Articles: Articles

Ford Releases More Info On Focus Electric, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:28:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 14, 2011

Ford is making the hybrid and electric market a bit more exciting with some recent announcements today with their new Focus Electric, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi models.

Starting with Focus Electric, Ford says it will be "the first all-electric vehicle to achieve a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating." However, the Mitsubishi i EV gets 112 MPGe on the EPA combined cycle, thus beating the Focus Electric? Kind of; the Mitsubishi i EV can only seat four people while the Focus Electric can seat five, thus the Focus Electric can keep it's title.

Ford also says the charging time of the Focus Electric is about 3 to 4 hours when plugged into a 240V charger. That's in part to some new battery charging technology.

Then we come to the C-Max Hybrid and Energi models. Ford says the C-Max Hybrid will get "better fuel economy than Toyota Prius V." The C-Max Energi is expected to have "miles per gallon equivalent rating in electric mode better than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid" and travel a full 500 miles on a single tank of fuel. If so, that would eclipse the Chevrolet Volt's 310 mile range.

Press Release is on Page 2

Ford Introduces Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected; Nearly a Third of Lineup Now Offers 40-mpg Model

Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
Nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012
Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets
C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America

Visit the Ford Electrified Vehicles Media Site for more information.

WAYNE, Mich., Dec. 14, 2011 – Ford’s world-class Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger, all-electric car to achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating.

Focus Electric also is the first of its kind to feature faster charging, which will halve Nissan Leaf’s time to fully recharge the battery and help drivers to more than double the expected single-charge range in a busy day of driving and recharging.

The car headlines Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company’s commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

“The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Whether people want a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.”

Even with relatively stable gas prices, fuel economy is the top purchase consideration for new vehicles. Nearly 45 percent of customers say fuel economy is their top consideration based on a Ford survey of Americans in 36 cities this fall. Styling is the next consideration, with only 16 percent of study participants saying it is their top purchase driver.

Ford’s rollout of electrified vehicles began in December 2010 with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford’s other 40-mpg vehicles include:

Focus SE
Fiesta
Focus Electric
C-MAX Hybrid
C-MAX Energi
Three vehicles yet to be announced

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents on the hybrid technology used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Faster charging

Focus Electric is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. Its expected 100 MPGe is better than Chevrolet Volt and all electric vehicles with seating for five.

It will be the first electrified vehicle to offer faster charging with 240-volt outlets, which can be installed in customer homes. The battery can be recharged in just more than three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 30 miles per charge hour – so they can more than double the vehicle’s range with multiple charging stops during a busy day of driving.

A unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, will help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

Elec-tech

Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch^® driver connect system especially for electric vehicles and a smartphone app called MyFord^® Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback is designed to deliver real driving enjoyment as well. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver steps on the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph.

The Focus Electric is a dynamic driver’s car, sharing the steering, handling and braking feel with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it’s based. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets also include Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

MAXimum efficiency

The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are Ford’s first compact multi-activity vehicles (MAVs) in North America and offer high mileage and low emissions as well as a distinctive design and flexible interior.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the company’s next-generation powersplit hybrid technology in combination with a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system. Both models provide maximum fuel efficiency by pairing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This technology enables the gasoline engine to run less than the previous generation.

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver better MPGe in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, like the Focus Electric, have been engineered and built to deliver engaging driving dynamics and technologies. In addition, C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric will offer MyFord Touch and MyFord Mobile, designed to make charging and driving the vehicle even more efficient, affordable and easier to live with.

Hybrid transmission leader

When C-MAX Hybrid launches, Ford becomes North America’s largest maker of hybrid transmissions.

Ford engineered the transmission and upgraded the controls with a goal of creating the industry’s highest-performing and smoothest-operating hybrid transmission. Among the hybrid transmission’s innovations:

Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds
A new, super-efficient cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive
Optimized gear ratios enabling improvement in fuel economy
More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive
Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy

This is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Production is moving from a supplier in Japan to the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., which also will assemble battery packs for Ford’s hybrid and electric vehicles.

Building green vehicles cleaner

Ford completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., into an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability.

With the new electrified vehicles and the new Focus ST performance model also coming in 2012, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is the first facility in the world capable of building a full array of vehicles – gas-powered, EcoBoost^®, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – all on the same production line.

The plant also features one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state as well as several electric vehicle charging stations, allowing the facility to operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity.

Renewable energy collected by the solar panels directly feeds the energy-efficient microgrid, helping power the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the stored solar energy will provide power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Projected energy cost savings are approximately $160,000 per year.

The plant also has 10 electric vehicle charging stations that recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities – saving an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.

Plus, 50 percent of the parts arriving for the all-new Focus are packed in cardboard, are carefully collected, sorted and recycled, as is the bubble wrap, the Styrofoam and the water bottles used by employees.

Ford Unveils The Boss 302SX Concept

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Ford is thinking about expanding their track car lineup which includes the Boss 302S and 302R. At the recent Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando, FL., Ford quietly introduced the 302SX concept.

Ford says the 302SX is the “ultimate track day car” and slots in between the Boss 302S and the Boss 302R race cars.

Outside, the 302SX carries many cues from the refreshed 2013 Boss 302 including a more aggressive front end, vented hood and 1970-style graphics, along with a more aggressive front splitter and adjustable rear wing.

Under the hood lies a 5.0L V-8 producing 500 HP and goes through a six speed manual from the Boss 302R. The 302SX also comes equipped with a fully adjustable coilover suspension, adjustable front and rear sway bars, camber/caster plates, limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and racing slicks

Inside, Ford ripped out all of the interior and put in a six-point rollcage, lightweight seats, a quick release steering wheel, and a system to record lap times.

Source: Mustangs Daily

Ford Flex Gets Funkier For LA Auto Show

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Ford is going towards a more funky look for the refreshed Flex Crossover making its debut at the LA Auto Show next week.

The front end gets a a more rounded fascia, new headlights, grill treatment, and Flex lettering on the hood. Around back, the Flex gets a revised tailgate.

Inside, the Flex gets a new dash and instrument cluster that includes the lastest version of MyFordTouch. Other interior changes include pushbutton start, rain sensing wipers and the addition of more safety features including optional rear inflatable seatbelts and a good amount of collision-avoidance technologies.

Powertrains for the 2013 Flex include a more powerful 3.5L V6 packing 20 more horsepower for 285. Mileage also improves for the 3.5L with the FWD model getting 18/25 mpg (city/highway) and the AWD model getting 17/24 mpg . The optional 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 stays the same.

The 2013 Flex arrives at your local Ford dealer next spring.

Press Release is on Page 2

New Ford Flex Brings More Technology, Better Fuel Economy, Modern Sophistication to Seven-Passenger Crossover

The latest three-row, seven-passenger Ford Flex offers comfort and advanced technology in a distinctive package, including sleek new front end and modern interior
New Flex features the latest MyFord Touch® system, new safety and driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) as well as push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist
Under the hood, Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 20 more horsepower and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy, or the popular and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 8, 2011 – Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love next year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.

“Flex appeals to people who want to stand out from the crowd and has the highest retention rate of any vehicle in the Ford lineup,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.”

The seven-passenger, three-row crossover – which debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month – comes equipped with the new generation of MyFord Touch, rear inflatable belts, collision-avoidance technologies, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, first-row heated and cooled seats, power-fold mirrors and an optional new Appearance Package. Plus, the base 3.5-liter engine is projected to deliver 1 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and in the city, with 20 more horsepower.

Enhanced technology

The new Flex features SYNC® with the new generation of MyFord Touch®, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings.

“We’ve listened to our customers and have improved what they love about MyFord Touch,” said Kenneth Williams, systems integration engineer. “In this upgrade, the screens have a cleaner, clearer display. The words on the screens are larger and easier to read, the pressable areas on the screen look more like buttons, and we have made the functions clearer for faster navigation.

“What separates MyFord Touch is that there are multiple ways for customers to manage and control what they want through voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel controls, touch screen, buttons or knobs – whatever they prefer.”

MyFord Touch includes two 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster and an eight-inch screen in the center stack. The feature pairs with the latest version of SYNC.

The base SYNC package includes:

Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player
911 Assist™, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service

Enhanced safety and driver-aid technology

The new Flex is equipped with the automotive world’s first production rear inflatable belts to offer improved comfort and protection for rear seat passengers. Last month, this safety innovation was named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine’s seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Advances in airbag inflation and safety belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

The new second-row belts operate like traditional safety belts in everyday use and inflate when sensors indicate a collision event. Each belt’s tubular airbag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

The new Flex also boasts available radar-enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert. These technologies help drivers avoid potential accidents using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

The ACC technology uses advanced radar to scan for vehicles in front of Flex at 20 times per second. The sensor can detect vehicles up to 150 yards away and detect speed changes as small as ¼ mph. When the system is activated, it functions like normal cruise control with the exception of being able to slow down the car when vehicles in front are detected to be slowing down. When traffic has cleared, the vehicle resumes the set speed. Four distance settings accommodate a range of driving styles and road conditions. The driver can set distance, speed and the time gap between vehicles.

Fuel economy bolstered by engines, technologies

Under the hood, Flex’s new base engine delivers even more efficiency and performance with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to the 3.5-liter V6.

The upgraded 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine provides 285 horsepower – an approximate 20 horsepower increase from the previous engine – and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Flex also is projected to deliver 1 mpg more fuel economy, with projected fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

This efficient V6 allows precise, variable control of valve overlap, or the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust valves in an engine are open at the same time. By adjusting overlap continuously, the engine can operate at optimum settings for peak fuel economy or peak power output as conditions demand.

The popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 remains on the new Flex, bringing the fuel economy of V6 engines with all-wheel-drive capability and V8-like performance of 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

A key contributor to EcoBoost fuel efficiency is direct injection of gasoline. This system precisely delivers a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder for optimal performance, economy and emissions.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic^® transmission.

The SelectShift advanced gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. With SelectShift with EcoBoost, paddle shifters are integrated into the steering wheel spokes. Intuitive to operate, a squeeze back on either paddle will deliver an upshift, while a gentle push forward on either paddle will induce a matched-rev downshift. SelectShift won’t second-guess the driver with an override shift; manual control is truly manually controlled. The thumb shift is new for 2013 with the standard engine models.

Both engines also are made more efficient with EPAS (electric power-assisted steering). EPAS improves fuel economy approximately 4 percent and reduces emissions while improving steering performance primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle’s battery, instead of engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.

In addition, the new Flex’s battery management system operates the vehicle’s power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The system:

Allows the alternator and system voltage to be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status
Provides feedback to the vehicle regarding battery condition for active load management and battery diagnostics
Monitors battery temperature (higher voltage in lower temperatures, lower voltage in higher temperatures), extending the battery life

Fresh new look, touches – inside and out

Flex’s new front end rounds out the previously boxy edges, creating more visual harmony between the front and the rest of the vehicle. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front, which now solely bears the Flex badge.

In the rear, Flex now has standard dual exhaust and available rear appliqué.

Inside the Flex customers will find a modern, sophisticated driver zone with new clusters, steering wheel and electronic finish panels, as well as new seat trim and foam.

Class-exclusives include the available second-row refrigerated console and the latest generation of MyFord Touch with SYNC.

Appearance Package and paint, wheel choices

Also new is an Appearance Package on Limited and SEL models that includes an available two-tone roof and mirrors, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats, unique door trim panels and other interior upgrades for a truly distinctive, premium look and feel.

The new Flex comes in nine exterior colors, including three new colors for the 2013 model year: Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. Customers also can choose from body-color roofs, or two-tone with white, gray or black available on the Appearance Package.

Six wheel styles are available for Flex as well.

Production

The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.New Ford Flex Brings More Technology, Better Fuel Economy, Modern Sophistication to Seven-Passenger Crossover

The latest three-row, seven-passenger Ford Flex offers comfort and advanced technology in a distinctive package, including sleek new front end and modern interior
New Flex features the latest MyFord Touch® system, new safety and driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) as well as push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist
Under the hood, Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 20 more horsepower and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy, or the popular and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine

Enhanced technology

The new Flex features SYNC® with the new generation of MyFord Touch®, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings.

MyFord Touch includes two 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster and an eight-inch screen in the center stack. The feature pairs with the latest version of SYNC.

The base SYNC package includes:

Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player
911 Assist™, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service

Enhanced safety and driver-aid technology

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Fuel economy bolstered by engines, technologies

Under the hood, Flex’s new base engine delivers even more efficiency and performance with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to the 3.5-liter V6.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic^® transmission.

In addition, the new Flex’s battery management system operates the vehicle’s power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The system:

Allows the alternator and system voltage to be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status
Provides feedback to the vehicle regarding battery condition for active load management and battery diagnostics
Monitors battery temperature (higher voltage in lower temperatures, lower voltage in higher temperatures), extending the battery life

Fresh new look, touches – inside and out

In the rear, Flex now has standard dual exhaust and available rear appliqué.

Inside the Flex customers will find a modern, sophisticated driver zone with new clusters, steering wheel and electronic finish panels, as well as new seat trim and foam.

Class-exclusives include the available second-row refrigerated console and the latest generation of MyFord Touch with SYNC.

Appearance Package and paint, wheel choices

Six wheel styles are available for Flex as well.

Production

The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

MyFordTouch Gets Freshened Up For 2013 & Existing Models

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:37:00 +0000

To say MyFordTouch has been on a rough road since it's introduction this year would be understatement. The system which uses a combination of capacitive controls and a touchscreen to control certain fuctions has been criticized by owners and reviews for many things.The system has also caused Ford's rating in the industry's leading quality indexes to drop. Now, the blue oval han announced an update for some of the issues with its system for 2013 models and existing models.

The big news comes in the form of a reworked interface for the touchscreen. Ford says they have reworked over a 1,000 screens in the MyFord Touch system by using larger, bolder fonts, making the designs more consistent, and removing low-priority elements while bringing the most frequently used controls closer to the driver. Response time has also improved with Ford saying the update makes the system two times faster.

The update also brings support for the Apple iPad, access to Audible.com audiobooks through voice commands or the touchscreen, improvements to the Bluetooth system, updated map experience from TeleNav and Navteq, and improved voice recognition.

The update will appear in Ford's 2013 models including the new Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus. Owners of existing models with MyFordTouch will be sent either a USB flash drive or can visit their Ford dealer to get the update around the same time.

Press Release and Video is on Page 2

Faster, Simpler, Better: MyFord Touch Upgrade Provides New and Existing Customers Enhancements and New Features

Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFordTouch® beginning with 2013 models – no-charge upgrade will be available to existing owners
Simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls are among the many enhancements to the voice-activated in-car connectivity system

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 7, 2011 – Ford customers said MyFord Touch® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback.

“SYNC® has clearly been a game-changing technology and now we’re changing the game again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto industry.”

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners.

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

Listening to customers

Since MyFord launched last fall, Ford has held four customer clinics in which hundreds of owners talked directly to Ford engineers about their experiences with the new technology. Owner feedback was clear and consistent, revealing that MyFord Touch was a key purchase reason.

A survey of 2011 Ford Edge owners shows that four of the top seven purchase reasons were elements of the MyFord Touch system: the touch screen, steering wheel controls, voice recognition and dashboard styling.

While owners reported that they love the system, there were distinct areas where they wanted improvements. Earlier this year, Ford started delivering on their requests, beginning with more instructions and information on how to best utilize the capabilities of the system.

Ford launched two programs modeled after what consumers experience when purchasing a new electronic device. First, the company added a new MyFord Touch owner support website featuring how-to videos at www.syncmyride.com. Second, free “SYNC My Ride” personalized training sessions for new owners are now offered through Ford dealers – scheduled at customers’ convenience.

“The keys to continuous improvement are simple: Listen, learn and respond. That’s how we’re going to keep our customers happy,” said Gary Jablonski, manager, SYNC Platform Development. “Evolving the software with meaningful enhanced features was part of our plan from the very beginning. It’s no different than the experience with our smartphones and laptop computers – except now, it’s your car that gets better.”

Upgrade your ride

All of the new improvements will be offered to existing owners of MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 and 2012 models of Ford Explorer and Edge and the 2012 Focus. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Lincoln MKX crossovers will also receive the upgrade for their MyLincoln Touch™ systems.

“We’re seizing the opportunity to continuously improve the Ford ownership experience, and revolutionize what it means to own a car,” said Reitz. “Introducing new technology is only one step in our journey to become known as a technology company. Consistently improving it based on what our customers are telling us marks another milestone in that journey.”

Early next year, owners located in the U.S. will be mailed a USB flash drive with the software upgrade for installation that they can do at their own convenience. If they prefer, owners may also visit their local Ford or Lincoln dealer for the software installation. The upgrade mailing will include instructions informing owners how to simply plug the USB flash drive into the MyFord Touch Media Hub’s USB port in order for installation to automatically begin.

New look

The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look.

“Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, User Interface Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.”

The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older.

New features

Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market.

Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system.

Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:

Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance

Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed
Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”
Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in parenthesis or brackets
Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

Tablet device compatibility

Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection

Audible.com audiobook support

Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ

Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks
views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images
Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

Phone compatibility

Automatic Bluetooth® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved
Noise and echo cancellation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

Gracenote® album cover art database

inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience
Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames

How Much For The Ford Focus Electric?

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Ford Focus Electric has appeared on the company's website configurator this week with a base price of $39,200 before state and federal incentives, plus an additional $795 for destination charges. Compared the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, the Focus Electric is the same price as the Volt ($39,995) and is $3,945 more than a base Nissan Leaf ($36,050).

So what do you get for your $39,995? Well, the Focus Electric comes with a electric motor producing 123 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque and is fed by a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery system. Power goes through a single speed transmission to the front wheels. Ford says the Focus Electric can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. A full charge can happen in 18-20 hours by a typical 120v outlet or 3-4 hours with a special 240v charger. Inside, MyFordTouch with Navigation, SYNC, Sony audio, push button start, and Ford's MyKey technology is standard.

Only three options are available: Blue Candy ($395) and White Platinum ($495) paint, as well as leather seats ($995) to replace the standard cloth seats.

Press Release is on page 2

Ford Opens Reservations for 2012 Focus Electric

2012 Focus electric is Ford’s first all-electric, 100% gas-free, passenger car and the first of five planned electrified vehicles
Detailed product specifications and virtually build and price available at online website:http://www.ford.com/...selectric/2012/
Ford Certified EV dealers in California and New York/New Jersey markets will begin taking first orders for the 2012 Focus Electric

SEATTLE, WA., Nov. 2, 2011 – Starting today, drivers that want to go completely gasoline-free will be able to configure the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric online at Ford.com and place their orders with a Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealer.

“Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company’s first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle – the Focus Electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company. “The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford’s overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric.”

Drivers interested in learning more about the 2012 Focus Electric will be able to see detailed product specs and virtually build and price one at a dedicated online website:http://www.ford.com/...selectric/2012/ starting Wednesday.

Focus Electric comes standard with: MyFord Touch with 8-inch touchscreen; two driver-configurable 4.2-inch color LCD displays in cluster for unique EV driving screens; MyFord™ Mobile App (for remotely monitoring and scheduling battery charging with owners’ smartphone as well as remote start); HID Headlamps; 17-inch aluminum wheels, ambient lighting, seats made from 100-percent recycled material; Rear Camera with Rear Parking Sensor; Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start; MyKey®; voice-activated Navigation System; Particulate Air Filter; hands-free SYNC® Bluetooth telephone connectivity with Traffic, Direction and Information Services; electronic traction control; Sony®-Branded audio with nine speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and HD Radio™.

The only options on well-equipped Focus Electrics are leather seats and two paint colors.

“Ford believes driving electric doesn’t mean consumers should have to sacrifice on driving experience or vehicle quality,” said D’Arcy. “The Focus Electric comes with more standard features than any other comparable all-electric vehicle.”

In addition to silently cruising past gas stations, Focus Electric drivers will never need oil changes or any of the other service required on gasoline engines. Focus Electric exclusively stores energy in an advanced lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack uses liquid-cooling to help ensure a long-life and optimal performance under all weather and driving conditions.

The Focus Electric’s battery can be recharged in just over three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Drivers also can top off the battery any standard 120-volt outlet using the included charging cord.

The online site also provides potential customers the ability to find the location of their nearest Ford Certified EV dealer so they can place their order.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey regions. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand next year to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets include: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Markets were chosen based on several criteria, including commuting patterns, existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification.

Power of choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.