Straightline
Ford
August 28, 2008
The official 2010 Ford Mustang announcement is not too far off, and with that thought here are a couple of Mustang-isms to ponder...
New hood
Okay, what engines will see use under this hood? The power-bulge should give some sort of hint.
New logo
There will be a new 'Stang gracing the Mustang grille and whatever. Which of the two pictured here is the new pony?
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 10:28 AM
- Categories: Ford, Future Vehicles, Sports Cars
August 20, 2008
Finally some sensible decisions on Ford's part: They are cutting the crazy amount of choices available on the '09 F-150. Winding Road (via Automotove News) is saying it could be as high as 99 percent from the billions (you read that correctly!) currently available. If true, that's HUGE!
The Expedition will also be reduced greatly from roughly 250,000 possible choices to around 10,000. Even the Focus is going to offer about 150 possible combos, which is down 95 percent.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 20, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trucks
August 13, 2008
No doubt we can add Ford, Toyota and Nissan to this list too; but for now we have news on what GM and Dodge are up to.
GM
First off, beside offering hybrid pickups, GM will offering a high-mileage versions of the 2WD 1/2-tons. Known as "XFE" models (as in eXtra Fuel Economy), these are vehicles using well proven technology, as they employ lots of gears (6) and a tall 3.08 rear axle ratio. The 5.3L V8 as also been tweaked somewhat.
On the hybrid front, word has it that these models have been pushed back to the first half of next year for release.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM Announces New Extra Fuel Economy Large Trucks, SUVs
Dodge
For Dodge it's a good-news-bad-news situation. The good news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model.
The bad news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08
model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08
model. That mean any remaining '08s on dealer lots are going to be hard to move once the '09 models start arriving.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Priced: 2009 Dodge Ram
Here's AutoObserver's take: 2009 Dodge Ram: Priced Less than '08 Ram - On Paper
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 13, 2008, 8:20 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Trucks
August 11, 2008
The news of the Sable possibly being dropped is no surprise; same with the Taurus X. I must say, however, the Taurus X has had one of the shortest product lifespans of any recent vehicle that I can think of.
"The Taurus X doesn't really have much of a place anymore," said Erich Merkle of Crowe Chizek and Co.
"The Sable is a good enough car, but it doesn't really matter because they don't sell enough of them to make a difference."
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 11, 2008, 7:54 AM
- Categories: Ford, Mercury, Sedans, Wagons
August 8, 2008
No sooner had Ford announced plans to build a full-size-lite F-100 pickup, that they've now announced that they've scuttled them. Instead Ford plans on offering smaller turbo-charged EcoBoost engines in the F-150 line, which should occur in about 18 months according to The Detroit News.
As bad as truck sales are,
the Ford F-series continues to one of the best-selling vehicles, and Ford seems to think this direction makes more sense than going ahead with the smaller F-100.
"We have no intention of giving up our leadership in trucks,"
Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product development chief said Wednesday,
adding that Ford will now make fuel efficiency a priority on all its
vehicles. "Fuel economy (will be) a reason to buy -- no longer a reason
to reject -- Ford vehicles."
There are supporters of this new Ford truck strategy.
"The
small pickup segment doesn't really provide a lot of benefit," said
Erich Merkle, an analyst from Crowe Chizek and Co. "You buy a pickup
truck for bed space and towing. There really isn't much substitute for
a full-size pickup. But it all depends on what happens to the price of
fuel."
So, do you think the possibility of seeing a super-high-tech 4-cylinder F-150 is a good idea?
Full story here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 8, 2008, 6:45 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trucks
August 5, 2008
The Detroit News is reporting that Ford and GM are considering developing powertrains together, as the cost of doing them separately is just so expensive, and getting more so as time goes on. It could also give Ford access to GM's Volt technology.
So is this a good thing? More to the point, could this ultimately become the first (baby) steps towards a merger of the two corporations sometime down the road, as there would be more commonality between the vehicles?
Full story here.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Ailing Ford, GM Look to Save Costs by Partnering on Powertrain Development
Here's
AutoObserver's take:
Engine Sharing: Even Desperate Times Don't Call for This
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 5, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, General Motors, Trends
July 30, 2008
Those following the
Knight Rider TV show revival know all about the trick Shelby GT500 Mustang to be used on the show (
Latest Knight Rider Series Unveil: KITT Recreated Again). However, did you know that there will be another Ford star on that show? As in an equally tricked out F-150?
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 30, 2008, 7:24 AM
- Categories: Ford, Sports Cars, Trucks
July 28, 2008
More news on what Ford has in store for the Mercury brand is starting to trickle out. The brand will offer smaller entry-level premium cars and crossovers that will complement the Lincoln brand.
Rumors had been that Ford was going to eliminate the Mercury brand and give Lincoln more models. Dealers protested, pointing out that Mercury brings a different demographic into the showroom than any other Ford brand.
"Mercury brings a younger, more female customer than the Ford brand. We're focusing (Mercury) very much on small, fuel-efficient products," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product chief.
Sounds good in theory, but will it work?
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
July 26, 2008
If you believe Ford, the future is not in expensive built-in navigation systems, but rather in portable cell phone units, much like the new Apple iPhone 3G which has navigation capability, that work in tandem with the vehicle.
Ford is betting on their Sync, and other Sync-like information systems, is where everything is headed. You just dock your (very trick) cell phone into the car, and let Sync take it from there. The video screen to display maps and directions will likely remain, but the expensive global-positioning locator, the software to select routes and the databases of streets and destinations like gas stations and ATMs will all move to a central database like MapQuest.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Car Tech, Ford
July 24, 2008
It's been a tough time for Detroit, and of the Detroit automakers, and Ford is feeling it the worst. They have just reported a staggering $8.7 billion loss for for the second quarter, mainly due to the tanking truck and SUV sales.
That's the bad news. The good news is that Ford has got big plans in store, that will completely overhaul their North American lineup over the next few years. For details, check out
AutoObserver's editorial:
Ford Reports $8.7 Billion Loss in Second Quarter; Realigns Products, PlantsIn other related auto news, Toyota has again topped GM in global sales for the first half of the year. The irony here is that GM is doing really well overseas--and especially in China and Russia. Unfortunately those global gains can't offset the losses here at home--again thanks to poor truck and SUV sales. Here's
AutoObesrver's take:
Halftime Score: Toyota Leads GM in Global Sales
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 24, 2008, 7:18 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Trends
When most folks think of the word "Thunderbird," they think of the Ford T-Bird which debuted in 1955. Those into motorcycles, specifically Triumph motorcycles, know full well that there was another Thunderbird which preceded the Ford product by a good six years or so. Yep, the 650cc twin cylinder Triumph Thunderbird (bottom image) debuted in 1949. When I was riding, back in the late 1960s, the rather tame Triumph T-Bird was not sold here. Instead we were offered, in 650cc format, the hotter TR6, the hotter-still twin-carb Bonneville and its racing brother, the Bonneville TT.
Now Triumph has introduced a new 2010 2-wheeled Thunderbird, which seems to fit in just fine with Triumph Thunderbird history, as this is an easy-ridin' cruiser, not a crotch-rocket cafe racer.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 24, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trends
July 23, 2008
We knew there was a diesel version of the 2009 Ford F-150 in the works, and now we have the photos to prove it. Caught while testing in Death Valley, this F-150 Diesel prototype didn't try to conceal its identity. Under the hood, a Powerstroke-labeled engine cover makes it pretty clear that Ford will carry over its brand name from the heavy-duty diesel engine. Closer inspection also revealed a clearly visible additive inlet for the fluid used to clean up the exhaust. Expect to see the 2010 Ford F-150 Diesel on sale by the end of next year.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig July 23, 2008, 8:54 AM
- Categories: Ford, Future Vehicles, Spy Photos, Trucks
July 21, 2008
A 1923 specially restored Ford Model T returned to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours circuit for the 2008 Le Mans Classic. This significant car took part in the very first Le Mans 24 hour race in 1923, and never before has such an old car participated in this prestigious biennial meeting of Le Mans Classic.
The press release and more after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 21, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Ford, Motorsports
July 14, 2008
Are you ready for a 4-cylinder turbocharged F-150? Well Earl, hang on to your suspenders, as one is being considered. If green-lighted we should see it here in 2013.
The reasons are twofold: One the ever-rising fuel prices, and two, the new 28.6 mpg CAFE standard that goes into effect by 2015.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 14, 2008, 5:46 AM
- Categories: Ford, Green Tech, Trucks
Every now and then I stop by Hemming Auto Blogs to see what's going on with old cars. Today I saw an entry on vintage Canadian cars, more specifically on Canadian Fords and Mercurys.
For those too young to remember, beginning back in 1946 and running through the 1960s Fords and Mercurys sold in Canada were badged differently than those here in the USA. I believe Lincolns were the same on both sides of the border, however.
A Canadian Ford was called a Meteor. Canadian Mercurys were called Monarchs and Canadian Ford trucks were sold as Mercury trucks. Not only was the badging different but so too was the styling. Ford was not alone here as GM and Chrysler also had their own Canadian-specific models.
Full story here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 14, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Trucks
July 9, 2008
With the super-high diesel prices, customers of diesel pickups are turning their backs on them. Instead they are going back to gas-powered versions.
Diesel's have consistently run at 70 percent or better, for General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. It was even better at Chrysler, as they sold close to 90 percent diesels for the Ram Heavy Duty.
Not so any more, as in May, the percent of Ford Super Duty Pickups diesels dropped to 51 percent. That time last year, the Super Duty diesels were selling at 71 percent.
From January-to-May Chrysler's Ram, diesel-engine share reached a high point of 88 percent in 2006, and was 87 percent in 2007. Now for the same period this year, diesel-engine sales for Ram Heavy Duty are down to 82 percent, while overall Ram Heavy Duty sales are off by 38 percent.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Buyers of Heavy-Duty Pickups Turning Their Backs on Diesel
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 9, 2008, 6:53 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Diesels, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
July 8, 2008
Rumors started popping up everywhere that Chery Automobile of China may be considering purchasing Volvo from Ford. According to reports, Chery is in the very beginning stages of undertaking a feasibility study of taking Volvo off of Ford's hands. The deal is expected to be worth around $4.4 billion.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 8, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, Volvo
July 2, 2008
No surprise here: June vehicle sales went head-first into a brick wall. The only survivor of the 'Big 6' automakers is Honda. Some of the smaller brands that focus on smaller vehicles also showed some gains, Subaru, Mazda, VW and Suzuki being several. Check out the grizzly results on
AutoObserver's monthly tally.
June Car Sales: U.S. Buyers Almost Veer Off the Road
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Ford, General Motors and Toyota Show 20 Percent Sales Drop in June and
Honda Shines as Domestic Auto Industry Slumps
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 2, 2008, 5:58 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen
July 1, 2008
Now that the Land Rover/Jaguar sale to Tata is complete, might Ford be considering selling Volvo?
Ford has long denied that Volvo would be sold, however, Just-Auto.com is now reporting that just such a sale may indeed be in the works; if not in the works, at least is being comtemplated. If it happens, it would be much more difficult considering so that many Ford products are tied to Volvo platforms and vice-versa.
Full story here...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 1, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Tata Motors, Volvo
June 25, 2008
The other day I posted about how Ford is going back to their original truck buyers with the launch of their all-new 2009 F-150 (Ford shifts trucks back to core buyers). Now we're seeing more details on this. Expect to see more ads touting 2-door work-related models, and less ads on 4-door family-oriented crew cabs or on luxury stuff. Also expect to see more XLT and XL ads, and less premium trim level ads...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 25, 2008, 7:18 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trends, Trucks
June 24, 2008
AutoObserver lists its "Dead-on-Arrival" new models. Some are already on the market, while others are just a few months out.
So do you agree? I question their listing of the Honda Accord here, as that model is selling quite well—but that could change...
Continue reading...
June 23, 2008
Look for a much greater emphasis from Ford on their 2009 truck marketing towards the traditional, core truck customers. These are the folks who will always need need a truck, and as such, Ford believes that's where their future lies.
Here are some interesting Ford truck facts from over the past few months, and what to expect next year from Ford:
• Regular cab sales have jumped from 12 percent to 20 percent.
• Crew cab sales have dropped from 65 percent to somewhere in the mid-50 percent range...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 23, 2008, 8:04 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trends, Trucks
June 12, 2008
Talk about a dramatic shift, Ford is going to revamp U.S. truck plants to build European Fords. One such conversions I'm excited to hear about is that Ford will start building the European Dodge Sprinter-sized Transit vans here, possibly at their Avon Lake factory, which currently build E-Series vans.
Other models under consideration for U.S...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 12, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Ford
June 6, 2008
In an e-mail to Ford salaried workers, Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, said that Ford would be delaying merit pay increases and would be cutting some benefits as well. In addition there will be a still-unknown number of involuntary layoffs. This is obviously a response to current market conditions in which a huge shift from large profitable trucks and SUVs to smaller more fuel-efficient (and less profitable) vehicles is taking place.
“This unfortunately will result in involuntary separations of Ford employees and agency personnel as well as cost savings through attrition and the consolidation of open positions,” he said...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 6, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Ford
June 5, 2008
This year marks the Model T Ford's 100 year anniversary. As such Ford's Piquette Avenue plant will be open on select dates. The Detroit plant has been restored to look like what it did back in 1908 when it first started building the car. Since the Model T is such an important car in terms of automotive history, I would expect that there would be a whole bunch of celebrations across the nation celebrating this vehicle this year...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 5, 2008, 5:54 AM
- Categories: Classic Cars, Ford
June 4, 2008
For the first time since 1991, the Ford F-150 has been pushed out of the number one selling slot by the Honda Civic (53,299). In fact the F-150 was also passed by the Toyota Corolla (52,826), Toyota Camry (51,291), and the Honda Accord (43,728). The F-150 came in fifth just 800 shy of the Accord (42,928). This just more evidence that the established order in the auto industry is quickly falling by the wayside...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 4, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
June 2, 2008
It's a done deal. Tata now owns Jaguar and Land Rover, as official word of the sale was just announced. The deal nets Ford, the former owner, $1.7-billion, which is roughly one third of what they paid for the two luxury brands.
"This is a momentous time for all of us at Tata Motors," Tata Chairman Ratan N...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 2, 2008, 6:58 AM
- Categories: Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Tata Motors
Ford's next US-spec Fiesta (a model name not used here since 1981) is going to be built in Mexico. The Fiesta will be built in a plant that used to build F-Series trucks. It will be available as both a sedan and hatchback, and will arrive as a 2010 model.
Here's Inside Line's take: Ford Fiesta Sedan and Hatchback To Be Built in Mexico
Here's AutoObserver's take: Ford Builds Fiesta Sedan, Hatchback in Mexico
It looks like the next Ford Fusion will be getting a smiley face, sort of...
Continue reading...
May 29, 2008
Kieffe & Sons, a Ford dealer from California, has taken it upon themselves to tell non-Christians to "sit down and shut up," in their car TV commercials.
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Did you know that there are people in this country who want prayer out of schools, "Under God" out of the Pledge, and "In God We Trust" to be taken off our money?
But did you know that 86% of Americans say they believe in God? Now, since we all know that 86 out of every 100 of us are Christians who believe in God, we at Kieffe & Sons Ford wonder why we don't just tell the other 14% to sit down and shut up. I guess maybe I just offended 14% of the people who are listening to this message...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 29, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trends
May 20, 2008
Straightline (via PickupTrucks.com) reported last week that Ford was planning on reintroducing a smaller F-100 as a hedge against the collapse of the big truck market (Ford thinking about bringing back the F-100). Now The Detroit News also has a story up on this.
They also are reporting that Ford has an even smaller global truck in the works to replace the the Ranger. This new Ranger replacement is being designed in Australia, and will be built in South Africa...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 20, 2008, 6:41 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trucks
May 12, 2008
I have long hoped that Ford would up-size the next-gen Ranger, and call it an R-100. Well it appears that Ford has been thinking somewhat along those same lines, but with a twist: Replace the "R" with an "F."
The more I think about it, this is a brilliant marketing move—and sooooo much better than my idea!
The "F-100" name is iconic. It is one of the main reasons that Ford is where they are in terms of their F-Series popularity...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 12, 2008, 7:45 AM
- Categories: Ford, Trucks
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.
