---

Ford has refreshed the Focus Hatchback and Sedan for the 2015 model year, and now it's the ST's turn. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ford has pulled the cover back on the 2015 Focus ST.

Like the standard model, the Focus ST gets a revised front end with blacked-out headlights and a tweaked lower fascia. The back sees slimmed taillights and a revised bumper. A set of eighteen-inch wheels and two new colors round out the exterior changes. Inside, the Focus ST gets a revised center stack that features actual buttons for the MyFordTouch system, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel. The option list sees the addition of a backup camera, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, and heated steering wheel.

Nothing has changed with the powerplant, which means the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder still produces 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Handling-wise, Ford has changed the front suspension setup and put in a new electric power steering system to improve feel.

The 2015 Focus ST goes on sale later this year.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Reveals New Focus ST at Goodwood; Demonstrates Model's Enhanced Driving Dynamics on Famous Hill Climb

- New 2015 Ford Focus ST makes global debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom – the perfect venue to demonstrate the significantly enhanced driving dynamics of the new model

- Updated tuning provides increased handling refinement and improved steering feel to help deliver a driving experience that is more responsive and balanced

- Beautifully crafted cockpit-like interior features ergonomic controls, Recaro seats and sports steering wheel

GOODWOOD, U.K., June 27, 2014 – The 2015 Ford Focus ST makes its global debut today at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom – the ideal venue for showcasing the enhanced driving dynamics of Ford's global performance version of the new Focus.

"Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing our fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a uniquely Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, we expect the 2015 Focus ST will remain the hottest hatch worldwide."

Focus ST will benefit from technology and craftsmanship first revealed earlier this year for the new Ford Focus – the world's best-selling global nameplate. Ford introduced the first Focus ST in 2002; since then, more than 140,000 examples have been sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Refinements for the upgraded 2015 Focus ST include:

- Redesigned, sportier front and rear fascias

- HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels with Recaro seats

- Standard LED signature lighting

- 18-inch Rado Gray alloy wheels standard

- Available new 18-inch alloy wheel design with red painted brake calipers

- New exterior color, Magnetic Metallic, replaces Ingot Silver

- Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps

- Redesigned instrument panel center stack with improved climate controls and new finishes

- New center console with more storage space including a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port

- Updated front door storage with cupholders

- New flat-bottom steering wheel to provide extra leg clearance for the driver

- Available heated steering wheel

- Available eight-way power driver's seat

- Revised steering for improved feel

- Rear view camera standard

Enhanced driving dynamics

Ford Team RS, the award-winning European arm of Ford's Global Performance Vehicle group, made improving the entire driving experience the No. 1 objective for the new Focus ST.

The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier shock absorber tuning front and rear to deliver even sharper dynamic performance. The electric power-assisted steering has also been revised to provide the Focus ST driver with improved steering feel.

"We are proud Ford has long enjoyed a reputation for producing performance hatchbacks with superb driving dynamics, and the new Focus ST further ups the ante," said Nair. "The engineering enhancements to the suspension and steering deliver greater responsiveness, agility and precision – all of which will reward the performance enthusiast with an exhilarating driving experience."

Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine uses turbocharging, twin independent variable camshaft timing and high-pressure direct injection to deliver uncompromising performance. Peak output of 252 horsepower is available at 5,500 rpm, while torque peaks at 270 lb.-ft. at 2,500 rpm.

The engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shifter. The gear ratios – exclusive to ST – deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.

Powerful appearance

The new Focus ST features sportier and more aggressive styling than the previous generation, with a lower, wider stance; new dynamically sculpted hood; slimmer headlamps and rectangular fog lamps.

The sports body kit also includes body‑colored side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimized for aerodynamic performance. All new Focus ST models feature twin-hexagonal center tailpipes.

"The design of the new Focus is stronger and sportier, and that allowed us to make the new ST even more aggressive and dramatic," said Moray Callum, Ford group vice president, Global Design. "The front bumper is deeper, the honeycomb upper grille is higher and more upright, and the lower grille is larger. The deeper rear bumper really emphasizes the width of the car."

Cockpit-style cabin

Ford has redesigned the Focus interior for a more intuitive layout, with a clearer visual connection between key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.

An additional bank of three gauges – an ST hallmark – is situated in a central instrument pod and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim, a satin chrome-topped gear lever and ST pedals deliver the interior ST drivers expect.

Satin chrome door grab handles and aluminum scuff plates with illumination add extra touches of refinement. The car's sport seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro provide the support required to fully enjoy the ST driving experience, along with comfort for everyday driving.

The new Focus ST will be available in ST1, ST2 and ST3 trim levels. ST1 seats feature gray/charcoal/anthracite black fabric; ST2 adds partial leather with base and side bolsters available in four colors – Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm or Race Red; ST3 seats have full charcoal black leather finish.

Advanced technologies

Driver-assist, convenience and connectivity technologies include Ford SYNC®. 2015 Focus ST drivers will have access to powerful capabilities thanks to a host of new functions developers can integrate as they modify their apps to communicate with enhanced SYNC® AppLink™.

Android and iOS smartphone owners can download more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

---

Today at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the automaker revealed the 2015 Edge. The model which we saw in concept form at last year's LA Auto Show will be sold globally for the first time.

The production version of the Edge fits into Ford's global design language. The front is very reminiscent of Ford's SUVs and crossovers with the large grille and distinctively-styled headlights. Around back is a taillight treatment that combines the Fusion and Lincoln MKC. Size-wise, the 2015 Edge is about one-inch longer, and rides on a wheelbase that is four-inches longer. Moving inside, the Edge features the same dash layout as the Explorer. That includes the digital gauge cluster and MyFordTouch system in the center stack. Interior space has been increased by seven cubic feet.

Powering the Edge is the choice of three different engines. The base will be the 2.0L EcoBoost four, followed by the 3.5L V6, and the 2.7L EcoBoost rounds out the lineup. Ford hasn't released specs on any of the engines at this time. All engines will be paired to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on all engine choices.

Ford has also worked on the driving dynamics of the 2015 Edge. The suspension has been redesigned and more high-strength steel has been used throughout the body to improve stiffness and ride comfort. An adaptive electric steering system is said to make the Edge more maneuverable and dynamic.

The 2015 Edge goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2015, followed by other markets.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

All-New 2015 Edge Showcases Ford's Best Technology, More Driver-Assist Features, Improved Performance, Craftsmanship

• 2015 Edge will go on sale in North America early next year as a showcase of Ford innovation – from a new design that excites to technology that comforts, the all-new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles

• Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive steering system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, glove box-mounted airbag system, inflatable rear safety belts and hands- free liftgate

• 2015 Edge will be first Ford vehicle with standard EcoBoost® engine; new Sport model will be powered by most advanced EcoBoost yet – a 2.7-liter V6; premium-level Titanium series joins lineup

DEARBORN, Mich., June 24, 2014 – The all-new Ford Edge demonstrates what happens when a proven leader gets even better. The original crossover utility vehicle from Ford is loaded with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship and greatly improved vehicle dynamics. The 2015 Ford Edge is a better vehicle by every measure.

When launched in late 2006, Edge helped to define the crossover sport utility vehicle segment in North America, the biggest such market in the world. With a car-based design, Edge delivered better on-road comfort, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics than any truck- based SUV. It was proof a utility vehicle could meet the demanding needs of an everyday commuter.

The 2015 Edge revealed today in North America and Europe is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market. Based on Ford's successful, global midsize vehicle platform, Edge has been reimagined with a stronger, more athletic shape. It has been retooled to meet higher expectations for quality, and reengineered to add more features and technologies for a more rewarding driving experience. The all-new Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets across the globe.

"The original Edge was our first entry into the world of crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality," said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship."



With the new Edge, Ford is also building on its utility vehicle leadership around the world. Last year, the company sold a record 1.2 million utility vehicles in markets across the globe – up 38 percent from 2012.

In North America, Ford was the top-selling utility vehicle brand for a third consecutive year in 2013. Ford utility vehicle sales have been strong elsewhere as well, increasing nearly 20 percent in Europe last year. In China, Ford's share of the utility vehicle segment is growing exponentially, increasing to 4.5 percent in 2013 from less than 1 percent in 2012.

"For three years in a row, Ford has been the best-selling utility vehicle brand in North America and has been experiencing exponential growth in global markets," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. "The all-new Edge is the next chapter in this story. And it's a story driven by the emotional appeal of the vehicle – not its feature content."

This emotional appeal is enhanced by a wealth of advanced technologies and new amenities. The all-new Edge will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2015, with sales following in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific markets.

Dynamic all-new body and suspension

The 2015 Edge, now based on the same global platform as the award-winning Ford Fusion that debuted in North America in 2012, will deliver the confident, smooth driving experience customers expect from Ford.

"The all-new Edge has been remade in almost every single detail, always keeping in mind the customer, who expects something premium, powerful and special," said Judy Curran, vehicle line director for Ford. "With a structure more rigid than ever and a suspension tuned to the highest global standards, the 2015 Edge is a high-tech utility that delivers a special driving experience customers will feel from their first moments behind the wheel."

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling.

The front-wheel-drive Edge retains a MacPherson-type front suspension, but features an entirely new, sophisticated integral-link independent rear with coil springs and a 23-millimeter antiroll bar. The advanced new system has been tuned to deliver a more dynamic, engaging ride customers will feel immediately.

Thanks in part to the use of more high-strength steels, the solid body structure of the all-new Edge provides a far better platform for the new suspension to work. Compared to the 2014 Edge, the new model shows a 26 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to bending forces and a 16 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to twisting forces.

This means less noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, giving Edge customers a quieter, more substantial ride. As a result, Edge is well suited for an everyday commute, but ready to attack when the road opens up.

All-new adaptive steering technology

The all-new Edge will be the first Ford product to feature the company's adaptive steering technology, which will make the vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive.



A standard feature on Edge Sport and available on the new Titanium series, adaptive steering changes the ratio between a driver's actions at the steering wheel – the number of turns – and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional steering systems, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Ford adaptive steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing steering response in all situations.

At lower speeds, such as pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn, as it dials more steering into the road wheel. Each low-speed maneuver requires less turning of the steering wheel.

At highway speeds, the system further optimizes steering response, enabling Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Adaptive steering technology can help make any drive more enjoyable.

The Ford system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to the vehicle's traditional steering system. The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver's steering inputs. The result is a better, more engaging driving experience at all speeds.

Two new engines, for a total of three power options

In North America, the all-new Edge will feature three engine options, two of which are new powerplants – a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine will also be offered. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Edge represents the first Ford vehicle to feature standard EcoBoost power.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost, offering an estimated 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, is significantly improved over the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Beyond efficiency advantages, this new engine will also provide more capability. Edge equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost can be specified with newly available all-wheel drive and a towing package capable of hauling a 3,500-pound trailer.

Among a host of changes to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a twin-scroll design enabling optimized camshaft timing for improved engine performance and reduced turbo lag. A new, lighter engine block casting along with new aluminum balance shaft assembly shaves six pounds from the engine's gravitational weight. Other changes include lighter pistons; a newly designed, integrated exhaust manifold; and a new, high-pressure direct-injection fuel system for finer fuel atomization. These upgrades pave the way for an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1, up from 9.3:1, for improved overall fuel efficiency.

Ford's Auto Start-Stop system will also be available with the twin-scroll EcoBoost engine on the new Edge. In heavy traffic, this technology can seamlessly shut down the engine to decrease fuel consumption, reducing tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off.

On the other side of the engine spectrum is Edge Sport, with an exclusive, all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world's most advanced engines. Drawing its design from the best of the efficient Ford EcoBoost lineup, along with the unmatched durability of Ford Super Duty Power Stroke® diesel, this 2.7- liter EcoBoost provides a remarkable combination of advanced materials expertly applied.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost uses the same compacted graphite iron in its cylinder block as is used in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke. This advanced cylinder block allows for a remarkably stiff and compact design that returns exceptionally refined noise, vibration and harshness control. The compacted graphite iron core is mated with a die-cast aluminum engine-block ladder frame and composite oil pan, saving weight by applying advanced materials where they are needed most.

The strength of the compacted graphite iron cylinder block allows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to produce impressive power and torque for its size. Compact and efficient, the all-new engine can produce the power and torque of a mid-range V8.

Expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever.

The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10 percent thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

Paddle-activated SelectShift puts driver in control

All three engines are mated to Ford's SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift activation. Drivers will have the ability to manually select gears via race-inspired paddles on the steering wheel. The paddle-shift system is standard on all models.

The SelectShift transmission features two modes of operation – drive and sport. Sport mode offers a more aggressive shift pattern, allowing the engine to rev higher during acceleration, and hold lower gears longer to support spirited, fast-paced sessions.

Unlike many paddle-shift systems, the Edge six-speed automatic is always "live in drive," so the driver won't have to select sport mode to enable operation.

The available all-wheel-drive system for the new Edge is full-time, on-demand and seamless – there are no knobs or switches to activate. An electronically controlled clutch, which can engage faster than a human can blink, transfers power between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100 percent of the power front or back.

New level of technology for better driving

The 2015 Edge will be a technology leader for Ford, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include adaptive steering, enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

"The new Edge is a rolling showcase of Ford's commitment to developing and offering the latest, most advanced technology in the business," said Curran. "We know our customers have embraced technology – from smartphones to wearable devices that track their health. Technology is part of their lives. We want to make it part of their driving experience as well."

Key technology features include:



• Active Grille Shutters: Available on select models to help counter air resistance

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect

moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary

• Adaptive steering technology: Most advanced steering system ever from Ford makes Edge easier to maneuver and more fun to drive by optimizing steering response in all

conditions

• Air curtain: Creates a curtain of air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work,

improving aerodynamics at high speed

• Auto Start-Stop technology: Turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is

stopped, then restarts the engine in milliseconds when the brake is released; specially

tuned for Edge

• Blind Spot Information System: BLIS® uses radar to trigger a warning when another

motorist is in the driver's blind spot

• Cameras: New 180-degree front camera with washer featured for first time on a Ford

vehicle; standard rear camera

• Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out

of a parking space

• Enhanced active park assist: Builds on Ford parallel parking technology and includes a

system to guide the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also

steer the vehicle into and out of a parallel parking space

• Forward and reverse sensing systems: The systems provide audible alerts designed to

help drivers avoid obstacles when parking

• Hands-free liftgate: Allows customer to move leg below center of the rear bumper to

unlock and raise liftgate

• Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel: Amenities

make occupants more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable

• Lane-keeping system: Alerts driver to steer the vehicle back into its lane if the vehicle is

allowed to drift

• Side parking sensors: uses sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering

wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or

low-speed maneuvers

• SYNC® with MyFord Touch®: Becoming available for more trim levels; standard on Edge

Sport and Titanium series

Safety technologies available on the new Edge include:

• Active glove box knee airbag: Advanced new design uses glove box front to cushion the knees of the front seat passenger in a crash. A pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder is sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. On impact, a small inflator fills the bladder, extending the glove box outer door panel toward the passenger's legs

• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability ControlTM: Uses sensors to measure the roll rate of the vehicle and predict its roll angle. Based on this information and measurements from other vehicle dynamics sensors, the system can adjust engine torque and brake pressure at all four wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle

• Curve Control: Uses the same sensors as Roll Stability Control to detect and measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle to help drivers follow their intended path by slowing the vehicle more efficiently while maneuvering a curve

• Inflatable rear safety belts: An advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies. It is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant's torso than a traditional safety belt. Inflatable belts are available for second-row outboard seating positions

Higher standards for quality and craftsmanship

The 2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels. These include SE, SEL, Sport and – for the first time – a top-of-the-line Titanium series to meet market demand for more premium offerings.

"We really focused on meeting the highest craftsmanship standards in developing the all-new Edge," said Kim Cape, marketing manager, Ford Large Cars and Utilities. "The idea was to create not just a high-quality exterior and interior, but to give the customer a holistic, premium experience.

"The Titanium trim level has been a real success story for Ford – particularly in products such as Fusion, Escape and Flex. Our customers are telling us, 'We are interested in technology and a premium look and feel.' Titanium delivers that."

Overall, the 2015 Edge represents a significant move forward in both material and visual quality. Throughout the vehicle, seams are tighter and more consistent, and the design has been executed in a way that reduces visual cutlines. The team worked out the smallest of details, such as rethinking how the front doors meet the instrument panel, simplifying merging points and reducing potential alignment issues.

The dashboard and center console have also been carefully designed and shaped to look like one thin, streamlined piece. A central 8-inch LCD touch screen supporting SYNC with MyFord Touch is now available on even more models.

Storage areas have been improved throughout the cabin, with a covered media bin on top of the center stack; an open, pass-through-type storage area beneath the climate controls; an open storage area on the instrument panel, below and to the left of the steering wheel; and large pockets on each door.

Thanks in part to smart design work and next-generation seats that are thinner and more supportive, the interior of the new Edge is larger and more spacious. Adding further to the feeling of openness, Edge will continue to offer one of the largest sunroofs in the business – Ford's Panoramic Vista Roof, measuring 47.7 inches front to back.

Legroom in the first and second row of the new Edge has increased by 1.9 inches and 1.0 inch, respectively. Headroom increases by 1.0 inch throughout. Cargo capacity increases, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats – 7.0 cubic feet more than the previous model. With the second row folded, space has increased by 4.5 cubic feet, to 73.4 cubic feet.

The new Edge is slightly longer and taller than its predecessor, and the wheelbase increases by 1.0 inch, to 112.2 inches.

Quieter than ever

The all-new Edge is not only more luxurious and comfortable, but also quieter.

In wind tunnel tests, Edge proved to be more than 1 sone quieter than its predecessor (a sone is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is perceived). This enhanced quietness is due to better sealing of the body, sound insulation improvements, and powertrains that are better isolated from the cabin and operate in a quieter manner. Acoustic windshield glass is standard on every model. Select Titanium models are even quieter, incorporating acoustic glass on driver and passenger side doors.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, for example, has reduced vibration levels when idling compared to the previous version, and is 2 decibels quieter. In moments of heavy acceleration, the revamped engine emits a quieter, more refined sound. This is due to multiple changes including an acoustic wrap to the intake manifold, upgraded heat shield that provides additional sound management and modified oil pump.

Edge Sport will be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology from Ford to manage and enhance the sound of its powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. Using three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin, the system is able to generate opposing sound waves directed through the audio system, enhancing overall cabin ambience.

Even the tires have been selected to deliver a better on-road experience. The 20-inch tires available on Sport and Titanium trim levels are a full 2 decibels quieter – reducing unpleasant road noises often associated with larger wheels.

Built to be the best

The all-new Edge will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, where a $700 million (U.S.) renovation has delivered significant improvements to the facility.

In preparation for 2015 Edge production, the plant has been fitted with more than 250 new, more advanced robots to improve the build quality and repeatability performance of the equipment. Many of these robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision – with duties that require thousandths of an inch accuracy to ensure repeatable, high- quality assembly.

"Some unique technologies have come into the plant, all of it designed to bring a higher level of quality at a rate that is capable of being repeated," said William Cowell, Oakville Assembly plant manager. "The higher level of complexity in the build process means employees are interfacing with more advanced systems and technology that can significantly improve quality in ways that our customers will be able to see and feel."

---

Not even a full year has passed since Ford lowered the fuel economy estimates on a number of vehicles, but they are doing it again. This afternoon, the company announced that it will be lowering the fuel economy ratings on a number of its 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles due to an error in the company's internal testing.

The error comes from what is known as the Total Road Load Horsepower (TRLHP). The automaker explains TRLHP is used as a measure of resistance in dyno testing for fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is different for each vehicle. Ford says that the TLRHP used on the affected vehicles was incorrect. There was also problems in how the wind tunnel testing was factored into the estimates.

"Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information. We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again," said Ford president and CEO, Alan Mulally.

The vehicles involved are:

• 2013 - 14 C-Max Hybrid (Down 3 MPG on combined)
  
• 2013 - 14 C-Max Energi (Down 5 MPG on combined)
  
• 2013 - 14 Fusion Hybrid (Down 5 MPG on combined)
  
• 2013 - 14 Fusion Energi (Down 5 MPG on combined)
  
• 2013 - 14 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Down 7 MPG on combined)
  
• 2014 Fiesta (1.0L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder, 1.6L Four-Cylnder equipped with the Automatic, 1.6L SFE equipped with the Automatic) (Down 1 to 2 MPG on combined)
  

Ford will be issuing goodwill payments to consumers who leased or purchased the affected vehicles. Amounts will range from $125 to $1,050, depending on the model and whether it was bought or leased.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

JUN 12, 2014 | DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

FORD MOTOR COMPANY LOWERS FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS FOR SIX VEHICLES

• Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings for certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  
• Ford worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles, which resulted in lower fuel economy ratings for Ford’s 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas
  
• The company apologizes to its customers, and will make goodwill payments to owners of the approximately 200,000 affected U.S. vehicles for the difference between the previous and revised ratings
  
• Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other fuel economy ratings adjustments are planned
  

Ford Motor Company announced today it is lowering the fuel economy ratings for its 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas.

Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings on certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified EPA. The company worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings.

“Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again.”

Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other label adjustments are planned.

“This is our error. When we see an issue, we address it,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “That is why we notified EPA and lowered the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.”

Fuel Economy Testing

Fuel economy testing involves many factors. Ford’s error was specific to a factor called "Total Road Load Horsepower", or TRLHP. TRLHP is a vehicle-specific resistance level used in vehicle dynamometer testing that determines fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is established through engineering models that are validated through vehicle testing, including physical track tests referred to as coastdown testing.

Use of these engineering models is a common industry practice, consistent with EPA regulations. These models normally are more reliable and consistent than physical vehicle tests, which can exhibit variability.

As an ongoing practice, Ford conducts tests on production vehicles to validate its engineering models. Based on coastdown testing of the Fusion Hybrid, the company found the TRLHP did not match the values used for the dynamometer testing.

Upon further testing, Ford also discovered an error specific to how we correlate wind tunnel results into the TRLHP model. Ford’s error was the result of a recent process change, which the company has since corrected.

Ford has now validated through physical vehicle testing the TRLHP for the vehicles affected by this error and also has instituted enhanced validation tests for future vehicles to prevent reoccurrence of this error.

New Fuel Economy Ratings and Customer Information

Ford has communicated to its dealers that new fuel economy labels will be available in approximately six days and that dealers may continue selling the vehicles until the new labels are received.

Ford estimates that approximately 200,000 of these vehicles have been sold or leased to customers in the United States. Affected Ford and Lincoln owners and lessees in the United States will receive a goodwill payment for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two fuel economy labels, as shown in the table below.

Affected U.S. fleet owners and affected owners outside of the United States will be contacted by their local Ford representatives.

Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or visit: www.ford.com/mpglabel and www.lincoln.com/mpglabel.

---

Its now official. This morning, Ford announced that current CEO Alan Mulally will step down on July 1st and that Mark Fields, Ford's Chief Operating Officer will take his place. Originally Mulally planned to stay as CEO through the end of 2014, but changed his mind after he decided the new leadership team would be ready for the challenge.

“From the first day we discussed Ford’s transformation eight years ago, Alan and I agreed that developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring an orderly CEO succession were among our highest priorities. Mark has transformed several of our operations around the world into much stronger businesses during his 25 years at Ford. Now, Mark is ready to lead our company into the future as CEO,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford.

Mulally leaves quite the legacy at Ford. During his eight year tenure as CEO, Mulally changed the corporate culture from one that was very divisive to one that focused on teamwork, instituted the One Ford plan, and took a big gamble by mortgaging everything at the company to perform a huge transformation of the company. Moves like these helped the company develop one of their strongest lineups to date and reporting reported 19 consecutive quarters of profitability.

“It has been an honor to serve and contribute to creating a viable, profitably growing company for the good of everyone associated with the Ford Motor Company. By working together with all of our stakeholders around the world, we now are accelerating Henry Ford’s original vision to open the highways to all mankind" said Mulally. "Ford’s future is so bright, and Mark – supported by an experienced and dedicated senior leadership team – is absolutely the right leader to continue to deliver on our compelling vision."

“It is a true honor to lead this great company and this talented team into the future. Under Alan’s leadership, we have seen the power of One Ford and what a culture of positive leadership and working together can accomplish. My commitment is to build on that success by accelerating our pace of progress. All of us at Ford are committed to delivering even more of the great products and innovations that will deliver growth and define our company going forward,” said Fields.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

MAY 1, 2014 | DEARBORN

FORD ANNOUNCES ALAN MULALLY RETIRING ON JULY 1; MARK FIELDS NAMED COMPANY PRESIDENT AND CEO

• Alan Mulally to retire from Ford on July 1, after serving as president and CEO and leading the company’s One Ford global transformation since September 2006
  
• Mark Fields named Ford president and CEO, effective July 1; Fields served as COO since December 2012 and led Ford’s transformation in North America since 2005
  
• Long-planned, seamless CEO transition underscores strength of Ford’s leadership team and succession planning process, Executive Chairman Bill Ford says
  

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today that Alan Mulally has decided to retire from the company July 1 and Mark Fields will be named Ford president and chief executive officer and elected as a member of the company’s board of directors.

“From the first day we discussed Ford’s transformation eight years ago, Alan and I agreed that developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring an orderly CEO succession were among our highest priorities,” Executive Chairman Bill Ford said. “Mark has transformed several of our operations around the world into much stronger businesses during his 25 years at Ford. Now, Mark is ready to lead our company into the future as CEO.”

Mulally, 68, is retiring after nearly eight years leading Ford and capping a remarkable 45-year career. Mulally has led Ford’s transformation and strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading global automakers. Under Mulally and the company’s One Ford plan for profitable growth, Ford has achieved 19 consecutive quarters of profitability, developed the strongest product lineup in Ford’s history and embarked upon the company’s most ambitious global expansion in the past half century.

“Alan deservedly will be long remembered for engineering one of the most successful business turnarounds in history,” Bill Ford said. “Under Alan’s leadership, Ford not only survived the global economic crisis, it emerged as one of the world’s strongest auto companies. We always will be grateful to Alan for his leadership, compelling vision and for fostering a culture of working together that will serve our company for decades to come.”

The transition in July is approximately six months earlier than previously anticipated, following Mulally’s recommendation to accelerate the timetable based on the readiness of Ford’s leadership team.

“Alan and I feel strongly that Mark and the entire leadership team are absolutely ready to lead Ford forward, and now is the time to begin the transition,” said Bill Ford, who recruited Mulally from Boeing in 2006.

Fields, 53, was named Ford’s chief operating officer in December 2012. He has been leading all of Ford’s global business operations and most skill teams, including product development, manufacturing, purchasing, and marketing, sales and service.

Fields’ role as COO has included leading the company’s weekly Business Plan Review meeting, which Mulally established to track the progress of the One Ford plan and to monitor the global business and competitive environment. The Thursday meetings are credited with driving a reliable and transparent process for running Ford’s global operations and enabling Ford’s senior leadership to work closely together and act decisively on its plan.

Before serving as COO, Fields served as executive vice president and president – The Americas since October 2005. There, he led the transformation of Ford’s North American business – turning it from record losses several years ago to record profits in each of the last four years. Earlier, Fields guided the product-led transformation of Ford’s European operations and formerly held European luxury brands, as well as the relaunch of Ford’s independent operations in Argentina and a major restructuring and product renaissance at Mazda.

Mulally thanked the Ford team for their many contributions and accomplishments.

“It has been an honor to serve and contribute to creating a viable, profitably growing company for the good of everyone associated with the Ford Motor Company,” Mulally said. “By working together with all of our stakeholders around the world, we now are accelerating Henry Ford’s original vision to open the highways to all mankind.

“Ford’s future is so bright, and Mark – supported by an experienced and dedicated senior leadership team – is absolutely the right leader to continue to deliver on our compelling vision,” Mulally added.

Fields underscored his commitment to the One Ford plan, including building on the company’s unprecedented global introduction of new products, innovations and excellence.

“It is a true honor to lead this great company and this talented team into the future,” Fields said. “Under Alan’s leadership, we have seen the power of One Ford and what a culture of positive leadership and working together can accomplish. My commitment is to build on that success by accelerating our pace of progress. All of us at Ford are committed to delivering even more of the great products and innovations that will deliver growth and define our company going forward.”

---

The era of the full-size, body-on-frame SUV is slowly coming to end, with many automakers transitioning towards crossovers. However, there are still those who still want full-size SUVs and automakers like Ford are ready to fill that need. Case in point is the 2015 Expedition which will debut tomorrow at the 2014 DFW Auto Show in Dallas.

Following in the footsteps of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator which debuted back in January, the Expedition trades in the 5.4L V8 for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Ford doesn't list any power or fuel economy numbers, saying they'll be released sometime later. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. Other mechanical changes include a new electric power steering system which the company claims will improve fuel economy and give better feel, and the option of a continuously controlled damping system.

The Expedition's exterior design remains largely unchanged aside from more chrome and the addition of LED lights on the front dam and more brightwork on the back. Inside, the Expedition gets a new center stack that is very reminiscent of the F-150 and a new instrument cluster.

The 2015 Ford Expedition arrives at dealers later this year.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Reveals 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost Engine, Advanced Technology, New Platinum Series

• 2015 Ford Expedition will feature 3.5-liter, direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine popular in Ford F-Series; engine designed to deliver most powerful, fuel-efficient Expedition ever
  
• Advanced technology in new Expedition includes Blind Spot Information System® with cross- traffic alert, electric power-assisted steering, SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, available suspension damping to improve passenger comfort; a new high-trim Platinum series debuts
  
• Ford global utility vehicle sales rose 35 percent in 2013; Ford has been the leader in North America utility vehicle sales since 2011
  

DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2014 – The new 2015 Ford Expedition, revealed here today ahead of the 2014 DFW Auto Show, continues to represent the smart choice for people who need a full-size utility vehicle that provides capable performance, usable space and advanced technology.

Expedition now features Ford F-Series' popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, more technology than ever and a fresh new look. Launching later this year, it is the latest Ford nameplate to offer a Platinum series. Expedition is being shown for the first time in Texas, Ford's largest market by sales volume, and home to the top two cities for Expedition sales – Dallas and Houston.

Expedition debuted in 1996 and is Ford's largest utility vehicle. By most measures, it is a leader in interior space, accommodating eight passengers. Two versions are offered – the standard 119-inch wheelbase is just more than 6 inches longer than Ford Explorer. It has three rows of seats and up to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The longer-wheelbase version sits on a 131- inch wheelbase, and features three rows of seats and up to 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Expedition remains the only full-size utility vehicle not classified as a luxury offering to feature an independent rear suspension. This helps deliver more confident ride and handling characteristics, and allows for the lower, more convenient fold-flat third-row bench seat.

Both standard and EL versions of Expedition are built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, alongside Ford's popular Super Duty pickup. Last month, the company confirmed plans to add more workers and invest an additional $80 million in facility upgrades to improve automation and increase capacity at the plant.

Ford is responding to strong customer feedback and introducing a top-of-the-line Platinum series Expedition with unique, premium interior appointments. The new vehicle features the latest popular technologies like SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, push-button start and Blind Spot Information System®. A new 3.5-liter, direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost delivers more power and performance than the current 5.4-liter V8, and is designed to be more efficient.

"This new Expedition is proof Ford is committed to remaining the leader in utilities – small, medium and large," said Jackie DiMarco, Expedition chief engineer. "We listened to our customers and created a full-size utility vehicle that doesn't compromise in performance, technology or design."

Improved on the road

From the outset, engineers worked to make the 2015 Expedition a technologically advanced vehicle that is easy to drive and offers refinement for all types of drivers.

The new EcoBoost engine dramatically changes the driving characteristics of Expedition. Compared with the 5.4-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.

"Expedition becoming the latest Ford utility vehicle to wear the EcoBoost badge will be exciting for customers," said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Increased torque and horsepower, combined with new levels of efficiency and an advanced suspension not only will make Expedition more fun to drive, but also easier to own. This is another 'and' solution from Ford."

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost will be the only engine offered in the new Expedition in North America. To maximize performance and control, the vehicle is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission featuring a manual mode that allows the driver to use a shift-mounted rocker switch to select the desired gear.

With EcoBoost now standard equipment across the 2015 Expedition range, the entire U.S. lineup of Ford utility vehicles will be available with EcoBoost power by the end of 2014.

New continuously controlled damping, available for the first time on a Ford nameplate, will make Expedition the only Blue Oval-branded vehicle in the United States with three selectable drive modes – comfort, normal and sport.

Using a suite of sensors that detect 46 unique body, steering and braking inputs, the advanced suspension monitors body motion and then adjusts Expedition's damping system in milliseconds to manage the vehicle's natural body motion. A vehicle with poor damping feels as if it is bouncing on its suspension springs; continuously controlled damping recognizes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and then reacts accordingly, helping to control body motion so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The new Expedition also features Ford's innovative electric power-assisted steering, which gives drivers noticeably improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds, and saves fuel because it operates more efficiently than traditional pump-driven systems. The technology reduces steering effort and makes Expedition more engaging to drive.

More technology customers want

The new Expedition debuts with popular technology upgrades consumers are now demanding, including SYNC with MyFord Touch and driver-assist features such as radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.



The updated interior of Expedition incorporates a fresh center stack to accommodate new technologies, such as an 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. The driver information cluster features two full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens.

Other new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a 10-speaker, 700-watt Sony audio system; Intelligent Access with push-button start; rearview camera; seven-color, interior ambient LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

Fresh style and design

The new Expedition pushes full-size utility vehicle design to a higher level, with fresh interior and exterior styling and a diverse series lineup – each with a distinct look and feel to give customers more choice than ever. A Platinum trim package, which has been very successful on Ford F-Series, will be available on Expedition for the first time.

"The Platinum series brings Expedition into a whole new arena of design and style," said Scott. "One of the strengths of Expedition has always been the different trim series we offer. From XLT to Limited and now with Platinum, we have an Expedition that will fit any customer's needs."

The Platinum series is tailored with lush leather seating described by designers as buttery – soft and smooth to the touch. It's available in a new Brunello leather, a red wine color with tuxedo- stripe accents and French-seamed stitching. Platinum customers can also choose black leather with Agate Gray accents.

Beyond the new Platinum series, the 2015 Expedition lineup includes the XLT, Limited and a new King Ranch edition to be revealed later.

The design team, finding inspiration in the world around them, incorporated different themes to define the look for each series. The intent was to reflect a consumer lifestyle, from the sporty XLT, to the confident, elegant Limited, to the sophisticated, urban Platinum. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while for the Platinum edition, the colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

The Expedition exterior has been updated with an all-new front end featuring available LED fog lamps for a fresh, aggressive look.

An all-new wheel lineup including factory-installed 22-inch models, a redesigned rear hatch and subtle, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes round out the exterior changes to the 2015 Expedition.

With this new model debuting at the DFW Auto Show – deep in the heart of the full-size utility vehicle market – Ford is building on a successful tradition of Expedition capability and quality with significant improvements in design, performance, efficiency and available technology.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 5, 2013

When an automaker introduces a new version of an iconic vehicle, there is a sense of trepidation from the fan base of whether or not the new version will live up to expectations or not. Case in point is the Ford Mustang. Rumors have been swirling for the past for years about what was in store for the next-generation model and many worried that Ford would miss the point of what made the Mustang special. Well Ford introduced the 2015 Mustang this morning and we have to say Ford kept what made the Mustang special in this new model.

The 2015 Mustang's design is a mix of other Ford vehicles and previous Mustangs. The front features a similar front clip design as the new Fusion and a set of of wrap-around headlights. The long hood remains as does a bulge in the hood. Possibly the biggest change to the Mustang's design is long roof slope which transitions to a short trunklid. This gives the 2015 model a fastback shape that hasn't been seen since the late sixties and early seventies.

Moving inside, Ford designers say the 2015 Mustang's interior was inspired by aircraft cockpits. Taking a look at the interior with the layout of the gauges, controls, and a long strip of metal running along the dash, we can see it. The 2015 model will feature better materials, more interior space, and MyFordTouch.

Under the hood will reside the choice of three different engines. The base is the 3.7L V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Next is a new 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that will offer at least 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Wrapping up the engine lineup is a 5.0L V8 with 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters are the available transmissions.

The big change for the Mustang is the transition from a solid-rear axle to a integral-link independent rear suspension. The front suspension also sees a change with a new perimeter subframe and double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system. This allows Ford to fit larger brakes and tires.

Ford will introduce driving modes tweak the throttle response, steering weight, and stability control settings. Launch control will be available on the V8 model.

The 2015 Mustang will arrive at dealers next fall.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Mustang Marks 50 Years with All-New Sleek Design, Innovative Technologies and World-Class Performance

All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability

Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine

Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort

The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins today as the all-new Ford Mustang – loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance – is simultaneously revealed around the globe in six cities on four continents.

"Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. "The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they've never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford."

Mustang's impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world's most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

"We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln.

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang

The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution.

"You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true," said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

- A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track

- The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass

- Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals

- Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

The Mustang experience

The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

"This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road," said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.

Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

Most nimble pony ever

When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality.

"We already set a very high standard for Mustang's dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car," said Pericak.

Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smarter than your average pony

The all-new Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The advanced new Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang's dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

When it's time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment.

50 years of Mustang

April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words "Mustang – Since 1964." Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

"From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right," said Pericak. "We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century."

---

October 9th, 2013

Drew Dowdell

Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

Ford of Europe demonstrated a new safety technology this week at their test facility in Lommel, Belgium. Dubbed "Obstacle Avoidance", the system will swerve around a stopped or slow moving object if it decides the driver hasn't taken evasive action soon enough to avoid a collision.

Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe says, “The future for Ford means developing innovative products and technologies – including Fully Assisted Parking Aid and Obstacle Avoidance – that help deliver a safer, more convenient, more desirable, more personalized and greener driving and ownership experience"

Along with Obstacle Avoidance, Ford also demonstrated fully assisted parking that can be activated inside the vehicle or outside using a remote on the key.

Both technologies are years away from actual deployment in production vehicles, but show where the future of automated cars is heading next.

Ford Press Release is on Page 2

Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at Drew.Dowdell@CheersandGears.com or on Twitter as @cheersngears

---

FORD REVEALS TEST CARS THAT CAN PARK AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON AND AVOID COLLISIONS WITH VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS

• Ford reveals test cars with Fully Assisted Parking Aid and Obstacle Avoidance prototype technologies at Ford Futures – a showcase of Ford’s forthcoming vehicles, features and research
  
• Ford is developing Fully Assisted Parking Aid to enable drivers to park at the touch of a button from inside or outside their car. Obstacle Avoidance technology uses automatic steering and braking to avoid collisions with vehicles and pedestrians
  
• Ford also shows S-MAX Concept, the company’s vision for a future sport activity vehicle. All-new Mondeo Vignale Concept provides a first look at the upscale Vignale experience with unique design touches, premium craftsmanship, exclusive specification and technologies
  
• Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Mondeo Hybrid will offer Ford customers a full range of electrified vehicles by 2014
  
• Ford SYNC with AppLink will offer voice-activated apps including Spotify, TomTom and Hotels.com
  

LOMMEL, Belgium, Oct. 8, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today revealed for the first time technology developed to enable drivers to park at the touch of a button from inside or outside their car; and also a prototype system that uses automatic steering and braking to avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.

Experts from Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering organisation have harnessed advances made in existing Ford technologies Active Park Assist and Ford Powershift to deliver a Ford Focus test car equipped with prototype Fully Assisted Parking Aid system. The next-generation parking technology controls steering, gear selection and forward and reverse motion to facilitate push-button parking that can even be operated by remote control.

Ford has also revealed Obstacle Avoidance technology developed as part of a Ford-led and European-funded research project. Ford’s Obstacle Avoidance-equipped Focus test vehicle issues warnings first if it detects slow-moving objects, stationary obstacles or pedestrians in the same lane ahead. If the driver fails to steer or brake following those warnings the system will then automatically steer and brake to avoid a collision. Both technologies were today demonstrated for the first time at Ford’s test facilities in Lommel, Belgium.

“The future for Ford means developing innovative products and technologies – including Fully Assisted Parking Aid and Obstacle Avoidance – that help deliver a safer, more convenient, more desirable, more personalised and greener driving and ownership experience,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Ford is focussed on making sure the vehicles, technologies and features we develop better meet changing customer expectations and values.”

Ford revealed the two new research technologies alongside forthcoming vehicles and features including:

• Ford S-MAX Concept which builds upon the current S-MAX’s style-without-compromise ethos with sleek design, premium craftsmanship, smart technologies and a more flexible interior; also features connectivity and wellness technology including the Ford ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat
  
• All-new Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept which provides a first glimpse of Ford’s vision for the unique upscale Vignale experience that is scheduled for launch in early 2015. Offers unique design touches, high quality craftsmanship, exclusive specification, advanced technologies and an exclusive purchase and ownership experience.
  
• Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Mondeo Hybrid cars that will, by the end of 2014, offer customers a full range of electrified vehicles
  
• Ford SYNC with AppLink. Spotify, TomTom navigation and Hotels.com are among voice-activated apps which will enable drivers to stay connected on the move, and keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel
  

Ford’s futuring experts have identified an increasing consumer demand worldwide for “Sanity Savers” – technology and features which make life easier, and also a greater customer focus on “Ethical Consumption” as purchases tend more to reflect personal values.

“Car-buyers are placing a growing emphasis on the ownership experience, on purchases that keep them connected on the move and that also reflect their beliefs – trends that will have a profound effect on the vehicles, features and services they will choose in the future,” said Sheryl Connelly, manager, Ford Global Trends and Futuring. “Ford Futures sends a clear signal that Ford is moving in harmony with these global trends.”

Further Ford technologies on show at Ford Futures, that takes place as Ford celebrates the 100th anniversary of its moving assembly line, include:

• MyKey technology, which enables parents to place restrictions on younger drivers to promote safety
  
• Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, which can alert local emergency services operators to an accident in 26 languages, spoken in 40 European regions
  
• New techniques for the volume production of lightweight carbon fibre car components
  

“Ford Motor Company has always been one of the world’s leading pioneers and forward-thinkers,” added Samardzich. “From the introduction of a whole new way of mass producing cars 100 years ago to the advanced safety and convenience features unveiled today, we continue to set the template and define the future for drivers and the automotive environment.”

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 26, 2013

Ford is wanting to keep their dominance in the heavy duty pickup market and has announced a series of changes for its 2015 F-Series SuperDuty Pickups today at the Texas State Fair.

First up is a improved 6.7L PowerStroke Diesel V8. Ford added a larger turbochargers to deliver increased airflow. The larger turbos allowed Ford to simplify the engine layout by removing the wastegate system and redesigning the oil and cooling lines. Another bonus of larger turbos is improved exhaust braking performance. Along with the engine changes, the six-speed automatic gets a stronger torque converter.

Ford says these changes will make the improved 6.7L PowerStoke V8 "produce power beyond today's" engine. This just appears to be talk since Ford is keeping quiet on horsepower, torque, and fuel economy at this time.

Next up is the Ford F-450. The biggest and most capable truck in the SuperDuty lineup gets stronger for the 2015 model year. The F-450 will get a stronger frame, suspension, rear driveline U-joints, rear leaf springs, front and rear antiroll bars, shocks, and new commercial-grade 19.5-inch wheels. The F-450 also gets its own calibration for the 6.7L PowerStroke engine.

Wrapping up the 2015 F-Series Super Duty is updates to the King Ranch trim. The Running W" emblem that adorns King Ranch trucks - and the ranch that inspires them has gotten some attention. On the seat backs and center console, Ford has cut out and stitched the 'W' in a way to make it look branded. The interior gets a new "richer, lighter shade of Mesa leather", while the exterior sees a darker shade of Caribou paint for the wheel lips, bumpers and lower body.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Features Improved Power Stroke Diesel, Stronger F-450, Revamped King Ranch Edition

- Engineering improvements boost the performance, capability and durability of the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel engine

- Upgraded 2015 Ford F-450 pickup offers more towing capability than ever

- 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch restyled, combining authentic Texas heritage with modern luxury

DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2013 – Ford, America's truck leader, introduces the 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup today at State Fair of Texas, featuring a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel engine; increased towing capabilities; and a refreshed, Texas-inspired King Ranch model.

"Truck leadership means never resting, and the Super Duty team has been tireless in finding ways to improve the industry's most popular heavy-duty pickups," said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "Super Duty diesel customers will benefit from improved performance and features backed by outstanding Built Ford Tough durability."

Since the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel debuted in 2011, Ford engineers have listened to customers and continued to examine each component of the engine to develop improved performance.

Ford is the only heavy-duty pickup truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination, ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations – from concept to execution. This approach also enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle's performance across the entire lineup.

A key Ford innovation on the original 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel was its so-called reverse-flow layout. The advanced design places the exhaust inside the engine's V-shape while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V. This segment-exclusive design naturally improves a variety of attributes:

- Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine's cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness – key to providing torque quickly to truck customers when they need it most

- Positioning the turbo inside the engine's valley helps isolate the engine's hottest temperatures, improving performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness

Ford engineers built upon the many benefits of this design as they upgraded the Power Stroke. One improvement is a larger GT37 turbocharger that replaces the previous GT32 model, enabling more airflow to the engine to produce more power beyond today's 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.

Key components of the new GT37 turbocharger

The GT37 features a single, larger 88-millimeter compressor wheel that replaces the GT32's dual-sided compressor design. The compressor forces air into the engine's cylinders to improve performance – especially at high altitude where the air is thinner than at sea level. The turbine size is increased to 72.5 millimeters from 64 millimeters, so exhaust gases have a larger surface area to spin the turbo, providing extra power. The wastegate and the wastegate controls are eliminated, because the turbo operates at lower peak pressures than the GT32.

"The original designers of the current Power Stroke V8 diesel forecasted needs for higher output. This facilitated the larger turbocharger, increasing airflow and creating more power," said David Ives, Power Stroke technical specialist. "We've dramatically improved performance while reducing overall engine complexity by focusing on the turbo system."

A further benefit of the larger turbo is improved engine exhaust braking, manually controlled by a push-button switch on the dashboard. Extra braking power helps reduce wear and tear on wheel brakes and requires less manual brake application from the driver, especially on downhill grades.

Fuel system improvements

Turbo changes drove improvements to the fuel delivery system, specifically a new high-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors. The pump's cam stroke is increased to deliver more fuel when desired for increased power. All-new injector tips better atomize the fuel, resulting in improved combustion that enables lower noise, vibration and harshness. Other benefits include cleaner emissions and a reduction in the buildup of fuel deposits on the valves over time.

In addition, a new exhaust temperature sensor enables more accurate fuel control, which improves both durability and driveability – especially when towing – and helps the customer drive the Power Stroke diesel to its maximum capability.

Even though the fuel system delivers extra fuel as needed to provide more power, other efficiency improvements ensure 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup customers see similar performance to today's best-in-class fuel economy.

Further enhancements to Ford Power Stroke diesel include:

- Ford-designed and -engineered 6R140 TorqShift® six-speed transmission uses a new torque converter to manage increased horsepower and torque

- New polymer coating on main bearings for improved wear-and-tear durability and lower friction

- Improved crankshaft fillet design – the transition point between the crankshaft's journals – to increase crankshaft power carrying capability

- Increased crankshaft damper weight to reduce rotating forces on the crankshaft when the engine is performing at peak power levels

- New five-layer head gasket to handle wider range of engine firing pressures resulting from more powerful engine performance

- Added material to the engine's cylinder heads, exhaust manifold and valvetrain to handle increased power levels

- Redesigned turbo oil and cooling lines to improve sealing

- Piston assembly upgrades to increase load-bearing capability

- New four-layer exhaust manifold gasket for improved durability

2015 Ford F-450 upgrades

The 2015 Ford F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum towing and hauling capability. Changes for 2015 include a strengthened frame, suspension, new commercial-grade 19.5-inch wheels and tires, and core work components shared with F-Series Super Duty chassis cab models.

Just as the next-generation Power Stroke engine reflects changes that improve power while maintaining durability, the Super Duty engineering team took specific actions to bolster key F-450 components to improve towing capability, including:

- Upgraded rear driveline U-joints

- Upgraded suspension components, including new rear leaf springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and shocks

- Increased fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer capacity

- Stronger steering gears and steering linkages

- Larger brakes shared with Super Duty chassis cab models, including wheel brakes, parking brake and new antilock brake calibration

- F-450-specific Power Stroke diesel engine calibration

King Ranch expresses authentic, rugged luxury

The reinvigorated update to the 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch edition is inspired by the place where American ranching was born.

"King Ranch is an American original with a proud heritage of hard work that defines the American ranching lifestyle," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "The 2015 Ford Super Duty King Ranch seamlessly combines elements of Texas-inspired luxury and Ford capability."

As part of the Ford Truck commitment to continuous improvement, the F-Series design team traveled to King Ranch, founded in 1853, for fresh perspective and inspiration from the 825,000-acre working ranch, which is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

"What really stood out is how prominent the 'Running W' is, and how it defines and unifies the ranch," said Barb Whalen, Ford color and material design manager. "Similarly, we wanted that brand to define the new Super Duty King Ranch."

On the new Super Duty King Ranch, the Running W – the brand used on cattle raised at the ranch – provides a focal point for the interior. It is cut out and stitched to make the seat backs and center console appear to have been branded.

A lighter, richer shade of Mesa leather trims the seats, center console lid, armrests and steering wheel.

Exterior updates include the new, darker Caribou paint for the wheel lip moldings, bumpers and lower body. The bed rail caps, bumper caps and running boards are executed in black. The Running W brings focus to the wheel caps as well.

"Through premium materials and thoughtful execution, we strived to make the 2015 Ford Super Duty King Ranch have a look and a feel as authentic as the ranch itself," said Scott.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 15, 2013

When Ford launched the C-Max Hybrid, they claimed that it would get 47 MPG in the city, on the highway, and combined. In the real world, that wasn't coming up at all. Owners complained that they were not seeing anywhere close to those numbers and the EPA opened an investigation to see if those numbers were achievable.

Today Ford announced that they are voluntarily lowering fuel economy estimates on the C-Max Hybrid to 45 City/40 Highway/43 Combined. Ford also announced they would be compensating current owners the average estimated fuel cost difference between the two labels; $325 to lessees and $550 to buyers.

How did the C-Max Hybrid end up with those numbers in the first place? Well it deals with EPA General Label rules. Essentially automakers generate a fuel economy label for a group of vehicles that share common characteristics; similar weight class and powertrain as examples. From there, tests are done on the vehicle who is projected to have the highest sales in the family. In the case of the C-Max Hybrid, it was grouped in with the Fusion Hybrid due to both have the same powertrain and being of similar weight. The Fusion Hybrid was tested and the numbers it got during its fuel economy test were applied to the C-Max Hybrid.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

FORD UPGRADES 2014 C-MAX HYBRID FOR BETTER FUEL ECONOMY, CHANGES 2013 LABEL TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

• 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid on sale later this year is upgraded with new transmission gearing and enhanced aerodynamics to further improve fuel efficiency performance
  
• Ford voluntarily changing its approach to C-MAX Hybrid fuel economy labeling going forward to better match performance and improve customer satisfaction
  
• Label changes will result in a lower 2013 C-MAX Hybrid miles-per-gallon label – though still class-leading and a better combined label than the Toyota Prius v; current C-MAX Hybrid owners will receive a goodwill payment for the difference
  
• Customer demand for C-MAX Hybrid remains very strong, with two-thirds of buyers from imports; C-MAX Hybrid helps drive Ford to best quarterly hybrid U.S. sales ever
  
• Underscoring its commitment to fuel economy leadership, Ford Motor Company today said it is upgrading the 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which will go on sale in December. The company also is changing the way it tests and labels the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid for fuel economy to better match performance and improve customer satisfaction.
  

The upgrades build on powertrain software updates Ford announced last month for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid. The 2014 C-MAX also will benefit from several hardware changes, including:

• Gearing changes that result in a more efficient transmission drive ratio
  
• New hood seal, front and rear tire deflectors, A-pillar moldings and the addition of rear lift gate deflectors to improve vehicle aerodynamics
  
• New engine oil with reduced friction
  
• The enhancements to the 2014 C-MAX Hybrid are expected to improve customers' on-road fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
  

"Ford is absolutely committed to being a leader in the hybrid market and to top fuel efficiency across our lineup," said Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. "We are taking actions with our popular C-MAX Hybrid so that customers are even more satisfied with the vehicle's on-road fuel efficiency performance."

The variability of on-road fuel economy is greater for hybrids than for conventional vehicles. Relatively small differences in driver behavior and driving conditions can have a significant effect on the degree to which a hybrid's gasoline engine is used for propulsion, which affects fuel efficiency.

Changes to C-MAX Hybrid fuel economy labeling process

In addition to improving the vehicle itself, Ford is changing the way it generates the miles-per-gallon label for C-MAX Hybrid going forward. Previously – and consistent with EPA's General Label rules – testing of the Fusion Hybrid was used to generate fuel economy labels for a family of vehicles, including both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid. The result was the same fuel economy label values for both vehicles.

While the company could continue to use EPA's General Label for C-MAX Hybrid, Ford voluntarily has decided to test and label C-MAX Hybrid separately going forward. The result will be a lower miles-per-gallon label for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid. Testing to generate a label for the 2014 C-MAX Hybrid is not yet complete.

The revised 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid label will carry a class-leading EPA combined fuel economy value of 43 mpg – topping the combined label value of 42 mpg for the Toyota Prius v.

Because this voluntary step results in miles-per-gallon values different from the original C-MAX Hybrid label, Ford also is making a goodwill payment to current C-MAX Hybrid owners for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two labels. Customers who purchased their vehicle will receive a check from Ford for $550. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a check for $325.

Existing customers will be notified by mail, and Ford is working with dealers to re-label vehicles on dealer lots. Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at http://corporate.ford.com/owner-services/customer-support/contact-ford, or +1-800-392-3673.

Strong C-MAX customer reaction

Customer response to Ford C-MAX is strong. In fact, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are driving record U.S. electrified vehicle sales. Ford sold 53,014 electrified vehicles through July – 392 percent higher than a year ago. Two-thirds of buyers are coming from imports.

In addition, the latest J.D. Power APEAL study shows C-MAX Hybrid is scoring high with customers. Engine responsiveness, smoothness, passing power/acceleration, interior quietness and visibility all rank significantly higher than the segment average. Customers also report C-MAX is "more luxurious" and "more innovative," as well as more environmentally friendly.

Ford's electrified vehicle market share through the first seven months of this year is 15.4 percent -- a 12-point increase compared with the same period last year.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 31, 2013

Ford announced today that the 2014 F-150 pickup equipped with the 3.7L V6 will come with a CNG/LPG Prep package, making it the first light-duty pickup in the class to come with this feature. The package includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings. The CNG/LPG Prep package will set you back $315.

That doesn't mean you can head to your nearest CNG/LPG station and fill up though. You will need to visit a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier which will install the CNG/LPG-specific fuel tanks, fuel lines and fuel injectors. When all is said and done, the conversion will set you back $7,500 to $9,500.

Ford says an F-150 running on CNG/LPG gets 23 MPG on the highway and has a range of more than 750 Miles.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions. With the money saved using CNG, customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

JUL 31, 2013 | DEARBORN, MICH.

FORD F-150 TO OFFER ABILITY TO RUN ON COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS; SALES OF FORD CNG-PREPPED VEHICLES CONTINUE GROWTH

• 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine; it will be able to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
  
• With the addition of F-150, Ford will have eight vehicles available to run on clean-burning, inexpensive CNG/LPG. Sales continue to grow rapidly, with Ford expecting to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year
  
• Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs
  

Ford, America’s truck leader, will offer the 2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

When the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 is equipped with a CNG/LPG engine package, it is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on one tank of gas, depending on the tank size selected. The Ford F-150 averages 23 mpg on the highway.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “With the money saved using CNG, customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months.”

CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $3.66 per gallon.

In the next year, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, a number no other full-line manufacturer can match:

• Transit Connect van and wagon
  
• Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
  
• E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
  
• F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
  
• F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
  
• F-650 medium-duty truck
  
• F53 and F59 stripped chassis
  
• 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup
  

Customers are enthusiastically responding to this powerful array of choices. Since reintroducing the option in 2009, Ford has established itself as the leader in CNG/LPG engine sales. Ford is on pace to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012.

AT&T is one of many Ford customers that are finding value in CNG. The communications giant recently purchased 650 F-350 chassis cabs with the CNG-prep option.

“We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of year 2018,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president, global fleet operations. “Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”

Qualified Vehicle Modifiers

Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. The QVM program is intended to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.

QVMs offer a wide variety of CNG/LPG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles); the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.

Compressed natural gas

Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. About 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.

Another benefit of this alternative fuel: Cleaner emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.

---

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

May 23, 2013

Some sad news to report from Australia today. Ford Australia announced that they will be shutting down operations on October 16, 2016. The shut down will close two factories - Broadmeadows and Geelong in Victoria - and cause the loss of 1,200 jobs.

During a press conference, Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano explained the company could not keep building vehicles in a country in the country after reporting a loss of $141 million after tax last year, and losses totaling more than $600 million in the past five years.

"Our costs are double that of Europe and nearly four times Ford in Asia. The business case simply did not stack up, leading us to the conclusion that manufacturing is not viable for Ford in Australia in the long-term," Graziano said.

In a statement, Ford said they looked at all possibilities, including an extensive export program and manufacturing various types and combinations of vehicles for the marketplace.

“We did not leave any stone unturned but even with these assumptions the business case did not stack up,” said Graziano.

Ford says they will still maintain a presence in Australia through 1,500 team members, including designers and engineers, and more than 200 dealers. The company also announced updated versions of the Falcon sedan, Falcon Ute and Territory SUV.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Important announcement from Ford Australia

Thu, May 23, 2013

Ford Accelerates Australian Business Transformation

• Ford is transforming its Australian business by accelerating the introduction of new products for Australian customers, enhancing the sales and service experience, and improving its business efficiency and profitability
  
• To better position the company to compete in a highly fragmented and competitive market, Ford will cease local manufacturing in October 2016. All entitlements are protected for the 1200 employees whose jobs are affected, and the company will work through the next three years to provide support
  
• Ford will proceed with plans to launch updated versions of the Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory in 2014, as well as offering other world-class products, such as the Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus. The company will also strengthen its product lineup even further with a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016
  
• Ford’s presence in Australia will remain significant – with 1500 team members, more than 200 dealers nationwide and a continued strong commitment to supporting the communities in which the company operates
  

MELBOURNE, Australia, 23 May 2013 – Ford Motor Company is transforming its business operations in Australia to provide customers with even more new products, and improved sales and service, while creating a more efficient and profitable business structure.

Ford announced the plan today, including its intention to cease its local manufacturing operations in October 2016. The decision on local manufacturing was driven by increasingly challenging market conditions – including market fragmentation and the high cost of manufacturing. Ford losses in Australia in the last five years have totaled approximately $600 million (AUD).

“All of us at Ford remain committed to our long history of serving Australian customers with the very best vehicles that deliver cutting edge technology at an affordable cost,” said Bob Graziano, president and CEO of Ford Australia. “Unfortunately, due to challenging market conditions we are unable to do that longer-term while continuing to manufacture locally.”

Support for Employees

Approximately 1200 jobs in Ford’s Broadmeadows and Geelong manufacturing plants will become redundant when manufacturing at those sites ceases in 2016.

All manufacturing employees’ benefits will be provided in line with current agreements. During the next three years, Ford will work with affected employees and their representatives on support arrangements and provide clarity about the closure process.

“We know this announcement is very difficult, especially for our employees,” said Graziano. “Providing support to those in our team whose roles will be affected is a key priority for us during this three-year transition period.”

Future vision for Ford Australia

While the way Ford is structured is changing, Ford’s commitment to Australia remains strong.

“Ford will remain a significant employer in Australia, with more than 1500 team members, as will our network of more than 200 dealers around the country,” said Graziano. “The Australian team’s role as a global centre of excellence for vehicle development also will continue to be an important focus for us.”

Australia is currently one of four product development hubs for Ford globally. Recently, the Australian team has been responsible for designing, engineering and testing global vehicles, including the Ford Ranger and Ford Figo, and will continue this expertise.

Today, Ford has more than 1000 team members in product development in Australia, giving the company more designers and engineers than any other auto company in Australia.

“Our customers will buy and service Ford vehicles through the same great dealers we have throughout the country today, and we will continue to support the communities in which we operate,” said Graziano.

Decision follows comprehensive review process

Given the changing dynamics of the auto industry, a number of business scenarios were reviewed during the past year to determine next steps for Ford’s Australian business.

All viable alternatives were evaluated as part of the process including manufacturing various types and combinations of vehicles for local sale as well as the viability of a significant export program. The scenarios investigated also included varying levels of government support, manufacturing cost reductions and productivity improvements.

Australia has annual sales of approximately 1.1 million new vehicles, and customers have access to more than 65 brands and 365 models available for sale. This makes Australia one of the most competitive and crowded automotive markets in the world.

“Given the fragmented marketplace and the low model volumes that result, we decided that manufacturing locally is no longer viable,” said Graziano.

More New Products

As part of the transformation, Ford has aggressive plans to introduce even more new products for Australian customers – including a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016. That is in addition to already announced new versions of the Ford Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory, as well the new Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus.

“We will be introducing a number of exciting new vehicles and technologies during the next few years that will excite our Australian customers,” said Graziano. “The breadth of our line-up will increase by more than 30 per cent, ensuring we continue to offer our customers an outstanding range of cars, SUVs and light trucks long into the future.”

Upgraded Sales and Service Experience

Ford also is significantly enhancing its approach to the sales and service experience. The company has appointed a dedicated Consumer Experience team to introduce a series of initiatives to provide customers with even better after-sales care.

“We have a range of projects under way to significantly enhance our customer’s experience with Ford,” said Graziano. “This includes one of the only programs in Australia that provides a capped price on all servicing costs for seven years.”

Ford continues to be part of Australian communities

“Ford vehicles have been part of the automotive landscape in Australia for almost 110 years and we have manufactured here since 1925. We are proud of that history. We are proud of our role in Australia and we haven’t made this decision lightly.

“Overall, we are changing, but our commitment to Australia remains strong. We’ll move through this transition and continue to be a vibrant and strong part of the Australian driving experience,” said Graziano.

---

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 11, 2013

Earlier this week, everyone went into a tizzy with the report of a new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder that would be coming to the 2014 Fusion midsize. Well, that report was only half right.

Today at a event, Ford announced the 2014 will come with a 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder. This will be Ford's fifth EcoBoost engine and will be offered in the Fusion's twin, the Mondeo in other markets. The 1.5L EcoBoost will make its official debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, a perfect place to show the new engine since the Chinese Government offers a significant tax relief for vehicles powered by engines with a capacity of 1.5L or less.

Ford is keeping their lips shut on power details, transmissions, and what models you will be able get the 1.5L till a later date. Our guess is the 1.5L EcoBoost will take the place of the 1.6L EcoBoost and offer close or equal the power output to the 1.6L as well.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Launches New Fuel-Efficient 1.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine; Boosts Company's Global EcoBoost Capacity

- Ford announces new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, extends successful EcoBoost lineup to meet global demand for four-cylinder EcoBoost engines

- Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually, triples number of plants that produce EcoBoost engines in Europe, Asia and North America from 2010 to 2013

- 1.5-liter EcoBoost offers trademark EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; delivers power of a larger engine with smaller unit economy

- Fifth Ford EcoBoost engine delivers new innovations, and significant consumer benefits in global markets offering tax reductions for vehicles equipped with engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less

DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today announces a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine will join its lineup of fuel-efficient, innovative powertrains. The 1.5-liter engine is a key strategic entry for Ford, as the company works to meet strong global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

With the launch of this newest fuel-efficient engine, Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. By the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines, triple the number that were doing so in 2010.

Production of the four-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost – the fifth member of the EcoBoost family – will commence initially at Ford's world-class facility in Craiova, Romania, later this month. Other manufacturing locations will be announced in the future. The new engine will be first introduced in China in the all-new Ford Mondeo, making its public debut later this month at Auto Shanghai 2013, with applications following in the Fusion sedan in North America this year, and later the new Mondeo in Europe.

As a key contributor to Ford's aggressive fuel economy and emissions strategy, EcoBoost technologies enable improvements to both fuel efficiency of 20 percent and emissions of up to 15 percent. The 1.5-liter engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been designed to be even more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance.

Additionally, the newest EcoBoost engine will be a strategic entry for Ford in global markets that offer tax relief to consumers who purchase vehicles powered by engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less.

The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will include some of the innovative features introduced on the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost such as an integrated exhaust manifold. The new engine is expected to provide similar horsepower and torque performance to Ford's current 1.6-liter EcoBoost, while delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost is the first engine from Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which further improves efficiencies by reducing warm-up time. A water-cooled charge air cooler is added to offer a more efficient feed of air into the engine.

"Ford EcoBoost technology has changed the way people look at gas engines and has enjoyed huge success with customers," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. "The new 1.5-liter unit further extends our EcoBoost promise of economical driving in terms of both fuel efficiency and – in some markets – tax savings."

Ford has sold more than 600,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally since the range was launched with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost in 2009. Ford added the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in 2010, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost followed in 2011, and last year the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was launched, winning the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" award.

By the end of this year, nearly 80 percent of the company's global nameplates will be available with fuel-saving EcoBoost technology.

---

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 9, 2013

Ford announced today they would be introducing a new variant of the F-150 Raptor for the 2014 model year. The 2014 Raptor Special Edition is all cosmetic changes. Those hoping for a bit more potency from the 6.2L V8 or improved off-road performance will be disappointed.

The Special Edition adds two new colors exclusive to this model; Ruby Red Metallic and Tuxedo Black Metallic with box-side graphics. Inside, the Special Edition gets new seats with Brick Red seat bolsters (with black inserts), cloth honeycomb highlights, and a console top finish panel.

Ford isn't saying how much the new Raptor Special Edition will cost, most likely saving that for when it goes on sale later this fall.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Announces New 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition

* New Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition answers customer calls for more exclusivity in addition to Raptor's unmatched off-road capability

* Raptor Special Edition features a unique exterior color, exterior graphics and interior styling

* Raptor Special Edition helps continue Raptor's sales success

DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2013 – Ford's F-150 SVT Raptor, the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck, has a new Special Edition package customers can order that adds more unique touches to the hot-selling pickup.

Ford today reveals the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor's existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center stack and door panel appliqué accents. Raptor Special Edition is also available in Tuxedo Black Metallic.

The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition goes on sale this fall.

"Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today's premium trucks," said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Since its launch in 2009, we've continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet."

Raptor has found an enviable niche in full-size pickups. SVT Raptor sales are up 14 percent in 2013, with five out of the past six months seeing record sales. More than 13,000 Raptors were sold in 2012.

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance through aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™.

A Raptor development imperative has been continuous improvement, so Ford expanded Raptor's footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model joining the two-door SuperCab original.

For 2012 Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks or other obstacles. The 2012 addition of a Torsen® limited-slip differential to Raptor's 4WD system enables the truck to balance traction between both front wheels.

For 2013 industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels were added to help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC® with MyFord Touch® was also made available for added connectivity.

SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features a Torsen® differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.

---

December 10th, 2012

Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor

CheersandGears.com

Ford today released a fix for the recently recalled 2013 Escape and 2013 Fusion with the 1.6 liter Ecoboost engine. The recall involves a reprogramming of the computer to address a coolant pressure loss under certain driving conditions. Only VINs with the eighth character “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions are affected.

Ford Press Release on Page 2

---

Ford Produces Fix in Voluntary Safety Recall of 2013 Escapes, 2013 Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines

• Ford today announced a corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine
  

• Ford will make updates to the cooling system software to better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition. Original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions. The new software will resolve this issue
  

• Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines are unaffected as are Fusions equipped with 2.5-liter and hybrid engines
  

• Ford remains absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to its customers. When a potential issue is identified, Ford acts promptly on behalf of customers
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced a corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusion models equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The vehicles were subjects of a voluntary safety recall announced Nov. 30.

An intensive, cross-discipline engineering team at Ford worked to identify the root cause of the extreme engine overheating condition.

To fix the condition, Ford will make software updates to the cooling system of the 1.6-liter engine available in the SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Ford Fusion. The software updates will better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions. The original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions, which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was running.

“We remain absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. When a potential issue is identified, we act promptly on behalf of our customers, as we did this time,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

Ford is now working to deliver the software and repair procedure to its dealers. The company will begin notifying customers so they can schedule service appointments with dealers.

Beginning early next week, customers will be able to get the software update at their dealer. The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day. However, due to service

scheduling requirements, a dealer may need the vehicle for a longer period of time.

Until the cooling software is updated, customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine have been advised to contact their dealer to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge.

Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires have said that their clusters have shown the message “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.” Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light.

Ford advised drivers who see any of these indications to safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle.

Notifications have been sent to customers affected by the recall. Customers also can see if they are affected by the recall by:

• Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions;
  
• Logging onto Ford.com, click “View Notices and Recalls” in the “Support” tab and inputting their VIN;
  
• Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or
  
• Contacting a Ford dealer
  

2013 Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected. 2013 Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 10, 2012

Ford has announced today that the new Transit will come with a 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel inline-5 to join alongside the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 when it goes on sale later next year.

The 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel doesn't have any power ratings for the U.S. at the moment, but Ford does say the European version of this engine produces 197 HP and 347 lb-ft of torque - 90% of that torque is will be available between 1,700 and 3,500 rpm. While the 3.2L doesn't hold a candle in power to the recently phased out 6.0L Power Stroke (235 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque), the 3.2L is expected to be much cleaner and efficient. Also, the 3.2L is expected to run on B20 biodiesel fuel. Your sole transmission choice will be a six-speed automatic.

The new 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel will be built in South Africa and exported to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant where the U.S.-spec Transit will be built.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• Already a proven global workhorse, Ford adds 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo diesel to fuel-efficient North American lineup in all-new Transit commercial van range
  
• This innovative engine features state-of-the-art fuel, turbo and emissions systems that meet stringent U.S. clean diesel standards
  
• The 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® Diesel will deliver outstanding performance, exceptional fuel economy and low operating costs
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Transit full-size van, which goes on sale late next year, will be offered with a new clean-running 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder diesel, further bolstering Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and SUVs.

The new diesel, Ford’s second in North America, already has established a proven record for reliability, durability and refinement in the global Ford Ranger truck sold in world markets. The new Power Stroke Diesel will be the only five-cylinder diesel engine available in a commercial van in North America.

“Commercial van drivers spend most of their working hours behind the wheel. We know they want a fuel-efficient diesel engine with smooth, responsive performance and low operating costs,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “The 3.2-liter Power Stroke engine has been developed and proven globally to deliver a world-class combination of power, fuel economy and refinement.”

The 3.2-liter will join the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double today’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.

While power has not been certified for North America, the new diesel engine is rated in Europe at 197 horsepower and 347 lb.-ft. of torque.

Like the larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 offered in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, the fuel system has been carefully tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency. It enables the newest Power Stroke to achieve exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels.

The 3.2-liter turbo diesel features state-of-the-art piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a high-pressure common rail fuel system, and advanced emissions technologies.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine.Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

Technical features of the new Power Stroke 3.2-liter include:

• Quick-start glow plugs that enable smooth and fast startups at temperatures down to 25 degrees F
  
• Durable, rigid sand-cast gray iron cylinder block
  
• Aluminum cylinder heads with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder
  
• Advanced common rail piezoelectric fuel injectors that deliver multiple injections per stroke to improve performance and reduce NVH; maximum fuel pressure is 26,100 psi
  
• Variable nozzle turbocharger with electronic actuation; maximum impellor speed of 197,800 rpm
  
• First application of selective catalytic reduction for reduced nitrogen oxide emissions in a Ford van
  
• Integrated diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to save space
  
• Expected to be B20 biodiesel compatible
  

Additionally, the engine features cast-aluminum, low-friction coated pistons with piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. Also included is a water-cooled high-performance electric-controlled exhaust gas recirculation valve that is better able to withstand coolant pressure drops.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke is one of several engines that will be available for Transit in North America, including the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® gasoline engine. All engines are mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

With a flat torque plateau – 90 percent of its peak torque is available from 1,700 to 3,500 rpm, providing better engine flexibility – Transit will be able to effortlessly haul full loads in town and on the highway, while offering flexible performance across each gear in the six-speed automatic transmission.

“The Power Stroke name is synonymous with power, work and long-term durability,” said Bakaj. “We’re confident our commercial van customers will be extremely pleased with the 3.2-liter’s fuel economy, performance and running costs.”

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., which received a $1.1 billion investment for the Transit.

---

November 30, 2012

G. David Felt

Staff Writer - Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com

Today Ford warned 89,193 owners of 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusions with the 1.6 liter turbo to park their cars till ford can have them towed in for service due to engine fire risk. This marks the third recall on the 1/6 liter turbo engines that is Fords cornerstone engine to lure buyers to American brands.

Unlike fords last recall on these auto's which they promised to fix in two weeks of the last recall, this recall has no estimate of repair and Ford has promised to cover auto rentals till they figure out a fix.

Ford says no injuries have been linked to this new problem, but until they figure out the cause, they are stopping production and parking all existing auto's with 1.6 liter turbo 4 engines to understand the problem.

Press Release on Page 2

---

Ford Acts Promptly for Customer Safety by Recalling 2013 Escapes with 1.6-liter Engines and 2013 Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines for Risk of Overheating That May Result in Engine Fires

• Ford Motor Company is acting on behalf of its customers by conducting a voluntary safety recall of 2013 SE and SEL model Ford Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 SE and SEL model Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter engine
  
• The recall comes after reports of engines overheating, followed by vehicle fires starting in the engine compartment when the engine is running; no injuries have been reported
  
• Ford is advising owners of these vehicles to contact their dealer immediately for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation
  
• Repair procedures are not currently available
  
• Customers can determine whether their vehicle is part of the recall by:
  
  • Checking their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); the eighth character will be an “X” on Escapes or an “R” on Fusions,
    
  • Logging onto Ford.com, select the “Support” tab, click “View Notices and Recalls” and input their VIN, or
    
  • Calling the numbers listed above or contact their dealer
    

  [*]Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected as are Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines

DEARBORN, Mich., November 30, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced a voluntary safety recall of 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine.

Ford estimates that there are approximately 73,320 Escapes and 15,833 Fusions produced and distributed for sale in the U.S. and Canada with 1.6-liter engines, with most in the U.S. market. The issue does not affect 2013 Escape or 2013 Fusion models with other engines.

Customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine are advised to contact their dealer as soon as possible to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge. Repair procedures are not currently available.

Ford is voluntarily recalling these vehicles because of reports of engine overheating, resulting in engine fires while the engine is running. No injuries have been reported.

Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires say that their clusters have shown the message “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.” Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light.

Drivers who see any of these indications should safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Ford will compensate owners for costs tied to overheating as well.

“We have identified an issue and are taking actions in the best interest of our customers,” said Steve Kenner, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible. While we recognize the inconvenience recalls cause our customers, we are taking these actions on their behalf to help ensure their safety.”

Ford is working on a repair procedure. When parts are available, the company will notify customers so they can schedule a service appointment with dealers.

Meanwhile, Ford is advising affected owners to contact a Ford dealer as soon as possible for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation.

Customers can see if they are affected by the recall by:

• Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions;
  
• Logging onto Ford.com, click “View Notices and Recalls” in the “Support” tab and input their VIN to determine if their vehicle is part of the recall;
  
• Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or
  
• Contacting a Ford dealer
  

Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 19, 2012

At the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, Ford unveiled a 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine for the new B-Max. The engine has since gone into other vehicles in Ford's European lineup, including the Fiesta and Focus.

We've been wondering if the the three-cylinder would be coming to the U.S. and the word has come out it will. Today, Ford announced that 1.0L EcoBoost will be coming in the 2014 Fiesta.

The 1.0L EcoBoost produces 123 HP and and 148 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 3 HP and 36 lb-ft from the current 1.6L four-cylinder. Ford expects the EcoBoost-equipped Fiesta to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car sold in the US.

The new engine will come out sometime next year.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Award-Winning 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Coming to North America Next Year in the New Ford Fiesta

- Ford's newest EcoBoost® engine is expected to deliver the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid car sold in America

- Ford's patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be the most refined and powerful in its class

- Global sales of EcoBoost engines are at 520,000 units and growing fast

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2012 – The new 2014 Ford Fiesta on sale next year will be the first vehicle available in the United States with Ford's award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. Though the car has not yet undergone EPA testing, it is expected to be certified as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car available in the United States.

The smallest engine available in its class, Ford's patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost won't be short on power, torque or refinement. The smooth, quiet-running engine is projected to produce 123 horsepower and peak torque of 148 lb.-ft.

"Customers are going to be pleasantly surprised at what the smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family can do," said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. "Most customers are not going to be thinking about the number of cylinders under the hood when they drive the new 1.0-liter EcoBoost Fiesta. They'll notice an extremely smooth and quiet idle, terrific acceleration accompanied by a sporty sound at high revs, and – most importantly – outstanding fuel economy."

The newest member of Ford's global EcoBoost engine family, the 1.0-liter will join the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company's history. Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double today's total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Fiesta expands Ford's power of choice strategy by giving customers interested in a very fuel-efficient car a new alternative.

Pricing is not yet set, but as with the other EcoBoost engines available across Ford's car, truck, SUV and crossover lineup, the 1.0-liter will be a very affordable option. Adding an EcoBoost engine costs about $995 in most Ford vehicles.

"Many customers would like the fuel efficiency of a modern diesel or a hybrid, but can't stretch their budgets to cover the cost premium," said Bakaj. "That's where the EcoBoost Fiesta fits in. It will offer a highly fuel-efficient alternative at a lower cost."

Newest EcoBoost engine – a game changer

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is unlike any engine in Ford's 109-year history. Not only is it the company's first three-cylinder engine, but it debuts many new technologies never before seen in a Ford vehicle. These include an offset crankshaft; variable oil pump; split cooling system; external-balancing, super-small, responsive turbocharger; and a timing belt immersed in engine oil.

The result of the 1.0-liter's advanced design is a quiet, smooth-running engine that develops roughly the same output as a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. But with about 25 percent fewer moving parts, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost is able to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

"We really focused on reducing the amount of energy the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine uses by paying very close attention to such things as bearing sizes, piston ring tension and thermal management," said Bob Fascetti, director, Ford Global Engine Engineering. "For instance, we decided not to use a balance shaft in the engine because it adds weight and increases friction or parasitic losses. So we balance the engine externally with the crankshaft pulley and flywheel."

Super-successful debut

Since being launched in the spring in the Ford Focus in Europe, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has established itself as one of the most noteworthy engines of 2012. In April it was voted International Engine of the Year by a jury of 76 journalists from 36 countries. In June it set 16 land speed records at a racetrack in France. In October the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was given a Breakthrough Award from Popular Mechanics magazine, and this month the engine won the prestigious DeWar Trophy in Great Britain.

In Europe, where the diesel engine is king, the 1.0-liter engine now accounts for about 30 percent of sales in the Focus. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is just now launching in the B-MAX and C-MAX, and will also be offered in the all-new Mondeo.

The 1.0-liter engine is the fourth member of Ford's global EcoBoost engine family. Since launch in 2009, Ford has sold more than 520,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally and expects volume to grow to 1.6 million in 2013.

Ford has more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology, and the number of patents continues to grow.

EcoBoost combines turbocharging with gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to allow a smaller engine to replace a larger one with no loss of performance and at least a 20 percent gain in fuel economy.

"We're extremely proud of the amazing success the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has achieved in such a short time," said Bakaj. "We think it will do extremely well here in the United States. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the F-150, we learned customers will embrace smaller engines as long as you don't ask them to sacrifice performance. The 1.0-liter will deliver three things that matter most to our customers – value for the dollar, terrific fuel economy and great performance."

---

Ford today took the wraps off the newest addition to the growing Transit Connect family. Called the Transit Connect Wagon, Ford is careful not to call it a minivan. As a reflection of the versatility of the Transit Connect it is built on, the TC Wagon will be available in 2 wheelbases, 5 or 7 passenger seating, and have a choice of either a 2.5 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or a 1.6T 4-cylinder with Ecoboost. Configured as a short wheelbase version with the Ecoboost engine, the TC Wagon's fuel economy is estimated at over 30mpg.

On the utility side of things, the short wheelbase version has a cargo capacity of 120 cubic feet with the long wheelbase version bumping that number up to 150 cubic feet once the fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seating is lowered. Payload capacity checks in at over 1,200lbs and with a tow rating of 2,000lbs. Ford is quick to point out the TC Wagon's payload rating is higher than the more more fuel hungry Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with towing capability 500lbs more than a 4-cylinder Toyota Highlander.

An option that should be popular around the halls of CheersandGears.com, the TC Wagon will be available with either a liftgate or side-hinged cargo doors.

Ford is marketing the Transit Connect Wagon as a mini-van alternative in a compact car package. Ford has lacked an entry in the mini-van market in the US since the Ford Freestar went out of production in 2007. The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon marks a return to that market... just don't call it a mini-van until the Ford guy turns his back.

Gallery:

Ford Press release on page 2

---

Ford Introduces New Seven-Passenger People Mover with a Difference: Transit Connect Wagon First to Exceed 30 MPG

• Ford brings the compact Transit Connect Wagon to market, a vehicle so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation

• Transit Connect Wagon expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a seven-seat Toyota Sienna minivan, and more cargo space and passenger seating than Mazda5, yet hauls a heavier payload than a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab pickup or Dodge Grand Caravan

• Anticipating up to 30 mpg-plus on the highway with EcoBoost^® power, Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium

• Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13, 2012 – Ford, the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer, introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.

“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”

Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space.

When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV.

Have it your way

Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost^® that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway. This powertrain makes Transit Connect Wagon the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles.

Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising.

Transit Connect Wagon is available in a wide variety of configurations and series levels, offering unexpected features in a high-value package with low operating costs.

This stylish, contemporary design is offered in two wheelbase lengths, a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating arrangements, and offers meaningful options like a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system.

Transit Connect Wagon’s global design includes premium cues throughout such as available full body-color exterior accents with jewel-like chrome trim and high-gloss interior trim pieces. A range of seating surfaces, from luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl, is available to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of potential customers.

Commercial-strength DNA in a family versatility vehicle

Transit Connect Wagon’s work-hard/play-hard nature is reflected in cargo-carrying capacity and room for up to seven comfortably seated passengers, wrapped in a high-strength body engineered to rigorous global commercial vehicle durability standards.

The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of reliability and durability established by the current Transit Connect compact van. Introduced in North America in 2009, Transit Connect has become the must-have vehicle for small business proprietors, thanks to its unmatched combination of payload and cargo capacities, adaptability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and overall ease of driving.

Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle – literally carving out a new category in the market – by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show.

Now selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year, Transit Connect has become a favorite of small businesses, corporate fleets, taxi operators and a few individualistic owners who find its combination of a car-like ride and the cargo capacity of a van just right for their personal use.

“The all-new Transit Connect Wagon will expand the personal-use audience for this versatile nameplate by offering up to seven-passenger capacity across three rows of seating in a fully trimmed interior,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of Global Engineering, Global Product Development. “It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans.”

All Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags.

Ford’s award-winning MyKey^® programmable ignition key enables restricting maximum vehicle speed and audio system volume, bringing additional peace of mind to both parents and fleet administrators alike.

Transit Connect Wagon even offers a child observation mirror so parents can keep track of children safely belted in second- and third-row seats.

Infinite adaptability

Inside, the Transit Connect Wagon package is a rolling showcase for adaptability in hauling both people and cargo.

From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of people and cargo.

Also available is an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions and when parking Transit Connect Wagon on the street.

The versatile Transit Connect Wagon offers far better fuel efficiency than traditional minivans, compact-car-like maneuverability and handling, combined with unprecedented payload and cargo capabilities.

Look for Transit Connect Wagon to appear in North American Ford dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013. Consumers can get more information and learn more about the Transit Connect Wagon at http://ford.com/transitconnectwagon.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 2, 2012

Back in September, we reported that Ford would move Mark Fields, the brand's president of the Americas to the post of Chief Operating Officer. This would place Fields right behind CEO Alan Mulally in the succession plan. This was supposed to take place at a board meeting during the month. This didn't happen at that month's meeting.

So it comes as a surprise that almost two months after this news, Ford has come out and announced that starting December 1st, Mark Fields will officially become the new Chief Operating Officer. This news came out yesterday during a surprise conference call with CEO Mulally and executive chairman, Bill Ford.

The call also revealed that Mulally will will remain CEO "at least" through 2014.

There was some other appointments announced on the call. Those are,

• Joe Hinrichs becomes executive vice president and president of The Americas.
  
• Jim Farley becomes the executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln
  
• Stephen Odell becomes executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa
  
• David Schoch becomes group vice president and president of Asia Pacific
  
• John Lawler is elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and becomes chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China
  

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Says Mulally to Remain as President and CEO through at Least 2014; Chief Operating Officer and Senior Leaders named for Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Lincoln brand

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company is further strengthening and developing its leadership team while continuing to deliver the One Ford plan for profitable growth.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford today said that Alan Mulally plans to continue to serve as Ford president and CEO through at least 2014. At the same time, Mark Fields is named the company's new chief operating officer, effective Dec. 1.

Mulally will continue leading the long-term strategic development of the One Ford plan and its continuous improvement. Fields will be responsible for all business operations.

Fields will continue to report to Mulally, as will the company's chief financial officer, general counsel and group vice president of Human Resources and Corporate Services.

Ford's automotive business units – The Americas (including both North America and South America); Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific – will report to Fields. Also reporting to Fields will be most of the company's functional skill teams, including Product Development; Manufacturing and Labor Affairs; Purchasing; Quality; Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering; Information Technology; Government and Community Relations; Marketing, Sales and Service; and Communications.

The company also made several other concurrent leadership announcements, also effective Dec. 1, including:

- Joe Hinrichs is named executive vice president and president of The Americas; Hinrichs is currently group vice president and president of Asia Pacific Africa

- Stephen Odell is named executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa; Odell is currently group vice president, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe; Africa is being realigned with Europe and the Middle East under Odell to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities and efficiencies

- Jim Farley is named executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln; Farley, who is currently a group vice president, adds operating responsibility as the senior global leader for Lincoln, working together with the company's business units and functions on the re-invention of Lincoln as a world- class, global luxury brand

- David Schoch is named group vice president and president of Asia Pacific; Schoch is currently chairman and CEO, Ford of China

- John Lawler is elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and named chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China; Lawler is currently CFO, Ford Asia Pacific Africa

"Today marks an important next step in the profitable growth of the Ford Motor Company and the appointment of key leaders who will help us continue to make progress on our One Ford plan," Bill Ford said. "The strength of our people and stability of our team are competitive advantages for Ford. We are fortunate to have Alan's continued leadership as well as talented senior leaders throughout our company who are developing and working together and delivering on our plan."

For the past seven years as executive vice president and president of The Americas, Fields has been responsible for the transformation of the company's North American operations and its record profitability. In the role, he has led the development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America.

Hinrichs has led Ford's Asia Pacific growth plan for the past three years, overseeing the current construction of nine new plants and spearheading a commitment to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to the region by mid-decade. He now will apply his extensive business and automotive experience to Ford's Americas operations, focusing on continuing the momentum in North America and building a stronger business in South America.

Odell is leading Ford's transformation in Europe, with a focus on using the One Ford plan to achieve profitable growth through an unprecedented focus on new products, a strong brand and increased cost efficiency. Having previously led the transformation of Mazda and Volvo, Odell will lead the company's focus on growth in Africa and the Middle East.

Farley will continue to lead Ford's global Marketing, Sales and Service to world-class levels, focusing on new customers and revenue growth. His new global responsibility for the Lincoln brand will build on his experience growing Toyota's Lexus brand around the world.

Schoch has been leading Ford's growth in China, where it has invested more than $4.9 billion to introduce 15 new vehicles by 2015 and double production capacity. With extensive operational experience in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Schoch now will lead the company's growth plan for the entire region, having worked alongside Hinrichs for the past year.

Lawler assumes leadership of Ford Motor China, having served as CFO for Asia Pacific Africa, working alongside Hinrichs and Schoch to develop and implement the company's aggressive growth plan in the region. Building on his considerable global operational experience – including being part of the team that led Ford's North American transformation – Lawler now will focus on the world's largest automotive market and the dramatic expansion of Ford's presence in China.

"In addition to fundamentally transforming our company during the last several years, we have strengthened our team with world-class leaders who will enable us to sustain our One Ford journey," Mulally said. "All of us at Ford remain absolutely committed to continuing to make progress on our One Ford plan, including dealing decisively with near-term challenges, investing for future growth and developing outstanding products with leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value."

Biographical information about each of the leaders is as follows:

Mark Fields

Prior to being named Ford executive vice president and president of Ford of The Americas in October 2005, Fields, 51, served as executive vice president, Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group (PAG). There, he led all activities for Ford's premium vehicle business group, and for Ford-brand vehicles manufactured and sold in European countries. Prior to that, Fields was chairman and CEO of PAG.

Fields joined Ford in July 1989. From 2000 to 2002, he was president and CEO of Mazda Motor Company, leading the company through a period of significant transformation. He previously held a number of positions in both North America and South America, including managing director of Ford Argentina.

Joe Hinrichs

Hinrichs, 45, has headed Ford's Asia Pacific Africa region since December 2009.

Prior to this role, Hinrichs served as group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, responsible for the operations Ford assembly, stamping and powertrain plants worldwide and overseeing the company's global engineering support for stamping, vehicle and powertrain manufacturing.

Hinrichs also was vice president, North America Manufacturing, vice president of Vehicle Operations and president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada.

Prior to joining Ford in 2000, he was a partner and senior vice president of Ryan Enterprises Group, a manufacturing investment group in Chicago. Hinrichs also spent 10 years at General Motors in various positions in engineering and manufacturing, including plant manager.

Stephen Odell

Odell, 57, was appointed Ford group vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe in August 2010.

Prior to this, Odell was president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation; chief operating officer, Ford of Europe; vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe; director and senior managing executive officer in charge of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Mazda; and vice president, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America.

Odell joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 as a graduate trainee for Ford of Britain.

Jim Farley

Farley, 50, became Ford's first global leader for Marketing, Sales and Service in August 2010.

He joined Ford in November 2007.

Farley has led Ford's drive to connect closely with customers through integrated global marketing, advertising, digital, brand development and research.

Prior to joining Ford, Farley was group vice president and general manager of Lexus, responsible for sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for Toyota's Lexus luxury brand.

Before leading Lexus, Farley served as group vice president of Toyota Division marketing and was responsible for all Toyota Division market planning, advertising, merchandising, sales promotion, incentives and Internet activities. He also was general manager of product management for Toyota Europe.

David Schoch

Schoch, 61, has held senior leadership positions on four continents, most recently as chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China, a position to which he was named in November 2011.

Schoch's extensive global experience includes senior leadership roles in North America, South America, South Africa and Asia Pacific. This includes serving as controller, The Americas, as well as executive director, Ford Canada, Mexico and South America Operations.

He also served as chief financial officer and vice president of Strategic Planning for Ford of

Europe. Before that, Schoch was chief financial officer of Ford Asia Pacific Operations. He joined the company as a financial analyst in 1977.

John Lawler

Lawler, 46, became the chief financial officer, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, in June 2010.

Lawler has a wealth of experience in business strategy, particularly related to market analysis, pricing strategy and product programs. He was a member of the team that led the company's North American transformation, serving as controller of U.S. Marketing and Sales from January 2007 until moving to China in 2010. In the U.S. position, he was responsible for key business strategies including pricing and business planning, and was a key leader in the company's efforts to reduce complexity and overhaul dealer policies.

Prior to that assignment, Lawler served in a variety of roles in North America, Europe and Asia. His assignments included serving as a controller in Ford of Europe's Product Development organization and as a finance leader with Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.

He joined Ford as a financial analyst in 1990.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 26, 2012

This week hasn’t been good for Ford’s factory workers in Europe. The blue oval announced the closure of three plants; two in United Kingdom and one in Belgium.

We’ll start with Belgium. On Wednesday, Ford announced the closure of the Genk Assembly Plant in Belgium. The Genk Assembly builds the current Mondeo midsize, and the S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs. The closure will affect about 4,300 jobs when it happens in 2014.

"This (closure) wasn't the plan. Initially we had committed to build the next-generation Mondeo and S-Max and Galaxy at this plant, but the contract has a clause for significant decline in market conditions," says Ford of Europe spokesman Mark Truby to USA Today.

One of the reasons Genk will be closed down is the lack of capacity. Ford Europe Chairman Stephen Odell told Reuters that the plant was running under 50% capacity. Production will move to a plant in Valencia, Spain.

"After the announcement there were some rough scenes. There was some pushing and shoving but we managed to calm it down. It was aimed at the management but they left quickly. It was also among each other as people were very angry and frustrated," said Luc Prenen, the head of the ACV union after the announcement was read.

The closure also affects the production of the next-generation Mondeo (i.e. the new Fusion). According to What Car?, production has been delayed till the end of 2014.

Next: That’s not all the closures though.

---

Yesterday Ford announced two more closures, both in the U.K.

• Transit van plant in Southampton
  
• Dagenham stamping plant
  

This will cause another 1,400 jobs to disappear.

So why is Ford shuttering plants? To conserve as much cash as they can. Losses at Ford’s European branch are estimated to be around $1 to 1.5 billion. Ford says the closure Genk alone will save around $300 to 500 million. Analysts say though the closure could cost around a billion.

The closure will also cut down on the overcapacity that European automakers are currently dealing with. At the moment, Europe has the capacity to build 22 million vehicles. Last year, about 18 million new vehicles were sold. This year, analysts are forecasting about 14 million vehicles.

Source: Reuters, 2, USA Today, What Car?, The Detroit News, 2William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 15, 2012

Ford's Interceptor sedan engine lineup consists of the 3.5L V6 producing 288 HP and 254 lb-ft of torque going to the front wheels, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque going to all four wheels.

Now, Ford has introduced a third engine option for the Interceptor sedan. The 3.7L V6 from the Interceptor Utility is now in the sedan. The 3.7L V6 produces 305 HP ans 279 lb-ft of torque. The 3.7L is only available with all-wheel drive.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Boosts Police Interceptor Sedan Performance and Fuel Economy with New 3.7-Liter Ti-VCT Engine

• Ford Police Interceptor sedan now available with 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine offering increased power with fuel efficiency
  
• Standard all-wheel-drive sedan with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT engine offers EPA-rated 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and a combined 21 mpg – an improvement over current powertrain lineup
  
• Both Ford Police Interceptors, sedan and utility vehicle, recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 –The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.

The 3.7-liter V6, now available on the Police Interceptor sedan, delivers a performance increase to 305 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving increased fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg combined. The horsepower and torque ratings are the highest of any naturally aspirated V6 engine offered for pursuit-rated sedans.

“This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job done,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.

A tough lineup

Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost^® engine.

The 3.7-liter engine now available on the sedan was already available on the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

Safe, durable, functional

Building on Ford’s safety leadership, Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

Both sedan and utility Police Interceptors recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.

To meet the rigors of durability testing, the unique police brakes have been increased in size and performance for confidence. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.

The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs. The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.

The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 6, 2012

Ford is making some big waves today in the van market. At a event today in Amsterdam, Ford unveiled the new Transit and Transit Connect.

We'll begin with the 2014 Transit Connect. Ford has really done a good job of bringing Connect in line with their new design language. Up front, the Transit Connect wears a trapezoidal grille smaller, sleeker headlamps, and more pronounced foglamps. The back features slimmer taillights and a tailgate. No word whether the barn doors on the current Connect will be available.

Ford is staying quiet on what will be the powertrain lineup will be, but has said the European model will receive "highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines," while in the U.S., we'll get "a tailored range of gasoline powertrains."

The 2014 Transit Connect arrives in late 2013.

And it's bigger brother

---

Ford also revealed the new Transit which will take the place of the E-Series van here in the U.S.

The Transit will come variety of body styles, incorporating both short and long wheelbases, as well as standard- and tall-roof models for both Europe and the U.S.

For Europe, the Transit will be available in front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive and use Ford's 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel inline-four. For the U.S., we will only get rear-wheel drive. Engines will include a "powerful diesel option" and Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V6.

The new Transit arrives in late 2013.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 3

---

• Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets

• Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America

• Stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect delivers outstanding performance across load carrying ability, dependability and fuel economy, for a best-in-class cost of ownership package

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 6, 2012 – Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event.

Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."

The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.

Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.

The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources.

The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.

Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.

For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.

Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.

Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.

The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.

The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.

"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."

In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.

The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 5, 2012

The wave of new subcompacts was started by back in late 2009 when Ford announced the Fiesta would be coming to states. Since then, automakers like Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Nissan have stepped up their game in this market. To take on the competition, Ford has refreshed the Fiesta for 2013.

Exterior wise, the Fiesta shares the same trapezoidal grille treatment as the Fusion. Also, there's a “power-dome”hood and a set of angular headlights.

For the European market, this refresh marks the appearance of the 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. The 1.0L is expected to give the Fiesta best-in-class fuel economy in the European small-car market.

The revised Fiesta will also bring forth the ST model which will boast a 182 HP turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electronic torque vectoring.

Inside, Ford says quality has gone up and will add a number of new premium options. Those options include SYNC, Ford's MyKey technology, and Active City Stop system, which promises to help drivers avoid low-speed collisions.

Note, this is for the European-spec Fiesta. We'll learn what's in store for the U.S. version later on in the year.

Source: Ford

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• Ford unveils dynamic new Fiesta with sharper design and exclusive features

• Redesigned Fiesta delivers cutting-edge technology including Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity system, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey

• Fiesta will be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 5, 2012 – Ford today revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features.

The new Fiesta will be on stage tomorrow in Amsterdam at Ford's special "Go Further" product event hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and attended by 2,500 dealers.

New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies including voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey. It will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

"Fiesta has been one of the world's best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world's most successful small car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. "We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta's make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look."

The new Fiesta marks the latest chapter in the journey of the popular small car. Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. New Fiesta features design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.

The Fiesta's face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology, and features a power-dome bonnet design. The redesigned Fiesta also delivers a harmonious and ergonomically optimised interior.

Fiesta follows Ford's approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time – and will be unique among its European competitors in featuring Active City Stop, a system designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions.

Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system delivers an unprecedented level of connectivity, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. The SYNC system includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

The new Fiesta will also feature the European debut of segment-first MyKey, which will enable parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager's exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show in September.

---

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 26, 2012

Ford's current policy on pickup trucks is to continuously update them with new models and powertrains. For the 2013 model year, Ford introduced a mild-refresh of the F-150 and now has a new model to introduce, the F-150 Limited.

The Limited takes the place of the King Ranch, Harley-Davidson, and Platinum of being the top dog in the F-150 lineup. With four trucks taking the luxury stance in the F-150 lineup, you're left wondering what makes the Limited special.

Unlike the King Ranch, Harley-Davidson, and Platinum, the Limited doesn't really have a stand-out identity.Think of it as a Lariat with more luxuries.

The Limited's exterior gets a set of 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, more chrome trim, HID headlights, and raised “Limited” lettering on each side of the bed. The front and rear bumpers, grille surround, fender flares, and side-mirror caps are painted in of three colors available on the Limited: Ruby Red, Tuxedo Black, and White Platinum.

Inside, the F-150 Limited gets heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and MyFordTouch standard. Also standard on the Limited is a backup camera, voice-activated navigation, Sony audio system, power-sliding rear window, power running boards, power-folding side mirrors, a 110-volt outlet, a tow package and trailer brake controller, and a reverse sensing system.

If you want an F-150 Limited, be prepared since you can only order it as a SuperCrew and get it with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 making 365 HP and a six-speed automatic. You can spec either two or four-wheel drive for the Limited.

The F-150 Limited will come out sometime this fall.

What Does Ford Have In Store For The 2013 Raptor?

---

2012 saw massive improvements for the Raptor with a Torsen limited-slip front differential, an available front-view camera, and other items.

For 2013, Ford decided to make the Raptor more off-road ready by introducing factory beadlock-compatible alloy wheels, which happen to be the first wheels in the world to offer conventional and Beadlock mounts. Beadlocks secure the edges of the tire between two surfaces, keeping the tire on the rim when off-roading with low tire pressure.

If you want this for your 2013 Raptor, you'll need to get a beadlock ring kit from Ford Racing.

Other changes for the 2013 Raptor include HID headlights, MyFord Touch, and a new exterior color called Terrain.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Releases on Page 3 & 4

---

• Building on three decades of truck leadership and a decade of luxury pickup innovation, Ford marks the 2013 model year with its most refined F-150 yet
  
• Offering standard SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®, navigation with SiriusXM^® Travel Link^™, rain-sensing windshield wipers and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, F-150 Limited features an unprecedented level of customer convenience and connectivity technologies
  
• Featuring series-specific Limited details on the exterior like dimensional box-side lettering and unique 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, F-150 Limited has stylish red and black full-grain leather and genuine aluminum and piano black finishes
  

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford, the industry’s truck leader, marks the launch of the latest F-150 with a new statement on pickup luxury for 2013 – the F-150 Limited.

“The F-150 Limited signifies the highest levels of design refinement, luxury and technology that we’ve ever offered in a Built Ford Tough pickup truck,” said Ford Group Vice President for Product Development, Raj Nair. “The F-150 Limited reflects a growing trend – more and more customers today have high expectations for luxury and convenience, yet their needs call for a truly capable truck.”

Ford leads the luxury truck segment. In 1999, the company introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2001, the first King Ranch F-150 arrived. The 2009 F-150 took truck luxury to new heights with the Platinum model.

Today, more than 30 percent of F-150 sales are from these high-end trims, with MSRPs that start at more than $35,000 and reach almost $50,000.

Limited meets the still untapped and growing luxury needs of customers and dealers interested in exclusivity and fine craftsmanship who want to differentiate themselves from other high-end options. F-150 Limited surpasses the well-appointed Lariat, western-themed King Ranch and contemporary Platinum.

Refined exterior design

The 2013 Ford F-150 Limited design combines unique 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and center caps with a monochromatic exterior theme available in three handsome hues – Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat.

The theme carries through the F-150 Limited exterior design with body-color front and rear bumpers, front bumper valance, sideview mirror caps, wheel-lip molding, upper fascia and grille surround.

Segment-first HID headlamps provide a signature look while delivering two and a half times more light than conventional halogen lamps. Lamp detailing even incorporates F-150 insignias.

Jewel-like chrome highlights the bold three-bar grille, tie-down hooks lining the cargo box, the single tip of the tuned exhaust and the tow hooks on 4x4 variants. “LIMITED” dimensional lettering accents the box sides.

F-150 Limited is available exclusively with a SuperCrew four-door cab configuration.

Inside Limited

Rich red and black full-grain leather-trimmed seats take luxury and style to new heights in trucks – capitalizing on a trend seen in other high-end luxury vehicles. The seats also offer cooling and heating with memory functionality to remember seating preferences for two different drivers. Head restraints are four-way-adjustable and second-row seats are heated, too.

Aluminum trims the center panel and console, lending a sophisticated yet technical touch that complements the piano black accents. Ambient lighting can shift the mood of the F-150 Limited interior, offering five accent colors.

A standard moonroof provides the upward view, while the rear view camera aids maneuvering visibility. Voice-activated navigation offers a bird’s-eye view via a centrally mounted 8-inch LCD screen. A power-sliding rear window features privacy tint and defrost functionality.

Connectivity comes standard with MyFord Touch^® powered by SYNC^®. Designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Limited offers a unique gauge cluster design with a 4.2-inch driver-programmable productivity screen that can be customized to monitor various vehicle systems. The new series level also includes a media hub with USB ports, an SD-card reader and RCA video input jacks. A powerful Sony^® Audio System is standard.

Built Ford Tough

F-150 Limited brings uncompromised capability for entrepreneurial and lifestyle pursuits with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, trailer tow package, trailer brake controller, Reverse Sensing System, power-deployable running boards and a 110-volt power inverter.

PowerFold side mirrors keep warm and dry in inclement weather and help ensure driver visibility with heated glass, memory position functionality, puddle lamps, turn signals and self-dimming actuation.

F-150 Limited is powered exclusively by Ford’s ground breaking 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost^® engine, featuring:

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
  
• Unsurpassed 22 mpg highway for 4x2 model
  
• Twin independent variable camshaft timing for improved fuel economy
  
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
  
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
  

To complement that power, sport-tuned dampers are fitted front and rear for confidence-inspiring road dynamics.

F-150 Limited arrives at dealerships this fall.

---

• Ford raises the F-150 SVT Raptor bar again for 2013, offering industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels to help increase grip in low-traction conditions
  
• SVT Raptor now offers high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps for improved visibility, SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® for added connectivity and an all-new earth-toned color called Terrain
  
• New Raptor offerings build on internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox^™ dampers, Torsen^® front differential and front-mounted camera technologies, adding even more high-performance off-road capability
  

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford is delivering higher levels of capability in the new 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor, answering the call from off-road enthusiasts for even more performance.

The latest Raptor features available industry-first, direct-from-the-factory forged-aluminum conventional wheels that can be upgraded after purchase to extra-capable beadlocks, plus other functional improvements. These include available high-intensity discharge HID headlamps that are brighter and whiter than standard lamps, significantly expanded connectivity features and Terrain, a new earth-toned exterior color.

“Ford F-150 SVT Raptor’s popularity continues to grow based on its proven reputation,” said Ford SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi. “It’s the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, so it’s critical that we continue to push the boundaries of off-road capability. New available beadlock wheels help to improve Raptor’s performance in soft sand and other challenging conditions, enabling our customers to go further.”

SVT Raptor sales are up 20 percent in 2012, breaking last year’s record in the January to May period.

Off-road high performance

Raptor’s newly available forged wheel combines the proven reliability of a conventional wheel with the capability to convert to a true beadlock wheel.

Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it’s aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

Raptor’s wheels are unique because converting from conventional rim to beadlock only requires that customers unbolt the standard outer decorative ring, dismount the tire from its regular position and then remount the tire in the lock-enabled position with the available beadlock ring kit from Ford Racing.

This marks the first application of a wheel that has both conventional and beadlock-mounting abilities – a solution so innovative that Ford has filed for a patent on the system.

“Raptor’s exclusive beadlock wheels give the customer the best of both on- and off-road worlds,” said Adam Wirth, SVT chassis engineer. “Tire inflation can be dropped to a very low threshold for maximum traction under extreme conditions, yet holds tight – and stays tight – when returning to the road.”

SVT Raptor connectivity

SVT Raptor features Ford’s acclaimed SYNC^® communications and entertainment system, allowing hands-free voice-activated control of a driver’s mobile device and the truck’s audio system. For 2013, SVT Raptor adds a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the MyFord^® driver connect technology.

SVT Raptor’s driver connectivity can be upgraded to MyFord Touch^® using an 8-inch center stack touch screen with five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel. In addition, this connectivity upgrade features the 4.2-inch productivity screen, mounted in the instrument cluster. Driver-configurable, this LCD screen includes menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications. Truck-specific MyFord Touch offers additional button controls and rotating knobs to accommodate a driver’s work gloves.

SVT Raptor can be specified with an available voice-activated Navigation System using the 8-inch screen and SD-card capability for map and points-of-interest storage.

A rear view camera is available as well.

Inside SVT Raptor

SVT Raptor is equipped with standard unique leather and cloth-trimmed seats, with driver’s side power actuation and six-way adjustability. These seats feature Raptor-specific bolsters to keep the driver and first-row passenger firmly in place, regardless of terrain conditions.

The SVT Raptor interior features unique center stack and door trim appliqué finish and leather-trimmed steering wheel with thumb pads.

SVT Raptor can be ordered with an optional Luxury Package, adding numerous comfort and convenience technologies. In addition, SVT Raptor can be specified with an interior color accent package, featuring contrasting blue against a black environment and real aluminum trim components.

Cloth-trimmed sport seats are available to government and fleet buyers.

Outside, SVT Raptor is available in Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White and a new Raptor-exclusive hue for 2013, desert camouflage-inspired Terrain.

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance.

Aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox^™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control^™ have established Raptor as an off-road force to be reckoned with.

Building on this foundation, SVT engineers expanded Raptor’s footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model, joining the two-door SuperCab original.

A Raptor development imperative has been to continually improve off-road prowess in every dimension, from rock-crawling to hammer-down desert-running.

Last year, Ford began offering a front grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks and other obstacles that might be obscured by the front of the truck. The camera transmits the captured image via the center stack-mounted LCD screen. A washer function helps keep the camera’s field of vision clear in wet and muddy conditions.

The 2012 model year saw Raptor add a Torsen^® limited-slip differential to the 4WD system enabling the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa. The system is optimized to help minimize steering kickback when navigating challenging surfaces.

The SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic^® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features the Torsen differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 4, 2012

This morning in Texas, Ford pulled the covers off the refreshed 2013 F-150.

While not a dramatic refresh, the 2013 F-150 does include a number of enhancements to bring it in line with the rest of the Ford lineup.

The exterior gets new grills (XLT and below: two bars. Lariat and above: three bars), optional high-intensity discharge headlamps, and some new 18- and 20-inch wheel options. Also available on the options list are power telescoping and folding outside rearview mirrors.

Inside, the F-150 gets a set of revised gauges and a driver-configurable LCD screen sitting in the middle. Also, the higher end F-150s (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and the new Limited) will get the MyFordTouch infotainment system. Models below that will get a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that will give more readable radio and HVAC information.

The new F-150 arrives later this year.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• Today Ford celebrates introduction of the 2013 F-150, featuring updated design and all-new driver controls technology, with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, alumni and educators
  
• Ford Motor Company, a continuous FFA sponsor since 1948, has provided $7.1 million in Built Ford Tough^® scholarships to tomorrow’s farmers since 1997
  
• For 2013, F-150 introduces new front-end styling and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch^® voice-activated driver controls and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
  

BRUCEVILLE, Texas, June 4, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today celebrates introduction of the new 2013 Ford F-150 – part of the best-selling line of pickups in America – with the agricultural professionals and leaders of tomorrow.

“Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive.”

For 2013, the Ford F-150 receives new front-end design and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch^® with voice-activated driver controls and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.

“Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. “For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models.”

America’s pickup

For 2013, the most fuel-efficient and capable light-duty pickup on the market continues to push forward with updated design and advanced technologies. F-150 also adds even more breadth to its expansive lineup with a new Limited luxury model and availability of the groundbreaking EcoBoost^® engine, powerful 6.2-liter V8, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent Control^™.

Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today.

New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence. HID technology provides exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped lamps.

F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages.

Segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters, while enabling class-leading visibility.

F-150 pickups are available in three new hues including Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.

Truck-focused technology

The 2013 Ford F-150 adds Ford’s award-winning SYNC^® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist^® and Vehicle Health Report as standard equipment in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices.

Buyers may choose from an optional suite of SYNC Services, including Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes.

F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that provides enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.

Lariat, King Ranch^®, Platinum and Limited series models are equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with an all-new, large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.

Ford’s unique truck interface allows drivers to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs, such as wearing work gloves.

This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link.

Interior design

The 2013 F-150 offers a range of interior updates. The new 4.2-inch multifunction display and MyFord Touch interfaces gave designers the opportunity to deliver a more modern center stack and control layout. Several new environment colors include a Steel Gray interior on Lariat and a Black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style.

The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona.

The Platinum series – synonymous with high-end trucks – offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating.

F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences.

Fuel-efficient capability

From the powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® engine to the mighty 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in the segment, F-150 offers an engine to meet the needs of every customer. Each engine across the F-150 lineup is mated to a fuel-saving electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, with tow packages and STX series and above adding SelectShift^® capability.

F-150 engine choices include:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
  
• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
  
• Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
  
• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors
  

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
  
• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
  
• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors
  

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
  
• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm
  
• 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
  
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow
  

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
  
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
  
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
  
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
  
• Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors
  
• Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors
  

“The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups,” said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. “We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further.”

FFA and Ford – making a difference

Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth leadership development organization that changes lives by empowering its 540,000 members to set a course for the future. FFA operates within the context of agricultural education to complement classroom and laboratory instruction with hands-on experiential learning, useful life skills and individual motivation.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their leadership potential, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Ford’s FFA alliance gets a boost from supporting Ford dealerships serving agricultural markets.

For the 2011-12 academic year, the Built Ford Tough^® Scholarship Program and 285 participating Ford dealers awarded a total of 540 individual $1,000 grants for post-secondary education.

Now in its 15th year, the Built Ford Tough Scholarship Program, the Ford Fund, and participating Ford dealers have awarded $7.1 million in grants. Built Ford Tough Trucks also sponsors the affiliated National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Lifetime Achievement Awards and an FFA chapter grant program. In 2011, six winning chapters were each awarded a $3,000 grant to support local initiatives.

Ford has sponsored FFA since 1948, the same year Ford F-Series pickups first went on sale.

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 17, 2012

Ford has announced today that dealers will begin taking orders on the new C-Max Hybrid, due out later this fall. The C-Max Hybrid will carry a base price tag of $25,995 (excluding destination charge), which undercuts its closest competitor, the Toyota Prius V by $500.

The C-Max Hybrid will come equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack delivering an estimated 141 HP. Fuel economy numbers hasn't been released, but Ford does say it will be America’s most “fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle”.

Features for the C-Max Hybrid include hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, active park assist, MyFordTouch, and SmartGauge with EcoGuide. SmartGauge with EcoGuide shows real-time fuel economy and uses gauges to help drivers maintain a fuel-efficient driving style.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid – America's Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle

• Ford dealers are now taking orders for the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which will be more affordable than Toyota Prius v while achieving better fuel economy
  
• Class-exclusive technologies include hands-free liftgate, active park assist for easier parallel parking and next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide to help customers increase their fuel economy
  
• C-MAX will launch this fall as part of Ford's power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013
  

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus.

The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company's first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 – approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius v's base price.

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will follow later this year with better electric-mode fuel economy and overall driving range than the Prius plug-in hybrid.

"C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump," said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles – because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time."

The C-MAX Hybrid blends fuel economy with performance, with projected best-in-class horsepower and torque along with Ford's third-generation powersplit technology that allows for higher speed while in electric mode than Toyota Prius v.

C-MAX Hybrid benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving it, with many of Ford's almost 500 hybrid vehicle-related patents contained within.

That means that along with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, drivers get class-exclusive features like hands-free liftgate (offering hands-free cargo access with a simple kicking motion), SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery pack that is being used for the first time in a Ford hybrid.

C-MAX Hybrid – being built on Ford's global C-segment platform – also benefits from a proven design and nameplate with more than 156,000 units of the gasoline version sold in Europe since its 2010 launch.

Room to move

C-MAX Hybrid is a compact hybrid utility vehicle jam-packed with features and room for five people and cargo.

The vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) offering ample interior space and flexibility. C-MAX Hybrid offers 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared with 97 cubic feet in Prius v. The spacious C-MAX Hybrid also provides greater headroom in both front and rear seats than Prius v (41/39.4 inches vs. 39.6/38.6 inches).

For cargo, C-MAX Hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats that easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

Tech-savvy

C-MAX Hybrid features the company's innovative hands-free liftgate, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it's OK to engage. The same motion can close the liftgate.

The vehicle also features the newest version of MyFord Touch to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers. MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle's efficiency.

The left cluster also shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency – as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves.

Quality and ingenuity

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is new, but its software and hardware technology have been evolving for nearly two decades.

C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

The electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford's critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers Ford's next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.

In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.

Made in U.S.A.

C-MAX Hybrid is being produced at Ford's Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST. More information about MAP can be found online here.

It is one of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to produce in North America in 2012. In addition to C-MAX Energi, the other vehicles include Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup can also be found online here.

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 29, 2012

Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles is leaving according to Car & Driver. The reason as to why Capito is leaving Ford is unknown.

“We thank Jost Capito for his contributions on the company’s performance vehicles and motorsports plan. We wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career,” said a Ford Spokesman in a written statement.

Capito during his eleven-year tenure over at Ford oversaw the performance divisions in Europe and the U.S. From 2001 - 2009, Capito was the head Ford's RS division. He oversaw development of first and second generation Focus RS and motorsports efforts. After 2009, Capito was promoted to director of Global Performance Vehicles where he played a role in the resurgence of Ford's SVT Group. Vehicles like the Raptor, GT500, and the upcoming Focus and Fiesta ST were done under his watch.

The question now is will Ford's SVT group continue on with this roll of dynamic and exciting vehicles or will we enter a dry spell.

Source: Car & Driver

UPDATE: We now know where Jost Capito is heading to. On May 1st, he will become the head of Volkswagen Motorsport. In his new role, Capito will oversee Volkswagen's WRC effort.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

Wolfsburg, March 29, 2012 – Jost Capito (53) is to head Volkswagen Motorsport effective May 1, 2012. He takes over from Kris Nissen (51), who will support his successor during the transition phase and subsequently assist the Group in an advisory capacity.

Jost Capito moves to the Volkswagen Group from Ford Motor Company USA. He has decades of experience in motorsport; among other things, he was involved in Formula 1 and was also co-pilot and winner in the truck category of the Paris-Dakar Rally. The engineering graduate began his career in 1984 as a development engineer for BMW's high-performance engines. Capito joined Porsche in 1989, first heading the Porsche Carrera Cup Organisation and later overseeing all Porsche brand racing championship campaigns. He held executive posts at Sauber Petronas Engineering from 1996 to 2001 and was Chief Operating Officer of the Sauber Red Bull Formula 1 team from 1998. Capito moved to Ford at the end of 2001 where he latterly held responsibility for Ford's global performance vehicle business and for motorsports strategy.

Kris Nissen (51) has been Director of Volkswagen Motorsport since 2003 and won important motorsport victories for Volkswagen during his tenure. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand with responsibility for 'Development', thanked Nissen for his achievements: "Mr. Nissen has taken Volkswagen Motorsport a long way forward and led the Motorsport team during the most successful phase in its history so far. He was instrumental in Volkswagen's double victory at the 2009 Dakar Rally and helped write motorsport history with the one-two-three podium finishes in 2010 and 2011."

---

Drew Dowdell - March 28th, 2012 - CheersandGears.com

Ford unveiled a new Explorer Sport today equipped with a 350+ horsepower Ecoboost V6 and four-wheel drive. Specifically targeting the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi, Ford is anticipating the the Explorer Sport to have an advantage of 3mpg city and 2mpg highway over the Jeep and Dodge.

The Explorer Sport gains additional chassis reinforcement and larger brakes that both improves handling and maintains the Explorer's 5,000 pound tow rating.

Styling changes include package specific 20 inch machined wheels, a special grill with low-gloss mesh combined with high-gloss bars and the Explorer name spelled out in raised letters across the hood.

The 2013 Explorer Sport will be manufactured at Ford's Chicago facility and will be available for sale later this year.

Press release on page 2

---

New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine

• Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year, featuring EcoBoost^® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered, high-performance sport utility vehicles
  
• Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned suspension components
  

DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost^® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System^™, Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and out.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

Power, capability, fuel efficiency

Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

Ford’s newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent.

“Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered, high-performance, three-row SUVs,” Widmann said.

Subtle, sporty design elements

Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

• 4WD with Terrain Management System
  
• Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
  
• 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
  
• Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
  
• First-row heated seats
  
• Compass and exterior temperature display
  
• Rear view camera
  
• SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® driver connect technology
  
• Sony^® Premium Audio System with HD Radio^™ and 12 speakers
  

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well:

• Active park assist
  
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert
  
• Inflatable rear seat belts
  
• 110-volt outlet
  
• PowerFold mirrors
  
• Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
  
• Remote Start
  
• Adjustable pedals with memory
  
• Dual-panel moonroof
  
• Power liftgate
  
• Class III trailer-towing package
  

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 9, 2012

Last week, Ford released a teaser picture of their new F-Series Super Duty hiding under a bed sheet. Ford didn't say much except there would be another model added to the lineup and it would be revealed on March 9th. Well its March 9th and the internet didn't pull a surprise reveal during the run up. So, ladies and gentlemen, the new 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty.

So aside from the front grill that seems to grow larger every year, what is the big news? Well it isn't with the powertrains. It happens to be the new model, the Platinum. The Platinum will will offer a slew of new standard features including SYNC, MyFord Touch, navigation, rear view camera, Remote Start System, power-telescoping mirrors and power-adjustable pedals.

Speaking of MyFord Touch, the F-Series Super Duty will get a version of SYNC with MyFord Touch that offers tactile button controls and large rotating knobs to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves. SYNC with MyFord Touch will be standard on the Platinum and optional on the Lariat and above models.

The 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty arrives at your local Ford dealer later this year.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty brings no-compromise truck luxury to the market with the first-ever Platinum heavy-duty pickup, complete with unique design cues inside and out
  

• Super Duty Platinum will offer a wealth of standard features including SYNC^®, MyFord Touch^®, navigation, rear view camera, Remote Start System, power-telescoping mirrors and power-adjustable pedals
  

• For the first time, the 2013 F-Series Super Duty will also be available with a truck-specific version of SYNC with MyFord Touch, offering tactile button controls and large rotating knobs to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves
  

DEARBORN, Mich., March 9, 2012 – Ford F-Series Super Duty customers demand a truck with toughness and capability, yet they still appreciate the amenities that make their driving experience more enjoyable. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty offers both, with a first-ever Platinum series model and the addition of SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^®.

“The F-Series Super Duty Platinum is the latest expression of Built Ford Tough truck luxury,” said Brian Rathsburg, F-Series Super Duty Marketing manager. “It has a distinct appearance and a long list of features to deliver a superior experience. Along with that, it has all of the capability F-Series trucks are famous for.”

Building on the success of the F-150 Platinum light-duty series that debuted in 2009, the F-Series Super Duty Platinum offers customers the ultimate in truck luxury.

Ford pioneered the high-end luxury truck segment in 1999 when it introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2003 the first King Ranch Super Duty arrived, followed by the 2004 Harley-Davidson Super Duty. Today, Ford sells a rich mix of high-end Lariat and King Ranch Super Duty models; the new Platinum will further meet the growing luxury needs of customers and dealers.

Available only in the Super Duty crew cab, it can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 pickup and with the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® diesel engine or the 6.2-liter V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum is lavished in chrome, including the door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts round out the stunning exterior design of the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior showcases luxury in the form of unique wood grain appliqués. The steering wheel is heated and leather-wrapped, with genuine wood accents. The instrument panel, center stack and door trims are wrapped in premium wood grain. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other evidence of fine craftsmanship includes the seats and floor mats, which feature the embroidered “Platinum” logo.

Other standard features include:

• SYNC with MyFord Touch
  
• Navigation System
  
• Power-adjustable pedals
  
• Rear view camera
  
• Remote Start System
  
• Universal garage door opener
  
• Power-telescoping mirrors
  

Super Duty Platinum is available in Ruby Red, Kodiak Brown, Tuxedo Black, Ingot Silver and White Platinum. Interior color offerings include Pecan and Midnight Black. Another new exterior color, Blue Jean Metallic, will be available for Super Duty models other than Platinum.

Working harder and smarter

Unlike the past when a truck was often little more than a spartan work vehicle, today’s truck customers won’t compromise, and they expect capability, efficiency and refinement. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty eliminates any thought of compromise.

Standard Ford SYNCbrings award-winning voice-controlled connectivity into the cab of the most capable heavy-duty trucks available. With SYNC, Super Duty drivers can connect compatible mobile phones and media players via Bluetooth^® or USB to make calls and play back music using voice control. In addition, drivers will get access to Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist^®, both no-charge lifetime features, and SYNC Services including traffic alerts, business search and more – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack. For video of MyFord Touch in Super Duty, click

.

The latest example of F-Series leadership in truck design, innovation and technology can be found in the 2013 Super Duty Platinum, available later this year.

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 22, 2012

Ford is using next month's Geneva Motor Show to show off a passenger van concept. Called the Tourneo Custom concept, this previews the next generation Transit van.

Before we go any further, we would like to point out this isn't the Transit we're getting in North America. The Tourneo Custom concept is previewing the next generation of front-wheel-drive, passenger-friendly Transit for Europe and other world markets. The version for North America will based off of the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive Transit that's set to debut later this year.

Now with that cleared up, lets get back to the Tourneo. The Tourneo exhibits many cues of Ford's kinect design language. The front end has trapezoidal grill and large, tear-drop headlamp housings.

Step inside the Tourneo and you'll notice a eight-seat configuration trimmed in leather and cloth, SYNC, and a dash layout similar to the Focus and Fiesta.

Engines will range from 100, to 125, to 155 horsepower and mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• Ford Tourneo Custom Concept makes global debut at Geneva Motor Show to showcase a dramatic new look and preview introduction of an all-new family of one-ton Ford Transit people movers and commercial vehicles for Europe and Asia
  
• The dynamic and contemporary Tourneo Custom Concept adopts the same Kinetic Design language as Ford's latest passenger cars to take a fresh approach to space, style and functionality and target a new generation of Tourneo customers
  
• Stylish eight-seat concept brings new energy to personal use, lifestyle and executive shuttle sectors; car-like dynamics and comfort brought together through a driver-focused cockpit and all-new luxurious interior design
  
• Multi-adjustable and removable rear seating can be adapted for business or leisure pursuits while innovative technologies include SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with Emergency Assistance
  
• Concept features state-of-the-art driver assist systems, and latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies help target best-in-class fuel economy
  

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 23, 2012 – The dynamic new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, bringing a new level of energy and style to the European personal use vehicle segment.

Previewing the introduction of a completely new range of people movers, with commercial vehicles to follow, the Tourneo Custom Concept showcases a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style, functionality and space.

"One look at the Tourneo Custom Concept is enough to tell you that it will inject an exciting new spirit into the personal use segment," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. "Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands.

"We are excited to present this significant new concept in Geneva. The Tourneo Custom's car-like qualities will be appreciated by a broad range of business and leisure customers, and this is a fitting venue to present the vehicle for the first time."

The Tourneo Custom Concept will preview of a host of exciting new features, which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal.

These include an all-new interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and high-quality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car.

The Concept also showcases a number of smart innovations including multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, advanced SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with Emergency Assistance feature, and the latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies.

Dramatic new design language

The Tourneo Custom Concept communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford's commercial vehicle range, which will be introduced later in 2012.

With its advanced, streamlined appearance, the concept vehicle embodies the same dynamic character as Ford's Kinetic Design passenger cars – generating the strong sense of movement, even when the vehicle is standing still.

"We set out to create a design with clean, futuristic lines and with a real sense of occasion," explained Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe.

"With its sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line and flush glazing, the Tourneo Custom Concept brings something fresh and exciting to this class of people mover.

"By applying the latest Kinetic Design principles, the design has a completely new style and drama," he added.

Signature Kinetic Design features helps give the Tourneo Custom Concept its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line, prominent wheel lips and window lines with the distinctive kick at the rear.

The concept is further enhanced by a number of stylish details from the chrome grille surround and striking LED lighting on the front-end, to the dynamic looks of the 18-inch alloy wheels.

Luxurious car-like interior

Bringing a whole new level of car-like style and sophistication to the personal use segment, the Tourneo Custom Concept features an all-new interior design.

"We wanted to give the driver, and the rear seat passengers, an interior which has the same standards of design and quality they would experience in a modern multi-seat saloon car, but with ample space for people and luggage" explained Campbell.

"From its modern, driver-focused cockpit, to the luxurious rear cabin finished in leather, the Tourneo Custom Concept shows that interiors in this class can be both functional and attractive."

The stylish, sculpted instrument panel is orientated around the driver, and features technologies which are closely-related to those in Ford's car range. Like the exterior, the interior follows the same Kinetic Design approach as the latest passenger cars, such as in the taut wing-like section of the upper instrument panel.

Occupants in the rear are surrounded by space and luxury, with a fully-trimmed cabin which incorporates bold Kinetic Design detailing on the side panels which are linked to the graphical themes from the front.

The rear seats themselves are a completely new design, which can be easily folded into multiple configurations, or removed completely. This enables the interior to be easily tailored to suit business or leisure pursuits.

In the concept vehicle, the luxurious and spacious feel of the interior is further enhanced by an exclusive two-tone colour scheme, featuring hand-stitched leather seats with attractive cloth inserts.

Smart New Features

The Tourneo Custom Concept highlights that customers in the personal use market can expect the same high levels of technology which are enjoyed by Ford car drivers.

Among the smart, innovative features included on the concept are:

• ECOnetic Technologies – Ford's advanced low-CO2 features including Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging
  
• SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and controlled using voice control
  
• Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
  
• Advanced restraint system – including driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
  
• Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror
  
• Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features to alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel
  

To ensure that this enhanced specification is complemented by outstanding performance and fuel economy, the concept is powered by a further improved 155 PS version of Ford's 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine family.

The Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform which has been engineered to deliver car-like dynamics, including agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise-levels.

"Customers in the personal use market are demanding much higher levels of technology, performance and handling," said Barry Gale, chief engineer, Ford of Europe. "This concept shows that we are taking those demands very seriously, and that customers can expect a rewarding and car-like driving experience."

New Generation of Ford Commercial Vehicles

The debut of the Tourneo Custom Concept has added significance in heralding the arrival of a completely new generation of Ford commercial vehicles. The full range of models will be revealed during 2012.

Kicking off this major series of introductions, the Tourneo Custom Concept itself highlights a new family of Ford people movers and one-tonne vans which will be launched in Europe and other global markets, but will not be sold in North America.

"The imminent arrival of an all-new people mover and van is an exciting moment for us," said Gale. "The new model gives us plenty to talk about, and we look forward to sharing more details very soon."

This new range will be powered by enhanced versions of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which was initially introduced in 2011; with Auto-Stop-Start technology fitted as standard, Ford is targeting best-in-class fuel economy.

Three power ratings will be available: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. All versions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission and feature front-wheel drive.

The model range will include a wide choice of body styles and two wheelbases (SWB and LWB) allowing for extra luggage or goods capability where required.

Ford will be presenting larger and higher payload Transits later in 2012. These models will be sold globally, including North America, and will also feature rear-wheel-drive.

"2012 is a tremendously significant year for Ford as we begin the roll-out of a completely new range of commercial vehicles," said Odell. "Our market-leading commercials have established a tremendous reputation for value and durability, and our new range is destined to raise this to a new level."

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 9, 2012

Today, Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally announced that two key executives will step down from their positions in April. The two executives are Derrick Kuzak, Ford's head of global product development and Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Kuzak has been in his current role since 2006 and is one of the people instrumental in creating "One Ford", the plan to develop cars on single global platforms with only cosmetic changes to account for local tastes. Kuzak is also responsible for the increase in measured quality.

Booth a 34-year veteran of Ford, was tapped in 2008 as the CFO. His tenure included playing a key role in selling off the Premier Automotive Group brands – Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin. Booth also handled the finance department during Ford's resurgence to profitability.

Stepping in their places will be Raj Nair, currently Ford's head of engineering and Bob Shanks, Ford's vice president and controller.

Ford also announced that former Utah Governor and Presidential candidate, John Huntsman Jr. will become a member of the board of directors.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

• Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has elected to retire effective April 1, after a 34-year career
  
• Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, has elected to retire effective April 1, after a 33-year career
  
• Booth will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, currently vice president and Controller
  
• Kuzak will be succeeded by Raj Nair, currently vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced that Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, have elected to retire effective April 1. Each has served the automaker for more than 30 years.

Booth, 63, will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, who is currently vice president and Controller. Kuzak, 60, will be succeeded by Raj Nair, who is currently vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development. Shanks and Nair assume their new positions April 1.

In addition to these changes, Ford is announcing the following moves, also effective April 1:

• Stuart Rowley, 44, currently chief financial officer, Ford of Europe, has been elected a company officer and will succeed Shanks as vice president and Controller
  
• Hau Thai-Tang, 45, currently executive director, Global Product Programs, has been elected a company officer and will succeed Nair as vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development
  

“Lewis Booth and Derrick Kuzak represent the very best of Ford and our culture and built a legacy of leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence that will benefit us for years to come,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “Lewis and Derrick were absolutely integral to the comeback of Ford and they are retiring with our deepest respect and gratitude.”

Finance Changes

Booth, a native of Liverpool, England, who was trained as both an accountant and engineer, rose up through the company in a series of financial and operational jobs, including working in Ford’s product development, manufacturing and vehicle operations departments in North America. Booth went on to lead operations for Ford in South Africa and Mazda before being tapped to head Ford of Europe and the Premier Automotive Group, Ford’s former family of European premium brands.

In late 2008, a week after the collapse of Lehman Brothers triggered a financial crisis, Booth returned to Dearborn as the company’s chief financial officer.

Under his leadership, the Ford treasury and finance teams executed a series of complex moves to shore up Ford's liquidity and reduce debt. Over the last three years, Ford has significantly strengthened its balance sheet, improving its net cash level by $20 billion. The company also has seen its credit rating improve six notches to one level below investment grade. In addition, the dividend is being restored and the company has begun derisking the pension plans.

“Lewis brought to his role as chief financial officer a unique blend of financial and operational experience,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “He has helped fully implement the One Ford plan by supporting a fully-funded product plan and delivering a profitably growing Ford for the good of all of us.”

Booth began his career with Ford in 1978 as a financial analyst in Product Development for Ford of Europe. Since that time, he has been known not only for his financial and operational expertise but also for his passion for people and products.

“During my 34 years at Ford, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the company’s operations on three continents as well as head up our talented Finance team,” Booth said. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’m honored to have had the privilege to play a key role in the company’s turnaround and to have worked with outstanding people in the Ford team around the world.”

In his new role, Shanks, 59, will assume direct responsibility for the company’s financial operations, including the Controller’s Office, Treasury and Ford Motor Credit Company. He will report to Mulally.

“Bob is a terrific leader,” Mulally said. “He has been a wonderful partner to the leadership team in the implementation and institutionalization of the One Ford plan. His deep experience in finance, combined with his global perspective will allow us to continue to deliver an exciting profitably growing Ford.”

Since joining Ford as an accounts receivable analyst in 1977, Shanks has held a variety of leadership positions including serving as Controller for The Americas, head of Operations Support, Finance and Strategy for Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group (PAG), chief financial officer for PAG and chief financial officer for Mazda Motor Corporation. In addition to other finance positions within Mazda, North America and South America, he led the finance function in Taiwan’s Ford Lio Ho Motor Company and business development activities in Ford's Asia-Pacific operations.

Shanks holds a bachelor's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master's degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management.

Rowley joined Ford in 1990 as a financial analyst for Ford of Britain and has served as the CFO and Vice President Strategic Planning of Ford Europe since August 2010. Previously, he served as CFO and Senior Vice President of Volvo Car Corporation and as Vice President Finance Ford Australia in addition to finance management positions in the Philippines, North America and Europe.

Product Development Changes

Kuzak, a native of Michigan, led the creation of the One Ford global product cycle plan, defining the company’s vehicle DNA for Ford and Lincoln, transforming Ford’s global product development system, leading platform consolidation across key global vehicle segments, and driving the company’s fuel efficiency, technology, and quality leadership to unprecedented heights.

“Derrick’s commitment to product excellence and continuous improvement has allowed Ford to deliver to our customers the industry’s freshest showroom with a complete family of best-in-class products,” said Mulally. “At the same time, he prioritized the development of the next generation of talented, experienced product leaders who will continue to deliver for our global customers.”

Kuzak was appointed to his current role in December 2006. Before serving as global product development chief, Kuzak served in a variety of leadership positions in Europe and The Americas.

He began his career with Ford in 1978 as a research engineer. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit, where he also earned a doctorate in systems engineering.

In 2010, Kuzak also was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the highest and most prestigious award in the engineering community.

“It has been an honor to work with so many talented men and women to develop for customers so many meaningful vehicles during the past 33 years,” Kuzak said. “The most rewarding accomplishment is to see all of our teams working together around the world to deliver vehicles in each region that are now consistently great to look at, great to sit in and fun to drive – with bold, emotive designs and fuel economy as a reason to buy.”

In his new role, Nair, 47, will assume direct responsibility for all aspects of Ford Motor Company’s product development system. He will report to Mulally. As Kuzak did before him, Nair also will report to Mark Fields, executive vice president of the company and president of The Americas for North American product development.

“Raj is the right leader to build on what has been accomplished to date,” Mulally said. “He understands the potential of moving to global platforms with our One Ford plan and he is committed to continuing to serve the world’s customers with best-in-class cars and trucks. In addition, Raj understands how to lead skilled and motivated professionals and further encourage working together around the world.”

Since joining Ford as a Body and Assembly launch engineer in 1987, Nair has held a variety of leadership positions in Europe, Asia Pacific Africa and The Americas, including vice president of Operations for Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa region, executive director of Commodity Business Planning, executive director, North American Product Development and director of New Model Programs for Advanced & Manufacturing Engineering.

Nair holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with an automotive specialty from Kettering University in Flint, Mich., and was named the recipient of the 2007 Kettering Alumni Achievement Award in Engineering.

Thai-Tang joined Ford in 1988 as a college graduate trainee. In addition to serving in his current role since January 2011, Thai-Tang previously served as the director of product development for Ford South America as well as the director of Advanced Product Creation and Special Vehicle Teams (SVT). Prior to that, he was the chief nameplate engineer for the Ford Mustang. His Ford experience also includes an assignment in Germany, as well as working with Ford Racing as part of the company’s CART program. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Ford Motor Company announced today the election of Jon M. Huntsman Jr. to the company’s Board of Directors effective immediately.

Huntsman, 51, is chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, a Utah-based cancer charity. The former Republican candidate for president of the United States has served in numerous public and private positions around the world, most recently as the United States Ambassador to China.

“Jon brings to Ford’s board of directors extensive global knowledge and experience – particularly in Asia with trade issues – and operational experience gained as governor of Utah, a state that has grown jobs even during the economic crisis,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “Jon understands the importance of strengthening the country’s manufacturing base, which will contribute to our success going forward.”

Huntsman was twice elected Governor of Utah, serving from 2005 to 2009. His public service career began as a White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan and has since included appointments as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative.

He is a founding director of the Pacific Council on International Policy and has served on various boards such as the Brookings Institute Asia Policy Board, the Center for Strategic and International Studies Pacific Forum, the Asia Society in New York and the National Bureau of Asian Research.

Huntsman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has six honorary doctorate degrees.

---

December 19th, 2011 - "black-knight" - CheersandGears.com

As we've mentioned before, teaser shots are all the rage these days with automakers. Defining details of future production and concept cars are deliberately hidden and buried by very low lighting -- such has become a signature hallmark of these photographs. Ford, though, is taking another direction for their latest teaser, this time of their upcoming EcoSport concept.

Instead of a profile, front three-quarter, or rear three-quarter sketch or photograph that you can barely make out, Ford simply took a head-on shot of the car and cropped it to reveal part of the grille and a headlight, as well as the tumblehome of the glasshouse. They actually left the lighting alone for this one and what's left to look at in the photo appears to pretty much be standard-spec Ford design.

Don't bother looking for the EcoSport at the Detroit Auto Show next month, though, because chances are Ford probably won't sell it here. Instead, look for this Fiesta-based small crossover to take a bow at the upcoming Dalhi Auto Expo in India and appear in the European and Central and South American markets in addition to the Indian market where it will replace the European Fusion and a Fusion-based crossover of the same name.

The press release from Ford is on page two.

---

Ford to Preview All-New Global Vehicle at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Ford will use Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi for the global preview of an all-new vehicle, providing the first glimpse of another next-generation vehicle for India and other global markets

Ford's all-new vehicle will join a showcase of 12 vehicles on display to capture the attention of customers

The Ford stand will use the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers

NEW DELHI, India, Dec. 19, 2011 – Visitors to the Ford stand at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi next month will get the first glimpse of an all-new vehicle planned for introduction in India and other global markets in the near future. With expected attendance of 1.4 million visitors, Auto Expo 2012 is an ideal location to showcase the newest Ford product.

This next-generation vehicle will take centre stage on Ford's high-tech and interactive stand, which will cover roughly 1,400 square meters. Highlights planned for Auto Expo 2012 include comprehensive safety and quality displays, a 3D theater, live shows and a crowd-sourced, interactive driving game.

The new vehicle will be the latest One Ford global product, a vehicle designed to help expand Ford's footprint in the world's fastest-growing auto markets, including India. It will be the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.

Fleet of Ford Vehicles on Display

Also on the Ford stand will be the Ford Figo, the All-New Fiesta, the Ford Classic and the Ford Endeavour.

The Figo has already sold around 130,000 units since its launch in March 2010. While the Figo has only been in the Indian market for a short time, it has become the country's most awarded car ever, and has garnered industry-wide recognition as a great value-for-money vehicle, which is exported to close to 30 international markets.

The Ford Classic, as it is known today, has established a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning more than 120,000 customers with its on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency, while the Ford Endeavour is a popular all-action SUV.

The All-New Ford Fiesta four-door sedan, soon to be available with the new best-in-class PowerShift automatic transmission, also will be on display. A premium offering in the B-car segment, it is another positive step in Ford's strategy to bring the latest technology to customers in India. Compared to traditional four-speed automatics, the PowerShift transmission can improve fuel economy by up to 9 percent, depending on the vehicle.

Ford Stand Bursting With Activity

The Ford stand will take advantage of the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers.

A major highlight will be allowing the audience to take control of a vehicle on a large LED screen – virtually. Using a motion-sensing camera, the crowd will collectively be able to control the vehicle as it rolls along the road, and unlock information at each bend. The display will prompt the crowd to lean left and right during a short drive as it shows highlights of the route.

Photos from this event will be taken during each game and uploaded to a Facebook gallery, where visitors can tag themselves.

Ford also will have a Figo Theatre that allows customers to sit inside the car and watch a film played on a plasma television in front of the windscreen. The video will explain the Figo's Smart technologies.

Another theatre, in 3D, will showcase the technologies Ford takes advantage of in designing, developing and engineering its vehicles. Guests will navigate a virtual car interior under the guidance of a Ford engineer.

A Quality Touch Table will provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles, while a Green Touch Table will demonstrate the long-term value of Ford's green technology, delivering on Ford's commitment to provide customers with low total cost of ownership.

A Fiesta body shell also will be on display, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the engineering features that make the Fiesta safe, sturdy and secure on the road.

Guests will be entertained by a local magician who will perform on the stand, telling Ford's safety stories in a fun way.

Auto Expo 2012 runs from January 7-11 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.