Fox Valley Ford

Ford's 2010 net is best in a decade; Q4 drops on actions to cut debt

2011-01-28T09:27:00.000-06:00

Ford's 2010 net is best in a decade; Q4 drops on actions to cut debt

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. today posted a $6.56 billion profit for 2010, its highest annual net income in more than a decade, fueled by improved products and pricing.But its fourth-quarter profit plunged, due to actions to pay down debt that Ford took on before the financial crisis hit.

The automaker also confronted rising costs for launching new vehicles and suffered an unexpected loss in Europe.

“We're in transition mode now,” Ford CFO Lewis Booth said during a media briefing today, predicting that 2011 will be more profitable than 2010. “We've fixed the fundamentals of the business. I think the thing that pleases us immensely is the improvement in the balance sheet.”

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110128/OEM01/110129842/1424#ixzz1CLOXAGmI

Ford 'money machine' may report most profitable year since 2000

2011-01-27T09:21:00.001-06:00

Ford 'money machine' may report most profitable year since 2000

DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. may report its most profitable year since 2000 tomorrow, boosted by new models and a better reputation. The annual profit would be the second straight for CEO Alan Mulally, who has improved quality and expanded the model lineup.

Ford, according to an analyst survey conducted by Thomson Reuters, is expected to generate a fourth-quarter pretax profit of about 48 cents a share on revenue of $30.57 billion. On that basis, the company would post profits of about $1.7 billion for the fourth quarter and $8 billion for all of 2010.

Ford posted $6.37 billion in net income during the first nine months of the year -- the most since 1998 and more than any other automaker. In 2009, Ford posted annual net income of $2.72 billion on revenue of $118.31 billion.

“Ford is building better cars, they're more fuel-efficient and they've really focused on quality since Alan Mulally came in,” said Gary Bradshaw, a fund manager at Dallas-based Hodges Capital Management, which owns 100,000 Ford common shares and 100,000 preferred shares. “He's just making this company a money machine.”

The estimates for quarterly and 2010 profit exclude items such as a $960 million charge Ford planned to take in the fourth quarter because of a plan to pay investors in its convertible debt to swap their notes for shares. Profit excluding items was 9 cents a share in 2009.

Ford shares rose 68 percent in 2010 and have gained 9.4 percent this year on the New York Stock Exchange. Ford, battered by $30 billion in losses over three years, fell to a close of $1.26 on Nov. 19, 2008, as rising fuel prices and the financial crisis led to a collapse in auto sales. The shares rose 48 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $18.37 yesterday.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110127/OEM01/110129870/1254#ixzz1CFWnlSrG

Ford, Honda lead latest J.D. Power owner loyalty survey — Autoblog

2010-12-13T14:56:00.003-06:00

Ford (F) and Honda (HMC) owners, more than those of any others, are opting to get another vehicle of the same brand.

Both brands topped J.D. Power's latest Customer Retention Study, which was based on 123,601 responses from new-car buyers. In 81,350 of those cases, the car being replaced had also been purchased new by that owner.

Sixty-two percent of Ford and Honda owners remained with those brands, while Kia (KIMTF.PK) was the most improved overall in retention. According to the survey, this year 58 percent purchased another Kia but last year, just 37 percent were repeat buyers of the brand. Mercedes-Benz (DAI) fell by five points, to 59 percent.

The Ford F-Series pickup, Ford Edge crossover, and Ford Fusion sedan drive strong customer retention for Ford, says Power, while the Accord, CR-V, and Pilot are among the strongest Honda models with strong retention.

Ford owners are even more likely than Honda owners to perceive their vehicle as fun to drive or as having good styling, which J.D. Power says has become increasingly important.

Since it's Election Day....Why is It Important to Vote?

2010-11-02T11:21:00.001-05:00

Elections seldom provide perfect choices between good and evil. The first step toward informed voting lies in determining your own personal preferences as the to public problems you are most concerned with and the solutions you prefer. What solutions to current societal problems do you prefer? Should we be spending more money on schools or for national defense? Would it be better if government limited pornography or hate speech on the Internet, or is one's right to free expression more important? Is abortion a mortal sin or a right some women might choose in desperate situations? There are not "right" answers to these questions on which everyone agrees, so the informed voter looks for candidates who share their preferences on the issues of most importance to them. Above and beyond shared preferences, informed voters look at the personal characteristics of candidates to help determine how they will perform in office. We usually prefer candidates who are hard working, honest, moral and skillful since we are entrusting them with decisions that affect our futures.

Sorting out the information about candidates from their speeches, campaign ads, media coverage and Web sites is one of the real challenges to citizens in a democracy. Many voters use short cut aids, such as relying on a candidate's political party label. Over the years, political parties have taken relatively consistent packages of policy stands (see below). Candidates for more important offices have usually served in previous positions, making it possible to assess their policy preferences and capabilities. A number of nonpartisan Web sites (see below) provide useful information for voters. Talking with friends and relatives about politics helps define one's own outlooks and understand the available options.

Microsoft shows it's still keen on cars

2010-10-31T08:19:00.001-05:00

Microsoft Corp. is angling for more automotive customers with a new version of Windows for the car, a move seen as reaffirming its commitment to the auto industry.

Last week the technology giant released Windows Embedded Automotive 7, which it says is about three generations ahead of the Microsoft software found in the original 2007 version of Ford Motor Co.'s Sync entertainment and information service.

The company says the latest software provides improved speech recognition; more options for sending text messages by voice; and more features to help car engineers get new technologies to market faster. "All that's left for the carmaker, or their supplier, is the work of adapting it for a particular vehicle or a particular device in the vehicle," Walter Sullivan, a senior program manager for Microsoft, told Automotive News.

Also included is a version of Microsoft Silverlight for creating richer graphics. Silverlight, a competitor of Adobe System Inc.'s Flash software, is used to add animation and multimedia functions to Web sites. Sullivan said Microsoft's aim is to speed up the pace of automotive technology introductions.

"Automotive systems traditionally take quite a while to develop -- anywhere from 18 months to three years," he said. "The complexity of the systems is substantial, and the amount of testing ... that they go through with these systems requires a significant engineering cycle."

Slightly older versions of Microsoft's software are in Ford's Sync, Kia Motors Corp.'s Uvo voice-activated technology and in a similar system for Fiat S.p.A. called Blue&Me. Nissan also uses Windows in the touch screen "information hub" on the Leaf electric sedan.

"Microsoft continues to invest in an automotive-specific platform," said Gartner Inc. analyst Thilo Koslowski. "There was some concern over the last probably six months that the company was somewhat de-emphasizing the automotive commitment because there has been some personnel change and also some organizational changes."

SEMA: Ford's Mustangs will run wild

2010-10-28T17:12:00.000-05:00

Ford will fill its stable with 11 Mustangs at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The Ford stand will include nine customized 2011 Mustangs along with the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 and the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 and Boss 302 Laguna Seca are both powered by a 440-hp, 5.0-liter V8 rated at 380 lb-ft of torque. The Laguna Seca is a stripped-down, reinforced version of the Boss 302 with improved handling. The rear seats have been replaced by an X-bar support to stiffen the chassis. Ford also upgraded the springs and the rear stabilizer bar.

Other Mustangs at SEMA include:

2011 Ford Mustang GT by Ford Vehicle Personalization: This Mustang GT was designed using accessories made by Ford. The exterior includes a pedestal spoiler, side scoops and a billet grille. The Mustang GT rides on 18-inch wheels.
The white-and-black interior includes inserts that resemble carbon fiber and coral accents on the steering wheel, gauge cluster and shifter knob. Ford also included coral accent lights and white material to highlight the seats, door inserts and steering wheel.

2011 Ford Mustang by Team Baurtwell: Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell designed a Mustang that includes smoked taillights, a 3dCarbon body kit and NC Forged three-piece billet wheels.
The chassis includes a Steeda lowering kit, sway bars and springs. Team Baurtwell also installed Baer brakes.

2011 Ford Mustang by MRT: The MRT-designed Mustang GT has carbon effects in the engine compartment and interior. It also has an upgraded performance-handling package, Baer brakes and an MRT stainless-steel exhaust.

2011 Ford Mustang by Creations n' Chrome: Creations n' Chrome teamed up with the American Cancer Society to design a Mustang GT and raise awareness for breast cancer. The pink chrome GT includes a Vortech supercharger, HRE performance wheels, Wilwood brakes and 3dCarbon styling kit.

2011 Ford Mustang by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords: The Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords-customized Mustang includes a Ford Racing Performance Parts supercharger kit and Kooks Custom headers exhaust system. It also has a custom paint job, Roush fascia, Cervini's Auto Designs hood and brakes, seats and suspension by American Muscle parts.

2011 Ford Mustang by Mobsteel: The V6 Mustang by Mobsteel includes an STS Turbo patented remote-mount turbo system, Air Runner suspension and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. It also has 15-inch Baer brakes, Savini forged wheels and Pirelli tires.

2011 Ford Mustang by Raceskinz: The interior of the Raceskinz-designed Mustang includes Raceskinz bucket seats and carbon-fiber accessories throughout. Performance upgrades include a ProCharger intercooled supercharger, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and Baer brakes.

2011 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment: The Mustang customized by Street Scene Equipment includes a Street Scene chin spoiler, grille and rear wing. The car rides on 20-inch Mint wheels. The interior includes Katzkin leather and a Polk audio system.

2011 Ford Mustang by Tjin Edition: The exterior of the Tjin Edition Mustang GT includes a custom DuPont paint job, a Webasto sunroof, a Unique Fabrication metal wing, Ignited LED headlights and StreetGlow lighting. It also has an Air Lift air suspension kit, an Eibach antiroll kit and trailer arms.Read more:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101028/SEMA/101029887#ixzz13h61XiSJ

Ford races toward best year since '98

2010-10-27T09:29:00.000-05:00

Mulally: Next phase is growing business

With one more profitable quarter under its belt, 2010 is increasingly looking like Ford's big comeback year. The Dearborn automaker, which launched its turnaround plan in 2006, posted a $1.7-billion third-quarter profit Tuesday and said it is hiring workers and aggressively paying down its debt.

"We are moving from fixing the fundamentals of our business and weathering the downturn to growing the business," Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said Tuesday.

Ford's year-to-date profit now stands at $6.4 billion -- putting Ford on track for its biggest annual profit since 1998. "The company is better off than it was then," said Shelly Lombard, a credit analyst with Gimme Credit. "It can make money even with industry volume that's much lower ... and with a sales mix that is much less reliant on trucks."

That's especially true in Ford's long-troubled North American division, which has now posted its fifth consecutive profit. U.S. consumers have been willing to pay more for Ford cars because of their exclusive technology and improved quality, now on par with top Asian rivals.

Last year, Ford eked out a small profit of $2.7 billion, which resulted in bonuses for all Ford workers. With this year's profit expected to top $7 billion, they are likely to get annual bonuses next year, which would give metro Detroit's economy a boost.

Ford makes big dents in debt

Ford's ability to pay off big chunks of its debt has the company well on its way toward eliminating the biggest remaining challenge to its turnaround that it can control.

On Tuesday, the Dearborn automaker said it plans to eliminate its remaining debt to a UAW retiree health care trust with a $3.6-billion cash payment Friday. It also said it used $2 billion in cash in September to pay off some of its bank debt.

Honda, Toyota lead reliability survey; Ford tops domestics

2010-10-27T09:20:00.002-05:00

DETROIT -- Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. dominate the list of most reliable 2011 models based on an annual survey by Consumer Reports magazine, with Ford Motor Co. tops among domestic automakers and General Motors Co. posting notable gains.

Chrysler and many European automakers lag the overall industry as many of their models scored below average in reliability, the magazine said. Read more

Ford profit: Ford reports $1.7 third-quarter profit - latimes.com

2010-10-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Co. demonstrated the growing strength of the U.S. auto industry Tuesday by posting a third-quarter profit of $1.7 billion, a 69% jump over the same period a year ago and surpassing a previous record set in 1997.

The automaker — which unlike General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group avoided bankruptcy reorganization last year — benefitted from both cost cutting and top-line performance, gaining U.S. market share and selling vehicles for higher prices.

"Overall, we are doing better than we expected through the first nine months of the year," said Alan Mulally, Ford's chief executive, "and we expect to deliver solid profits in the fourth quarter and for the full year."

Ford has reduced its level of sales-incentive spending at the same time buyers are adding options to their cars and spending more, according to Edmunds.com, the auto information company. Edmunds.com estimated that buyers paid an average of $30,636 for a Ford in September, slightly higher than a year ago and up 10% from five years ago.

"For a long time, they weren't really in the car market very strongly, depending mostly on trucks and SUVs. Now they have good cars, and the car market is where the action has been in recent years," said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmunds.com.

Ford's profit equaled 43 cents a share and compared with earnings of $1 billion, or 29 cents a share, in the same period a year earlier. It was the automaker's sixth consecutive profitable quarter. Revenue fell to $29 billion from $30.3 billion a year earlier, before the company sold off Volvo, the Swedish automaker, to focus on its core Ford and Lincoln brands. Year to date, the company has earned $6.4 billion.

In early trading, Ford shares rose 7 cents to $14.22. "This was another strong quarter," said Mulally. "The key drivers for improvement in 2011 will be our growing product strength, a gradually strengthening economy and an unrelenting focus on improving the competitiveness of all our operations."

On Friday, Ford plans to use some of the cash it is generating to pay off the remaining $3.6 million it owes to the United Auto Workers union retiree healthcare trust, which will save it about $330 million in annual interest expenses. The automaker borrowed heavily to stay afloat during the recession and is working to pay back those loans.
The payment will reduce the company's total debt to $22.8 billion, a net reduction of $10.8 billion from the end of 2009. Ford said it expected its cash holdings to be equal to its total debt by the year's end, earlier than it previously anticipated. Ford also plans a stock offering that would convert $3.5 billion in debt to common stock during the fourth quarter.
"We are clearly ahead of where we thought we would be on improving our balance sheet and repaying our loans," Mulally said. "This allows us to reduce our annualized interest payments by over $800 million."

Ford's American operations had an operating profit of $1.6 billion, compared with $300 million in the same period a year earlier. The company was profitable in South America and in Asia, driven by gains in China and India, but lost money in Europe. The company said it expected its European operations to become profitable in this year's fourth quarter.
Much of the automaker's success is coming from a string of successful new products, such as the Fusion sedan and the Edge SUV. Truck sales, especially government and business fleet sales of the F-150 pickup also added to the quarterly profit, Caldwell said.
Ford's latest vehicles have been well received by consumers.

"It's much better than the Ford of five years ago," Caldwell said. Ford sales have risen 21% to 1.4 million vehicles through the first nine months of this year. That's more than double the overall industry gain. Its share of the U.S. market has grown to 16.7% from 15.2% — the largest jump of any automaker this year, according to Autodata Corp.

The automaker has been able to restructure so it can operate profitably with what are considered historically low auto sales numbers.
There are some signs of a more robust rebound in the U.S. auto market, which was up about 10% through the first nine months of the year.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said Monday that U.S. auto sales hit an annualized pace of about 12 million vehicles in October, its best rate so far this year. Automakers will report their October sales results next week.

Ford May See Record Third-Quarter Earnings - DailyFinance

2010-10-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

Ford May See Record Third-Quarter Earnings - DailyFinance

Ford Motor (F) is set to report record earnings for the three months ending September when the automaker releases its third-quarter profits before U.S. stock markets open Tuesday. Riding high on improved demand for its vehicles, analysts expect Ford to post a record third-quarter profit of $1.37 billion compared to $997 million in the year-ago period, according to analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg News. The automaker's current third-quarter earnings record is $1.13 billion, set in 1997.On a per-share basis, Ford is expected to report earnings of 37 cents, according to a consensus estimate of 13 analysts polled by Zacks.com. In the third quarter last year, the automaker earned 26 cents a share. Under the leadership of Alan Mulally, Ford has piloted a so-far successful turnaround of the 107-year-old company. Last year marked Ford's first full-year profit since 2005, and the Dearborn, Mich.-based company is on target for a profitable 2010.See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/9xMGys

Ford E-News - May 12, 2010

2010-05-13T10:05:00.002-05:00

Fiesta debuts as technology platform

A car that tweets its thoughts while driving? Yeah, Ford has one of those: @AJtheFiesta will tweet updates as part of a team of Ford engineers and University of Michigan students embarking on the first social media-connected road trip from Ann Arbor, Mich., to Maker Faire in San Mateo, Calif. The trip marks the conclusion of the American Journey 2.0 research project engaging students and Ford's Research & Advanced Engineering group to create auto-centric cloud-based apps. Stops at three major universities will help build buzz about Ford vehicles while showing the company is a leader in bringing together the automobile and the Internet. more...

Alan Hall | ahall32@ford.com | 313.594.3744

Ford leads industry in collision insurance cost ratings

Ford is working to reduce insurance costs for consumers to both lower repair costs when needed and help drive down premiums. The result: NHTSA reports the company had 10 vehicles that led their segments in lowest costs during the 2007 to 2009 model years. They include the Ford Focus, Taurus and F-150. To boot, nearly one third of Ford vehicles finished in the top three in their segment - better than any other automaker. more...

Wes Sherwood | wsherwoo@ford.com | 313.390.5660

Ford drives green with sustainable printing

In the past year alone Ford has reduced its use of paper made exclusively from virgin sources by 6,000 tons - the equivalent of a loaded freight train with two locomotives and 100 cars. Ford has done this by increasingly using paper from recycled content for all high-volume, consumer and employee printing projects including the annual report and proxy statements. Starting this year, approximately 2.2 million owner's manuals are being printed on paper containing at least 10 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. more...

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.390.0949

Ford families know their vehicles - by name

Ford owners know their cars and trucks are more than transportation - they're family, and they deserve names that honor them as such. Good, solid names, like Marilyn, Myrtle and Big Bertha. Even memorable ones, like Oscar, Grover and Mr. T. A recent Ford Facebook fan page poll garnered 700 responses from Ford owners showing just what names they've bestowed on their vehicles over the years. The complete list can be found at http://bit.ly/FordNames. more...

Scott Monty | smonty@ford.com | 313.337.5466

Ford Freedom Awards honor John H. Johnson, Usher

Carrying on a tradition of 12 years, the Ford Freedom Awards are honoring two of the nation's most influential African American entrepreneurs - John H. Johnson and Usher. Johnson, founder and publisher of Johnson Publishing, which publishes "Jet" and "Ebony" magazines, is receiving the Ford Freedom Award posthumously; Usher, chairman and founder of Usher's New Look Foundation, has been named Ford Freedom Award Scholar. more...

Della Dipietro | ddipietr@ford.com | 313.755.2432

Ford Spain plant to build hybrid electric models for Europe

When the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of the all-new Ford C-MAX launch in Europe in 2013, they'll be coming from the Valencia plant in Spain. As the first hybrid vehicles for European customers, the HEV and PHEV are key to Ford's commitment to delivering alternative powertrain vehicles globally. Valencia is also building the all-new gasoline version of the five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which launch later this year. A version of the Grand C-MAX will be exported to North America beginning in 2011. more...

Mark Schirmer | mschirme@ford.com | 313.390.8647

Fox News LIVE at Fox Valley Ford on Februaury 2, 2010

2010-02-02T20:29:00.001-06:00

The Fox Business Network reports live from Fox Valley Ford in North Aurora, IL as the January 2010 sales numbers are released.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

New Sale Specials with Oil Change and Tire Rotation Discount Coupon

2010-01-23T10:34:00.000-06:00

Our newest Sale specials with a coupon for an oil change and tire rotation only $29.95. Click here for the ad.

Ford's Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect win car, truck of the year

2010-01-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

Ford Motor swept the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, which were announced early today at the Detroit auto show.

The Dearborn automaker's Transit Connect won North American Truck of the Year and the Ford Fusion Hybrid won Car of the Year, giving Ford a boost at the start of the media preview days for the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The Transit Connect beat the Subaru Outback and the Chevy Equinox for the award. The Fusion beat out the Volkswagen Golf and theBuick Lacrosse.

The Transit Connect, aimed at small businesses, couldn’t have come at a better time. The vehicle starts at $20,780 and gets 22 m.p.g. in the city and 25 m.p.g. on the highway. It has a smooth ride, even while lugging cargo in its 135 cubic feet of space.

The Ford Fusion, already a strong Camry competitor, won drivers over with its 41 m.p.g. in city driving. This is the third time in the award's 17 years that a company has swept both awards.

A jury of 49 journalists from the U.S. and Canada votes on the awards.

Last year, the Hyundai Genesis took the award for North American Car of the year, beating out the Ford Flex and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Jurors awarded the Ford F-150 North American Truck of the Year, over the Dodge Ram and Mercedes ML 320 BlueTec.

Ford Unveiling Nine New Engines And Six Transmissions In Detroit

2010-01-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

Ford will be introducing nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America over the course of the year, the latest phase of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio. The new powertrain pieces will be on show at this week’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show and will be making their way across model lines such as theFiesta, Mustang, Super Duty and F-150, as well as the all-new global Focus.

The powertrain push began in 2008 and continues through 2013 and includes the launch of 60 new or significantly upgraded engines, transmissions and transaxles globally over the five year period.

One of the most exciting is the 2012 Ford Focus’ all-new naturally aspirated 2.0-liter direct fuel injection four-cylinder engine, the first of its kind in a Ford vehicle in North America.

Ford Seeks iPhone-Like Apps for Its Cars

2009-12-17T19:34:00.000-06:00

Ford Motor Co. is working to offer drivers a way to upgrade the electronics in their vehicles, much the same way they can add applications to their iPhones and BlackBerrys.

The car maker hopes to persuade software developers to tap the Internet service, GPS location-finding capability and digital-music setup already found in its Sync entertainment-and-communications system, which it developed with Microsoft Corp.

Such applications, or "apps," might do such things as give directions to every espresso shop along a highway open after 9 p.m., or allow friends to follow one another to a location through a GPS process called "breadcrumbing."

The move is part of a broader revolution in automotive technology toward making cars as customizable and upgradeable as smart phones and laptop computers through applications.

Auto makers aim to persuade customers to continue to spend money on their cars after they buy them by upgrading the vehicles' technology, especially for small cars that often are unprofitable. Car makers also could gain revenue from application developers, much as AppleInc. collects fees from developers of apps for its iPhones and iPods.

Ford is in the process of allowing other companies and software developers to adapt smart-phone applications for use in its vehicles, as well as letting developers create car-specific apps. The car maker hopes the move will lure tech-savvy customers who will be more likely to pay for pricey features.

In one of the first steps, Ford is expected to announce Thursday that it will make available the basic computer coding needed to write software compatible with its Sync system.

Long after 'Clunckers,' dealers see sales uptick :: Beacon News :: Local News

2009-12-04T08:53:00.000-06:00

December 4, 2009 - By DAVID SHAROS AND ROWENA VERGARA Sun-Times Media

Reports about home sales recently showed that the market was up, giving analysts the first glimpse of positive economic news in months.
Is the auto industry following suit?

The Associated Press reported this week that Ford sales were steady throughout November. According to the AP, buyers snapped up fuel-efficient cars and crossovers, a sign that the market for new vehicles remains on a path to recovery. Some local dealers have noticed just that. They say there is indeed an upswing in car sales.

Fox Valley Ford experienced a slight dip in sales after the Cash for Clunkers program ended, but by October sales were back up again, according to Fox Valley Ford Vice President Tom Collins. On Black Friday, a day dedicated to bargain hunters, Fox Valley Ford's showroom was buzzing with such deal-seekers. "We had a lot of traffic and sold a lot of cars," Collins said.

Customers seem to be raving over the Fusion, Taurus and Escape vehicles the most, Collins said. Turnover for the Taurus is about one week. On Thursday, the dealership had one Taurus in stock when it typically receives about seven to eight of the model weekly, Collins said.

However, July and December tend to be high-selling months for dealerships anyway. Collins says shoppers right now are purchasing cars as Christmas presents for children and grandchildren.
In other cases, it may just be time for a replacement car.

The average vehicle on the road is about 11 years old, Dan Schwebke of Ron Westphal Chevrolet said. And because of that, some customers are in the market for a new car, he said. But used-car sales aren't slowing either. Collins says half of his dealership's sales are in used vehicles.

Other than Ford, a GM dealership is seeing an uptick, too. Gjovik Auto Group, which includes Chevy, Buick, Pontiac and GMC vehicles, has seen popularity rise for the Equinox, Camaro, redesigned LaCrosse and the GMC Terrain, Nick Oeser, sales manager said.

At Ron Westphal Chevrolet, the Chevy Equinox is the hottest seller. "We've had well into the 100-plus number (of Equinox cars) so far, but the turnaround time is literally a day or two. They hit the lot and they're gone," Schwebke said.
Dealerships are optimistic about the new year as well. Ron Westphal Chevrolet expects a 10 percent increase in sales volume in 2010, Schwebke said, adding that the business may add one or two more service technicians and two to three sales associates.

Fox Valley Ford also expects success in the new year. It's looking at a 4 to 5 percent increase in sales, a trickle-down effect from the Detroit-based automaker. Ford Motor Company has grown its market share of the auto industry in 13 of the last 14 months, Collins said.

Naperville Jeep/Dodge General Manager Sam Guzzino says "credit markets are beginning to open up a bit" which he believes will continue to bring more customers into the showroom. "Our sales are about equal to what they were a year ago, which is good in that you never want to slide backwards," he said. "We had to replenish our inventory of '09 models after the 'clunkers' rush, and once we did, we've actually sold out of our '09 stock already for the year."

Sneak peak of the new Fiesta

2009-11-24T14:07:00.000-06:00

We got a sneak peak of the new Ford Fiesta today,

due out late spring of 2010 and availability to pre-order this December.

Thanks to Demetra and Derek Dow Fiesta Agent # 33 for bringing the Fiesta by for us to take a look at and drive!

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year - Nov. 17, 2009

2009-11-18T12:26:00.000-06:00

Redesigned mid-sized car takes prominent magazine award.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Motor Trend magazine named the Ford Fusion mid-sized sedan as its 2010 Car of the Year on Tuesday. The award includes both the gas-only and hybrid versions of the Fusion.

This year's Car of the Year was selected from among a field of 22 different cars all of which were newly introduced or, like the Fusion, substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. The Fusion was first introduced in 2006 but has been substantially upgraded and redesigned for the 2010 model year.

"It's a credit to the [Ford] team to deliver a car in the hottest selling segment in the market and to make it absolutely competitive with the benchmarks," said Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus McKenzie at an award presentation ceremony.
The benchmark cars in the mid-sized segment are generally considered to be the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which have been the two top-selling cars in America for years.

McKenzie praised the Fusion for the excellence of all versions of the car including the 4-cylinder, V6 and hybrid models. "Another thing that impressed us was the attention to detail," McKenzie said. While the 2010 Fusion shares much of its engineering with the previous version, the car looked and felt like a completely new car, McKenzie said.

Ford, Subaru, VW win top safety picks - Autos- msnbc.com

2009-11-18T12:23:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON - Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen sit atop the U.S. insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, according to a closely watched assessment used by car companies to lure safety-conscious consumers to showrooms.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its "top safety pick" on Wednesday to 19 passenger cars and eight SUV's for the 2010 model year. The institute substantially reduced the number of awards compared with 2009, because of tougher requirements for roof strength.

Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo unit received the most awards with six, followed by five awards apiece for Japanese automaker Subaru and German automaker Volkswagen AG and its Audi unit. Chrysler Group LLC received four awards followed by two each for Honda Motor Co. and General Motors Co. Toyota Motor Corp., BMW AG, Mazda Motor Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. were shut out in the annual IIHS review.

Ford's recipients include the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS passenger cars and the Volvo S80 and C30 passenger cars and the XC60 and XC90. Ford said in a statement it is "committed to providing customers with safe vehicles for a broad range of real-world crash conditions."

Ford Active Park Assist Technology Wins Popular Science 2009 'Best Of What's New' Award

2009-11-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has won a 2009 "Best of What’s New" award for Active Park Assist, which uses ultrasonic-based sensors to help drivers parallel park with the touch of a button

Active Park Assist is another example of Ford’s continuing commitment to deliver industry-leading solutions that enhance the driver experience and provide value to the consumer
This is the third straight year that Ford Motor Company has been recognized with a Best of What’s New award: Active Park Assist (2009); EcoBoost(TM) engine technology (2008); Easy FuelÂ® Capless Fuel-Filler System (2008); Ford SYNCÂ® (2007)

Ford Motor Company won a 2009 "Best of What’s New" award today from Popular Science, making this the third straight year Ford has been honored by the world’s leading science and technology magazine. Ford’s Active Park Assist technology won in the automotive category and will be featured in the publication’s December issue.

"We are honored to be recognized by Popular Science with a Best of What’s New award," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "Active Park Assist is just one example of the smart technology features Ford is bringing to market not just for the sake of technology, but to meet the needs and wants of customers."

Active Park Assist uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with camera-reliant systems. The Ford system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Unlike competing systems, Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, and is available as an optional feature on several 2010 models including Ford Escape and the Ford Flex.

Ford Says Fusion Moves Into Top 10 Best-Selling U.S. Vehicles

2009-11-12T15:06:00.000-06:00

Nov. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. said the Fusion sedan has become one of the 10 best-selling U.S. vehicles for the first time on record demand.

Fusion sales this year reached 151,137 through early November, topping the full-year sales record for the midsized model of 149,552 in 2007, the company said in a statement. The 15 percent gain in the first 10 months of 2009 made it the most popular car for a U.S.-based automaker, Ford said. U.S. industry auto sales have fallen 25 percent this year.

Ford, the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy, said its avoidance of a government bailout this year has helped attract shoppers. Ford had 15.8 percent of the U.S. auto market through October, up from 14.8 percent a year earlier, according to research Autodata Corp. of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Ford 2010 Flex Active Park Assist

2009-11-06T19:39:00.000-06:00

Jay Ward talks about how to use Active Park Assist on the 2010 Ford Flex.

The 2010 Ford Flex will feature Active Park Assist, which uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot. This technology is superior to the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors.

Ford to put air bags into back seat belts

2009-11-06T10:27:00.000-06:00

DETROIT (AP) -- Air bags have long been mounted in the steering wheel, dashboard and sides of vehicles. Now, they're in the seat belts.

Ford Motor Co. plans to introduce seat belt-mounted air bags in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which will hit the market next fall. Ford says it's the first automaker to mass produce the technology.

The belts have a cylindrical air bag that stretches from the buckle to the shoulder and fits inside a pocket sewn into the belt. If the air bag is needed, the car sends a signal that releases the bag. It inflates more gently than a front air bag, and with cooler air, so it's safer for children.

Srini Sundararajan, the Ford engineer who was chiefly responsible for developing the seat belts, says the wider belts and bags help distribute crash forces across the occupant's chest, so there's less chance of a serious injury. They also help support the occupant's head and neck.

Ford posts profit of nearly $1 billion - washingtonpost.com

2009-11-02T12:58:00.000-06:00

Ford posted a third-quarter profit on Monday of nearly $1 billion, its first quarterly profit in more than a year, beating Wall Street expectations. Its North American operation posted its first profits since 2005.

"Our third-quarter results clearly show that Ford is making tremendous progress despite the prolonged slump in the global economy," Ford's president and chief executive, Alan Mulally, said in a statement. "While we still face a challenging road ahead, our One Ford transformation plan is working and our underlying business continues to grow stronger." Essentially, the company, the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy this year, has pared its costs enough to offset the weak market.

The company said its third-quarter revenue was $30.9 billion, down $800 million from the same period a year ago, but it showed a profit by significantly reducing costs. Over the past three years, Ford has closed more than 10 plants and cut 45 percent of its workforce in its North American division. This quarter, Ford cut its automotive structural costs by $1 billion, largely by lowering manufacturing and engineering costs.

Ford said it now expects to be "solidly profitable" in 2011, with "positive operating-related cash flow."

Microsoft Sync Demo and Information

2009-10-30T13:34:00.000-05:00

Ford Now Has World Class Reliability

2009-10-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Consumer Reports' 2009 Vehicle Reliability results were released yesterday. Consumer Reports' press release reads: Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability.... About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability.

The Consumer Reports survey measures vehicle quality in the first three years of service. The results show Fusion and Milan having better reliability than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and MKZ beating Acura TL and Lexus EX.

Not only do we continue to deliver consistent, strong initial quality results, but we can now claim excellence in long-term reliability. Superior craftsmanship is helping Ford establish a track record for reliability, while beating our Asian peers in the process.

Ford already holds the top spot in initial quality for having the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer and is on par statistically with Toyota and Honda. Ford also is equal to Toyota in the percentage of customers satisfied with the quality of its products. [RDA Group's quarterly GQRS results]

Ford is challenging long-held beliefs that only Asian or luxury manufacturers lead in long-term durability and reliability. This is no longer true, making this a very good time for consumers to consider Ford when considering their next purchase decision.

Two years ago, the Fusion was on the cover of the newsstand issue announcing the 2007 Consumer Reports' Reliability Survey results. At the press conference, David Champion, auto test director for Consumer Reports, talked up Fusion and Milan's superb reliability results, but cautioned that the "real test" is how well the cars would perform over a three-year period.

Now they have their answer.

Top Gear Fiesta Review (Very Funny!)

2009-10-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

Ford tops latest brand loyalty ratings from Experian Automotive

2009-10-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Co. vehicles accounted for six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty, according to the most recent industry analyses from Experian Automotive. Ford Fusion, Ford Edge and Ford Five-Hundred owners showed the industry's highest brand loyalty, returning to buy a Ford Motor Co. vehicle 62.4 percent, 57.9 percent and 56 percent of the time, respectively, according to Experian. The Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent) was fifth, the Ford Escape (49.4 percent) was seventh, and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent) came in ninth.

"Ford had an outstanding performance for brand loyalty in the second quarter of 2009," said Jeff Anderson, director of Consulting and Analytics for Experian Automotive. "With six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty, Ford is showing that its products are passing the most important test: turning happy customers into repeat buyers."

These loyalty findings, along with analysis of other industry trends, were the result of Experian Automotive's latest quarterly industry study looking at results from the first half of 2009. For a recorded presentation of Experian's full analysis go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/309875578.

2011 Ford Super Duty Powertrains coming Spring 2010

2009-10-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Taking NVH out of the 2010 Ford Taurus

2009-09-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

Andrew Feder demonstrates to Mike Rowe how each 2010 Ford Taurus is tested for squeaks and rattles as it exits the assembly plant.

2009 Ford Driving Skills for Life

2009-09-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

Ford Driving Skills for Life is a national award winning teen driver safety program and the most comprehensive teen driver program in the nation. Teens receive hands-on advanced training by some of the top driving instructors from across the nation. They will learn crucial skills in the four areas that experts have identified as most crucial in decreasing teen driving crashes and fatalities: speed management, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Best of all, the program is free for students.

http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/

Our Empty Lot After "Cash for Clunkers"

2009-09-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here is an overhead photograph of Fox Valley Ford's lot right after the end of Cash for Clunkers program, our inventory was a third of what it normally has been.

Look on the left side of the picture and you can see all of the clunkers waiting to be picked up.

Don't worry, Fox Valley Ford has been working hard at rebuilding our inventory levels and we are quickly getting our great selection back!

Photo taken by Marc Damon

Owner of Fox Valley Ford interviewed by Fox Business - 09/01/2009

2009-09-02T20:53:00.000-05:00

The video runs about 9 minutes and contains all of the sale figures released by Ford after the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program ended.

Debt reduction pushes Ford to $2.3B 2Q profit - Yahoo! News

2009-07-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

By KIMBERLY S. JOHNSON and TOM KRISHER, AP Auto Writers Kimberly S. Johnson And Tom Krisher, Ap Auto Writers – Thu Jul 23, 8:16 am ET

DEARBORN, Mich. – Helped by a lightened debt load, Ford Motor Co. posted a surprise second-quarter profit of $2.8 billion Thursday, following the worst loss in company history a year earlier. Shares rose 8 percent.

The net profit ends a string of four straight quarterly losses for the nation's second-largest automaker, which has gained U.S. market share at the expense of crosstown rivals Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors Co., both of which spent time under bankruptcy court supervision. Ford last went into the black in the first quarter of 2008, with net profit of $70 million.
However, excluding its debt reduction and other items, Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford would have reported a quarterly loss, though smaller than Wall Street expected.

Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth said the improved second-quarter results are a sign that the company's cost cuts and emphasis on new products are paying off. He stuck to Ford's earlier prediction that it would return to annual profitability in 2011.
"We're 18 months away, I guess," he told reporters on Thursday, adding that a full year of profitability hinges on improved auto sales in the U.S. and Europe.

Ford reported second-quarter net income of 69 cents a share, compared with a loss of $8.7 billion, or $3.89 a share, for the same quarter a year ago.

The profit came because of a $3.4 billion gain due to debt reduction. In March Ford swapped stock and cash to reduce its loan and bond debt by $7.7 billion. The company has cut its debt by $10.1 billion for 2009, and is likely to take further steps this year to lower debt and raise cash.

But excluding special items, including the debt reduction, Ford would have lost $424 million, or 21 cents a share. Still, that beat analysts' expectations of a per share loss of 50 cents on revenue of $24.7 billion. Excluding special items, the company lost just over $1 billion in the second quarter of last year.

Ford spent $1 billion more in cash than it earned in the quarter, compared to $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2009.
Revenue totaled $27.2 billion, $11 billion less than a year earlier.
Ford is predicting a modest improvement in U.S. sales next year to about 12.2 million light vehicles. Sales so far this year have run below an annual rate of 10 million.

The company said it made $1.8 billion in structural cost cuts during the second quarter, with $1.2 billion coming in North America.
"We continue to make really good progress on cost reductions," Booth said.

Ford's shares rose 51 cents, or 8.2 percent, to $6.89 in pre-market trade on Thursday.

Twist Of Fate Or Justice Served? Ford Outsells Toyota For Third Month In A Row - AutoSpies Auto News

2009-07-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

"For the third month in a row, Ford Motor Co. outsold the Japanese juggernaut in the United States, still a crucial and rich market amid this nagging recession. In June alone, the Dearborn automaker reported an 11 percent year-over-year decline in monthly sales to 148,153 cars and trucks, compared to Toyota's 34.6 percent slide to 131,654 vehicles.

And this: General Motors Corp. -- beleaguered and bankrupt, its dealer body jittery and brand image suspect, its only willing lender the Treasury -- so far this year has outsold Toyota 947,518 to 770,449, according to Autodata Corp. Partly evidence of Toyota's strong presence in, and dependence on, the imploding California market?

Yes, but what else?

For the first three months of the year, Toyota lost more money than Ford and even GM. Since then, the Japanese automaker has replaced its president with a scion of the founding family, 53-year-old Akio Toyoda, who promises a 'back to basics' push for the industry's richest automaker even as more troubles emerged in the first weeks of his new assignment."

"Obama signs 'clunkers' bill; $3,500 or $4,500 for eligible trade-ins July 1-Nov. 1"

2009-06-26T20:26:00.000-05:00

President Obama on June 24 signed into law legislation that includes the so-called “cash-for-clunkers” program, which provides up to $4,500 for consumers who trade-in older vehicles for a new fuel-efficient vehicle.

The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act of 2009 is for eligible trade-ins for new vehicles purchased or leased until Nov. 1 or until the $1 billion appropriated for the program is exhausted.

But the U.S. Transportation Department has until late July to iron out several details in the act, and the Illinois Revenue Department has not ruled whether sales tax would be due on the $3,500 or $4,500 vouchers. Dealers are cautioned that any “clunkers” transactions completed before the DOT publishes the program’s rules may not qualify for reimbursement.

The CATA will relay the evolving news as it develops over the next several weeks. When enough information is available, the National Automobile Dealers Association will conduct a series of Webinars to educate dealers on how the program works and how to comply with its rules.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created an official, government-run Web site, http://www.cars.gov/, with full details about the CARS program. Dealers should avoid other unauthorized sites that reportedly have surfaced, trying to obtain dealership information to register them for the program.

Under the program, cars rated at 18 miles per gallon or lower in combined city and highway driving could be turned in for cash vouchers good toward the purchase or lease of a new car. New cars rated at least 4 mpg higher would earn a $3,500 voucher, while a 10 mpg improvement would earn a $4,500 voucher.

Trucks, including vans and most SUVs, are eligible, but the new vehicle must average at least 18 mpg and get at least 2 mpg more than the old vehicle to qualify for a $3,500 voucher. A $4,500 voucher goes to a new truck getting 5 mpg more.

Trade-ins must be driveable, not more than 25 model-years older than the new car, and registered and insured by the owner for at least the past 12 months.

For the clunkers, the legislation is a death sentence. Participating dealers must certify that they transfer clunkers to an entity that will crush or shred the vehicles, to keep them off the streets.
Dealers must register to participate in the program. The procedure to register is not finalized.
“Because a customer’s decision to purchase usually comes down to the monthly payment,” said NADA Chairman John McEleney, “a $3,500 credit translates to $75 to $100 a month in savings, which is very significant.”

Ford Transit Connect brings european practicality to commercial vehicle market

2009-06-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

Consider this more a preview than a review because only part of a day was spent with the Ford Transit Connect. But if my first impressions are correct (and they usually are with automobiles) this little commercial truck that has been on sale in Europe since 2002 could be quite a hit in the United States.

As Ford demonstrated during a program in Manhattan at the end of May, this is going to be a good vehicle for small businesses. Ford chose Manhattan (as well as five other cities across the U.S.) to show how well the Transit Connect handled itself in an urban setting but I see this van being a big hit in the suburbs and smaller cities, too.

The primary reason is going to be its cargo capacity. This little truck can swallow up a lot of items. The Transit Connect has 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space and can hold a payload capacity up to 1,600 pounds - a larger payload than the full size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck, according to Ford. Plus, and this part absolutely intrigues me, the Transit Connect is rated at 22 city, 25 highway EPA miles per gallon. That’s unheard of for a delivery vehicle. (As a matter of fact, the city mileage is better than a 4-cylinder Toyota Camry, which is quite an accomplishment.)

The Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform to meet and exceed the needs of small-business owners and entrepreneurs. To prepare Transit Connect for United States duty, the powertrain was upgraded to include a proven Duratec 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) I-4 engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have been updated to lend the vehicle a fresh, new look for its American debut.

Read More:

First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

2009-06-23T14:40:00.000-05:00

The return of the high-powered daily driver on par with the V8 offerings of upscale competitors at a fraction of the price. Quite possibly the “sleeper of the year”.

After driving a 2010 Taurus Limited the prior day, Ford set us out to drive in the twisty roads of northeast North Carolina. Switchbacks, steep inclines, and awe-inspiring views in the SHO. These are not a set of roads you want to send a group of journalists out on unless you are completely sure your car will stack up.

And the SHO does. All of our complaints from the previous day’s drive (slow steering, okayish acceleration) became a distant memory. As we bustled up and through the mountains it was almost too easy to forget we were behind the wheel of a four-door full-size sedan. The EcoBoost V6 is strangely un-turbo like. Only once did we catch the faintest whiff of wastegate noise. Low-end torque is so abundant, turbo-lag is a complete non-issue.

With all the standard features of the Taurus Limited and a blatant heap of power- we were coddled in comfort at the same time we carved up with glee some of the tightest roads we’ve driven on. It’s the same experience you would have only expected out of a BMW or Audi- except your driving a Ford… and a Taurus to boot. Suddenly everything we knew about what this segment should be turned fuzzy.

Read More:

Ford Announces it Won't Close Dealers, Reopens Plant to Build EcoBoost Engines

2009-05-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

After a week of news revolving around dealer closures from Chrysler and GM, Ford is balancing things out this week with some good news. Most importantly, the Blue Oval has announced it will not be cutting dealers the way its hometown rivals have and is instead reopening its Cleveland Engine Plant No.1 to build EcoBoost engines.

According to Ford's director of North American sales, Jim Farley, Ford has been working to consolidate its dealers rather than close them and has already reduced its network by 700 dealers since 2005. Farley said that while Ford plans more consolidations, the numbers won't be nearly as drastic as those proposed by Chrysler and GM. Ford currently has about 3700 dealers in the U.S.

Read more:

Ford says it's still poised to end losses in 2011

2009-05-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

WILMINGTON, Del. (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co.'s restructuring is on track to be completed without the automaker seeking emergency government bridge loans and to bring a profit as soon as 2011, executives told stockholders today.

Ford shareholders also approved the company's funding plan for a healthcare trust for UAW retirees and knocked down shareholder requests to change the voting structure and allow a smaller percentage of stockholders to call for special meetings.

The annual meeting here came just two weeks after Chrysler LLC filed for bankruptcy protection and amid industrywide concerns that rival General Motors could follow Chrysler into court within weeks.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford said the industry environment was the toughest he had seen in his three decades in the business, but he remains confident of the automaker's restructuring plan.

"Much of the tremendous progress we have made has been overshadowed by the economic crisis of historic proportions that began last year," he told shareholders. "We are undergoing the most rapid and far-ranging transformation in our history."

CEO Alan Mulally said Ford remained committed to matching capacity worldwide to demand and would continue a multiyear program of dealership consolidations in urban areas.

"We are confident that we will not only survive this downturn, but that we will emerge as a lean, globally integrated company poised for long-term profitable growth," Mulally said, adding that the automaker was on track to be at or above break-even in 2011 excluding special items.

Ford is the only U.S. automaker not operating under U.S. government emergency loans and expects to be able to steer clear of the industry collapse now swallowing GM and Chrysler as long as that process is orderly.

The automaker's stock was up 36 cents, or 7.3 percent, at $5.32 on Thursday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange.

The annual meeting attracted 98 Ford shareholders, up from 56 last year, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Jackson said he was concerned about U.S. trade policies and their impact on the reindustrialization of the nation.

"I raise these concerns because I have a trembling fear that Chrysler has gone bankrupt incentivized by policies and GM appears next," Jackson said at the meeting. "We cannot afford to lose a manufacturing base and maintain our security."

Bill Ford said he agreed with Jackson on many of his concerns and said the automaker has been investing heavily in the United States, pointing to the conversion of a truck plant in Michigan to build the new Ford Focus compact.

"It is hard to imagine an America without an industrial base," Bill Ford said.

An advisory vote requesting that the automaker eliminate its preferred voting structure that has given the Ford family control of the company since it went public in 1956 failed for a fifth consecutive year.

Under that structure, Ford family members hold a 40 percent voting interest through 70.9 million Class B shares, while the automaker had more than 2.3 billion common shares outstanding as of March 18, according to its proxy statement.

The motion received 25.05 percent support when it was brought in 2005. It had received more than 27 percent support the past two years, but received 19.5 percent today.

Ford posted a company record net loss of $14.7 billion in 2008 and losses totaled $30 billion over the last three full years. It posted a first-quarter net loss of $1.43 billion.

Still, analysts see the Ford debt restructuring, the union agreements and the automaker's ability to issue more stock as signs that it could make it through the industry downturn and out the other side without seeking government emergency loans.

The automaker has completed a debt restructuring, raised $1.6 billion in cash from a stock offering and reached a deal with the UAW to cut labor costs and reduce Ford's cash obligations to a union retiree healthcare trust.

Those actions helped Ford keep pace with the government-mandated restructurings at GM and Chrysler, which have moved slower on all fronts.

2010 Ford Mustang Drifts Japan

2009-05-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

Jay Leno's Garage review of the Fusion Hybrid!

2009-05-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

Ford outsells Toyota as auto sales drops go on | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

2009-05-04T18:08:00.000-05:00

Ford outsells Toyota as auto sales drops go on | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press:

Ford Motor Co. turned the tables on Toyota Motor Co. in April, outselling Japan's largest automaker in monthly sales for the first time in more than a year.

For the year, Ford sales are still about 46,000 vehicles behind Toyota. But Ford is benefiting from its new Fusion hybrid and gasoline-powered models, which Ford is billing as "America's most fuel-efficient midsized sedan."

Distress at General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC is also helping the Dearborn automaker distinguish itself.

Ford, which has been promoting itself as the "different" American automaker that is surviving without federal assistance, sold 129,476 cars and trucks in April. Toyota sold 126,540. "Ford appeared to have benefited from the misery of GM and Chrysler," observed Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com.
Monthly declines continue across the U.S. auto industry, meanwhile, light-vehicle sales fell 34.4% in April, compared with the same month last year. That was the 18th consecutive month of declines. For the year, U.S. new-vehicle sales are now off 37.4%.

U.S. consumers purchased just under 820,000 new cars and trucks last month, even as consumer confidence began to pick up. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose more than 10 points to 39.2 on a scale of 100. While low, that's the highest score for confidence this year.

Chrysler struggles

Chrysler led the industry's decline, with its vehicle sales dropping 48% compared with last year. Chrysler ended the month with 114 days' or nearly three months of inventory. Inventory levels of about 60 days are considered ideal.
While the company's total sales fell 48%, the company noted that retail sales to consumers were down 39%, about the same percentage decline as the overall industry.
"We're bouncing along the bottom of the bathtub," said Vice Chairman Jim Press.
Toyota reported the second-largest decline, with sales falling 42%, as popular models struggled.

April sales of the once-popular Toyota Prius hybrid declined 61.5%, compared with the same month a year ago, when gas prices were at least $1 higher. Sales of the Camry, usually the nation's best-selling passenger car, fell 37%.

Toprak said Toyota's conservative level of discounting during April, compared with other automakers, might have contributed to its declines.

Sales at GM, meanwhile, fell 33% in April, which was a better performance than expected. While GM is still the U.S. sales leader, with about 578,000 new cars and trucks sold this year, the company's sales are now down 45% for the year, compared with the same four months a year ago.

Fusion Hybrid goes 1445.7 miles on one tank of gas!

2009-04-28T13:32:00.000-05:00

Ford does it! 1000 miles on ONE tank of gas, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2009-04-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

The start of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 1000 Mile Challenge

2009-04-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Can a Ford Fusion Hybrid really go 1,000 miles on one tank of gas?

2009-04-24T10:53:00.000-05:00

A team of drivers, including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hyper-miler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to drive an unmodified Ford Fusion Hybrid more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process. The 1,000-Mile Challenge will follow a route from Mount Vernon, Va., to Washington, D.C.

No modificationsTo cover the 1000 mile distance on only one tank of fuel, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg. It would be one thing if Ford were using an experimental test vehicle or a highly modified Fusion not available to the public. According to a press release from Ford, however, the Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory-produced model with no modifications or alterations and will run on regular 87-octane gas.

During their trip, the team will be uploading regular images and video to YouTube, Flickr and Twitter.

Ford seen on brighter path despite rough road

2009-04-14T13:43:00.000-05:00

The carmaker's stock is up, helped by the perception that it can go on without a government bailout.

Ford Motor Co. has long maintained that a bankruptcy filing by one of its Detroit competitors could have disastrous effects on it as well. Wall Street seems to think otherwise.

With bankruptcy rumors growing ever louder, General Motors Corp. shares have struggled to reach $2 in recent months, falling 33 cents, or 17%, to $1.71 on Monday after a Standard & Poor's downgrade drove its bonds to record lows.

Ford, meanwhile, has been steadily climbing, rising 2 cents to $4.26 on Monday. The stock is up 169% from its $1.58 close Feb. 20. Standard & Poor's on Monday upgraded Ford's bonds, citing a successful debt swap. The automaker's market capitalization, at $10.3 billion, is now 10 times that of GM.

"Ford's image is now that of a company that can stand alone and doesn't require outside assistance," said Michael Robinet, vice president of auto industry consulting firm CSM Worldwide.

He points to the fact that despite Ford's own financial woes -- including a record 2008 loss -- it has benefited by refusing a government bailout and instead working to cut costs on its own. "Ford has done a good job of positioning itself in terms of a good Detroit versus bad Detroit idea," Robinet added. The market's confidence in Ford would seem to fly in the face of conventional wisdom that a bankruptcy by any of the Big Three automakers would disrupt the supply chain, bringing the entire industry to its knees. After all, according to CSM, 60% to 70% of GM's suppliers also sell parts to Ford and Chrysler, and supplier woes can shut down assembly lines at multiple manufacturers simultaneously. Bankruptcy would ostensibly help GM or Chrysler break contracts with the United Auto Workers union and unload billions of dollars in debt in a sweeping fashion unavailable to Ford. That, in theory, would provide a competitive cost advantage to the bankrupt automaker. But increasingly, investors are bucking conventional wisdom when it comes to Ford. The automaker has several things in its favor.

First, Ford's decision not to ask for bailout loans not only kept the Dearborn, Mich., company away from federal intervention in its affairs, but also convinced the U.S. public that it was somehow different. A study released last week by AutoPacific showed that 72% of respondents would be more likely to consider Ford vehicles because the company didn't take money from Washington. And while GM and Chrysler have been busy coming up with restructuring plans and attempting to comply with requirements of the $17.4 billion in government loans they received, Ford frantically cut costs.

Last week, the automaker said it had swapped $9.9 billion, or 28%, of its outstanding debt for equity, a roaring success considering the fact that GM has been unable to execute a debt reduction with holders of $27 billion in its bonds. Ford also crafted a new agreement with the UAW that will substantially reduce labor costs, and has persuaded the union to accept equity for as much as half its $13 billion in cash obligations to a retiree healthcare trust fund. "We are increasingly comfortable with Ford's ability to maintain minimum cash levels," said Barclays Capital auto analyst Brian Johnson, who predicted that Ford would be able to avoid bankruptcy even if sales fall below currently depressed levels.

Ford also appears to believe that it would receive any concessions won by GM or Chrysler in their continuing negotiations with the UAW, which JP Morgan Chase analyst Himanshu Patel called "a material source of upside" for the automaker. On top of that, said Shelly Lombard, debt analyst at research firm Gimme Credit, the government may indirectly protect Ford should things get really hairy in Detroit. Citing the Obama administration's willingness to "support auto suppliers," she said that "the chance that a General Motors or Chrysler bankruptcy will drag Ford into Chapter 11 has lessened." Still, a Ford investment is not without risks. The company lost $14.7 billion last year, and the only reason it didn't have to take government aid was because it borrowed $23 billion in late 2006 -- a move that at the time provoked harsh criticism of Chief Executive Alan Mulally. Wall Street still has its bones to pick with the company's capital structure, as seen by its credit ratings that remain in deep junk territory. Plus, with Ford's U.S. sales down 42% through the first three months of the year, analysts worry that sustained declines in sales eventually could push Ford into Washington's arms. Others still worry about the effect of a parts disruption from a GM or Chrysler bankruptcy, even with the Obama administration offering $3.5 billion in loans to troubled suppliers last week. "The failure of competitors or key suppliers could further complicate Ford's situation and cause it to ask for the government loans that it is trying to avoid," S&P said Monday in its rating of Ford.

For its part, Ford maintains that all is going more or less according to the plan established by Mulally when he came on board in late 2006: to reduce its dealer count, sell off brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover, cut production to meet demand and globalize its vehicle lineup to reduce costs. Ford spokesman Mark Truby said that even the brutal economic climate hadn't pushed it too far off course, even if it has had to offer support to a few crucial suppliers or cut production a bit faster than intended.

"The message is getting though," Truby said. "We can accomplish this on our own."

By Ken Bensinger April 14, 2009

Ford slashes debt by $9.9 billion as tender offer expires

2009-04-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

April 6, 2009 - 10:00 am ET

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co. has reduced its automotive debt by 38 percent, or $9.9 billion, part of a series of moves to bolster its finances amid the global automotive downturn.
The debt reduction will reduce Ford's annual cash interest expense by more than $500 million, it said.

Ford, the only U.S. automaker that has not sought emergency U.S. government loans, is using $2.4 billion in cash and 468 million shares of its common stock to reduce its outstanding automotive debt by $9.9 billion from $25.8 billion at the end of 2008.

Ford has also reached an agreement with the UAW that would slash cash payments for its retiree health care and is powering ahead of domestic rivals General Motors and Chrysler LLC in restructuring to survive the lowest U.S. auto sales in nearly three decades.

"By substantially reducing our debt, Ford is taking another step toward creating an exciting, viable enterprise," Ford CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement. "As with our recent agreements with the UAW, Ford continues to lead the industry in taking the decisive actions necessary to weather the current downturn and deliver long-term profitable growth," Mulally said.

Ford, through its finance arm Ford Motor Credit, used $1 billion in cash to buy back $2.2 billion of debt at 47 cents on the dollar, and $1.1 billion in cash to purchase $3.4 billion of unsecured notes.

In addition, $4.3 billion of Ford's 4.25 percent senior convertible notes were tendered by April 3, when a debt restructuring offer closed. Ford will use $344 million to pay a cash premium to noteholders who tendered.

Loose your Job, Ford Will Make your Payments! Ford Advantage Plan

2009-04-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

What Benefit does the Ford Payment Protection Program offer?

• It pays the monthly amount due on your new vehicle purchase/lease up to a maximum monthly benefit of $700, for a maximum of 12 Benefit payments
• Benefit is paid directly to your financing source
• No cost to you
• It is important for you to continue to make your monthly financing payments on your account until you have received notification that your Benefits have been approved in order to maintain your current account status

What do I need to do to qualify for these BENEFITS?

• Purchase/lease an eligible new vehicle between March 31, 2009 – June 1, 2009
• Finance your new purchase/lease (cash and equity line vehicle purchases are not eligible; vehicle must be titled in the name of an individual)
• Be the primary purchaser/lessee responsible for the financing of the vehicle
• Be Involuntarily Unemployed for at least 30 consecutive days•Become Involuntarily Unemployed after the first 30-day exclusionary period immediately following the purchase/lease of your Ford vehicle, and before January 1, 2010
• Not have received notification of Involuntary Unemployment prior to your enrollment in the Ford Payment Protection Program (i.e., the date you purchased/leased your vehicle)
• Have been working full-time for 90 consecutive days, at least 30 hours per week, immediately before becoming Involuntarily Unemployed. This program does not cover part-time, seasonal, self-employed or persons employed by a family household member. However, if you subsequently become a full-time employee and later become Involuntarily Unemployed, you may qualify for Benefits provided you meet the stated eligibility requirements
• Complete a Benefit Form and submit all required documentation within 90 days of the day you became Involuntarily Unemployed in order to be eligible for Benefits

Click here for a complete list of Answers and Questions

Program subject to change. See dealer for full program details and qualifications.

Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally, on CBS - March 2009

2009-03-25T15:47:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally, discusses the future of Ford on the Early Across America segment of the CBS Early Show on March 23, 2009.

2010 Ford F-150 Raptor information and Videos

2009-03-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

Designed from the ground up by the Truck Special Vehicles Team(SVT)- the all net 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor. It's a Built Ford Tough and ready to tackle the untamed terain of off-road running.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck survives the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, finishing the 631-mile race in 25:28:10 on November 25, 2008

New Tax Deductions for New Vehicles

2009-03-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

President Obama signed “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” into law on February 17, 2009. The law includes a new consumer tax deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid to purchase a motor vehicle during 2009.

Provides consumers a new tax deduction on their 2009 Federal income
taxes for “qualified motor vehicle taxes.”

Qualified motor vehicle taxes include any State or local sales
or excise tax imposed on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle.

Qualified motor vehicles include passenger automobiles or light trucks
with a weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds.

Applies to NEW vehicles only.

Deduction allowed for non-itemizers.

Limitation on Vehicle Price: limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the
purchase price of a qualified motor vehicle.

Income Limitation: Phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross
income between $125,000 and $135,000 ($250,000 and $260,000 in the case of a
joint return).

Effective Date: Purchases on or after February 17, 2009, and
before January 1, 2010.

Customers with questions related to their particular tax situation should be advised to consult with a financial adviser.

SHOtime! Taurus moniker returns with 365 hp

2009-02-11T12:59:00.000-06:00

After a 10-year absence, the Super High Output nameplate is back - this time, on a much larger car with far more power. Taurus fans - who knew? - have hung a "mission accomplished" banner on the website bringbackthesho.com as the car was unveiled this morning in Chicago. Clearly, there's more than a few people willing to fork over $38,000 for this fully-loaded four-door.

Ford's 3.5 liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 makes a healthy 365 horsepower, 130 more than the last SHO's Yamaha V-8. Besides dual exhaust tips, a subtle rear decklid spoiler and wheels up to 20 inches, there's not much to differentiate the SHO from the standard Taurus, but according to Ford, that's the point of its "authentic sleeper sedan formula."

Unlike the first 1989 SHO, there won't be a manual transmission, but the six-speed paddle-shifter automatic will blip the throttle on downshifts.

Test Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion is best gas-electric hybrid yet

2009-02-07T08:22:00.000-06:00

OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.

What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close.

Fusion's $28,000 starting price is more or less in reach, the driving feel is good, and the interior has a premium look and feel.

There are three facets to consider in evaluating a gasoline-electric hybrid: the underlying vehicle itself, the hybrid system and the mileage.

WANT TAX CREDIT? BUY IT NOW

Ford says the 2010 Fusion hybrid qualifies for a $3,400 tax credit but only if you buy one by March 31, the end of the first quarter.

Few will be at dealers by then, but buyers can order one now and qualify for the credit, even if the car is delivered after the deadline.

The federal credit to encourage hybrids phases out as an automaker sells more of them. Ford has sold enough hybrids that the buyer's credit on a hybrid Fusion or Milan sedan halves to $1,700 on April 1. The credit also drops on that date for the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs.

Click here to read more:

Ford Taurus Tempts With Tech

2009-01-13T18:54:00.000-06:00

Ford knows people aren't going to buy the new Taurus because it offers thrilling performance. So in an attempt to draw buyers back to the large sedan many industry watchers call vital to the company's success, Ford has packed its flagship with a slew of gadgets.

Oh sure, the Taurus is good looking, drawing on the European styling of the Mondeo. And it's a deal at $25,995 or so. But it's the gadgets, from the obligatory Sync voice-activated communication and entertainment system to butt-massaging seats (really!) and capless gas tank, that have our inner geek grinning. Ford says all the tech is designed to make the car a connected, customized place to be when you're on the road.

"Taurus is more of a 'me' sedan now, and we've delivered with this buyer in mind," says Moray Callum, director of car and crossover utility vehicle design for Ford.

The Taurus was introduced in 1986 and was for many years one of the best selling cars in America. But then came the Dark Ages of the SUV and the Taurus hasn't been the same since. Sales sank 23 percent last year to 52,667 probably because people more often think "Camry" when you mention family sedan. So Ford reworked the Taurus in almost every regard, and the result is the best Taurus in, well, maybe ever. The gadgetry is just icing on the cupcake, and for the most part we don't see a lot of technology just for technology's sake. Here, then, is a quick rundown.

The Ford Story

2008-12-11T13:14:00.000-06:00

Click here for more information on "The Ford Story"

Bill Ford

A DIFFERENT ROUTE

At Ford, we are headed in a new direction. After turning a profit this year in the first quarter and making significant progress on cost reductions, we were hit by a spike in gas prices, followed by the current credit crisis. But instead of focusing on our challenges, we’d like you to know how very far Ford has come and how we’re doing business differently.

Alan Mulally talking about Ford's buisness plan:

Mark Fields talking about Ford's progress:

Did you know...

The Ford F-Series and Ford Flex are rated as two of the 10 Best New Cars of 2009 by BusinessWeek.

16 2008 Ford vehicles are rated Best Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS, more than any other automaker.

Ford Division has 15 car, truck and SUV choices that get 25 mpg or better

Ford Motor Company is a 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence winner.

Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet.2

December 2009 Employee Pricing Plus Commercial from Fox Valley Ford at the North Aurora Auto Mall

2008-12-11T13:12:00.000-06:00

Ford tops safety awards list for 2009, has 16 winners

2008-11-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

Ford Motor Co. offers the most vehicles in America with top safety ratings, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The institute today released its "Top Safety Pick" awards list for 2009, which recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes, based on the institute's tests.

Ford had more winners than any other automaker -- 16 in all. Honda Motor Co. was second, with 13 winners. General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. tied with eight each.

"We want to set ourselves apart from the other American companies," Steve Kozak, Ford's safety chief engineer, told the Free Press on Monday. "We're ready and able to compete head-to-head with the Japanese."

Last month, Ford also won accolades from Consumer Reports for the high quality of its vehicles, which the trusted magazine said are now on par with those being produced by Toyota and Honda Motor Co.
Read More:

The 2010 Ford Mustang has been revealed!

2008-11-18T19:49:00.000-06:00

The 2010 Ford Mustang has been revealed. Just in time for the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford has released 2010 mustang photos online, and the vehicle will also be viewable at the LA Auto Show, taking place at the convention center in downtown Los Angeles.

As a local chiropractor, and someone who works to keep their finger on the pulse of hot topics in social media, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see firsthand, Ford's 2010 Mustang GT. I'll be at the show on Thursday, and I'll be reporting news gathered from the showroom floor, on car safety and passenger comfort. The show opens to the public on Friday, November 21, and runs through Sunday, November 30. The LA Auto Show will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Click here for the 2010Mustang Website

2009 Ford F150 - First Look

2008-11-11T12:50:00.000-06:00

Familiar, But Better

By Brandan Gillogly
photographer: Courtesy Of Ford

We were able to get behind the wheel of the all-new F-150 earlier this summer at Ford's Michigan Proving Ground in Romeo, Michigan, and on the roads outside of Detroit. The first thing you'll notice about the '09 F-150 is that it looks like an F-150. Of course it does, but what that means is that Ford designers didn't mess with what was already working with the Ford truck and SUV design language. The resulting front end looks like an amalgam of Expedition, Super Duty, and F-150 styling. Three separate grille treatments are available for '09, with variations of Ford's trademark three-bar grille standard on all but the Platinum trim level, which gets two horizontal openings and a distinct pattern on the grille bars inside. The rear of the truck continues the horizontal bar theme with the stamping on the tailgate that ties into the taillight and also incorporates a small lip to improve aerodynamics.
Read More

Click here for our current F-150 Inventory

Brand New 2010 Ford Fusion Sneak Peak!

2008-11-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

Available Spring 2009

For 2009, the 2010 model year Fusion will offer Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 horsepower; an enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 263 horsepower 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.

All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10 percent fuel economy improvement and a host of other industry-first technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy.

"Customers want it all – exhilarating performance, continuing fuel economy improvements and low emissions – all for a price that offers great value," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Product Development. "Ford intends to deliver on every expectation as we migrate advanced technologies from shelf to showroom."

Recent internal research shows that fuel economy continues to top customers' purchase-consideration lists, with 38 percent of new-vehicle intenders citing that they would be willing to sacrifice performance for better fuel economy.

Ford's powertrain strategy is built on a no-compromise proposition, using affordable engine, transmission and vehicle system technologies in large volumes so millions of customers can enjoy the best of both worlds – class-leading fuel economy and high-quality driving performance.

The all-new 2010 Fusion are the latest vehicles in the Ford lineup to benefit from the company's push to improve the commonality of its powertrain products globally. Ford's strategy is to create a smaller number of flexible engine and transmission architectures, resulting in more consistent quality for customers and manufacturing cost efficiencies for the company.

Ford already has invested millions of dollars to develop advanced powertrain technologies and convert engine plants to flexibly produce high-technology smaller-displacement engines. These investments are helping Ford make good on commitments to upgrade or replace nearly all of its North American engines by the end of 2010; power one of every five products in North America with its fuel-conscious-yet-great-performing 3.5-liter V-6; and offer fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions on 98 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

An array of 2009 products already is the best or among the best for fuel economy in their respective segments, including the Ford Flex (best highway at 24 mpg), the Ford Focus (unsurpassed for best highway at 35 mpg) and the Ford Escape (best-in-class for the small SUV segment with 28 highway/20 city mpg).

The 2010 Fusion are expected to deliver similar fuel economy achievements in the mid-size car segment, helping build upon a stellar quality reputation that includes Best Buy recommendations from several top consumer publications.

The 2.5-liter I-4

First launched on the fuel-economy segment leader 2009 Ford Escape, Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 gives the 2010 Fusion 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, 14 more horsepower and 16 more lb.-ft. of torque than the preceding year's 2.3-liter engine.

The 2.5-liter uses intake variable cam timing (iVCT) technology to optimize valve timing, creating a broad torque curve that helps deliver increased power along with improved efficiency.
The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC), dual-mode crankshaft damping, new intake and exhaust manifolds, and a new underbody-only catalyst, which refine performance and contribute to greater fuel efficiency.

The 3.0-liter V-6

The improved 3.0-liter V-6 available on the 2010 Fusion delivers 19 more horsepower and 23 more lb.-ft. of torque for a total of 240 horsepower and 228 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 3.0-liter features a new air induction system and ETC as well as an industry-first Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) iVCT technology that uses available camshaft torsional energy rather than pressurized oil to phase the camshafts. This allows for a smaller displacement oil pump versus traditional hydraulic VCT systems for improved fuel economy.

"With this technology, we are taking energy that is in your engine today – energy that was previously wasted – and using it to make an engine more efficient," said Steve Wilkie, supervisor of Cam Drive/VCT Design. "The cam torque actuated technology is a significant player in the 3.0-liter's ability to provide customers fuel economy and performance."

This innovative method uses torsional energy to move the camshafts similar to the way a hydraulic ratchet works. The system takes oil from one side of the phaser and channels it to the other side, rather than draining one side and filling the other as with a traditional hydraulic system. This allows the CTA system to work more efficiently at all engine speeds and it requires a smaller oil pump, which equates to lower parasitic energy loss.

CTA reduces oil pump flow requirements by approximately 25 percent, producing a fuel economy benefit up to 0.4 percent. In addition, the CTA-based system responds more quickly than a traditional hydraulic oil actuated VCT system, improving tip-in performance feel and contributing to horsepower gains.

The 3.0-liter is also flex-fuel capable and can run on E85, helping Ford deliver on a pledge made to double annual production of vehicles capable of running on renewable fuels by 2010.

The 3.5-liter V-6

The award-winning Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 joins the Fusion lineup for 2010, powering the Sport model with a beefy 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs. This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high airflow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine's ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy, along with low emissions.

The Six-Speed Trans

The new pairing of Fusion's engines with the 6F35-Mid automatic transmission further drives the mid-size sedan's competitive advantage, especially when compared to the outgoing five-speed gearbox that was offered with Fusion's I-4 models. A five-speed is still the gearbox-of-choice for the 2.0-liter varieties offered on segment contenders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

When the six-speed is paired with the 2.5-liter engine, for example, the Fusion powerpack delivers a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency along with increased power. The 3.0-liter configurations gain a 4- to 6-percent efficiency.

The Ford transmission team made several specific modifications to the 6F35-Mid to optimize its performance for Fusion, including using unique final drive ratios for the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter, developing an improved converter lock-up for lower operating temperatures and efficiency, recalibrating the converter clutch to accommodate a fuel-saving aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off system as well as other tweaks to diminish parasitic losses.

A SelectShift function on the 3.0-liter applications was also added to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

Other Fuel Savers

The Fusion gas powerpacks incorporate other advanced fuel-saving and performance technologies, including:

* Electric Power Steering (EPS). The 2010 Fusion has a rack- or belt-driven EPS system. Available on the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter engines, energy consumption of an EPS system is typically less than 7 percent of a conventional hydraulic rack and pinion power steering system, contributing to less fuel consumption. Ford has committed to fit up to 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products with EPS by 2012 and first introduced a column-based EPS system on the 2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

* Adaptive Spark Ignition. Included on the V-6 configurations, this system can sense what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and communicates the information to the powertrain control module (PCM), which adjusts the spark accordingly. The ignition system features two knock sensors rather than one to further improve performance. These two sensors detect the presence of uncontrolled burning in the chambers more accurately, so the control module can retard engine timing as needed to eliminate the potential for engine knock and pinging.

* Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-off. The 3.0-liter V-6 also regulates its gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off for an efficiency improvement of approximately 1 percent. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal to slow down, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the vehicle reaches a low speed or when the driver accelerates again. The system uses the transmission to keep the engine running at a low, more efficient operating point whenever possible. This system will be added to the 2.5-liter lineup later in the 2010 model year.

October 2008 TV Commercial for Fox Valley Ford, a Ford Dealer since 1981 located in North Aurora, IL.

2008-10-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

September 2008 Specials

2008-09-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Fox Valley Ford is taking it to the max! Fox valley ford takes it to the max with maximum selection and maximum savings. Drive home a new 2008 new Ford F-150 4x4 Super Crew for only $19,999. That’s only $279 a month! Get a new 2008 Ford Fusion for just 14,999. That’s only $197 a month! Get maximum selection 24-7 at www.FoxValleyFordVehicles.com. Get a new 2008 ford focus for just $11,199. That’s only $147 a month!

Microsoft Sync System in a Ford Focus

2008-09-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

When you talk, your Ford listens. Discover the ease of controlling your music or phone with Ford SYNC''s voice command system.

6-Speed Transmission: Powerful + Efficient

2008-09-02T19:02:00.000-05:00

Ford is offering six-speed automatic transmissions in many of its new vehicles, a move expected to increase performance and fuel efficiency — just another way to bring you greener miles without sacrificing performance.

Do Tougher Parts Make Longer Lasting Cars?

2008-09-02T17:25:00.000-05:00

Ford takes durability testing to the extreme, making sure their cars and trucks will last — whether it’s as simple as making sure the fuel filler door is secure, or as complex as running an entire vehicle through sub-zero temperatures.

AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™

2008-09-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

How can a car add balance to your life? Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ is the element of calm you need in an unstable driving situation, helping to keep your wheels firmly planted on the road.

Next Gen Nav: More Than Just Directions

2008-09-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

Ford is moving in-car connectivity forward with the launch of an available next-generation navigation system, with available SIRIUS Travel Link™ - offering traffic data, weather, fuel prices, sports, movie listings, and more.

New Fox Valley Commercial

2008-08-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

All new 2008 Ford F-150's, Fusion's and Focus's on Sale!

2009 Ford Escape Earns ‘Top Safety Pick’; Tops Toyota, Honda

2008-08-21T11:19:00.000-05:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2009 Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and their hybrid models as “Top Safety Picks”

20 Aug 2008 , Dearborn : The 2009 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which also named Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid atop the small sport utility vehicle segment. The same four models also recently earned the U.S. government’s 5-star crash-worthiness rating.The results top the Toyota RAV-4 in both independent crash safety ratings and, with the 2009 Escape’s improved fuel efficiency, offer better combined crash safety and fuel efficiency ratings than the Honda CR-V. Ford’s hybrids also outpaced Toyota Prius in both crash tests.

Fox Valley Ford Owners win Buick Enclave's on Wheel of Fortune

2008-07-18T17:49:00.000-05:00

The 2009 Ford Flex is here!

2008-07-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

Fox Valley Ford has just received our second and third 2009 Ford Flex, the first Flex we received was a SE, and was sold within just a few days.

Our second Ford Flex has a few more options, it is a Brilliant Silver Metallic SEL FWD with Charcoal Leather Seats, 40/40 Auto-Fold 2nd row bucket seats and the ambient lighting package.

Our third Ford Flex has the very anticipated Multi Panel Vista roof, that turns the Flex into your own personal skylight lounge.

The room inside a Ford Flex is amazing, a 6'2" driver has more then a foot of head room and the second row has the most expansive space in it's class.

The Ford Flex is also the first vehicle in North America to offer a Factory Installed Sony audio system with surround sound and Sony DPS processing. This amazing system uses the latest Dolby automotive entertainment program technology to bring the home theater into your vehicle. 320 Watts of continuous power, 12 high quality speakers and 2 amplifiers work together to provide Sony's certified, unique, rich sound to the Flex. (Standard in the SEL and the Limited)

Call to schedule a no obligation test drive to see if the Ford Flex is for you. 630-917-1449 or Click here to contact us via Email.

Fox Valley Ford
208 Hansen Blvd
North Aurora, IL 60542
630-917-1449
http://www.foxvalleyfordvehicles.com/

E85 and Fleex Fuel Q&A

2008-07-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

With gas prices still hovering over $4.00 a gallon in the Midwest, many customers are asking about alterative fuels such as Hybrids and E-85 Flex Fuel vehicles.

While Hybrids are a great way to boost gas mileage and help the environment, the initial upfront cost of Hybrid technology and the fact that Ford dealers in the Midwest are sold out of Hybrids until early 2009, many people are turning towards Flex Fuel vehicles to lessen the demand for foreign oil. Fox Valley Ford in North Aurora, IL put together some popular questions and answers regarding E85 Flex Fuel Vehicles.

What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a high octane, liquid, domestic and renewable fuel, produced by the fermentation of plant sugars. In the United States, ethanol is typically produced from corn and other grain products, although in the future it may be economically produced from other biomass resources such as agricultural and forestry wastes or specially grown energy crops.

What is E85?
E85 is an alcohol fuel mixture that typically contains a mixture of up to 85% ethanol by volume. E-85 ethanol is used in engines modified to accept higher concentrations of ethanol. Such flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV) are designed to run on any mixture of gasoline or ethanol with up to 85% ethanol by volume.

Where can I get E85?
As of right now, there are 171 stations in Illinois that offer E85, and this number is expected to double in the next year. C lick Here for a complete list in Illinois.

Will using E85 cost more?
The price of E85 is usually over 20% to 30% less than regular gasoline, however, this is slightly negated because it burns 10% to 20% less efficiently than traditional gasoline in most vehicles.
Flex Fuel Vehicles are not optimized to E85, so they experience a 10-15% drop in fuel economy. This will vary based on the way one drives, the air pressure in the tires, and additional driving conditions.

For comparison purposes, aggressive driving habits can result in a 20% loss and low tire pressure can reduce mileage by 6%. Research indicates Ford FFVs experience a 5% horsepower gain on E85. The range of any particular vehicle is dependent on the size of the fuel tank and driving habits. Current Ford Taurus FFVs have an 18-gallon fuel tank and will normally travel 350 miles between refuelings.

Which Vehicles offer a Flex Fuel Engine?
Fox Valley Ford as over 25 vehicles currently in stock that have a Flexible Fuel capable engine. Click here for a list of these vehicles.

Please contact fox Valley Ford in North Aurora, Illinois is you have any other questions.
References:

http://www.foxvalleyfordvehicles.com/e85-flex-fuel-info.aspx
http://e85vehicles.com/e85illinois.htm

http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/questions.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E85

Top 20 things you should do while at www.FoxValleyFordVehicles.com

2008-07-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

Fox Valley Ford is proud to introduce our new and improved website utility. We are constantly striving to stay on the cutting edge of technology for the benefit of our customers. With more than 30 times the content of our old website, the new Fo xValleyFordVehicles.com website gives you all the information you need to know before buying your next vehicle. Check out all the stuff you can do!

Top 20 things you should do while at http://www.foxvalleyfordvehicles.com/

1. Search our New and Pre-Owned Inventory
2. Check out our Bargain-Lot Vehicles $10,000 and Under
3. Research you dream car
4. View and Print an Online Vehicle Brochures
5. View Ford Towing Guides for the past seven years
6. Learn about E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
7. Search our Inventory by E85 Flex Fuel Vehicles
8. Get No-Haggle, Low Prices
9. View actual Photos on our New Inventory
10. View at least 16 photos of any pre-owned vehicle you are interested in
11. See if you qualify for Ford's Special A/Z/D or X Plan Discount
12. Read Ford's Factory Warranty Information
13.Get a FREE Appraisal from Black Book Online for your Trade-In
14.Calculate your monthly payment
15.Schedule a Service Appointment
16.Order Parts and Accessories
17. Get approved for Financing (even if your credit isn't perfect)
18. View current Rebates and Incentives from Ford Motor Company
19. Learn about the history of Fox Valley Ford
20. Get driving directions to Fox Valley Ford

Focus Named one of the Top 10 Coolest New Cars by Kelley Blue Book

2008-07-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com looked for "cool" and didn't have to look far.

Here's how a low-priced car that not only delivers on style, a fun-to-drive, handling suspension and scads of room and comfort, it can also be equipped with Sync, a state-of-the-art voice activated communications system.

$ 3000 Owner Loyalty Rebate

2008-07-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

Fox Valley Ford has just announced an additional $3,000 Rebate on new F-150's and we wanted you to be the first to know! The Owner Loyalty Rebate can be combined with both the $2,000 Customer Cash and the $1,000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash to give you an amazing $6,000 Total Rebate! PLUS - Fox Valley Ford is offering you the Employee Price which will give you from $8,836 up to...

$13,339 OFF MSRP!

Click here for more information:

Spycam: 2010 Ford Mustang

2008-07-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

The 2010 Ford Mustang revamp has been subject to plenty of anticipation, and while we've seen some shots of the development mule before, we now have a closer look at the interior of Ford's upcoming pony car.

While the center stack remains shrouded in camouflage, some other interior elements can be seen very clearly. For example, the instrument cluster now features white-faced gauges and the tachometer has swapped position on the right with the speedometer, versus the current setup. The four round air vents have been reworked, and two new rectangular air vents can be found at the very top of the center stack.
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Ford Employee Pricing is Back!

2008-07-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

Ford will offer its trucks to U.S. consumers for the same price it charges people who work for the company. The deal is in addition to current incentives on the vehicles. The program, which began this week, runs through June 30 on the 2008 model year F-Series, including F-150, F-250 and F-350.

View Fox Valley Ford's In-Stock F-Series Trucks

2009 Ford Flex is Here!

2008-07-09T19:42:00.000-05:00

Ford Flex from the designer's point of view. Cool music. Cool type. Hey, cool car. Motion graphics by Jarratt Moody

Found at www.fordflex.com, this video is a look at the new Ford Flex from the designer's point of view. Cool music. Cool type. Hey, cool car.

Focus: "biggest improvement in the industry"

2008-07-09T19:39:00.000-05:00

The Ford Focus is the most improved vehicle in the industry's top study measuring customer-pleasing design, content, and vehicle performance.In J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, Focus raised its score over last year by 88 index points - the biggest improvement in the industry.The popular compact car performed better than the segment average in every category, scoring especially well in the areas of fuel economy, audio/entertainment/navigation, interior styling and exterior styling.
View Fox Valley Ford's Focus Inventory

Which Vehicle, Brand Rate As Most American?

2008-07-09T19:29:00.000-05:00

Survey Tabs Ford As Most-American Automaker

For the fifth time in a row, the Ford F-150 has ranked as the most-American vehicle on the Cars.com American-Made Index. The index, which the auto Web site releases on a semi-annual basis, ranks the vehicles based on a percentage by cost of parts made domestically, location of vehicle assembly and how popular each car is with U.S. buyers.

Detroit automakers close in on competition

2008-07-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

All improve, but Chrysler trails Ford and GM

Detroit's automakers continued to narrow the quality gap with foreign rivals, according to the 2008 Initial Quality Study by J.D. Power and Associates, the trusted report that measures defects and design problems within the first 90 days of ownership.
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Mi-mi-mi, ahem, Ford Focus coupe bows tonight on "American Idol"

2008-06-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Ford Motor Co. will debut the 2009 Focus coupe tonight on "American Idol" - as one of the three remaining vocal hopefuls heads home. The show airs at 9 p.m. on Fox.

Debuting a new vehicle on the show is a first for longtime-sponsor Ford, but why not take advantage of a nationwide audience of around 20 million?

For those who don't care about "Idol" but wouldn't mind seeing the car, the 45-second music video can be viewed 24/7 on americanidol.com under the Ford Music Video page.
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Click here for more information from Ford on the 2009 ford Focus and American Idol

Ford Mustang Shelby GT "Police Chase" Commercial

2008-06-27T09:20:00.000-05:00