Harley Lover

Not so. For those of us with small kids, remote sliders are a wonderful thing, particularly in the garage at home or in a parking lot. Add in moms with a toddler and one on the hip, and remote sliders are even more useful. They really were critical for us. I really like the Flex (and will like it even more with the EB V6), but wouldn't consider it until the kids are teens - even then I don't know if we'll have enough clearance in the garage.

Isn't is possible that the V6 EB, being marketed as a 'premium performance' engine, might be engineered for the option of premium fuel, whereas the I4 EB, given its mission in lower price cars, might be engineered for regular fuel only? I don't see a disconnect in that premise, because I 'think' Ford is marketing the V6 EB differently than it plans to market the I4.

I read an article this morning ( http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNew...ory_399647.html ) which detailed Ford's strong first half sales in China, with sales of 197,212 passenger cars. That got me thinking - I'm always reading about GM's strong China presence, etc., so I found their first half sales, with interesting results. They sold 813,334 units in the first half, but 524,598 units were commercial, and 288,843 units were passenger vehicles. I was honestly surprised that Ford's passenger vehicle sales were even that close to GM. I don't have any idea if Ford has attempted to sell commercial vehicles there or not. So, to those in the know, what are Ford's plans for China? I think we all know about the Fiesta, and I read recently that Ford is moving a big part of its operation for that region to Shanghai. I'm asking for a big picture, strategic perspective. Ford can't afford to ignore such a large market, and I don't want to see them fall behind GM any further. The way I see it, profits from China will contribute to the overall good of Ford, and additional units sold there will presumably help lower global costs on global models. What do you know?

The CX-7 uses the Mazdaspeed3/6 4 cylinder DI turbo. The CX-9 uses the Ford corporate V6 unaltered. I think the CX-9 eventually gets the 3.7 version of that engine.

May YTD sales: F150: 143,717 Camry: 123,848 Accord: 107,088 Silverado: 125,183 Sierra: 41,053

The C chassis is supposed to support 5 products in NA, according to published reports. That obviously includes the Focus and next Gen Escape, but what else might there be? I've been puzzling that question for a while, as there's not a definitive answer. The more I think about Ford getting away from "homerun" products, and seeking to produce "singles and doubles", the more likely I think they will consider what might have previously be seen as niche products. So perhaps the C-Max and even the Lincoln Concept C might see production. Ford's planning has to include ever-tightening fuel economy regs, and perhaps CO2 regs in the next 5-6 years, so filling out the C chassis plants will be critical.

What is the status of Louisville? Is the plant still running while they build/install the 'C' car capability?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/...-Cygnet/241124/ Lincoln C Concept:

Isn't that an oxymoron?

FWIW, Kuzak is on record as saying that there will be different 'top hats' in some cases. Might that also be stretched to include different permutations, such as a 5 door for Europe?

The guy placed in charge of 'global performance' including SVT was in charge of the development of the RS, and has one coming to be his personal driver in the U.S. (according to an interview I read). Could that be it?

I have read elsewhere that one of the next gen Euro/global MPV's is going to have a 5 seat and 7 seat version, with the larger version presumably targeted more at NA. If any of that is correct, it might support your thoughts stated here. ...and please don't recycle the Windstar name!

I own a Sienna, and that's just not true. I love the Flex, and have looked at it several times, but the two dealbreakers for me are 1) no sliders, and 2) the cargo area aft of the second row is significantly smaller than the Sienna. Your observation on the roof heighth is part of it, but the Sienna is longer in the cargo area than the Flex. I got the Sienna because there wasn't a Ford alternative at the time, and the Flex is definitely more in the CUV arena than the minivan arena. I don't know if Ford should go into the minivan market or not - the articles I read state that the segment is still close to a million units annually (in a regular sales environment), and for the most part, Chrysler/Toyota/Honda own the segment. It seems like Ford, particularly with its excellent rep in the truck market, could carve out a niche of profitable sales. It seems a shame to just allow the other 3 manufacturers to clean up in that segment.

Very nice article in the N.Y. Times about the family and its commitment to the company. This makes me very proud: http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/...in-risky-times/

Does anyone know what the production plug in hybrid will be? I know Ford have plug in Escapes on the road, but presumably that technology could also be planted in the Fusion. Anyone know? Plus, are there any plans for hybrid models beyond the existing two? I'm really curious if there are hybrid plans for one of the c-car variants planned for Louisville. It seems like a vehicle on that chassis would be a neat package. Maybe an S-Max? I can dream, can't I?

Great News - I hope Ford receives the entire amount originally requested. I love that the article mentions that neither GM or Chrysler qualify for the program, owing to their financial status. At least this writer got it right!

I say GT 350! :happy feet: :happy feet:

Perhaps one small example of why Ford have reopened talks with the CAW?

It might be wise to invest $200 and talk with an attorney (hourly rates might be higher). You need representation, because the insurance company's first priority is their financial interests, not taking care of your interests. I would not trust them to do the right thing where your interests are concerned.

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index...showtopic=33213

HID headlights only on the SHO. Kind of a shame, too bad they aren't available on at least the SEL.

I happened across the article that mentioned the "canister" storage, it was in the June issue of Road & Track. It's also on their website (not much that hasn't been discussed here, other than the canister): http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=8048

What does "infuctional" mean? Is that even a word?

I'm still struggling with the concept of relying on the 'average consumer' to understand the two different fuels, and then fill up correctly. We're talking about people who think the oil light means it's time to change the oil. Could it be possible that Ford has primarily commercial truck fleets in mind, where the refueling is centralized in some cases, and in most cases is handled by someone who presumably knows what to do? I love the idea of this engine, but I have no faith in it being correctly maintained by the average Joe.

Sales "plunged" from 279 to 245. Who cares? Either figure is a gnat on a fly's a$$ in the context of global sales.