All-Electric Ford Tourneo Connect
March 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
People visiting the Geneva Motor Show will get a more personal experience with Ford’s latest zero-emission vehicle when the Tourneo Battery Electric Vehicle concept makes an appearance there this week. Read more
Ford Launching Electric Transit Connect in 2010
February 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The first product in Ford’s new electric vehicle plan will be a battery electric-powered version of the Transit Connect commercial vehicle. Ford is collaborating with Smith Electric Vehicles to bring the electric Transit Connect to market in North America in 2010. Read more
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Arrives in Canada
January 7, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The entire Fusion line-up is overhauled for 2010, with new styling, better-quality materials, and new and more fuel-efficient engines, six-speed automatic transmissions, and a Sport model with a 3.5-litre V6 under the hood. But the big news is the Fusion Hybrid, which company officials said will be the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan on the market when it reaches showrooms in Canada.
It uses a version of the new system found in the Escape Hybrid, and is now entirely Ford’s technology (save for a battery purchased from Sanyo), with over 100 patents pending on the Fusion’s system alone. It uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with Atkinson cycle; the cycle produces better fuel efficiency, while the resulting power loss is compensated by the hybrid system’s electric motor. The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) storage battery is 23 per cent lighter than that in Ford’s original hybrid system, while providing 28 per cent more power. The system produces 155 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Read more
Hybrid Sales Drop 42.7% in December
January 6, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reported sales of hybrids in the US dropped 42.7% in December 2008 year-on-year to 17,698 units—the lowest December figure since 2004, when there were only four hybrid models on the market. Overall light-duty vehicle sales in the US dropped 35.5% in the month. For the full year, total reported hybrid sales dropped 10% to 313,781 units, while total light duty vehicle sales were down 18%.
The hybrid percentage share of new vehicles sold dropped to just below 2% (1.97%) in December. For the year, hybrids held a 2.4% share of the new vehicle market. Read more
US Hybrid Sales Down 50 Percent in November
December 9, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
US sales of hybrids dropped 50% in November to 16,571 units from November 2007—a volume slightly above that of November 2005. Overall light duty vehicle sales in the US in November dropped 36.7%. (Earlier post.) For November, hybrids represented 2.22% of the new vehicle light duty market; year-to-date, hybrids hold a 2.4% share of new vehicle sales. November 2007 and 2008 had the same number of selling days. Read more
Ford Offers Low-CO2 Range
December 9, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Ford UK is bringing the C-Max model into the sub-120g/km of CO2 range. The 1.6 TDCi models now emit just 119g/km and that means the Vehicle Excise Duty has been reduced from £120 to £35 (£30 starting in April).
Ford claims that it has become the UK’s leading manufacturer of cars under the 120 g/km limit, with 51 models in total. In April the new Fiesta 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter TDCi models will pay even less VED, just £20, since they will fall into the new 101g CO2/km to 110g CO2/km bracket. Read more
Ford Makes Energy Efficiency the Focus of it’s Bailout Plea
December 5, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Ford has just released its plan for surviving the recession. The report is part of an effort this week by the Big Three automakers to get massive loans from the government.
They were turned away last month when they came to Washington begging for money but forgetting to leave their private jets at home. This time at least two of the executives reportedly drove to Washington (or at least part of the way). Read more
Ford Plant Will Start Making Small Cars in 2010
November 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Michigan Truck Plant, long the birthplace of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, produced their last truck style vehicle today. The plant will now be shut down and retooled to build small, fuel-efficient C-Cars like the Ford Focus starting in 2010. The retooling will cost around $75 million.
Since opening over 50 years ago, the plant has built the iconic F-Series trucks and the Ford Bronco. The smaller cars coming in two years aren’t as iconic, but should improve the bottom line considerably. Ford will still make large vehicles at its Kentucky plant.
2008 LA Auto Show Green Car Preview
November 11, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
We will be covering the LA Auto Show during the press days on November 19-20. Until then we have lined up preview of some of the Hybrid and Electric cars that will be on display.
This years show could prove to be a real turning point in the future of the automobile as electric cars, hybrid cars and other high mpg designs become the showstopping stars. Pointing the way towards a clean-tech future that enables cars to remain as part of the personal transport solution.
2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Feature New Engines, Transmission, and Hybrid System
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Ford Fusion and Milan 2010’s, will arrive in showrooms next spring. They will offer Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 hp (130 kW); an enhanced 240 hp (179 kW) flex-fuel capable 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a high end 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 263 hp (196 kW) on the Fusion Sport model. Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. Read more
