ford Focus Electric will be launched in late 2011 in 19 U.S. cities.
• Cities include: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and New York.
• Locations were partially chosen based on commuting patterns and existing hybrid purchase trends.

The initial wave of cities that will get the new Focus Electric includes Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando, Florida; San Francisco; San Diego; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The battery-powered Focus Electric will be built on the same line as the gasoline version, at Ford's Wayne assembly plant outside Detroit. It will have a lithium-ion battery pack and a projected range of 100 miles.

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2011 FORD F-150

The signature class-leading capability and durability of the Ford F-150 are enhanced for 2011 with projected class-leading fuel economy and performance. Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 33 years running, now comes equipped with an all-new powertrain lineup that will deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and projected fuel-economy leadership.

“For the past 33 years, the Ford F-150 has stood alone as the truck people really rely on,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The class-leading capability of the F-150, combined with the durability that defines ‘Built Ford Tough,’ has made it the No. 1 choice of full-size pickup buyers. Now for 2011, that class-leading towing and payload capability is enhanced even further with engines that deliver projected class-leading fuel economy, allowing our customers to be more productive by maximizing their workload and their fuel economy.”

The 2011 Ford F-150 has all the best-in-class towing and payload capability and durability our tough truck customers demand and now takes a giant leap forward in fuel economy, performance and technology,

2011 FORD F-150 ALL-NEW POWERTRAIN LINEUP DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS CAPABILITY, PROJECTED TOP FUEL ECONOMY

• The most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series highlights the 2011 Ford F-150. The engine lineup includes four new truck engines: a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost^™
• Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only automaker to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment
• Each engine delivers best-in-class towing and horsepower. The 2011 F-150 is projected to be up to 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 F-150
• Class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which improves steering feel and fuel economy, is now included on F-150
• 2011 Ford F-150 boasts new feature vehicles, including the Lariat Limited and the XLT Custom

 The 2011 Ford F-150 will be available in late 2010.

For more information

For additional information, please click here for the 2011 Ford F-150 mini-site.

Want Stress-Free Driving? Use In-Vehicle Technology

Ugh, parallel parking. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks it’s fun to do. And how about backing out of a parking space? Not much joy spread there either. But a nine-month advanced research project conducted by Ford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) New England University Transportation Center revealed drivers are less stressed when doing both those high-stress tasks when using selected new technological advancements. This study is an extension of an ongoing alliance between Ford and MIT to improve driver focus, wellness and safety through the integration of vehicle technology.


In the study of the Active Park Assist system, data were collected from 42 subjects equally distributed between males and females across three age groups – drivers in their 20s, 40s and 60s. Prior to testing, each of the subjects was given an in-depth briefing and demonstration of both the technology at the focus of the study as well as related systems. They then gained experience with the systems prior to the defined assessment period. For example, in the parallel parking study, subjects were given three practice opportunities to both manually parallel park and use the Active Park Assist feature to grow accustomed to the technology and experience parking the Lincoln MKS.


for entire Ford Story click here...

Fuel Sipper Sale on Now!

WOULD YOU GO ELECTRIC? NEW

FORD WEB SITE GIVES CONSUMERS THE ABC’S OF ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES:

As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work. To help provide jargon-free answers to electric vehicle questions, Ford has launched a new web site, http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/. The site offers the basic information consumers need to understand electrified vehicle and technology choices.

The site is part of Ford’s efforts to educate consumers about the range of electrified vehicles and help potential buyers determine which electrified option might best suit their specific driving habits and needs. Consumers who visit the site will be able to review videos, text and cutaway diagrams that illustrate the differences between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery electric vehicles like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Focus Electric and planned Ford plug-in vehicles.
The site does not offer opinions on which vehicle technology is better. Rather, it provides clear explanations about how gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles work to help consumers decide which vehicle could be the best option for them.

THE THREE FACES OF FORD EXPLORER:

LUXURIOUS, ADVENTUROUS AND URBAN, ALL ON DISPLAY AT SEMA

The all-new Ford Explorer has been turning heads with its eye-catching, modern design, and things will be no different when it hits the floor of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show this year, which will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas.

“It’s so new and reinvented, and the styling is standout from the inside out,” said Craig Patterson, Ford Explorer marketing manager. “Explorer is the perfect choice for people to accessorize. Those who want to customize it are starting from a great base that is extremely well received, and that’s where the attraction lies.”

For the 2010 SEMA show, Explorer will take to the Ford stand along with customized versions of Ford Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. The Explorers on the show floor will open up customers’ minds as to the possibilities that can be created with the all-new SUV.

“We designed three different images for the Explorers at SEMA,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. “The new Explorer resonates as a modern SUV, so the modifications play off all the great technology and features that the vehicle is equipped with.”


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New Focus 2.0-liter Engine Will Offer More Power and Better Fuel Economy

With an estimated 160 horsepower and 40 mpg highway with automatic transmission, the 2012 Ford Focus will deliver more of what customers are looking for. The 2.0-liter engine coming early next year to the North American version of the Ford Focus will be one of the first on the market to combine the technology of gasoline direct injection (DI) with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability.

The combination of these technologies help make the dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) Focus 4-cylinder one of the most powerful, fuel-efficient and refined engines in its class and one of the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants Ford has ever offered. Horsepower is estimated at 160 and torque 146 lb.-ft., up from 140 and 136 respectively in the 2011 Ford Focus.

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Ford Helps NOYS Make Some Noise to Prevent Distracted Driving

They may be the first words all young drivers hear – keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. It's still very good advice, but today cell phones and text messages are competing for the attention of teenagers on the road.

Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) has teamed up with the National Organizations of Youth Safety (NOYS) to help keep young drivers from becoming distracted drivers.

Ford was a lead sponsor of the NOYS Distracted Driving Prevention Leadership Team, which recently attended the National Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit was hosted by the U.S. Department Transportation, which reports a quarter of all teens admit to texting behind the wheel. In 2009, the highest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes was under the age of 20.

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Ford Fiesta Presents Vamps Drive You Wild

The Vampire Diaries presents the 2011 Ford Fiesta hosted by Candice Accola as Caroline Ford. Candice talks to Kevin Williamson of questions from Facebook.