Ford is the first automaker to join Climate Registry, which is an organization that keeps tabs on greenhouse gas emissions.

Ford’s willingness to join the registry will allow it to allow it to focus on reducing greenhouse gases as opposed to be concerning itself with reporting standards that vary around the globe.

The hope here is that Ford will voluntarily measure, verify and report greenhouse gas emissions annually and members of the public will be able to see these figures, meaning Ford will have to make a concentrated effort to reduce greenhouse gases in order to keep public opinion in its favor.

Full story here.

The Microsoft Sync wireless communication system has been a huge hit for Ford. This is especially true on the Focus model line, as sales of Sync-equipped models have jumped off the charts. As a result expect to see more vehicle brands to offer similar units, and the first being Hyundai.

Hyundai has just struck up a deal with Microsoft, to offer a infotainment system much like what Ford is offering.

Steve Koenig, director of industry analysis at the Consumer Electronics Association, said that "demand is omnipresent" for the Microsoft Auto operating system and the features it offers consumers.

"We see demand manifest across all income levels, all age levels," Koenig said. "It's really resonating with consumers' digital lifestyle. ... We're starting to see consumers beginning to demand it and expect it."

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Pair Up on In-Car Infotainment System Development

Autoblog recently did video interviewing Ford's Powertrain boss, Dan Kapp, on diesels and their future at Ford. What I found interesting is where Kapp compares diesel to gasoline engines, some of which I already knew, but some of which I didn't.



Full story here

American muscle is back.

We put the new Challenger against another cool modern muscle car, the Ford Mustang Bullitt.

Which one do you prefer?

Read the Challenger/Bullitt Comparison Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

The Model T Ford celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. As such, Ford is having student contest in which the aim is to come up with the next new Ford that would have the same impact on transportation as did the original Model T.

One of the students who participated, Dong Tran, a 24-year-old junior at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, came up with a solar-powered vehicle. Now I know there is research being done on solar-powered vehicles, but I'm surprised that more work is not being done in this area, as it seems to be the direction that has the least negative impact on natural resources.

Full story here.

For anyone who's anxiously awaiting the 2010 Ford Mustang, here's a sneak peek at its new headlight design. It's not much, but clearly Ford's designers are making some changes.

Mike Levine over at PickupTruck.com has some images of test mules of the upcoming F-150 4.4L diesel up on his site. As you can see in the link, there are a couple of test trucks, one of which uses a 2010 front end clip. Straightline posted about this engine not too long ago (Ford's 4.4 diesel news leaked).

How do we know it's diesel? Check out the dual exhaust, which is a Powerstroke diesel trademark.

Also note that it has the 7-lug wheels, which currently come only with the HD F-150, which has a GVW of 8200 pounds. So I would expect big payloads and big towing as well. One more thing to note is that this HD package is shown on the 4-door Super Crew—which is not currently available in that body configuration.

Mike and I were chatting about this truck, and his feeling is that once it debuts, it could well put a hurting on the F-250 Super Duty. Sure, when push-comes-to-shove the Super Duty will likely win out for the really heavy chores. However, I bet for most customers that this F-150 diesel will be the better choice, as it has a far more up-to-date cab and chassis than the older Super Duty.

For those who still prefer the Super Duty, but like this engine, it will be available. The question is on which models? Mike seems to think it might be limited to the lighter-duty F-250, and he could be right, as it might be a bit small for F-350 or larger type of work.

Full story here.

The man is back and is now dancing with Ford. Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda just announced the Ford stock purchase, signaling that he's not through with dabbling in the domestic auto industry. It's also a signal that maybe Ford is doing something right, as under CEO Alan Mulally, the corporation is showing some signs of recovery, and this Tracinda is more a vote of confidence than anything.

So after two episodes of "Dancing with the [automotive] Stars," Chrysler and GM; he's back with a new dance partner. Will the third time be a charm?

Oh, one more thing: Kerkorian may not be finished yet, as he has hinted at buying up to 20 million more shares. Stay tuned, as this could be more fun than watching judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman sniping at one another.

Here's AutoObserver's take: Kerkorian's Tracinda Builds Stake in Ford

Here's Inside Line's take: Kerkorian Makes It a Clean Sweep of Detroit

Well, I have to admit that this is news to me: A 1938 Peugeot 402 with a folding hardtop. This must be the earliest example of this technology, that is currently all the rage, that I'm aware of. I had always thought that the 1957 Ford Skyliner was the first, but this clearly shows that wasn't the case.

Full story here. Oh, if you're interested, it can be had here for a cool $295,000.

I remember very clearly the very first Mustang I ever saw in person. It belonged to Joe Benezra, who was the older brother to one of my high school buddies. Joe, who was maybe a year or two out of high school, swung by the high school one day to show off his new ride. It was a bright orange Mustang convertible, with a pathetic (by today's standards) 105 hp 6-cylinder engine, three-on-the-floor, and skinny whitewall tires with full wheel covers. As I recall, the Mustang had just gone on sale—like just a few days before! So Joe was clearly the first on the block to own on. Heck, he was probably the first in our small town to own one.

The most impressive thing to me about Joe's Mustang was not the looks (pretty good) or the specs (not so pretty good, as it was based on the wimpy Ford Falcon chassis). Nope, what stood out to this testosterone-charged youth was the fact that it was an absolute chick magnet—like I had never seen before! Now Joe did okay with the ladies on his own, but boy that Mustang sure must have driven up his batting average to MVP status.

So fast-forward to spring of 2008, and Ford has just built Mustang number 9,000,000. It's still a chick magnet—but the specs sure have improved! As to Joe? Who knows, but I bet it's safe to say that he hasn't aged so gracefully.

From Ford's Press Release: Ford Motor Company announced today it has built its 9 millionth Mustang. The GT Convertible Mustang is heading west to be delivered to a dealership in Iowa.

The Ford Mustang, approaching its 45th anniversary on April 17th, 2009, is one of the most widely recognized vehicles in the world. Today, one of every two sports cars sold in America is a Ford Mustang. The Mustang is also Ford Motor Company’s longest-running nameplate. Mustang was introduced on April 17, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair.

Mustang sales hit an astounding 419,000 in its first 12 months on the market, and topped the 1-million mark in the first two years, shattering the sales records of any single model in the history of the automobile. Mustang leads the nearly $1-billion aftermarket parts and accessories industry as the most personalized vehicle of all time, and has been recognized by SEMA as the most accessory-friendly new vehicle.

The 2009 Mustang offers a Glass Roof option and a new Warriors in Pink Package, available this summer.