Chris Kay's Car Blog

Chris Kay's Car Blog

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A Word About Diversity and Inclusion from our CEO, Alan Mulally

Ford is a global business. We have a lot of talented people working together, and our performance will be determined by the breadth and the depth of our inclusion of all of our people. The more we embrace our differences within Ford—diversity of thought, experience, perspective, race, gender, faith and more—the better we can deliver what the customers want and the more successful Ford will be.

My priority is to ensure that inclusion at Ford is at the highest level of performance so that we include all employees deeply, thoughtfully and broadly in the business. It's about respecting each other and listening to each other. It's about one global team working together.

I always find it very interesting when someone asks me, "What is the business case for diversity?" Successful companies are ones that satisfy their customer's wants, needs and desires. The data clearly show that if your customer base is global and diverse and you reflect their perspectives and their knowledge, you're going to have a better chance for success. The closer you get to their emotional and intellectual roots, the better you're going to communicate with them.

So what's the business case for diversity? It's the only business case we need—the only way to satisfy diverse customers is to include their perspectives inside the company. This is especially true for Ford, because we probably have the most diverse set of customers in the world.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

High-Strength Steel Safety Cage


For additional crash protection, the safety cage within the 2010 F-150 features advanced hydroformed high-strength steel. Additionally, continuous tubes run from the A-pillar base through the roof rail to form a safety cage around the occupants of the truck, and dual hydroformed front tubes, located on either side of the engine bay, are shaped to absorb impacts.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Dynamic Exterior Design


Kinetic design and a muscular stance give you the sense that 2012 Focus is alive. The dynamic exterior design conveys a promise of the experience that awaits. Yes, 2012 Focus is pleasing to the eye. But make no mistake about it; this is not design for design's sake. This is design that delivers an uncompromised driving experience. Inside and out.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Press Release 03/26/2010

With all the great new products Ford has coming its way it is no wonder why it is becoming the market leader. From the off-road monster the F-150 Raptor to the small and eco friendly Fiesta, Ford has something for everyone. Whether you need to tow 24,000lbs or get 40mpg, you will be completely satisfied if you choose to go with Ford, the original automotive manufacturer. There is no better place to fill you needs than at Theodore Robins Ford.

Capable. Economical. Refined. F-150 nails all three.


2009 Ford F-150: Achieving multiple and conflicting goals<

Capable, economical, refined. These were often conflicting goals for the more than 1,000 people charged with designing, engineering and developing the 2009 Ford F-150. Achieving two would be an accomplishment, but Ford nailed all three with the new 2009 F-150.

The F-150's capability was easy to see while effortlessly towing a near four-ton trailer up and down a hilly road, slogging around an off-road course, dodging cones in accident-avoidance-type maneuvers with a load in the bed, and accelerating away from stoplights on public roads. Economy is simply measured: The F-150 is a lot of truck for the money with a starting price of just over $21,000 and popular trim levels available for less than $30,000. Also, with the SFE package,fuel economy reaches up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway, a number that can't be beat by F-150's competitors.

Refinement is more difficult to evaluate and describe: The object is to assess the lack of annoyances. Here's one example of how the F-150's refinement was revealed: While stopped at an intersection waiting for traffic to clear, I subconsciously sensed that the engine had died. As I instinctively reached to restart the truck, I glanced at the tachometer: The engine was still running but the idle speed was so much lower that the motionless F-150 felt like a hybrid that's automatically shut off its engine. After an intensive test drive, it's easy for me to say that the 2009 Ford F-150 is the most capable, economical and refined pickup truck ever produced.

The F-150 was dramatically redesigned and restyled inside and out for 2009. Exterior changes include a more upright and aggressive three-bar chrome grille. The nose also features two large "nostrils" beside the grille, a power domed hood and jeweled headlamps. There is a new, aerofriendly shape to the rear of the cab, while a lip on the top of the tailgate and front bumper shape also helps manage airflow, which improves fuel economy. Inside there is an all-new interior with more comfortable seats with more functions including optional heated and cooled 10-way power seats. Under-the-skin changes include a lighter but stronger frame due to the use of ultra high strength steel, a revised rear suspension that includes two-stage leaf springs that are six inches longer, and a boatload of tweaks that limits harshness and reduces noise.

Depending on trim level and equipment, the F-150 can handle a payload of up to 3,030 pounds. Properly equipped, it also boasts up to an 11,300-pound maximum towing capacity. The F-150 is available in seven unique trim levels, three cab styles and four box options: Ford says that makes for 35 distinct variations.

When the truck is moving, the steering offers excellent feel of the road and nice precision. Pickups have significantly increased in size, and some feel even bigger than they actually are. That's to say: Too big. In tight traffic or on winding two-lane roads, the F-150 feels nimble and controllable. Ford said a primary goal was to increase the F-150's capability without adding weight or reducing fuel economy or refinement. Here are a few ways—some optional—that was accomplished:

Full-length laser welds on the frame replace traditional spot welds to increase rigidity;
The SuperCrew is six inches longer and features a flat rear floor and one touch folding rear seats that fold up out of the way to provide best-in-class in-cab cargo capacity behind the front seats;
Available on FX4 is an electronic lockable rear differential that may make the difference between stuck or not in serious off-road situations;
The standard AdvancedTrac with Roll Stability Control system has been programmed to recognize when a trailer begins to sway and react to quell unwanted trailer motion by applying individual brakes or reducing acceleration;
The available in-dash trailer brake controller allows the driver to easily control the trailer's electronic brakes. The '09 F-150 is the only truck in its class that offers both trailer sway control and an integrated trailer brake controller
The stowable bed extender is made of rugged fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene (rather than the conventional aluminum) and splits in half to fold and stow out of the way;
To ease access to the bed, available class-exclusive box side steps pop out from under the sides with a touch of a foot, while the class-exclusive tailgate step folds down from the tailgate—just raise the grab bar and flip down the skid resistant step. This option stows right in the tailgate;
For descending steep hills with a trailer or heavy load, the standard tow/haul mode feature on F-150 equipped with a 6-speed transmission allows the truck to downshift and apply engine compression braking when the driver taps the brake;
The larger center console has space for handing file folders and a pair of laptop computers;
Available cargo management system includes two dual channel side rails and four cargosecuring cleats for handling and securing loads in the cargo bed.
The '09 F-150 offers three engines, all V-8s: a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter, a new-to-the-F-150 threevalve-per-cylinder 292-horsepower 4.6-liter, and a two-valve-per-cylinder 248-horsepower 4.6-liter. The first two come with a six-speed automatic that features both a very low first gear for strong acceleration and two overdrive gears for good highway fuel mileage. The 248-horse V-8 is mated to a four-speed automatic. Impressively, 4x2 F-150's with the 5.4-liter engine get the same 20 mpg highway mileage as the 4.6-liter three-valve engine. To help increase gas mileage the engine control system upgrades precisely manage fuel delivery to the combustion chamber and actively reduce fuel burned during deceleration. The available SFE Package sees a highway fuel economy increase to an unsurpassed 21 mpg/hwy.

For rigidity and durability, the F-150 has a fully boxed, ladder-style frame, which means its cross section is shaped like a rectangular tube. Cross bars are also fully boxed and are through-welded to create a highly rigid structure which contributes to a more comfortable and quiet ride.

While some other pickups employ coil springs in the rear, the '09 F-150 uses proven traditional leaf springs. Ford says leaf springs provide more capability and durability. To achieve ride and handling to match or exceed coil-spring suspensions, the leaf springs are six inches longer and three inches wide (the widest in the segment). The leaf springs feature two-stage action similar to that found on heavy trucks. Also, the shock absorbers are mounted outboard of the frame to reduce body learn.

Inside, the F-150 is loaded with storage areas. Controls for the sound system and climate control are easy to work. With the new seats and head restraints, it will take no time to adjust to a comfortable seating position with the available power recline, power adjustable lumbar functions. F-150s will be available with Ford's popular SYNC voice-activated control for mobile phones and sound system. The optional Sony 700-watt sound system comes with 10 speakers.

All F-150s feature standard electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, trailer sway control, and six air bags including the Safety Canopy® system. The F-150 has earned the highest crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and expects top ratings from NHTSA once testing takes place.

The new F-150 offers some innovative technology including a suite of productivity tools aimed at truck owners, contractors and fleet managers called Ford Work Solutions. Options include an indash computer with wireless Internet, productivity software, printing capabilities and Garmin voice-activated navigation. Cable Lock by Master Lock offers a retractable cable with a heavy-duty locking shackle to keep gear secured in the bed. You can organize, scan and track tools, inventory and important items with Tool Link, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. Crew Chief is a telematics service for the fleet manager to track truck locations, diagnostics and maintenance.

Price for the F-150 starts at just over $21,000 for an XL Regular Cab. The high-volume XLT SuperCab begins at a bit more than $29,000. The top-level Platinum version can reach almost $45,000. With the 2009 F-150, Ford has achieved conflicting goals to produce the best combination of capability, economy and refinement available in a pickup truck.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ford Launches Chapter 2 of the Fiesta Movement

If you thought the original Fiesta Movement was cool, wait until you dive into Chapter 2. This time it enlists 40 people to tell the story of the newest Ford car in 16 cities across the country.

The Fiesta Movement was a social media initiative designed to create excitement about the new Ford Fiesta, putting the small car on the minds of thousands of people nationwide in the U.S. in 2009.

Fiesta Movement Chapter 2 consists of 20 teams comprised of two agents each. These agents were selected from over 1,000 applicants. Their mission will be to redefine the way Fiesta is brought to market by interacting with consumers online and offline, while bringing Fiesta to their communities.

“This was a natural progression from the first phase of the Fiesta Movement,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances manager. “Chapter 2 will still be rooted in social media, but this time the content will also live offline and find its way into new mediums. Fiesta needs to clearly be the star now as the agents share their work within their communities and beyond.”

Agents will complete a series of missions, where they will compete in challenges locally that leverage the best of their communities, allowing them to open the discussion about Fiesta through social media and beyond.

After completing a challenge, agents will produce and place the creative content online at www.fiestamovement.com, where followers also can keep up with their favorite agents. The best content will be recognized based on online consumer interaction and consumers’ opinions about the agents’ work, and will be amplified in local media and events as well as through a variety of national mediums.

One of the missions in Chapter 2 is called “Show the World UR Personality,” where agents will design their Fiesta wrap, working with designers to create a wrap that fits their team’s personality. Their personalized Fiesta will be delivered to the agent team, and the best wrap, as voted on by the fans on www.fiestamovement.com, will later be available to consumers. Additionally, the winning wrap will be integrated into a future national Fiesta display.

The first Fiesta Movement generated more than 6.2 million YouTube views, more than 750,000 Flickr views and nearly 4 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement also set a Guinness World Record for the most attendees at a tweetup during the Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration in West Hollywood in December. This unprecedented event brought together 1,149 Fiesta Movement agents and Twitter friends.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Unrivaled hybrid fuel efficiency and features

There’s a common misperception that U.S. automakers are behind some imports in technology and fuel efficiency. That may have been true some years ago, but it could not be further from the truth today. Both Ford and GM have become quality and fuel economy leaders in the last few years, especially from the highly competitive mid-size segment up. Chrysler still trails in both but is working hard and fast to catch up. Don’t believe us? Check the numbers.

And while it is true that Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota saw the potential of gasoline-electric "hybrid" technology earlier, invested heavily in it sooner and brought it to market first, it is also true that the top two U.S. makers have assumed hybrid fuel-efficiency leadership as of 2009 with their own state-of-the art technology. While GM is offering fairly affordable mild hybrid sedans and more expensive, high tech 2-Mode hybrid SUVs and trucks, Ford has redesigned its already excellent parallel hybrid system— and is expanding its availability to the substantially upgraded 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize hybrid sedans.

The EPA estimates for these ultra-fine new Fusion and Milan Hybrids are an impressive 41 mpg city and 36 highway, which beats Toyota’s ’09 mid-size Camry Hybrid by eight and two mpg, respectively. They are, Ford says, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans in America.

Design and Features
The conventional Fusion and Milan, nicely restyled and much improved for 2010, offer the mid-size segment’s best gasoline four-cylinder fuel economy, more powerful available V-6s, class-exclusive technologies—including blind spot detection and warning with cross traffic alert and Ford SYNC®—and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Camry. The Fusion’s new look is sportier, more upscale and aerodynamically slicker. The new front end sports large, wrap-around headlamps, a refined three-bar grille over an aggressive lower air intake, a power-dome hood, and new aerodynamic underbody shields to further boost its fuel economy. Around back, more integrated tail lamps contribute to a smoother, more appealing look.

The interior design is more technical and contemporary, with new metallic trim finishes on the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. A new instrument panel offers soft upper and lower skins—less hard plastic than typical Japanese sedans—and cool ice-blue lighting. The gauges have daytime backlighting and 3-D elements simulating the high tech, jewel-like look of a fine watch. And we love the new leather-wrapped steering wheel, with form-fitting "palm swells," and the very comfy new seats, with improved contours, more side support, smoother side bolsters and either textural or leather inserts with contrasting stitching.

All-New Hybrid
But the most exciting news is this all-new Fusion Hybrid. Together with its Mercury Milan Hybrid counterpart, it joins the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (compact SUV) Hybrids to double both the size and volume of Ford Motor Co.’s hybrid lineup. The Ford Hybrid team has developed a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors," Ford engineers assert, "to deliver optimal driving performance and fuel economy," Driving a Fusion Hybrid on city streets and in urban freeway traffic near Ford’s Dearborn, MI Product Development Center on a bitter cold winter afternoon, we were impressed by its efficiency "coaching" system, which Ford calls SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, and by how seamlessly and transparently it transitioned from gas to electric power, and back. We achieved an average of 38.4 mpg driving normally with traffic and 48.6 mpg very slowly, feather-footing our way along while ignoring irritated drivers behind.

Among this next-generation system’s key features are an ultra-efficient new 2.5-liter four-cylinder "Atkinson cycle" engine good for 155 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission, or "e-CVT." Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), enable seamless transitions from gas to electric and vice-versa, while both spark and cam timing are varied according to engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions. Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, which reduces fuel need on restarts, and a "wide-band lambda sensor" analyzes air-fuel ratios and adjusts the lean/rich mixture to keep the system in balance and minimize emissions.

The new 275-volt nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is smaller, lighter and optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Cooled by cabin air, its improved chemistry allows it to run at higher temperatures, and an added variable voltage converter boosts voltage to the battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently. A "smarter" climate control system with an electric air-conditioning compressor minimizes engine usage by running it only as needed for heating and cooling.

The brake system delivers full regenerative braking (when the drive motor becomes a generator), backed up by friction braking as needed, to capture nearly 94 percent of the energy normally lost through friction in braking and send it back to the battery. And, as we noticed during our drive, it delivers much better brake pedal feel compared to the previous system.

The hybrid system also allows the Fusion and Milan Hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode than competitive systems. They can run up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately double the speed of some competitors. "Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations," says Ford Hybrid Applications Manager Gil Portalatin. "Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or in mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline.' With the 41 city and 36 hwy ratings, Fusion and Milan Hybrids can achieve a driving range of over 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

The bottom line of all this advanced technology is a very "normal" driving experience requiring little sacrifice in exchange for superior fuel efficiency vs. Toyota’s Synergy Drive or anyone else’s similar system. And then there’s Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, which cleverly coaches drivers on how to optimize their hybrid’s efficiency performance.

It uses two high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens flanking the speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information. The approach is multi-layered: A tutorial mode helps drivers learn about the system and its instruments, while tech enthusiasts will enjoy detailed gauges that help them become more efficient. The system even "grows" leaves and vines on-screen to reward efficient driving.

Drivers can choose one of four data screens: The basic "Inform" screen displays fuel level and battery charge status; "Enlighten" adds an electric vehicle mode indicator and a tachometer; "Engage" adds engine output power and battery output power; and "Empower" adds power to wheels, EV power threshold and accessory power consumption. All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, transmission gear and trip data—trip fuel economy, time elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty. There’s even an engine coolant temperature indicator that turns green when the engine is warm enough to allow engine shut-off and restart for full EV operation.

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is differentiated from conventional models by "road and leaf" hybrid badging on the sides and rear, eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 85-percent recycled materials, a standard 110-volt power outlet and unique 17-inch, 15-spoke wheels. Anyone considering investing in a mid-size hybrid sedan should give this one a serious look and an extended drive. It should arrive in Ford dealer showrooms by spring 2009.

Friday, March 19, 2010

24 Hour Roadside Assistance, Just 1 Of The Great Reasons To Buy Certified


We’re always here for you.

Wherever your travels take you, you’re never alone with Ford Motor Company’s 24-hour Roadside Assistance program.

Complimentary Roadside Assistance is provided for the duration of our powertrain limited warranty coverage, which means you’re automatically covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date. That's 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all yearlong, in case of breakdown, blowout, bad weather, etc.

Our program even covers you for things that aren’t the car’s fault, such as if you run out of gas, lose your keys and more.

Roadside Assistance will:

•Mount your spare if you have a flat tire
•Jump start for dead batteries
•Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out (doesn’t include the cost of making spare keys)
•Bring you fuel if you run out, up to two gallons of gasoline or five gallons of diesel fuel at no charge
•Tow your disabled vehicle to the nearest qualified Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership within 35 miles
•Notify the police for you if you need assistance.

Plus, if you have trouble far from home, Ford CPO gives you the additional benefits of:
•Travel expense reimbursement, worth up to $500, for up to three days of lodging, meals and rental vehicle if breakdown occurs more than 100 miles from home.
•Destination expense assistance of up to $75 to cover the emergency cost of a taxi, shuttle or rental car to get you to your destination
•Rental car reimbursement of up to $30 per day for up to five days if your vehicle requires overnight mechanical repairs

Roadside Assistance is available to you whenever you need it, throughout the 50 United States and Canada


Check out http://www.fordcpo.com/ford/ for more info

Or Go to http://www.robinsford.com/ to see our great line up of new and certified used car's

Thursday, March 18, 2010

2011 Ford Edge


The Ford Edge has been one of the most distinctive crossovers on the market ever since its introduction, featuring a unique stance that truly sets it apart from the rest of the competition: While a Chevrolet Equinox, for example, is 72.5 inches wide, the Ford is more than a foot wider, measuring 87.5 inches across. But that difference hasn’t translated into additional customers for the Ford, as the Edge routinely trails the Equinox on the sales charts. The January totals showed the Edge earned 6,243 sales for the month, with the Equinox attracting 9,513 customers during the same time period. The Blue Oval hopes to change things around this year, and a significant overhaul for the 2011 Ford Edge just might do the trick.

The new model gets a serious facelift and now features the kind of “wide-mouth” grille made famous by Audi, along with some subtle adjustments to the rest of the exterior. Naturally, the interior was refreshed as well, with Ford engineers putting the emphasis on improving fit and finish and reducing noise levels. The ‘11 Edge will feature the latest MyFord Touch and Sync technologies, too, but the key advantage the new model brings when compared to the current Edge is found under the hood.

The only engine available on the ‘10 Edge is the same Duratec V6 the vehicle has been hauling around for years. The engine offers a competent 265 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, but it’s a near disaster at the gas pump. The current EPA ratings for the Edge are 18/25/20 for city/highway/combined driving, and that’s for the front-wheel-drive model. If you want all four wheels moving, your mileage falls to 17/23/19. For comparison’s sake, the FWD Equinox turns in a line of 22/32/26, while the AWD Chevy goes 20/29/23. The difference? The Equinox is available with a four-cylinder engine.

Well, now the Edge will be, too, and it’s not just any old four-banger: The vehicle gets Ford’s first four-cylinder EcoBoost powerplant, which is expected to ecoboost fuel efficiency by 30 percent as compared to the Edge’s 2006 numbers (no, that’s no typo; Ford is using ‘06 as a baseline). This should deliver “class-leading fuel economy” according to the Blue Oval, along with “impressive power and torque.”

In addition, the Edge will offer two V6 options for 2011, including a more-efficient 3.5-liter engine and a higher-performance 3.7-liter unit borrowed from the Ford Mustang. The former delivers 285 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque; the latter, offered on the Edge Sport, ups the power levels to 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines feature Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing and get mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, with the Sport model offering paddle shifters, of course.

Also added to the Edge Sport will be 22-inch aluminum wheels with black spoke accents, a model-specific grille treatment, a specially tuned suspension, the requisite chrome exhaust tips and a variety of other cosmetic improvements.

The end result? Look for this wide-body crossover to appeal to an even wider range of customers when it goes on sale later this year.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Diesel Emissions System


The new Power Stroke® engine and 6R transmission deliver improvements to horsepower, torque, towing, hauling, reliability and fuel efficiency while meeting the new, stricter government diesel emissions requirements with a state-of-the-art emissions system.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dual LCD SmartGauge™ Cluster with Eco Guide

The exclusive dual LCD SmartGauge™ Cluster with EcoGuide is an innovative gauge cluster that provides real-time information to help you derive the most efficiency from your Fusion Hybrid. SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide uses dual liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the center-mounted speedometer. A tutorial built into the display lets you choose one of four data screens for the level of information you want - Inform, Enlighten, Engage or Empower - and explains your options within each. Steering wheel-mounted controls make it all easy. All levels can indicate instant fuel economy; fuel economy history; odometer; engine coolant temperature; plus trip data including fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty. Watch the display grow leaves when you drive efficiently. Or watch them fade when you don't. More leaves = more mpg (up to 41 mpg city). This green motivator works during any of the four display modes.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

6.7L Power Stroke® Diesel Turbocharger

You’re on the road, ready to pass, you hit the gas … wait for it … wait for it … then the turbo kicks in. No good. When you need power, you need it now. That’s why the 2011 Super Duty® moved the turbocharger between the cylinder heads and the top of the block, and moved the exhaust manifold inboard and adjacent to the turbocharger. Closer proximity means faster air displacement and more power. Tack on the fact that this turbocharger uses a light, single-shaft design, dual-sided compressor wheel and articulating turbine vanes that vary the flow of air based on the accelerator, and you have a turbocharger that gives you more power and torque. When you need it most.