Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[<i>Not</i> Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 Ford Ka - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said a couple of times that he'd like to see the diminutive and highly efficient Ford Ka sold here in the States, though we always questioned whether it would actually happen. Wonder no more, as Mulally has just come right out and said that the little car won't make the trek to America. Speaking to Automotive News, Mulally said, "Our view is that Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." So, there you go.

Also not coming to America will be the next-generation Ford Ranger, which has been spotted testing over in Australia a couple of times already. At this point, it's not clear what (if anything) will replace the rapidly aging compact pickup when the current Ranger ends production in 2011.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 ford ka2009FordKa2011 ford ranger2011FordRanger2012 ford ranger2012FordRangerfordford kaford rangerFordKaFordRangerkarangerTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod rocks a V6 in style]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ford-ecoboost-34-hot-rod-sema-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ford-ecoboost-34-hot-rod-sema-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ford-ecoboost-34-hot-rod-sema-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


1934 Ford EcoBoost Hot Rod - Click above for high-res image gallery

Putting modern engines into new cars isn't anything new, but this '34 3-window coupe in the Ford display isn't like anything we've ever seen before. Detroit Street Rods has wedged the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 underneath the hood, making it the first rear-drive application for the twin-turbocharged engine. Packing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque, this little coupe has the potential to surprise quite a few people at stoplights.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the car is how the engine is packaged. The dual Honeywell turbochargers have been moved to the front of the motor among various aluminum tubing routing air and exhaust gases, and a single, large exhaust cone exits above the front fender on each side of the car. It's not a rumbling V8, but it looks just as good and is just as fast too. You can read more details about the car in the press release after the jump, or check out our high-res gallery below.


Continue reading SEMA 2009: Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod rocks a V6 in style

SEMA 2009: Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod rocks a V6 in style originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe EcoBoost Hot Rod1934 Ford EcoBoost Hot Rod1934Ford3-windowCoupe1934Ford3-windowCoupeEcoboostHotRod1934FordEcoboostHotRodEcoBoostEcoBoost V6EcoboostV6FordSEMASEMA 2009Sema2009Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Jack Roush is involved in a variety of enterprises, several of which involve building very fast Ford powered vehicles. His Roush Engineering business also does a lot of prototype build and development work for its client companies. Most recently, Roush has been building propane-fueled conversions of Ford F-150 pickup trucks that are especially useful to fleet customers.

The latest project from the racing legend is a new drag racing Mustang fueled by propane. The new car is one of two being prepared for NMRA competition in 2010 using Mustang body shells. The first car that is being unveiled this week at the SEMA show is based on a 2005 Mustang. The second car, which will debut in February, uses a new 2010 body. The Roush crew has adapted the propane fuel kit from the F-150 and combined it with an aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 based on the Ford GT engine. Roush has switched the formerly supercharged engine to be normally aspirated and bumped the compression ratio to 12.5:1 to take advantage of the 106 octane rating of propane. The new propane engines should produce over 600 hp. The propane-fueled F-150 produces an average of almost one-fifth less greenhouse gases and NOx than a similar gasoline engine.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers

Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racedrag racerdrag racingDragRaceDragRacerDragRacingpropanepropane drag race mustangPropaneDragRaceMustangROUSHROUSH Drag Mustangroush mustangRoush RacingRoushDragMustangRoushMustangRoushRacingTue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford sells 500,000 new Fiestas in first year in Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/ford-sells-500-000-new-fiestas-in-first-year-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/ford-sells-500-000-new-fiestas-in-first-year-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/ford-sells-500-000-new-fiestas-in-first-year-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Ford Fiesta - click above for high-res image gallery

We still have to wait a few for more months before the new Fiesta shows up at Ford dealerships in North America but Europeans have now had a year to play with it, as have some Asian customers. Apparently, those overseas customers are very happy with what they have experienced so far. In the year since it went on sale in Europe, Ford has sold over 500,000 of the new-generation Fiestas.

The North American version of the Fiesta will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month and it is expected to change very little from the European model that we've sampled a couple of times this year. We'll be getting both the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan versions but, sadly, no three-door hatch. Fortunately for Ford, over 40 percent of European customers are opting for the up-level Ghia and Titanium trim levels, which helps the profitability. It will be very interesting to see if U.S. customers are willing to option up Ford's smallest car in the same way.


Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford sells 500,000 new Fiestas in first year in Europe

Ford sells 500,000 new Fiestas in first year in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiesta salesFiestaSalesfordFord Fiestaford fiesta five-doorFord fiesta sedanFordFiestaFordFiestaFive-doorFordFiestaSedanMon, 02 Nov 2009 08:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Tanfield Group comments on end of Ford Transit Connect BEV deal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tanfield-group-comments-on-end-of-ford-transit-connect-bev-deal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tanfield-group-comments-on-end-of-ford-transit-connect-bev-deal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tanfield-group-comments-on-end-of-ford-transit-connect-bev-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Transit Connect BEV - click above for high-res image gallery

We learned from Ford on Friday that it and Smith Electric Vehicles had mutually agreed to terminate their partnership to produce the Transit Connect BEV next year and Ford would instead go with Azure Dynamics. The Tanfield Group, parent company of Smith also released a trading statement that commented on the matter.

According to Tanfield, the projected volumes of the TC in the short to medium term did not justify the investment required at this time. There seems to be much stronger demand for the larger Newton delivery van and Tanfield has decided to commit its limited resources to growing and supporting that market segment. Smith recently started production of the Newton at a facility in Kansas City, Missouri and has a 255-unit order backlog. In the compact segment where the Transit Connect would compete, there is expected to be greater competition in the next few years with Nissan recently announcing it would be building an electric version of its new NV200 light commercial vehicle and other automakers expected to join.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Tanfield Group]

Continue reading Tanfield Group comments on end of Ford Transit Connect BEV deal

Tanfield Group comments on end of Ford Transit Connect BEV deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>smith electricsmith electric vehic...smith electric vehicleSmith Electric VehiclesSmith Electric Vehicles NewtonSmith Electric Vehicles USSmith Electric Vehicles US CorpSmithElectricSmithElectricVehic...SmithElectricVehicleSmithElectricVehiclesSmithElectricVehiclesNewtonSmithElectricVehiclesUsSmithElectricVehiclesUsCorptanfield groupTanfield Group PLCTanfieldGroupTanfieldGroupPlctransit connecttransit connect bevtransit connect evTransitConnectTransitConnectBevTransitConnectEvSun, 01 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to partner with Azure Dynamics on Transit Connect BEV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-to-partner-with-azure-dynamics-on-transit-connect-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-to-partner-with-azure-dynamics-on-transit-connect-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-to-partner-with-azure-dynamics-on-transit-connect-bev/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Transit Connect BEV - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford announced a change in direction today for its Transit Connect BEV program. Azure Dynamics will be partnering with Ford on bringing its first new electric vehicle to market. Last February however, the automaker announced that it would be working with Smith Electric Vehicles to produce the plug-in cargo van starting in 2010. We checked with Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Moore who told us that Ford and Smith had mutually decided they had different goals and would go their separate ways.

Azure will take the lead on finishing the electric TC including integrating its "Force Drive" powertrain. The TC will be using lithium ion batteries supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft who will also be supplying the electric Focus in 2011 and the new plug-in hybrid coming in 2012. Ford and Azure already have a relationship thanks to the E450 chassis that Azure uses to build hybrid shuttle buses. Azure will be switching its hybrid shuttles over to the JCS batteries next year as well. The Transit Connect will have a range of approximately 80 miles per charge, and will be available to commercial fleets starting sometime in 2010.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to partner with Azure Dynamics on Transit Connect BEV

Ford to partner with Azure Dynamics on Transit Connect BEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford transit connect bev2011FordTransitConnectBevazure dynamicsazure-dynamicsAzureDynamicsfordford transit connectford transit connect evFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectEvtransit connecttransit connect evTransitConnectTransitConnectEvFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford dismisses battery swaps]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-dismisses-battery-swaps/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-dismisses-battery-swaps/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/ford-dismisses-battery-swaps/#commentsFiled under: ,



One of the favored concepts among many electric vehicle proponents (and, most prominently, Better Place) is replaceable battery packs as a means of "rapid refueling." However, aside from Nissan-Renault, no other major automaker has expressed any interest in the idea in the near term. Even Nissan is hedging its bets and the LEAF is not expected to include a swappable battery.

Ford's Nancy Gioia is among the naysayers on battery swapping. Gioia is Ford's global director of vehicle electrification and we've spoken with her on several occasions (see below) about the hybrid and plug-in programs at the Dearborn automaker. There are many issues with swapping, starting with the fact that there is no standard pack format meaning that swap stations would have to stock many different types. Many of the upcoming plug-in vehicles are using liquid-cooled packs, which means the coolant links would have to be opened up to change the pack.

The high voltage couplings also need to be designed to withstand thousands of connection cycles, while maintaining seals and connections. With battery technology still changing rapidly, automakers are unlikely to want to settle on a standard battery for the foreseeable future.


Related:
[Source: All Cars Electric]

Ford dismisses battery swaps originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swapbattery swap stationbattery swappingbattery switchingbattery switching stationBatterySwapBatterySwappingBatterySwapStationBatterySwitchingBatterySwitchingStationnancy gioiaNancyGioiaFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-41-program/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-41-program/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-41-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is diving into the burgeoning social media world head first. Based on the success of its Fiesta Movement, the Blue Oval has decided to launch a new program called Fusion 41 - so named because of the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mile-per-gallon EPA estimate in the city and the fact that Ford will have 41 participants in its new game.

A total of eight Fusion or Fusion Hybrid owners will be chosen from all applicants based on their social media presence, and those drivers will each choose four friends or family members to join their team. Ford will then hand out assignments that must be completed with photo and video proof that is to be uploaded to the driver's Facebook profile. Ford's calling the program an "automotive relay race," whatever that means.

So, what's the incentive to participate? For starters, each team will be given a new Fusion for the challenge, and the winning team captain will have their own Fusion or Fusion Hybrid paid off by Ford. Not bad, eh? Plus, participating team members from the winning group will earn free gas for one full year. Want to know more? Click past the break for the press release and visit www.fusion41.com before November 6th to enter the contest.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>41 mpg41Mpgfiesta movementFiestaMovementfordford fusionford fusion 41ford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusion41FordFusionHybridfusion 41fusion 41 mpgFusion41Fusion41Mpgsocial marketingsocial mediasocial media marketingsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialMarketingSocialMediaSocialMediaMarketingSocialNetworkingThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Focus BEV - Click above to enlarge

Electric vehicle fans, London is calling. Ford is looking for 20 volunteer households in the Hillingdon Borough to drive an all-electric Focus for three months next year. Starting early in 2010, the borough will install a local charging infrastructure, and the Focus drivers will be expected to take part in research testing the car and the grid. Ford will provide five Focus BEVs for the test, which is part of the UK Government's "Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles" demonstration that will take place next year. Here in the U.S., Ford is using the Focus EV in a promotional bit on the Jay Leno Show. A production version of the all-new electric Ford Focus is scheduled to go on sale in North America in 2011.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London

Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Focus BEVfocus evFocusBevFocusEvford focusFord Focus BEVFord Focus EVFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusEvTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no doubt about which automaker leads the hybrid vehicle race. Toyota - and particularly the Japanese automaker's Prius hybrid hatchback - outsells all other manufacturers combined. In total, Automotive News (sub. req'd) calculates that Toyota sold 144,351 hybrid vehicles in the first nine months of 2009, which actually represents a 28-percent drop from the previous year.

Coming in second place so far this year is Honda, but that position is currently in jeopardy. The 26,016 hybrid vehicles sold by Ford in the first nine months of the year represents an impressive 73-percent gain from last year. Honda has sold 29,958 hybrids so far in '09, representing a much smaller 8-percent increase. In both July and September, Ford actually sold more hybrids than Honda.

In other words, Ford, led by its Escape Hybrid and new-for-2010 Fusion Hybrid, is gaining on Honda at a very rapid pace. Moving on down the line, General Motors slots in at number four with 12,556 total hybrid so far this year and Nissan's 7,713 units make it the number five hybrid seller in the U.S.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford escape hybridford fusion hybridford hybridford hybrid salesford mustangFordEscapeHybridFordFusionHybridFordHybridFordHybridSalesFordMustanghondahonda hybridhonda hybrid salesHonda InsightHondaHybridHondaHybridSalesHondaInsighttoyotatoyota hybridtoyota hybrid salestoyota priusToyotaHybridToyotaHybridSalesToyotaPriusThu, 15 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford hybrid sales up 73 percent compared to 2008, when Fusion/Milan weren't available]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-hybrid-sales-up-73-percent-compared-to-2008-when-fusion-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-hybrid-sales-up-73-percent-compared-to-2008-when-fusion-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/ford-hybrid-sales-up-73-percent-compared-to-2008-when-fusion-mi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Fusion hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Last year at this time, Ford Motor Company was not yet selling the Ford Fusion or Mercury Milan hybrids. These two models have proven to be quite popular, and are a regular bright spot in Ford's sales reports. In fact, compared to the hybrids that Ford was offering 12 months ago (like the Escape), sales of the company's gas-electric vehicles are up 73 percent, thanks to the Fusion and Milan models. So far this year, through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrids.

Ford says that over 60 percent of the people who bought a Fusion hybrid were, before the sale, not Ford owners. In fact, Ford says that 52 percent of Fusion buyers had previously owned an import vehicle. Considering the good reviews that the Fusion hybrid has received thus far, having this particular model be someone's introduction to the Blue Oval is a darn good thing for the team in Dearborn.

Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford hybrid sales up 73 percent compared to 2008, when Fusion/Milan weren't available

Ford hybrid sales up 73 percent compared to 2008, when Fusion/Milan weren't available originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford fusionford fusion hybridford hybridford hybrid salesford salesFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordHybridFordHybridSalesFordSaleshybridhybrid salesHybridSalesThu, 15 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford tells us where hybrids are most popular]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/ford-tells-us-where-hybrids-are-most-popular/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/ford-tells-us-where-hybrids-are-most-popular/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/ford-tells-us-where-hybrids-are-most-popular/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to data just released by Ford, it is sometimes possible to pigeonhole certain areas of the country with specific colors and engine combinations. We could hazard a few guesses as to why hybrids sell like hotcakes in San Francisco, Seattle, LA, Washington and Boston, but we'll leave those conclusions to you. Some other tidbits from Ford's report, though, make perfect sense.

For instance, Texas is synonymous with trucks. As such, it's not surprising that Houston leads the country in percentage of pickup truck sales. Diesels, duallies and four-wheel drive, though, are more common in Denver, Colorado. Makes sense - turbocharged engines perform well at high altitudes and the snowy climes in the Rockies make four-wheel drive a must.

Surprise! Drop tops are be common sights in Los Angeles and Miami, says Ford. Similarly, its not a shock to hear that white cars sell well in sun-baked cities like Phoenix, Arizona. But some other trends are more difficult to explain. Why are blue cars popular in Philadelphia? Why do Boston buyers choose brown cars with four-cylinder engines while Detroiters prefer sixes in red? Interested in knowing more about what sells where? Click past the break for the breakdown.


Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid

Continue reading Ford tells us where hybrids are most popular

Ford tells us where hybrids are most popular originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford colorsford enginesFordColorsFordEnginespopular colorspopular enginespopular fordsPopularColorsPopularEnginesPopularFordsWed, 14 Oct 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.


Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano


[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestabudgetfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbackla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009manufacturingmexicoplantsspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 13 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford says "Change the World" with Energy Star, lightbulbs, etc.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/ford-says-change-the-world-with-enegy-star-lightbulbs-etc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/ford-says-change-the-world-with-enegy-star-lightbulbs-etc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/11/ford-says-change-the-world-with-enegy-star-lightbulbs-etc/#commentsFiled under:


It's not that the Fusion hybrid isn't a decent part-electric vehicle, it's just that Ford thinks you should change your lightbulbs as well as the car in your driveway. Ford has joined up with the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote the EPA's "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign. The idea is to use less energy around the house - oh, and to do so in part with electronic equipment that bears the Energy Star logo. The goal of the "Change the World" program is to eliminate 14 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Somehow, we expect most readers to be on board with a program like this without a corporate reminder.

For its part, Ford has made its U.S. facilities almost 35 percent more efficient since 2000, and the EPA has recognized this by giving the Blue Oval the Energy Star Award for each of the last four years

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford says "Change the World" with Energy Star, lightbulbs, etc.

Ford says "Change the World" with Energy Star, lightbulbs, etc. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energy starenergy star fordEnergyStarEnergyStarFordepafordford epaFordEpaSun, 11 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford promotes Nancy Gioia to accelerate EV strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ford-promotes-nancy-gioia-to-accelerate-ev-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ford-promotes-nancy-gioia-to-accelerate-ev-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/ford-promotes-nancy-gioia-to-accelerate-ev-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has appointed Nancy Gioia, formerly the company's director of sustainable mobility technology and hybrid vehicle programs, to the new position of director of global electrification in order to accelerate the company's EV strategy. She will be in charge of not only coordinating all programs involving electrification of vehicles in the company - pure battery-powered, plug-in hybrids and hybrids - but also to find new partners, business models and the partnering to build plug-in infrastructure. However, Gioia's main target will be making new Ford electric vehicles available to the public, starting with the BEV Transit Connect van in 2010, the battery Focus in 2011, a new-gen hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in 2012.

[Source: Ford]

Ford promotes Nancy Gioia to accelerate EV strategy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ev strategyEvStrategyford electricford evford ev strategyFordElectricFordEvFordEvStrategygioiaGlobal ElectrificationGlobalElectrificationnancy gioiaNancyGioiaSat, 10 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[It's Friday: act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/its-friday-act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/its-friday-act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/its-friday-act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mark Malkoff lurves the Fusion Hybrid - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford has already shown strong puppetmaster-like abilities with the whole Fiesta Agent thing. In exchange for agreeing to go on secretive "missions," a few dozen people were given a Ford Fiesta for six months this year (they're about due to give them back). Building off of that idea, comedian Mark Malkoff - yes, the guy who slept in an IKEA store for a week - is trying to collect the "Keys to the City" from as many cities as possible this month. Malkoff has convinced Ford to loan him a new Fusion hybrid while he travels around and performs a few stunts to earn those keys - including collecting all of the coins from a fountain in Fairfax, Virginia and cleaning up after the police horses in Harrisburg, Pennsylvaina.

Not quite sure who is pulling who's strings here, but it seems someone's getting played. At least it's all in good fun. There's a video of Malkoff figuring out what the keys to the city are all about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading It's Friday: act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]

It's Friday: act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgford fusion mark malkoffford hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgFordFusionMarkMalkoffFordHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridkeys to the cityKeysToTheCitymark malkoffMarkMalkoffFri, 09 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford of Germany offers retrofit diesel particulate filters for just €133.33]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ford-of-germany-offers-retrofit-diesel-particulate-filters-for-j/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford S-Max - Click on image for high-res gallery

Ford has launched a campaign to retrofit diesel vehicles in Germany with diesel particulate filters (DPF) for a very attractive price: just €133.33 (plus installation and 19 percent VAT). This measure complements the German Federal government incentive to retrofit DPFs. Eligible cars are those that are subject to Euro III and Euro IV antipollution rules, and the ones that can benefit from this attractive price are the Fiesta, the Fusion, the Focus, the C-MAX, the Galaxy, the Mondeo, the Transit Connect and the Tourneo Ford Connect. Retrofitting DPFs is an important change in Germany, as many cities are banning diesel vehicles without DPFs from city centers and diesel owners face the threat of an additional road tax of €1.2 per 0.1 liter of engine displacement if their car doesn't have a DPF.

Gallery: 2009 Ford S-Max


[Source: Ford of Germany]

Ford of Germany offers retrofit diesel particulate filters for just €133.33 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antiparticulate filtersAntiparticulateFiltersdiesel particulate filtersdiesel particulatesDieselParticulateFiltersDieselParticulatesmotorcraftretrofittingtax incentiveTaxIncentiveThu, 08 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Focus RS - click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the biggest variable that affects fuel consumption of a car is not the powertrain, or the drag or rolling resistance. It's that bit between the seat and the steering wheel and pedals. As any hyper-miler can tell you, the behavior of the driver has a huge influence. That's why Ford devised the SmartGauge cluster for the Fusion hybrid and why most automakers are looking at more feedback systems to help coach drivers on more efficient behavior.

Having said that, more power usually means more fuel consumption and you might expect a 305 hp Ford Focus RS to be somewhat thirsty. Truth be told, driven the way it was intended it surely does consume a hefty amount of premium unleaded. However, British auto writer Jeremy Walton apparently behaved himself as he piloted a Focus RS in the just-completed 7th annual UK MPG Marathon. Walton averaged 32.05 mpg (U.S.) over a two-day, 360-mile drive in the high-end Focus. The official rating for the car is a combined 25.1 mpg (U.S.), which Walton topped by 28 percent. An impressive feat.


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon

Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRsfuel economyfuel efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencymiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpguk mpg marathonUkMpgMarathonWed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford files 125 patents on 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, mostly for controls]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/ford-files-125-patents-on-3-5l-v6-ecoboost-mostly-for-controls/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/ford-files-125-patents-on-3-5l-v6-ecoboost-mostly-for-controls/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/ford-files-125-patents-on-3-5l-v6-ecoboost-mostly-for-controls/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the process of developing it's new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the powertrain engineers at Ford came up with a lot innovative solutions to reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Most of those solutions involved software, both for developing the engine and then for controlling it. The use of computational fluid dynamics is increasingly common in engine design and elsewhere. Ford actually has developed its own in-house CFD analysis system along with a fuel spray model. The system allowed the engineers to analyze the interaction of the fuel and internal components of the combustion chamber in a dynamic model that accounts for motion of the piston, air and valves.

From that, they were able to design the piston and calculate the injection timing so as to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Once the hardware was designed, the controls engineers went to work with Matlab to develop control strategies that met those goals while also improving drivability of the new engine. The result of all of this work was the filing of 125 new U.S. patents, mostly on the controls and development tools. Green Fuels Forecast has a deep dive on the work that was involved.

[Sources: Ford, Green Fuels Forecast]


Continue reading Ford files 125 patents on 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, mostly for controls

Ford files 125 patents on 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, mostly for controls originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysiscfdcomputational fluid dynamicsComputationalFluidDynamicsecoboostfordFord EcoBoostFordEcoboostpatentsimulationTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Rush runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out-al-gore-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out-al-gore-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out-al-gore-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rush Limbaugh in Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge - Click above to watch the video after the break

As expected, Rush Limbaugh strapped himself behind the wheel of Ford's specially-prepped electric Focus hatchback as part of Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge last night. We don't mean to brag or anything (well, maybe just a little), but we totally predicted the outcome way in advance of the actual running.

No, Rush did not beat Drew Barrymore's score for his timed lap. Yes, he did in fact take out Al Gore... twice. Also Ed Begley Jr. In any case, Limbaugh claims to have enjoyed his time driving a silent electric car in anger and couldn't care less that his time was negatively impacted by aiming for Gore and Begley. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rush runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice

VIDEO: Rush runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>green car challengeGreenCarChallengejay lenojay lenos green car challengeJayLenoJayLenosGreenCarChallengelenoley leno green car challengeLeyLenoGreenCarChallengerushrush limbaughrush limbaugh green car challengerush limbaugh jay lenoRushLimbaughRushLimbaughGreenCarChallengeRushLimbaughJayLenoFri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST