Here are two bits of information we know for sure – Ford will build the Flex for 2009, it will have the option of a Sony stereo. Here’s an early look at how the new audio system works.

This Flex is not a production model but Ford says the interior will remain as it’s seen here. This Flex has a navigation system, hard drive with Gracenote software and the Sony audio system. Sony provides only the audio related hardware like the 10 speakers, sub and a class D, 8-channel amp.  The head unit, hard drive and navigation system are not supplied by Sony.

The touch screen is laid out nicely with large type for all relevant information like song title and artist name. Thanks to Gracenote software, album art shows up on the screen along with the other information. It’s hard to see in this picture but the dark box above the artist name “Pete Yorn” is the CD cover art.

The system also sounds very good with clean deep bass a nice well rounded sound overall – Dolby Pro Logic II with a surround sound profile is part of the package too.

Look for this same audio system to show up in the 2009 F-150 and later the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Ford has done a great job of moving from low-tech infotainment to state of the art - anyone think they can't keep it up? If these early models with Sync and hard drives and Sony stereos are any indication, more and more Fords will start showing up on the must have list for in-car gadget geeks - Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.

We already knew Ford would begin using Sirius Travel Link but here's a look at how the system will actually work. In addition to weather forcasts you can get sports scores, movie listing and gas prices. Seveal aftermarket nav systems already offer these features - as usual, this factory installed version is better looking and well integrated into the vehicle. In this case, it's a Ford Edge - Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.

The Microsoft/Ford Sync system just became a must have safety feature. Until now, Sync was a clever and useful point of connection for digital media players and Bluetooth enabled phones - mostly fun stuff. Now, they've taken the feature well  beyond fun. Some of the details were part of a CES keynote speech featuring Microsoft's Bill Gates. 

The first, and probably most important - Sync will dial 911 should your car be involved in an accident and the airbags deploy.  Sound familiar? OnStar has emergency crash notification too but there's a difference. The Sync system makes a local 911 call through your phone, OnStar's call goes to a call center first, then they call your local emergency services. The Ford version requires no monthly fee and does not cost extra when you buy a Sync equipped car. In fact, Sync will soon be standard on all Lincoln vehicles.

Another significant improvement to Sync is a new Vehicle Health Report service. It collects data from your car, sends it to Ford through your phone, then a tech looks at it and sends you an email highlighting areas that need attention. Just like OnStar, right? Kinda, but again,  the Ford/Sync service doesn't cost extra - it will be part of Sync and is included in the $395 purchase price. Ouch! Take that OnStar.

Current owners with Sync can get the system upgraded at their local dealership.

Why no extra cost or monthly fees? Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President in charge of Global Product Development said "Value is key to all Ford brands. It doesn't make sense to charge our customers extra for this kind of service." 

Considering the price and expanded features, Sync is shaping up to be the tech bargain of the decade - Brian Moody, Road Test Editor

Ford is removing all national TV ads and other traditional advertising venues from Mercury, thus feeding the speculation as to how long the brand will be around. Instead advertising funds will be directed towards online and dealership advertising.

Mercury sales are down 7 percent from last year, and there are no new models in the pipeline once the Milan is facelifted for the 2009 model year.

Mercury spokesman Mark Schirmer states: “a directional thing that we’ve been working on for awhile, reshaping how we use the same pot” of marketing money. He said Ford believes that it will “get more traction” for Mercury sales by reallocating more advertising money to online efforts and to dealers.

“It’s just not a big enough pot of money to do traditional TV for Mercury and make it effective,” Schirmer said. “It’s not a significant enough chunk to break through. We have to be smarter with those resources.”

Here's AutoObserver's take: Mercury Brand Status Dwindles Further As Ford Cuts Television Advertising

The good news is that the Chrysler-Cerberus is now official, as papers to that effect were signed by all parties on Friday. The new company's name is Chrysler LLC, and Monday they are going to reveal an updated version of the old Pentastar logo.

There's a lot of excitement here as most everyone close to the situation thinks this will be a great opportunity for all involved. Key to success here is that they have to move fast, and don't screw anything up, as there's no room (or time) for mistakes. As to the "moving fast part," that's already happening. Expect big changes—quickly.

Full story here.

The bad news is that Ford just announced a huge recall of 3.6M vehicles bringing the total recall to 10.4M vehicles (OUCH!). It affects a wide range of vehicles built between 1991 and 2004. The recall is related to the cruise control switch which apparently is somewhat fire-prone. Models involved are Fords, Lincolns and Mercurys; cars, trucks and SUVs.

This is the largest recall for a single vehicle problem in U.S. history It's a tremendous setback for Ford, as they are struggling to turn this company around. This is the last thing they needed.

Full story here.

Finally some good news for Ford as the Mustang, Lincoln MKZ and the Mercury Milan all get top scores from the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Other winners are the Porsche Boxster and Kia Rio.

Specifically the winners of those listed are:

Compact Premium Sportycar: The 2007 Porsche Boxster

Midsize Sporty Car: The 2007 Ford Mustang

Midsize Car: The 2007 Mercury Milan which beat out such competitors as the Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Galant

Entry Premium Car: The 2007 Lincoln MKZ, which was ahead of the Acura TSX and the Cadillac CTS

Subcompact Car: The Kia Rio

Power noted that 14 Ford models placed in the top three of the respective segments. “An achievement unmatched by any other corporation this year—which is a testament to the improvement in quality for Ford Motor Company vehicle models and plants,” the study noted.
 
Mercedes-Benz was cited for showing the most dramatic improvement, largely on the strength of the new S-Class. The S-Class tied with the Audi A8 for having the fewest quality problems in the industry. “Overall, Mercedes-Benz improves its nameplate rank by 20 positions, the greatest rank increase of any nameplate in the study,” Power said.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Embattled Ford Tops Rankings in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

Here's AutoObserver's take: J.D Power: Ford Is a Winner
 

A couple of themes immediately jump out on this first press day of the Chicago auto show. Much of the buzz is around car names. It started with Ford renaming the Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and the Ford Freestyle as the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus X, respectively. The pros and cons of Ford's move were debated. But then, others asked, why didn't General Motors rename the Saturn Astra, which goes by the same name in Germany under the Opel brand? Many are quick to point out that Toyota calls the Corolla and Camry by the same name worldwide; BMW uses its numeric designations around the globe. Makes sense Saturn sticks with the Astra, a good name on a well-established car. — Michelle Krebs, Senior Industry Editor, AutoObserver

The Second Coming!

The press preview day of the Chicago auto show is only a few hours old and yet, we've already heard every possible joke about Ford renaming its Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego to Taurus, Taurus X and Sable. We've even told a few ourselves.

So we're overjoyed to bring you an exclusive to Inside Line's Straightline blog: The Mercury Montego, er, Sable can drive on water! Oh sure, Ford marketing guy, Cisco Codina, pretended as if he didn't notice, but there it was on the show stand. We'd think, if we were Ford, we might have mentioned that. But the new name is cool, too. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit

Caught just weeks before its expected debut at the 2007 Chicago auto show, this 2008 Mercury Montego prototype reveals a facelift of minor proportions. The grille is slightly different and the air dam is deeper, but we don't expect an average buyer would even notice the changes. Under the hood is where the real upgrades lie, as we expect the Montego will get the same 3.5-liter V6 as the 2008 Ford Five Hundred along with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Continue reading...

The 2008 Mercury Mariner has just been announced, and will go on sale early in 2007. Here's Inside Line's report.

Besides the new face-lifted styling, it receives refinements to help reduce interior NVH levels by 12 percent. In addition, chassis upgrades and new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system improve Mariner’s car-like ride and handling without sacrificing off-road ability. The Mariner features one of the most advanced safety package in the small SUV segment, including standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with RSC, Ford Motor Company’s unique roll stability control system. The Mariner Hybrid is also updated with refined control systems to improve drivability and overall performance.

I think it's fair to assume that similar upgrades will be found on the 2008 Ford Escape.