Pierre Ford Blog

In evaluating the quality of our vehicles, our customers often consider cabin noise. Recently, we introduced the SoundScreen windshield to help reduce cabin noise levels and provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

SoundScreen Reduces Cabin Noise

During a road test measuring noise inside a 2008 Focus fitted with the SoundScreen windshield and sound-absorbent material, decibel levels were cut to 67 dB from 70 dB in the previous model (by comparison, 65 dB is the level that people typically speak at when seated around a conference table). With this reduction in road noise, drivers can easily talk to the passenger next to them or on the phone and they won’t have to turn up the stereo all the way.

With the new windshield and other sound-absorbing materials, the 2008 Mercury Mariner is 12 percent quieter on the highway and 20 percent quieter in high-velocity crosswinds than the 2007 model.

Developed by Carlite, the SoundScreen windshield debuted on the 2007 Ford Expedition and the Lincoln MKX and Navigator, and is also standard on the new 2008 Ford Escape and Focus, as well as the new 2008 Mercury Mariner.

A Quieter Windshield

The secret to the SoundScreen windshield is that it is built with a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass.

This special acoustic vinyl layer helps soften noise levels inside the vehicle by as much as 6 dB in the frequency range where wind noise is most annoying and by 2 to 3 dB overall. And the special polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer also helps cut the vibration noise stemming from the vehicle’s engine compartment.

Added Advantages

In addition to a quieter passenger cabin, the use of an acoustic windshield also offers the potential of weight savings.

For example, by using the new windshield material, the weight of a Navigator windshield could be trimmed by about seven pounds by using thinner glass. The acoustic glass can also be used for side and back windows and moonroofs, adding to more weight savings.

Vehicles with Acoustic Windshields

For the 2008 model year, Ford Escape, Ford Expedition, Ford Focus, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Navigator and Mercury Mariner are equipped with an acoustic windshield.

For the 2009 model year, Ford Flex, Ford F-150 Platinum Edition and Lincoln MKS are slated to include acoustic windshields. More Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will get the windshield in 2010.

About Carlite

Carlite is a business unit of Automotive Components Holdings, established by Ford in 2005 to ensure the flow of quality components and systems to the automaker.

We’re committed to improving the vehicle manufacturing process in ways that provide real benefits, including reducing injuries, improving quality and bringing vehicles to market more quickly.

Virtual Technology Improves Vehicle Manufacturing Process

By using virtual ergonomics technology, we’ve redesigned manufacturing jobs to be less physically stressful on workers, which has helped reduce injuries, improve vehicle quality and lower production costs.

Reducing Repetitive MotionsVirtual ergonomics combines advanced motion-capture technology with human modeling software to help our engineers analyze and redesign assembly line actions.

Our virtual ergonomics process follows these steps to improve the vehicle manufacturing process:

• A computer-generated virtual assembly line workstation is created.
• In the virtual assembly line workstation, an engineer outfitted with special sensors performs an assembly line operation while sophisticated cameras capture the movements.
• The captured movements are loaded into a computer where modeling software identifies and predicts the impact of long-term repetitive motions.
• As repetitive motions are identified, changes to the assembly line actions can be made to reduce injuries, reduce manufacturing costs and improve quality.

Committed to Virtual ToolsWe’ve been using virtual tools to improve ergonomics since 2000 and we’re currently collaborating with the University of Michigan on a consortium to further develop human modeling and predict motion.

Ford Dealer

* The GQRS study, conducted for Ford by RDA Group, asks customers of all major makes and models to comment on vehicle trouble and rate their overall satisfaction with their three-month-old vehicles.

In the past week, the death and destruction caused by two unrelated natural disasters – an earthquake in southwest China and a cyclone in Myanmar – has reminded us all of our vulnerability to natural disasters, no matter where we live in this world.

Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund are responding to the need resulting from these terrible events with donations toward immediate recovery efforts.

In China, the company has announced an initial donation of 5 million RMB, Renminbi is the official currency of China, (over USD$700,000) in cash and vehicles together with its joint venture partners and investment companies in China. Ford Transit vehicles, including ambulances, will play a pivotal role in supporting relief efforts for the victims of the China Wenchuan earthquake.

Read the news release.

Ford employees throughout the world can also help by making personal donations to the GlobalGiving project. Simply visit www.globalgiving.com/ford to make an online donation. Ford Fund will match employee donations up to 500,000 RMB for contributions to the China relief effort that are made through the GlobalGiving website only.

Employees will be able to select one of three relief projects in China via the GlobalGiving website. U.S. employee donations are tax deductible.

In Myanmar, where Ford does not have operations, Ford Fund has pledged $50,000 to support the delivery of basic relief, such as clean drinking water, food and shelter, as well as rebuilding of basic infrastructure. Our contribution directly supports the GlobalGiving project: Myanmar Cyclone Relief in Irrawaddy, where we believe there’s a real opportunity to have an immediate impact and give support to first responders.

In many dangerous situations, people would be safer if they were able to see better at night. In search of better night vision technology, we developed Active Laser Night Vision technology.

Seeing in the Dark

Night vision technology enables someone to see objects clearly at night at distances of up to several hundred yards in the absence of any artificial light. Night vision technology is useful for commercial businesses, military applications and drivers.

Improved Night Vision Technology

Our researchers wanted to produce an economical night vision technology for large-scale use in vehicles. The product they wanted to develop had superior picture clarity and reduced the blinding tendency of night vision products already available. Our Active Laser Night Vision did just that.

In all applications, Active Laser Night Vision provides a clear view of obstructions and isn’t influenced by heat-emitting objects. The U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command (RDECOM) has called Active Laser Night Vision “the cutting edge of laser illumination.”

Improving Nighttime RescuesAfter Hurricane Charley hit the west coast of Florida, rescuers in Punta Gorda used Active Laser Night Vision to search for survivors. The size of an oversized flashlight, Active Laser Night Vision is as effective as a large spotlight. However, the night vision beam allows the rescue personnel to work without the glare a spotlight would produce.

Ford Dealer After Hurricane Charley hit the west coast of Florida, rescue personnel used Active Laser Night Vision to search for survivors.

SHANGHAI, May 14, 2008 – Ford Motor Company today announced a donation of 5 million RMB in cash and vehicles together with its joint venture and investment companies in China to support relief efforts for victims of the China Wenchuan earthquake. Ford Motor expects to complement this initial contribution with donations and additional relief activities that are currently being organized among its global operations.

Ford Motor Company’s direct contributions will include a cash donation of 1 million RMB and Ford Transit vehicles worth another 1 million RMB, including ambulances and other vehicles needed to support the relief efforts. Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. is contributing 1.5 million RMB cash, while Jiangling Motors Co. will donate JMC/Ford vehicles worth 1.5 million RMB to support the relief efforts.

“We are greatly concerned and we are continuing to monitor the situation very closely. Through all of our efforts, we are working to support the rescue teams and organizations working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to the victims of this natural disaster,” said Robert Graziano, president and CEO of Ford Motor China. “We’ll continue to work with our global operations, as well as our dealers and suppliers, to assess and identify additional ways where we can assist the local counties and emergency relief efforts.”

Ford Motor Company is currently working with the Ford Fund to accept individual contributions from the company’s global workforce, who can pledge donations through www.globalgiving.com/ford. The Company plans to match Ford employee contributions up to a total of RMB 500,000. The funds donated via the Ford Fund and Global Giving will be given to the American Red Cross to assist in their ongoing earthquake relief efforts in China. Ford Dealers are happy.

Ford Motor employees in China have also started internal collections of food and clothing, which will be delivered with the donated Ford vehicles. The Ford Fund and Ford Motor China are also discussing ways to provide financial support for future employee volunteer activities that will support the relief efforts. As a responsible corporate citizen, Ford Motor Company has been active in contributing to China’s social well-being while developing its business in China. Over the past decade, the company has made various contributions in environmental protection, road safety, health and hygiene and education programs.

About Ford Motor in China

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford’s wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd

Ford Motor Company has teamed up with SIRIUS in an exclusive relationship that will give Ford consumers a new factory-installed option on three vehicles for the 2006 model year.

Beginning in September 2005, Ford will offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio – the premium satellite radio provider — on its 2006 F-150. Early in 2006, Explorer will begin offering the factory-installed option. Then later in the year, the all-new 2007 Sport Trac will join the ranks.

Now it will be easier than ever for Ford customers to tap into over 120 channels of SIRIUS Satellite Radio This includes 65 original commercial-free music channels and 55 world-class sports, news, talk and entertainment channels. SIRIUS is the exclusive Satellite Radio partner for the NFL. Hear the SIRIUS NFL Sunday Drive featuring live play-by-play of the entire NFL.

Even better, the factory-installed option provides easy control of SIRIUS Channels through your factory radio and has superior sound quality over aftermarket solutions sold at electronics stores.

SIRIUS offers content and quality that AM/FM doesn’t have, and can’t offer. It’s everything from Rock, Pop, and Jazz to Country, Classical and Latin. Ford Dealers enjoy live performances, interviews, and acclaimed on-air talent direct from SIRIUS’ New York studios broadcasted nationwide via satellites to your vehicle in clear digital-quality sound!

“Ford Motor Company is dedicated to technological advancements and providing features that our customers want. The SIRIUS service fits very well with our commitment to bring new car buyers the most innovative applications and services in their vehicles,” says Jeff Wood, Director, and Electrical & Electronic Systems Engineering at Ford Motor Company.

“When you add premium programming from SIRIUS to quality vehicles from Ford, you have an unbeatable combination that will enhance the driving experience of any Ford customer.” said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will also remain a dealer-installed accessory in the Crown Vic, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, Sport Trac and Thunderbird vehicles. Future plans call for Ford to expand the factory-installed SIRIUS . option to targeting up to 17 additional vehicle lines.

n an employee meeting in Ford’s Scientific Research Laboratory, with hundreds of Ford scientists and engineers in attendance, Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford laid out his blueprint for the company’s future – focusing every aspect of the business on innovation as its core strategy going forward. Several initial actions to underscore the commitment to innovation were unveiled, including a global plan to produce 250,000 hybrid vehicles annually by 2010, a new corporate advertising campaign that will begin in the fall and increasing the number of Flexible Fuel Vehicles it produces to as many as 280,000 units.

“From this point forward, innovation will be the compass by which the company sets its direction,” Ford told . H0000e is renewing the promise of Ford Motor Company – to again be first in delivering innovative products to our customers – stylish in design, safer for families, first in technology that uses new fuels and offers new services.
Presently, Ford produces about 24,000 hybrid vehicles annually. Ford is the only American auto company to produce hybrids and was the first in the world to offer an SUV hybrid. That vehicle was the Ford Escape Hybrid, the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUV on the road. The critically acclaimed Ford Escape Hybrid added to its growing list of recognitions and accolades the title of North American Truck of the Year at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

Shortly after receiving that award from a distinguished panel of 50 automotive journalists, Ford announced it would pull ahead to this year the production of its second hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Mercury began taking orders for the Mariner Hybrid.

By 2008, Ford will have five hybrids on the road, including the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Mazda Tribute. By 2010, Ford plans to increase hybrid production to approximately 250,000 units annually – with more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup having hybrid capability.

Ford’s anticipated six- and seven-passenger crossover, the Flex, will start at $28,995 including shipping charges, according to a report in Automotive News citing dealer sources. That essentially matches the lowest priced GM Lamdba vehicle (at least until the Chevy Traverse arrives in showrooms), the Saturn Outlook, which starts at $28,995, without destination fees.

While FWD Flex SEs will do battle with the Saturn Outlook and the upcoming Toyota Venza, among many others, an AWD Flex Limited — priced at $37,255 — can ostensibly challenge the Buick Enclave, which carries an MSRP of $35,540 for a base AWD model (without destination or delivery fees).

The Flex goes on sale this summer. To read our first impressions of the Flex from from a Ford Dealer, click here. To read about how much less than $28,995 the Flex cost in Ford’s preliminary Build and Price feature from last August, click here.

Ford Motor Company’s single most important new-model design and development program this decade. The F-150 is a phenomenon: More than 33 million have been sold since the nameplate was launched in 1948, and the F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 31 years straight. Last year, one in three vehicles carrying the Blue Oval badge sold in America was an F-Series. On a world scale, the F-Series accounts for 13 percent of global Ford Motor Company sales — including Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, the lot. This thing is a big deal in Dearborn.

Chief engineer O’Leary and chief designer Schiavone seem remarkably relaxed about it all, however, as they walk us through the detail of the new F-150. That’s because they’re old hands at this game: They and their teams worked together on P221, the F-150 that launched in 2004. O’Leary’s spent 30 years at Ford, most of it working on truck programs. Schiavone grew up around trucks — his father was in the construction business — and has helped design three generations of F-150. These guys know trucks.

They understand that, even though barely 20 percent of customers will ever use the 2009 F-150 as a hard-core work tool, it’s become more important than ever that it looks truck tough on the outside and is truck tough under the skin. “It’s almost the modern horse, a bit of a cowboy culture thing,” says Schiavone. “Trucks grew out of the occasional imperative,” says O’Leary, “I have the capability if I need it.”

Both men also understand that full-size-pickup buyers are among the most conservative consumer groups in the auto biz. Which is why the 2009 F-150 is a carefully considered study in evolution, not revolution. It starts with the fully boxed frame, which is 25 pounds lighter and 10 percent stiffer, thanks to hydroformed high-strength-steel side rails. The double wishbone short- and long-arm front suspension with coil-over shocks shares components with the 2008 Expedition. The 36mm front stabilizer is hollow and eight pounds lighter than the previous component. At the rear are six-inch-longer leaf springs, the extra length forward of the axle centerline for better lateral compliance and reduced rear-axle steer.

So far, so truck. But O’Leary’s engineering team has delved into Ford’s electronic goody bag to give the new F-150 a level of refinement, security, and user-friendliness unheard of in a pickup truck a few years ago. Ford’s traction- and stability-control systems are now standard on all F-150 models, from the base work truck up. In addition, Ford’s software geeks have figured out a way of using these systems to detect trailer sway: By tracking the yaw motions of the truck, the system can sense whether a trailer is swinging back and forth and then use a combination of braking and engine torque control to bring it back under control. If the F-150 is fitted with Ford’s optional Trailer Brake Controller, the system also will use the trailer brakes to bring things back under control.

Ford also has developed a backup camera system for the F-150. No big deal-other automakers offer similar ones-but Ford’s includes a centerline that makes it a cinch to back up to a trailer hitch. And once underway, the new six-speed automatic transmission includes a towing mode that not only holds a lower gear for hauling up hills, but cleverly works to hold the rig to a constant speed on a downhill stretch. “Most of our customers aren’t everyday towers, they’re sometime towers, and that can be a bit scary at times,” says O’Leary. “So we went after technologies to keep the customer out of trouble when towing a trailer.”

Pickup-truck buyers brag about two things: towing performance and payload capacity. O’Leary claims the new F-150 has class-leading towing capacity across all cab configurations, and the industry’s highest payload capacity. You’ll just have to put up the barroom arguments until we can test that out for ourselves. But the fact the new F-150 will be available only with V-8 engines under the hood makes a strong statement on paper. Base powerplant, even for the pool guy’s regular cab XL, is the 4.6-liter two-valve V-8 which makes 248 horses at 4750 rpm and 294 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Although still hooked to a four-speed automatic, O’Leary claims the engine delivers the same fuel economy as the 4.2-literV-6 that’s the base engine in the current F-150.

An all-new 4.6-liter three-valve engine, based on the Mustang small-block, will be the new F-150’s volume-selling powerplant. This engine makes 290 horses at 4750 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm and drives through the new six-speed automatic. Despite the extra power, O’Leary says the new engine returns better fuel economy (about one mpg on the highway, and two mpg in the city, on comparable 4×2 models) than the base version.

Ford Dealer

Boasting just 300 horsepower but weighing in at 6104 pounds, the 2008 Ford Expedition seemed a lock to be a total slug. But thanks to a six-speed automatic, 365 pound-feet of torque, and four-wheel vented disc brakes, the Ford hustles to 60 and back to zero. Nevertheless, even with 20-inch wheels wearing 55-series Pirellis, the Expedition was unable to cheat the laws of physics, at least in a curved line, posting a slow figure-eight time (31.0 seconds) and low lateral acceleration (0.68 g).

Out on the twisty roads through Kennedy Meadows, the Expedition’s moves supported these numbers, its soft suspension responding with plenty of roll and dive. And squat? Not enough oomph for that. “Feels sluggish right out of the gate,” opines Truck Trend’s editor-in-chief Mark Williams. “You can tell there’s a lot of weight here, and the engine doesn’t seem interested in compensating.” Sure, there are six speeds, but without a true manual mode, the tranny hunts with the same fervor as Dick Cheney.”

Still, the Ford handles well for such a big girl. Says editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine, “Although it rolls into corners, it doesn’t plow like a tractor — it hangs on impressively and even shrugs off mid-corner undulations that can set the other rigs heaving up and down.” The steering, while heavy in feel and slow on turn-in, did deliver linear response, and the brakes felt strong and a match for the cumbersome curb weight. Off road, the Expedition handled the snow with aplomb. “This is where the massive weight helps push the tires to the ground for grip,” claims Williams. Senior editor Ed Loh adds, “It’s reassuring over snowy roads-no slipping, no sliding.”

Inside our King Ranch tester, every editor was impressed by the luxurious “Chaparral” leather, the ultraquiet ambiance, the rearview mirror with integrated backup video screen, and the capacious cabin, the last trumping the others’ third-row headroom and legroom. For transporting Eddie and the entire Bauer clan, the Expedition is tough to beat. Plus, the third row comes with a powerfolding feature, alleviating any back-breaking exercises, and the second row boasts a useful “Cargo Mode,” which lays the middle row flat with the pull of a lever.

From the driver’s seat, though, the view is somewhat disappointing. The instrument panel, with its mix of round and rectangular gauges and chrome, plastic, and wood trim, appears retro for the sake of being retro and at the expense of good function. But with its roomy interior, clever packaging, and commendable offroad performance, not to mention being the only one with cooled front seats and power runningboards, the Ford presents a strong package overall.