Docar-s: Ford

Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Ford Introduces European EcoSport Mini SUV at the Geneva Motor Show

After Nissan’s success with the funky Juke, the mini crossover niche has become the place to be for mainstream manufacturers. Ford has already displayed its own contender, named the EcoSport, a year ago but its official launch in Europe took place at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Built around Ford’s B-segment, i.e. Fiesta, global platform, the EcoSport will be available in European markets with three powerplants. The gasoline units are a 109HP (110PS) 1.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder and the acclaimed 123HP (125PS) 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged unit, while the sole diesel option is a 89HP (90PS) 1.5-liter that, according to Ford, will deliver “class-leading” fuel efficiency.

“The all-new Ford EcoSport for Europe is extremely economical, flexible and stylish and will, alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta and all-new Tourneo Courier – complete a comprehensive small car line-up for Europe”, said Nick FitzGerald, chief programm engineer for the EcoSport.

The EcoSport, which was developed entirely in South America, will join the Kuga in Ford’s European SUV line-up and will be followed by the next-generation Edge and the seven-seat Explorer, which will be manufactured in Russia starting later this year.

Saturday, 2 March 2013

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear from SEMA is Highlighted on Latest Downshift

After an online contest, the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear Concept won the votes as the first-ever SEMA Mustang to be designed and built exclusively by women. In this episode of The Downshift, we take a look at the team of women who took the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear from concept to reality.

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear right front

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear left front

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear front three quarter

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear front three quarter high

About 40 women from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network participated in the project. Some of the women who participated in the build — including Ford designer Jennifer Seely who sketched the original concept — share their experience working together on the High Gear Mustang GT and the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry.

Vic Edelbrock was among the many support staff members for the project as an Edelbrock supercharger was among the performance-enhancing parts added to the High Gear Mustang GT. Outside, matte black paint and a rose-gold satin chrome finish was used on the wheels and other exterior trim. The rose-gold chrome finish carried over to the interior, which also featured leather seats wrapped in quilted suede.

Check out the video below to see highlights of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear build.

Articles Source : Motortrend

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

2014 Ford EcoSport EU-Version

Ford revealed the European production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport SUV at the mobile technology industry's influential 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Ford EcoSport EU-Version

The EcoSport will be equipped with Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance. In addition, the compact SUV will be one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

"We are entering the age of the connected car and debuting EcoSport at Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president, Research and Innovation.

The Ford EcoSport will be the second SUV to be launched in Ford's expanding European range when it goes on sale in 2013; following the Ford Kuga. Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the U.S. and other markets.

Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV.

"The role of the car is evolving," said Mascarenas. "Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables then to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move."

Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit, and mobile network to pinpoint accident location and choose the appropriate language in which to deliver an introductory message.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will be offered with Ford's innovative 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the "International Engine of the Year," a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine; and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The SUV's distinctive front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars, deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look. It will also offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Sunday, 3 February 2013

Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings

SEMA is more than nine months away, but the reveille bugle for the show has just sounded with Ford's call to aftermarket companies for its project-vehicle program. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and 2014 Transit Connect van and wagon are the cars The Blue Oval wants to feature, but applicants can submit project vehicles for any product except the GT500, the Raptor, or anything from Lincoln.

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Submissions must be completed in two parts, the first being an email to Ford with an overview of the project, like vehicle theme, promotional plan and location display. The second part must be mailed in on company letterhead and gets down to the nuts and bolts of the vision and the provision of company bona fides. The complete proposal is due on March 1, winners will be notified by May 1. Click the link below to get all the details, and for show attendees, get ready to see some funky Fiestas and wild shaggin' wagons in Las Vegas come November.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Friday, 18 January 2013

Ford Atlas Named Autoweek's Most Significant Detroit Auto Show Debut

The new Ford Atlas Concept, which previews the future of America's best-selling pickup truck for the past 36 years and the best-selling vehicle overall for 31 straight years, the F-150, has been named by the editors of Autoweek magazine, the "Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)".

Ford Atlas Concept

Bob Gritzinger, Autoweek executive editor, explains why:

“The Atlas Concept is clearly Most Significant winner for the things you don’t see, like hidden aerodynamic improvements and weight savings from high-strength steel and interior parts, like thinner seats. Those things add up to significant fuel savings for pickup trucks down the road. A next-generation EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop technology also signals why Atlas is a real game changer.”

So, to get it straight, the Atlas deserves an award because it introduces many things that are readily available in other mainstream categories for years now to the pickup truck segment, not to mention that some of those features such as active aerodynamics, are already employed on current trucks, like the latest Ram 1500.

Isn’t that like saying the Corvette Stingray should be awarded for its interior because the C6's cabin was borderline terrible, not to mention more mundane than a Chinese toaster?

Well, yes, but then again, a) the Corvette that also improved upon its predecessor is a niche model and b.) after looking at all the new car and concept introductions at the Detroit Auto Show, we couldn't really choose a winner. So in some ways, Autoweek just may have a point since the F-150 is already the most popular model in the U.S.A., and whatever enhancements are made, will have an impact both on the market and on its rivals. Something like trying to pick a winner from a barrel of mediocre apples...

If you think otherwise, head over to the comments to share your thoughts.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

2013 Ford Atlas Concept

Ford unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

"The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "With 36 years as America's best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market."

2013 Ford Atlas Concept

Design with purpose

The Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille - all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough® image.

"We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds - professionally and personally," said J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer. "Every surface and feature in the vehicle has been crafted for purpose and capability while retaining an unmistakable Built Ford Tough look."

Designers enhanced truck functionality, while creating new advanced features(see infographic here). For example, multiple tie-down points are integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck unique functionality for a variety of jobs.

The interior is themed with structural styling cues and features the latest thinking in comfort, utility and refinement. Innovative, thin, lightweight seating in comfortable leather allows for extra legroom for rear passengers - along with integrated storage for smaller items. "Floating" instrument pods and glove-friendly buttons and controls keep the interior functional and ruggedly stylish.

Leading fuel efficiency

The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost® powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel - and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing.

EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150.

The Ford Atlas Concept goes further to save fuel through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They include:

Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels' motion to power the shutters
Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance - helpful for off-roading
Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance

The combination of these fuel-saving features saves more than 2 mpg on the highway without diminishing towing or hauling capability.

Work and play smarter, not harder

Ford Atlas Concept is a rolling showcase of features that improve capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Features include:

Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle - lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed spaceTrailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck's hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck's center display screen
360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird's-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck - such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed - from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes

Articles Source : NetCarShow

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Ford Logo

Ford Motor Company (also known as simply Ford; NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand and luxury cars under the Lincoln brand. In the past it has also produced heavy trucks, tractors and automotive components. Ford owns small stakes in Mazda of Japan and Aston Martin of the United Kingdom. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is controlled by the Ford family, although they have minority ownership.

Ford Logo

Ford introduced methods for large-scale manufacturing of cars and large-scale management of an industrial workforce using elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences typified by moving assembly lines; by 1914 these methods were known around the world as Fordism. Ford's former UK subsidiaries Jaguar and Land Rover, acquired in 1989 and 2000 respectively, were sold to Tata Motors in March 2008. Ford owned the Swedish automaker Volvo from 1999 to 2010. In 2011, Ford discontinued the Mercury brand, under which it had marketed entry-level luxury cars in the United States since 1938.

Ford is the second-largest U.S.-based automaker and the fifth-largest in the world based on 2010 vehicle sales. At the end of 2010, Ford was the fifth largest automaker in Europe. Ford is the eighth-ranked overall American-based company in the 2010 Fortune 500 list, based on global revenues in 2009 of $118.3 billion. In 2008, Ford produced 5.532 million automobiles and employed about 213,000 employees at around 90 plants and facilities worldwide.

Articles Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford