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

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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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