Autoblog Green

REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you're ready to be your own 2011 Ford Fiesta agent, but you'll actually be paying for yours instead of the company giving you one to drive for free. If you want one that's got all the doodads, this is what you need to do: bring money. A base Fiesta sedan starts at $13,320, but go for the pricier hatch and check a few boxes and you'll hopscotch your way past the $23,000 line -- and there will still be options left.

Ford doesn't see this car as just a small American hatchback for people who want a smaller footprint but all the style and utility. The base and lower end models fit the bill for that, but on the other end, Ford officials tell Automotive News that it sees the Fiesta as an aspirational, high tech hatch that can command attention and commensurately elevated prices. Said Ford's Jim Farley, "Americans have shown us if we bring out aspirational products, not only will they pay the base price, but go up."

We played with the Fiesta configurator and wound up at $22,970. Yes, it's easy to do, but that does give you just about everything -- we skipped the graphics packages, the smoker's kit, and a couple of other accessories. But of that $9,650 difference between the sedan's base and our wishlist hatch, about half of the cost is loaded on the front end: the SES starts at $17,120 before you do anything to it, and that goes to $18,190 if you go for the automatic. Ford's getting premium prices in Australia for the Fiesta, and it believes it can do the same here. If you think so - or don't - let us know in comments.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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COP 15: Revolve (Roush) hydrogen Ford Transits visit Eco Summit

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Ford

During the recently-concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 (it was a failure! It was a success!), one of the many non-gasoline-powered vehicles present was a hydrogen-powered Ford Transit developed by Revolve Technologies (formerly known as Roush Technologies). The van burns hydrogen in a conventional 2.3-litre 4-cylinder internal combustion petrol engine, a method that Revolve business development manager Bill Waddell called "a stepping stone in the route to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel." The bi-fuel system also allows standard petrol to be burned. The Royal Mail in the UK plans on using two of these converted vans in operator trials soon.

The medium-sized Transit van can carry 4.5 kg of H₂ in three tanks under the floor. This gives the van a hydrogen-only range of 95 miles in the city and 135 on the highway. More information on the van here. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: Logistics Manager, Eco-Rally]

COP 15: Revolve (Roush) hydrogen Ford Transits visit Eco Summit originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford E-Series vans now available with Roush propane system

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Natural Gas

For some time now, Livonia, Michigan-based Roush engineering has been selling Ford F-series pickup trucks converted to run on either propane or both propane and gasoline. Availability of that conversion has now been expanded to include Ford's full-size E-series vans. The conversions are popular among commercial fleet users because the cost of propane is significantly less than gasoline and, since the vehicles tend to operate within a limited range out of a central depot, fueling is convenient.

The conversion is now available on E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans in either cargo or passenger versions with the 5.4-liter V8. Roush plans to start production in the first quarter of 2010. Because propane burns so completely, the new vans are able to meet the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) II emission standard. The next step for Roush is to develop a propane kit for the 6.8-liter V10 and the E-450 cut-away, commonly used for shuttle bus conversions. The company hopes to have these ready by the end of 2010.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Ford E-Series vans now available with Roush propane system

Ford E-Series vans now available with Roush propane system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford manages biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford

Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost - click above for high-res image gallery

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly twenty percent, almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed in that period as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and cars). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, including the introduction of the Escape hybrid and the roll out of 6 speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford rolls out millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The Ford press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford manages biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Ford manages biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford sends 10 Focus fuel cell vehicles to Iceland for continued testing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Ford

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

For the past four years Ford has been running a fleet of 30 fuel cell-powered Focus sedans in several locations throughout the United States and Canada in a program partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Those cars have accumulated more than half a million miles over that time. Testing of those cars is still ongoing, but some of the cars have recently been redeployed.

The next phase of testing begins this month in Iceland as 10 of Focuses have been shifted to the North Atlantic nation for further evaluation. Iceland has long been interested in taking advantage of hydrogen through its vast geothermal and water resources. Shell Hydrogen has been running a commercial filling station in the capital of Reykjavik for over 6 years.

The new Icelandic arrivals will be leased out to to companies in Reykjavik to use for general transportation purposes for their employees. Thanks to Roy and Egill for the tips!

Gallery: Ford Focus FCV

[Source: NewEnergy.IS]

Ford sends 10 Focus fuel cell vehicles to Iceland for continued testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit News picks Audi A3 TDI and Ford Transit Connect as best of 2009

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Ford

As we approach the winter solstice and the time to replace our calendars again, everyone is weighing in again on their favorite vehicles of the past 12 months. The latest to publish their picks is the Detroit News, where Scott Burgess and team (being a Motown paper along with the Free Press, they actually have multiple full time reporters covering the industry) have gone small this year.

The News staff called out the new Audi A3 TDI as their favorite passenger carrying device while the Ford Transit Connect took the honors among trucks. The A3 also won Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year last week at the LA Auto Show. It is essentially a fancier version of the VW Golf TDI, using the same 140 hp 2.0-liter diesel and gets similar mileage, ranging from the low 30s to mid 40s in most driving. The Transit Connect provides a great alternative to small businesses looking for delivery or utility vehicle when a Sprinter or Econoline is just too large. It provides plenty of useful space, better urban maneuverability and twice the mileage of the big vans.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Detroit News]

Detroit News picks Audi A3 TDI and Ford Transit Connect as best of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford claims 1,000 Fiesta reservations in first week; analysts already warn of possible small car oversupply

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:48:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Ford Fiesta starts at $13,320 (plus a $675 destination charge) and that price fits the budgets of at least 1,000 early adopters. Ford announced today that it has received over 1,000 reservations for the new small car in the first six days that they have been taking them. Perhaps due to the six-month-long Fiesta Movement that got word out about the car, people who reserved a car will now be given a VIP experience at Ford dealers when (if?) they go to actually buy the car. Another bonus? A $595 Sync and Premium Sound package at no extra charge. Ford is still accepting reservations here.

Even though these initial orders look good, some are already warning that the pace isn't sustainable. If gas prices stay low (under $3 a gallon) when the next generation of small vehicles - like the Fiesta and the Chevy Cruze - arrive, the U.S. might face an oversupply, Michael Robinet, vice president of forecasting at CSM Worldwide told Reuters. People who have bemoaned the lack of small, efficient cars in the U.S. may cheer at there actually being options at local dealerships, but automakers certainly won't be pleased to see supply outstrip demand.

[Source: Ford, Reuters]

Continue reading Ford claims 1,000 Fiesta reservations in first week; analysts already warn of possible small car oversupply

Ford claims 1,000 Fiesta reservations in first week; analysts already warn of possible small car oversupply originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford looking to invest up to $500 million in Michigan hybrid, EV plants

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Ford

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

After GM's announcement this week that it would invest $336 million in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the Volt, there are noises from Ford about a similar investment. Automotive News is reporting that the Blue Oval is weighing putting $300 to $500 million into hybrid and electric vehicle plants in Michigan - if they can get the tax credits from the state. Ford is asking for $85 million in credits between 2012 and 2014 and another $35 million after 2014.

If the plants get the public money injection, Ford would have a place to assemble li-ion battery packs and consolidate production of hybrid vehicles Ford's director of global electric strategy, Nancy Gioia, told AN. Currently, the battery packs for Ford's top-selling Fusion (and Mercury Milan) hybrids are put together by Delphi Holdings in Mexico.

Michigan has, in the last year, approved over $550 million for advanced battery manufacturers who build plants in the state. Ford says 1,000 jobs would be created in the state (and lost elsewhere?) if the hybrid and plug-in plants relocate here.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

REPORT: Ford looking to invest up to $500 million in Michigan hybrid, EV plants originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Ford Focus BEV update

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford, LA Auto Show

Ford Focus BEV- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Focus BEV is getting a lot of action. Versions of the all-electric sedan are spending time on the Jay Leno Show smashing into (cardboard cut outs) of Al Gore and Ed Begley, Jr. It's also making the rounds of auto shows and promotional events around the country. Starting next year, the car will also be available to a small number of drivers in the UK. We got our first drive in the BEV when it made it's important debut last January at the Detroit Auto Show, and caught up with it again out in LA last week. As a reminder, the Focus EV uses a 23.8 kWh battery pack and uses 19 kWh of that to get a range of 100 miles. When we drove around the LA Convention Center, the car had gone 43 miles that day and still had 40 percent charge left in the tank.

We found out that the car might be too busy to accurately show the outside world what it is capable of. With only about ten electric Focuses in existence - five engineering vehicles, plus two show cars (pictured), plus the few that Leno has - they are always in use. The Leno cars and the engineering development vehicles are upgraded from what was revealed in January, but the cars that the public sees at shows are what was unveiled 11 months ago. Ford's public affairs department wants the updated cars, but they're using the show vehicles too much to let the engineers upgrade them. An upgrade would take around four weeks, and there just isn't any time in the schedule for that.

One example of the upgrade are the sounds one can hear coming from the electric vacuum pump that provides vacuum assist to the brake system. On the vehicle we drove, this was noticeable when we were stopped, but on the Leno vehicle and the development cars, this sound has been isolated. The Leno vehicles also have had their ride and handling improved, we were told.

Ford is not really looking at leasing the battery pack, figuring that people will want to pay straight up for the car and pack. While no final decision has been made - they'll offer the car however the customers say they want it - the goal right now is to reduce the cost of the powertrain as much as possible while keeping it safe and being able to warranty it for ten years or 150,000 miles. From what we can see, everything's on track and we look forward to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show to learn more.

Gallery: LA 2009: Ford Focus BEV

LA 2009: Ford Focus BEV update originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval's newest small car is already well-known to prospective buyers. Ford's ingenious "Fiesta Movement" marketing initiative, which put 100 Euro-spec subcompacts in the hands of socially advanced "agents," resulted in over six million YouTube views, 740,000 Flickr views and 3.7 million Twitter impressions. All that traffic has apparently resulted in a 60-percent vehicle recognition score in Ford's survey findings - a number that would be good for a vehicle that has already been on the market a few years.

The first Fiesta Movement was created to get the Fiesta in front of the car-buying public while engaging in customer-driven dialog. Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager, says that wave two will focus on "driving unparalleled consideration." In other words, Ford wants customers to be excited to buy a new Fiesta. Given the fact that Ford generated 80,000 "hand-raisers" with Fiesta Movement number one, another group of Fiesta agents probably isn't a bad idea.

Ford is looking now for 20 teams of agents to participate in getting the word out about its new small car. Interested parties can apply via video on fiestamovement.com between now and January 31. Round two begins in mid-February. Winning contestants will need to be "socially vibrant" and "in-tune with the latest happenings in their neighborhood." Winners will be chosen based on public reaction to their video presentations... though it probably wouldn't hurt to look young and Millenialish. Hit the jump to check out Ford's official press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford: New remote start option will reduce harmful emissions by up to 75%

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Good news, Ford fans: The Blue Oval is finally stepping into the 21st Century by adding remote start and heated steering wheels to its line of cars and trucks. The remote start option will make its first appearance on the 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickup truck while the heated tiller will initially see the light of day in the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

Following those two launches, the automaker promises that both items will infiltrate the rest of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineups in a jiffy. While it's been possible to have an aftermarket remote start system installed on any new car or truck for quite some time (including a dealer-installed option from Ford), JD Power reports that 90 percent of all purchasers would prefer a factory option, which makes perfect sense to us... especially since Ford's system will be integrated with the heating and cooling systems to bring the cabin to a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.

Ford predicts that the remote start system will help the vehicle's exhaust catalyst heat up more quickly, thereby reducing hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 75 percent. Further, the automaker suggests that a heated steering wheel will increase dexterity in the fingers and hands and reduce the need to wear gloves while driving in the winter. Want to know more? Use those nice and toasty digits to hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford: New remote start option will reduce harmful emissions by up to 75%

Ford: New remote start option will reduce harmful emissions by up to 75% originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, USA

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprisingly, Ford decided to slip out U.S. pricing for its hotly anticipated and genuinely fuel efficient 2011 Fiesta with no fanfare at all. No major announcements at the LA Auto Show, no wordy press releases... nothing. But, if you head on over to Ford's official page for the new Fiesta, you'll see that it starts at $13,320 (plus a $675 destination charge).

Even better, the full Build and Price section is available, meaning you can see each and every individual option and its price. We went ahead and spent some time perusing the options list, and we see that the low base price is for the base S model, which comes exclusively in sedan form. The least expensive hatchback model is $15,120 (about $800 more than a comparably-equipped sedan).

Step up to a hatchback with Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and you're looking at $16,190, and the uprated SES hatchback starts at $17,120 ($18,190 with the auto). Click past the jump for more interesting little tidbits that we noticed when pricing out our own Fiestas, including what Ford is offering for reserving one early.

Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early

2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement

Drew Phillips — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:38:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, LA Auto Show

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing about the 2011 Ford Fiesta for so long that it's hard to imagine that the U.S. version of the car was just officially unveiled today. We gave you all of the official details and photos late last night, but we can now give you our first live impressions of the North American-spec version. Ford's own Mark Fields officially introduced the car along with numerous Fiesta agents on hand who helped pull the sheets off the various Fiestas on the show floor.

Although just 60 percent of the parts on the U.S.-spec Fiesta are common with the European version, it seems that most of the charm of the car remains. Up front the grille has been revised to include the three-bar design (at least on the sedan), and the fog lights have been replaced by LED light strips surrounded by chrome. The interior design is relatively the same as well, although it's been tweaked to conform with U.S. crash standards and features soft touch materials, a four-inch LCD display, and available SYNC, auto climate control, leather seats, moon roof and more. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder putting out a respectable 119 horsepower and 109 lb-ft torque. A 5-speed manual or new 6-speed PowerShift electronic dual clutch automatic will be the transmissions of choice, though the automatic goes without any manual controls.

There's plenty of more details in the multitude of press releases after the jump, and we've included all of our live shots of the 2011 Fiesta in the high-res gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement

LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus Econetic gets eco-overhaul to reach 62 mpg (U.S.)

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford

2011 Ford Focus Econetic - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Americans get their first official taste of the U.S.-market Ford Fiesta, Europeans can feast their eyes on an even-more frugal Focus Econetic model that will go on sale early next year. With start-stop, regenerative brakes and an Eco Mode system, the new Focus gets 62 MPG (U.S.) on the European scale and emits just 99 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. The Focus marks the first time Ford of Europe has put start-stop into a production vehicle. That Eco Mode system? It's a driver information display that shows how efficiently the driver is cruising down the road. It's not as fancy as the Fusion hybrid's leaf display, but it does come standard in the Focus Econetic.

Another eco feature on the Focus is Low Tension FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive), which is a new alternator bracket that lowers the tension on the front end accessory drive belt without resulting in common negative effects of a looser belt like increased wear and noise. Stuff like this is going to keep ICEs in the running for the foreseeable future. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Ford Focus Econetic

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Focus Econetic gets eco-overhaul to reach 62 mpg (U.S.)

Ford Focus Econetic gets eco-overhaul to reach 62 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, LA Auto Show

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the vehicle's lifetime and the new-for-2009 model has moved half a million units already this year in Europe and Asia. It's a smash hit in spite of the fact that the Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S., a.k.a. the world's biggest car market. That all changes in the spring of 2010 as the Fiesta finally makes its way stateside.

Ford appears to be focusing its efforts in the U.S. small car market at exactly the right time, as consideration for B-Segment vehicles is at an all-time high and the trend appears to be upwardly mobile. And while Ford would love for us to believe that it was clairvoyant when deciding to bring the Fiesta to the U.S., it just isn't true. In fact, the Fiesta wasn't originally designed for the U.S. market, but the shock of $4 per gallon gas and a new-found interest in eco-friendly transportation led the Blue Oval to rethink its strategy. Ford didn't start readying the Fiesta for the U.S. market until many bits and bolts of hardware were already settled, so Team Blue had to go back to the drawing board to make its small car ready for Americans. The result is a U.S.-spec Fiesta that has only 60% of its parts in common with the Euro Fiesta. Will Americans be missing out? Follow the jump for everything you need to know about the Fiesta.

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, LA Auto Show

2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiesta Movement, Ford's campaign to introduce the little global Fiesta car to the U.S. market, kicked off at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year and will end this week during the LA Auto Show with, what else, a party. Oh, and the official unveiling of the 2011 North American version. We got a sneak peek of the Fiesta earlier today that it now seems was incorrect, based on these new pictures found buried on Ford's website.

The U.S.-style three-bar grille is thankfully not present in these official pics, though the hatch and sedan do wear different grilles (we like the hatch's version better, for what it's worth). The rest of the car remains as good-looking as the Euro-spec version ever did, and the interior will be a big draw for this car - along with solid MPG numbers, of course. For those of you who hoped Ford would bring the Fiesta over from Europe pretty much intact, it appears your wishes have been granted. We'll have all the details from LA right soon.

[Source: Ford]

2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Fiesta unveiled early by Ford Canada?

AutoblogGreen Staff — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

2011 Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec - Click above for image gallery

Did our friends in the great, frostbitten north just jump the gun by half a week and reveal the 2011 North American Ford Fiesta ahead of its upcoming LA Auto Show debut? Boy we kinda hope not. Well, specifically, we hope the the little five-door fire cracker we've come to know and love (largely thanks to the well-executed Fiesta Movement) doesn't get this new grille. It's by no means a deal breaker, but it's just not as uncluttered and sharp looking as the Euro-Fiesta's simple face. Meanwhile, the Fiesta sedan gets FoMoCo's three-bar grille up front, and resembles a Yaris sedan everywhere else.

There are also some enormous chrome scoops/intakes fore of the front wheels where the fog lamps on the Euro cars used to reside. Purpose? No idea, but we have to imagine that fog lamps would have served a more purposeful purpose. We have to say that we hope the loss of the fog lamps isn't an indication that the Fiesta is getting decontented for our market.

One of the reasons (admittedly of many) that we fell so head over heals for the Fiesta is that it provided big car sophistication in a little car package. American car companies have for decades been of the mind set that if you opt to buy a small car, you should suffer (quite literally) the consequences. The Fiesta looked to be a break from that mentality. Hopefully it still is.

There is a weird sliver of history that provides a silver lining. There is a longstanding tradition of releasing slightly different models in Canada than we get here in the U.S. This always struck us as weird since half of Quebec runs across the border to buy cigarettes in Vermont every week. Anyhow, remember the Pontiac Parisienne - a Chevy badged as a Pontiac with fancy seats that helped make Pontiac the number three selling brand in Canada for decades. Here's hoping we get the full Euro-Fiesta south of the 49th Parallel.

[Source: Autoblog Espanol via Google Translate]

U.S. Fiesta unveiled early by Ford Canada? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford joins with University of Detroit-Mercy to train EV engineers

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford

For over a century, the training of automotive engineers has focused on creating vehicles propelled by internal combustion engines. Electrical and mechanical engineers have worked on piston engines, transmissions and all manner of related systems. The future holds new directions for transportation, much of which revolves around electric drive systems. That means veterans and upcoming engineers need new skill sets.

This week, Ford announced that it had formed a partnership with the University of Detroit-Mercy (UDM) to develop a graduate level program to help re-train engineers. Internally, Ford has been training its engineers for some time. The new UDM Advanced Electric Vehicle Program starts in January 2010, and 125 engineers will be going through the program in the next couple of years. In the one year program, engineers will complete five courses in areas such as controls and electrochemistry. The program is also open to engineers outside of Ford, since other companies need to train their staff as well.

GM has also initiated similar programs with the University of Michigan to help train engineers to develop batteries and electric drive systems.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford joins with University of Detroit-Mercy to train EV engineers

Ford joins with University of Detroit-Mercy to train EV engineers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sheryl Crow drives Focus BEV on Leno

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford

Sheryl Crow in the Focus BEV - Click above to watch the video after the break

Drew Barrymore's done it. Rush Limbaugh did, too. And now it's Sheryl Crow's turn to help Ford promote its all-electric Focus on the Jay Leno Show. Cruising around the little track set, Crow managed to miss Ed Begley, Jr, but nailed Al Gore (well, their cardboard stand-ins, anyway). And we've got to say, the bright orange Focus EV looks pretty darn good zipping around the curves. But we're pretty sure those streamers that shoot out and attack the car are not exactly good for the environment. Watch it after the jump.

When she's not driving whatever Leno tells her to, the Crow likes her Mercedes BlueTEC SUV.

[Source: Ecorazzi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sheryl Crow drives Focus BEV on Leno

VIDEO: Sheryl Crow drives Focus BEV on Leno originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

John Neff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Green Daily

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

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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