range

did you notice how the emergency flashers turned themselves on automatically after the side impact? Thats part of the new safety system. Yes, thats another 5 star crash test added to the manufacturer that has more 5 star crash tests than any other. Frontal Driver Rating Frontal Passenger Rating Side Driver Rating Side Rear Passenger Rating

DEARBORN, Mich., August 1, 2008 – Ford’s redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology. While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent. Focus has surprised in areas other than sales: - Transaction prices – Year-to-date, Focus transaction prices have increased $750 per unit compared with a segment-average increase of $100. Customers are purchasing more equipment, including Ford SYNC, and higher series levels. - Fuel Economy – In an independent test conducted by Edmunds.com called the Gas-Sipper Smackdown, Focus achieved 37.5 mpg on the highway. Focus has EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg – better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL. - Cool Technology – Focus was named one of Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 based on its safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, fun-to-drive and the “decidedly subjective coolness factor.” “Focus continues to surprise and delight customers throughout the country, but the bombshell is in Texas, where Focus retail sales have almost doubled,” said Jim Farley, Ford, group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “If we can increase small car sales in Texas, we can increase them anywhere.” Year-to-date, Focus retail sales were up 91 percent in Texas and 46 percent nationwide

as posted in the main board regarding the Flex 1) September is launch of national advertising campaign. 2) 70% 'favorable' opinion of the Flex among new crossover shoppers, the highest rating for any new Ford product in years, and the highest rating apart from the F-Series for a Ford product 3) On Sunday, Ford Flex was the #7 most popular search on Yahoo, and the most popular vehicle search. 4) 2200 Flex vehicles on hand at the start of July 5) vehicle has only been launched in 11 markets so far

and now, the video LINK Seems pretty smart on Farley's part, an inexpensive method to inform the public that a new Stang is coming soon and to counter the Camaro's intro. It shows Farley is mixing things up and trying different things. Much better to reveal as little detail as possible to keep the interest going until the unveil in January. Considering the Camaro and Stang will be available to the public around the same time, I think Farley is using a much better technique compared to what Chevy's used with the years and years and years long Camaro intro.

Un-frikin-believable. It's like they say, follow the money.

ARTICLE LINK ELKHART, Wisconsin. July 17, 2008 ­ A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America. The new 2010 Ford Mustang, in camouflage, will pace the vintage field this weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Ford is the sponsor of the Kohler International Challenge vintage race. (07/20/08)

AUTOBLOG: We're typically too busy with our nose to the automotive grindstone to goof off. After stumbling across some 50 year old Ford commercials on YouTube during our time with the Ford Flex, we had all the inspiration needed for some weekend fun. The old days of automotive advertising meant long, one- to two-minute commercials, bad camera work, and scripting that was done before the women's rights movement took hold. We had a somewhat retro-looking Ford Flex, a camera and a few spare moments to put something together, and the finished product is available after the jump. LINK

Looks like the troll was caught in yet another distortion of facts.

no

you are correct, they are actually a "symbolic gesture" and will not be able to completely power the A/C system as reported. The panels will be supplied by Kyocera and would be able to power part of the air-conditioning as a "symbolic gesture" as it's "very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy." On a side not.....the Mazda 929 offered solar panels in the sunroof to power a fan that extracted hot air from the vehicle........in 1993.

Perhaps in addition to being more accurate, he should be more consistent. He made a snide comment about the capless fuel system on the MKS Yet, he said this about the SAME system on the Flex "Ford's Easy Fuel eliminates the gas cap. Just open the special filler door/seal and stuff in the nozzle" Why no snide comment about the same system on the Flex?

The reviewer actually wrote this: "Premium fuel recommended; regular is OK" How ignorant can an "automotive expert" be ? That's a pretty basic thing to miss, especially when everyone's attention in on the price of gas right now.

oh dear, the Honda comes in last place. ugly, slow, "zero brakes", "crude hard plastics", 4600 pounds, poor mileage. Looks like Honda really nailed this one...NOT.

Best Male R&B Artist Nominee Trey Songz in front of the all-new 2009 Ford Flex at BET Awards post party in LA. Bad Boy's Day 26 and BET Host Alicia Renee in front of the 2009 Ford Flex at the BET Awards post party at The Roosevelt. BET's Tocarra, Terrence J and Rocsi in front of the 2009 Ford Flex at BET Awards after party at The Roosevelt.

Ford has partnered with the "Band From TV (BandFromTV.org)," to create the Ford Flex Rally, a scavenger hunt-style charity challenge in greater Los Angeles that allows 10 celebrity teams to put the new 2009 Ford Flex and its interactive technologies through its paces.

and its great these will be reasonably priced. Saleens are nice, but very pricey.

and it will be nice to see some Saleen mods for the new Focus.

LINK FORD TRANSIT CONNECT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - Dedicated small commercial vehicle - Excellent residual values - Still winning impressive industry awards BRENTWOOD, 2 July 2008 - The Ford Transit Connect has enjoyed six years of success as Britain's only light van that is built from the start as a commercial vehicle rather than a car. More than 8,000 Connects have been sold so far in 2008. Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "We know from recent research that our customers want a van that reflects their business and a professional image. This is exactly why they buy Transit Connect. Such exceptional levels of ruggedness and durability remain unparalleled in the small van sector. " Thanks to Transit Connect’s exceptionally durable design and construction, service intervals, repairs and maintenance are kept to a minimum. Transit Connect broke the mould with new standards of load box functionality and security. Residual values have always been high and are a strong selling point. Sales of Transit Connect split roughly into one third long wheelbase, two thirds short wheelbase. The difference between the two models is long wheelbase has 32 per cent more cubic load space and 14 per cent more load length than its baby brother. Transit Connect continues to top the awards lists. Most recently that includes: From Fleet World: Van Manufacturer of the Year (2007). From Fleet News (2007): Most Reliable (van) Manufacturer Overall, Ford Transit Connect first place for Most Reliable Model. From What Van?: Best Security, Light Van (Connect 2007 and 2008), Best Light Van (Connect 2007 and 2008). From the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO): Fleet Light Van of the Year (Connect 2007 & 2008). From Fleet World: Best Van Range. Ford Commercial Vehicles also won the Security Award (2008)

LINK the best part..... "Within the year, the Racecraft brand will also include a performance derivative of the Focus with a target price around $20,000 MSRP."

2009 FORD ESCAPE DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS FUEL ECONOMY AMONG 4-CYLINDER COMPACT SUVS LINK

Look at those shoes: Goodyear picked for standard Flex fitment

LINCOLN DELIVERS INDUSTRY-FIRST THREE-MINUTE MOVIE DEBUTING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION; SPOT STARTS TODAY - New ad campaign presents the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS and is an industry-first, featuring a three-minute movie commercial scheduled to debut during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show today. - Partner 30- and 15-second spots will air on select television stations beginning today. - MadCrazyLove touts the dynamic design, business-class comfort, smooth driving experience and in-car communication features of the new Lincoln MKS. DEARBORN, Mich., June 24, 2008– Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, luxury automaker Lincoln is delivering a first this week with the national television launch of a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family – the 2009 Lincoln MKS – against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story. The new three-minute spot makes its television debut today during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show. Following the show, the movie will live online at www.lincoln.com and www.lincolnlounge.com. The 30- and 15-second spots will begin airing today on select cable television and nationally syndicated programs. National print and digital media are included in the media mix and scheduled for rotation beginning in July. “Studies continue to show that Americans are embracing the Internet in a bigger way and are looking beyond sound bites for broader stories,” says Lincoln Communications Manager Tom Grill. “As this advertising model changes, Lincoln will continue to design fresh and innovative advertising that is hard-hitting and relevant. MadCrazyLove accomplishes just that and introduces our new Lincoln MKS in a fun, yet meaningful way.” MadCrazyLove – The Movie Sultry, soft sounds from the legendary Marvin Gaye, a dark, dusky evening, the smooth ride and distinct styling of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan set the mood for the story. MadCrazyLove takes the viewer on a romantic journey that at first glance appears to be centered on a couple’s first encounter. Moving through vibrant images at a cocktail party, cruising through the streets and scenic hills of Hollywood, stopping off for a bite at a local dive, the couple enjoys the simplicity of the evening and the amenities of the Lincoln MKS. As the couple’s evening together marches towards a final scene, the story takes a sudden and unexpected twist that viewers will have to see to enjoy. Three partner 30-second and one 15-second television teaser spots provide a peek into the MadCrazyLove story, and further details the features of the new MKS, including the sophisticated technology, dynamic design and smooth driving experience. The 30-second Something Warmer spot showcases the unique craftsmanship of the vehicle’s interior, its fine materials including genuine wood, metal and leather; the 30-second Dual-Moon highlights the dual-panel moonroof, SYNC in-car communication and the split grille design; the 30-second IP touts the next-generation voice-activated navigation and Sirius Travel Link™. The 15-second MadCrazy features the available 20-inch wheels and luxury touch technology. MadCrazyLove was created by UniWorld Group Inc., the African American Agency of Record for Lincoln.

FUEL ECONOMY, TECHNOLOGY MAKE FORD FOCUS MOST IMPROVED MODEL IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES’ APEAL STUDY - Ford Focus most improved model in the industry, besting last year’s score by 88 index points. - Ford and Mercury posted solid improvements even as the industry average declined. - Ford Escape (gas and hybrid versions combined) joins Focus in top 10 of most improved vehicles. LINK