Ford Blog
Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 yearsFiled under: Car Buying, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Canada 
2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Given the state of the market, the Ford Motor Company is on a bit of a roll right now. The Blue Oval posted an 11% decline in volume for June versus the same month in 2008; a far better number than nearly every competitor from Japan or Detroit. Ford also flat-out dominated the market in the Great White North, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker ranked number one in sales volume for the first time in 50 years.
Ford outpaced perennial market leader General Motors by a substantial (for Canada) 5,000 units. Ford posted 27,408 sales for the month; a 24.6% increase over June 2008. Toyota and Honda also were in the rear view mirror, as the Japanese stalwarts managed sales declines of 17%. Chrysler was a distant fifth place, as bankruptcy and an outdated product lineup conspired to sink sales by 58% verses June 2008. Overall sales in Canada were down 13% on the month.
Ford's increase in sales was due in part to a surprising 41% increase in CUV and SUV sales. The F-150 also posted a healthy 59% increase, with Ford's Edge was up 23%.
[Source: London Free Press]Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in AustraliaFiled under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Ford, Australia 
2011 Ford Verve spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Eagle-eyed spy shooters for Car Advice in Australia have managed to snap off a series of photos of a new entry-level Ford hatchback that's likely headed to emerging markets like India, Brazil and some areas in Europe. The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus. Click here for the rest of the shots.
[Source: caradvice.com.au]Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally carsFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchbacks, Ford 
Tanner Foust's 2009 Olsbergs MSE ROCKSTAR Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford knows better than most that the way into an American car buyer's heart is through motor racing, so the latest step in Ford's North American "Fiesta Movement" is the deployment of the compact hatchback which we've driven and enjoyed on several occasions on America's most popular rally circuits.
Following its entry in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Ford will be fielding a team of rally-prepped Fiestas in the upcoming X Games, the 15th running of the famous stunt competition and the first time Ford will participate. Piloting a trio of Fiestas prepared by the same Swedish MSE outfit that created Marcus Gronholm's rallycross car will be a star-studded line-up comprised of drift champion Tanner Foust, ten-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan and former Indy champion Kenny Brack. With that much talent behind the wheel, we'll look forward to the Fiesta Movement getting into motion at the games running in Los Angeles from July 30 to August 2. Details are available in the press release below the fold and a pair of sketches of the X Games Fiestas can be found in the gallery below.
Continue reading Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick ponyFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Videos, Dodge, Ford 
We love Ford Mustangs of all shapes and sizes, and the age-old adage of "the more power the better" definitely applies. Scott Vanderschoor, a regular on Bang Shift forums, is working on one hell of a pony car; one that carries the panache of a 'Stang and the power of a Dodge Viper - with a pair of turbochargers providing a little additional motivation. Unsurprisingly, Vanderschoor reportedly needed to move back the firewall a half foot to make room for the massive 8.4L V10 engine, but we're guessing the labor will pay off with some absolutely incredible power numbers.
Hit the jump to see Vanderschoor's big beast as it turns over on camera for the first time. The sound is a bit different than you'd expect from a typical Mustang V8 growl and we're guessing that it has a little more oomph under the hood than most pony cars on the road - even before Vanderschoor tuning gets sorted out. This is one Mustang project we're looking forward to seeing more of! Check out the gallery below in addition to the video after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Brian L!
[Source: Bang Shift]Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNext Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe?Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Ford 
2009 Ford Iosis Max concept - click above for high-res gallery
Since it first came to the market in 2000, Ford's Focus has been consistently lauded for its crisp "European handling," and thanks to a Ford of Europe press release yesterday, that bromide sounded like it was about to become truer than ever. The release in question announced that the next all-new Focus is to be sourced from a single location - the Blue Oval's Saarlouis Plant in Germany. Quite understandably, that proclamation caused a bit of consternation here in the States, with some news outlets reporting that North American Focus models will also originate from the German facility. Not so.
Autoblog spoke with Lincoln, Mercury communications manager Mark Schirmer this morning (despite his title, Schirmer has been tasked with preparing for the U.S. launch of the 2010 car) and he has re-confirmed that all North American Focus models will originate from a freshly renovated Wayne Assembly Plant in Michigan (something that Ford officials initially promised back in May).
The intention of FoE's confusingly worded statement was to note that Saarlouis is to be the single point of origin for all European Focus models. In addition to Saarlouis and Wayne, Ford will also likely produce the next Focus at a plant somewhere in Asia, but a location announcement has not yet been made.
Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSteeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED]Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford 
Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can't come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog.
This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At $8995 $6,995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it's one good looking pony car.
[Source: Muscular Mustangs]
*UPDATE: Steeda representatives have contacted Autoblog with correct information regarding the new Sport Edition, including a different, wallet-friendlier package price of $6,995 (the source article cited incorrect information). The full, official press release has been added after the jump.
Continue reading Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentseBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO]Filed under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Ford
1989 JBA Dominator GTA Mustang - Click above for an image gallery
The Fox body was hardly a high point in the history of the Ford Mustang. But every kingdom must have a king, and in the late-'80s and early-'90s this was it: the JBA Dominator GTA. Commissioned from J Bittle American by Ford in 1989, the Dominator took the pony car to new heights, installing what was likely the first independent rear suspension on a Mustang along with a long list of features that differentiated this custom muscle car from stock. The Lightning 351 engine features the iron heads from the GT40 and the intake manifold from a Cobra. A custom exhaust and aircraft-derived fuel system kept it breathing, while 17-inch rims obscured race-spec disc brakes at all corners.
The list goes on and on, and during its reign, the Dominator received plenty of media attention. The Mustang was featured on the cover of Road & Track in November 1989 in a shoot-out against other factory-backed custom muscle cars and went on to star in various hot-rodding and Ford-specific magazines. The JBA even has its own website, which will transfer to the buyer willing to pony up the $34,500 asking price for this piece of Mustang tuning history. Check it out in the gallery below and the video after the jump, or follow the link to the eBay auction page to make an offer.
[Source: eBay Motors via BAT]Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burnersFiled under: Tech, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Toyota 
Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.
Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expel the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market -- and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oilburners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.
Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned -- their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in JuneFiled under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Ford, GM 
Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.
Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).
Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.
As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Michigan man builds awesome jet-powered F-150Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Videos, Ford, Lifestyle 
Here we have what may quite possibly be the World's Coolest Hybrid. It may not be particularly adept at saving fuel - owner Chris Lentz of Jackson, Michigan, says it burns one to five gallons of kerosene per minute (though presumably it could also run on biodiesel like Jay Leno's EcoJet) but we aren't aware of any other hybrid vehicles that can put out 2700 horsepower at 516 miles per hour.
While half of the 2005 Ford F-150 STX's drivetrain consists of the stock FoMoCo 4.6-liter V8 and four-speed automatic transmission, the truck's coup de grâce is certainly the 1950s-era Czechoslovakian Motorlet M-701 turbojet mounted discreetly in the bed. The 728-pound jet engine is reportedly capable of punching out 1,962 pounds of thrust at 15,500 RPM.
Coupled together, the two engines can push the truck down the quarter mile at 103 miles per hour and up to a measured top speed of 140 mph, though it could likely go faster with a slightly modified mounting arrangement. Speed, though, is only a small part of the story. Click past the break for a video of Lentz's truck in action.
[Source: Automobile]VIDEO: Michigan man builds awesome jet-powered F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Ford Fiesta sedan caught in The DFiled under: Spy Photos, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Ford  It shouldn't be entirely uncommon to run across a Ford Fiesta here in the United States now that the Blue Oval has handed the keys to a hundred of 'em to various "agents" all across the country as part of its Fiesta Movement program. What is unusual, though, is seeing a Fiesta sedan, but that's exactly what Domino Vitali, a spy shooter for our friends at WebRidesTV Blog, managed to snap a few shots of just north of the Motor City in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Though the Ford Fiesta Sedan is already available in China, the American version of the car will differ slightly to conform with U.S. regulations. We'll likely get revised fascias front and rear along with bumpers that offer a smidgen more protection in low-speed impacts. Fortunately for those of us who prefer the utmost in practicality, FoMoCo is also expected to send the hatchback (in both three- and five-door configurations) to America in addition to this new sedan when the Fiesta finally goes on sale as a 2011 model.
[Source: WebRidesTV Blog]Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta sedan caught in The D originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMulally: Ford boosting production to meet demandFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Earnings/Financials 
2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery
More good news comes from the Blue Oval camp today as Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said that the automaker plans to "[increase] production to support the desirability of Ford products." Despite a downturn in new car sales, Ford - the only member of the Detroit 3 automakers that has not filed for bankruptcy protection in the last two months - has actually managed to gain a few ever-important percentage points of market share from its global rivals, including fellow American automakers General Motors and Chrysler.
In related news, Mulally says that Ford is well on its way to returning to profitability in 2011 as planned. Last year, Ford recorded its worst-ever loss of $14.8 billion and expects to continue posting smaller losses through 2009 and 2010, but Mulally is confident the company has sufficient funds on hand to finance the turnaround plan made possible by the $23 billion the automaker raised in 2006 shortly before the global economy hit the panic button.
A major portion of Ford's turnaround plan is based on "more and more electrification, both hybrids and battery electric vehicles," said Mulally, which is consistent with stated goals set out by the Obama Administration. Earlier this week, Ford accepted $5.9 billion in U.S. Department of Energy loans to retool factories to build more environmentally friendly cars and trucks.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Mulally: Ford boosting production to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsRM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes researchFiled under: Auction Action, Supercars, Ford 
Ford GT National Rally II - Click above for high-res image gallery
Still grumbling over having missed the chance at buying a Ford GT when it was still in production? Well, if you've got the cash on hand, there are probably dozens of examples up for sale by owners who need the liquid assets more than they need the retro supercar. But few are as enticing at what Ford and RM Auctions have going on this August.
At both the Meadow Brook and Monterey concours the month after next, RM will be auctioning off an early VIN example to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The sixth example produced, decked out in red with white stripes, will be on offer at Meadow Brook, with the seventh Ford GT, in white with blue stripes, up for grabs in Monterey. Each is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000 for the medical research endowment, so if getting your hands on Motown's hottest piece of machinery in decades wasn't cause enough, altruism ought to do the trick. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: RM Auctions]Continue reading RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsQuick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucksFiled under: Motorsports, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Videos, Ford, Lifestyle 
Autoblog went to the premiere of Raptor - Born in Baja, and while the film is on the long side, it's an enjoyable flick. We wrote before that the truck "only" came in third (out of four total trucks in Class 8), but to finish the Baja 1000 at all is an achievement -- especially when the overall attrition rate is close to 50%. Throw in a truck that had been built in three months and hadn't been tested in any other race before and you've got a little adventure on your hands.
The movie provides plenty more. There's never a good time for things to break, but the Raptor R chose a couple of the most abysmal moments to get sick: it was compelling irony to watch the whole race team wearing "Built Ford Tough" t-shirts gathered around a truck that wouldn't start 90 minutes before the race began.
And if it wasn't the Raptor, it was other trucks in the road holding things up. Still, not only did they get it started, but the Raptor R got to the end with all of its panels and, as far as we could see, no dents -- and it came within minutes of taking second place.
But you'll have to watch the movie to truly glimpse the eye of the tiger... and the thrill of the fight. You can view it on Speed TV on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. EST -- and when you do, look for Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine, Jalopnik's Ray Wert, and our own Drew Phillips who make cameos during the SEMA coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer after the jump.
Continue reading Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoline on Autoblog with John McElroyFiled under: Ford, Autoline on Autoblog Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation
 The Ford Transit Connect is a cool little van unlike anything else on the American market. In fact, I think it has the capability of becoming something of a cult car. But it's also a shining example of why the auto industry faces too much regulation.
Even though the Transit Connect is already sold in 55 countries around the world it had to undergo numerous modifications before it could be sold in the American market. And while it's not at all unusual to modifiy imported vehicles up to our standards, it's hard to see how some of these changes will help the health or safety of American citizens.
Some of these changes are so ridiculous and inconsequential that it's actually funny to see what they are. Funny, that is, until you realize all they're doing is driving up the price of the product.
____________________________________________________________________________________
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrivalFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford 
2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec) - Click above for high-res gallery
For longer than we can remember, words like 'cheap', 'unattractive' and 'lousy' were used to describe America's domestic offerings in the compact car segment. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have never figured out how to make money with small cars, so the domestic trio seeming has rarely put forth the effort to create competitive compact products. And although FoMoCo had a solid player in 2000 with the introduction of the Focus, when Ford of Europe received the thoroughly revised model in 2005, customers in the States got the short end of the stick. Until now.
While the 2011 Ford Fiesta isn't the Euro-Spec Focus that we've long-admired from abroad, this compact five-door offers a compelling list of kit in a tidy package. Ford is billing it as a great looking, high-quality vehicle that just happens to inhabit a small footprint. So the Blue Oval has imbued the Fiesta with the same technology and amenities found in other larger, more expensive offerings and added a healthy dose of nippy handling and top-notch fuel economy to boot. But those attributes come at a cost that - historically - Americans haven't been willing to pay for. So is the Fiesta worth your time and hard-earned coin? It's time to find out.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrival Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsShelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super SnakeFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Ford, Shelby  2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.
 First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.
If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.
Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.
Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.
[Source: Shelby]Continue reading Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Ford aims to halve number of suppliersFiled under: Ford 
If you think GM and Chrysler are going through financial struggles, it's just a flash in the pan compared to the trial and tribulations of the automotive supply base. Experts say supplier jobs account for nearly three-quarters of all automotive employment, with estimates of 600,000 workers in the US alone. The slipping auto sales in North America have exasperated the situation for the already struggling suppliers, and the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler haven't helped, either. Parts suppliers did receive $5 billion in loans from the federal government, but some say that figure isn't enough to keep some from going under.
Reuters reports that Ford will add to supplier's woes by halving its supply base down to 850 companies by the end of 2009, making 750 suppliers ineligible for future dealings with the Blue Oval. By shrinking its supply base by nearly half, Ford can cut down the risk of production interruptions caused by the bankruptcy or dissolution of one or more of its suppliers. The healthier 850 suppliers pick up the production (and in some cases, employees) left on the table by the departure of the 750 less financially sound companies.
While this sounds like a big heap of bad news for the supply base, it's more like good news/bad news. It's great if you're among the 850 companies that will remain with Ford, and if you're among the 750 who aren't, the chances of survival are pretty slim, but more work could be right around the bend.
[Source: Reuters | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]REPORT: Ford aims to halve number of suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord launches Cash-for-Clunkers eligibility calculatorFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Ford  In the coming weeks before the U.S. Department of Transportation finalizes the rules and regulations for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), otherwise known as Cash-for-Clunkers, we expect every automaker who operates in this country to start promoting which vehicles they sell that meet the program's eligibility requirements. Ford Motor Company has got 20 vehicles spread across its Ford and Mercury brands, and less than 24 hours after President Obama signed CARS into law, the automaker has launched a new web page to help you determine if your clunker is eligible.
The website is called Let Ford Recycle Your Ride and features an eligibility calculator that will help you easily determine if your particular vehicle is both less than 25 years old and gets 18 mpg combined or less. Oh, then it will try and sell you a Ford product, but that's to be expected. Regardless of the sales pitch, the calculator is an easy tool to use if you're seriously thinking about trading in your clunker for a credit worth between $3,500 and $4,500 courtesy of Uncle Sam.
[Source: Let Ford Recycle Your Ride]Ford launches Cash-for-Clunkers eligibility calculator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner MustangFiled under: Convertibles, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Most of us take for granted the ability to enjoy driving cars. Whether it's with a clunker or a supercar, there is a wonderful freedom that comes with getting behind the wheel of an automobile. No one knows that more than Roger Keeney, a man from Athens, GA who lost his sight twenty years ago. As we reported earlier, Keeney caught Ford's attention with his application for the '10 Unleashed' program, and decided to fulfill his dream of driving a Mustang. Ford had the cameras rolling during the whole thing, and will be posting a series of videos on the 2010 Mustang web site. Both the trailer and chapter one have already been released, and we've embedded them after the jump.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
Ford blog
Ford News
Ford History
Cortina
GT 40
RS Timeline
Sierra RS Cosworth
Escort RS Cosworth
Latest Ford News
International tuning racing & styling
Modified Cars
At the wheels - car blog
Used cars sale online
Oz Free Car blogs
Streetcars
The Auto Writer
Official website
Ford Motor Company |
_thumbnail.jpg)
