Ford Motor Co. vehicles accounted for six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty, according to 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. 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.”

“Brand loyalty is a critical element of success, even survival, in today’s challenged auto industry,” said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. “The ability to retain customers is an important indicator of product success and commitment to developing long-term customer relationships. As automakers are scrambling to maintain market share, holding onto current customers has never been more important.”

What does quality, green driving, safety, and smart technology all have in common? They are the focus of every new Ford that comes out of the factory. And perhaps they are all demonstrated by Sync, a feature found on many of our new models. Sync is a revolutionary new system that pairs outside technology with your Ford. You can talk on the phone, listen to music, display pictures, all with a few simple voice commands.

Quality: As with everything built by Ford, quality is a must. When it comes to Sync, a great example is the ease of use. All commands are simply spoken inside the vehicle, and Sync will understand and respond accordingly. Want to call Bob? Just say “Call Bob” and Sync does the rest. Say “Directions”

Essentially, all that Easy Fuel consists of is a spring backed metal plate behind the fuel filler hole. When you put the nozzle of a gas pump into the system, the plate pushes back. Upon removal of the pump, it will snap shut. This prevents loss of gasoline from an improperly installed or missing gas cap, making it safer and more gas efficient.  It makes filling up faster, as per there is no gas cap to unscrew. Add to that, no more scratches or scuffs from a hanging gas cap!

The Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler System is standard on many new Ford vehicles, including the Fusion, F-150, and Flex. If this isn’t really your style, then all models are available with the classic locking gas cap. 

In conclusion, the dedication in design of the Easy Fuel System speaks volumes of Ford, who took something as simple and basic as the gas tank and found a way to make it easier, faster, and cleaner.  From fueling up to the driveway, every aspect of Ford is unique, evolved, and different. Come take a look at this great new system today!

There’s more than one way for Hollywood actors to go green. While most celebrities choose to go the way of Toyota Prius ownership, Eric Bana’s chosen green ride is a 1973 Ford Falcon from Australia, a gas guzzler from a time that just barely predates most modern emissions equipment. That car, which is the title character in Bana’s upcoming new movie Love The Beast, was modified to take part in the grueling Targa Tasmania Rally, and we doubt the list of upgrades included bits like catalytic converters and computer-controlled engine management systems. Other stars slated to appear in the new flick include certified motor-heads Jay Leno, Jeremy Clarkson and… um, Dr. Phil. So, what’s the green angle?

Bana’s production company, known as Pick Up Truck Pictures, contracted an outside firm to calculate the total carbon emissions spent in the production of the film. To offset this carbon footprint, oxygen-exhaling trees will be planted to suck up their share of carbon dioxide and restore forest ecosystems. Ta-da!

Ford and city and state authorities have been negotiating the fate of the two plants for a while. The truck plant was reportedlysafe, but the assembly plant’s future was uncertain. Ford has said it will spend over $100 million to retool both of its Louisville plants – it also has a truck plant there that makes Super Duty F-Series vehicles – which will save 6,000 jobs. The conversion is expected to take six months and probably won’t be ready until 2011. A Ford spokeswoman had no comment on reports about the Kuga. Hat tip to Juan

There are six parts to a basic insurance policy: Bodily injury, Personal property liability, personal injury protections, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist.

Bodily Injury and Personal Property Liability: These two major components of an automobile insurance policy involve liability coverage. These areas insure the policyholder against injuries caused to another person and to property. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require minimum liability coverage amounts. You can find information about your state by visiting the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. These requirements are typically listed as a series of three numbers that define how much, in thousands of dollars, the policy will cover in the event of an accident.

100/300/50
For example, California requires its drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5. This means that the insurance company will pay up to $15,000 for any one person injured in an accident, not exceeding $30,000 on all people injured and $5,000 for property damage.

However, the Insurance Information Institute warns that state minimums nationwide do not provide sufficient coverage in the event of a serious car accident.

A good suggestion is to carry liability coverage that is no less than 100/300/50. That way, you’ll be able to provide $100,000 worth of coverage to one individual, $300,000 worth of injury coverage to all passengers, and $50,000 for damage to property.

People with assets to lose in the event of a lawsuit, such as a house or financial portfolio, should consider a supplemental umbrella liability policy. Umbrella coverage protects you in any kind of liability situation, whether the accident is in your car or in your home. For $150 to $300 a year in premiums, you can shield yourself with $1 million worth of protection.

Personal Injury Protection: This coverage pays for both medical expenses and lost wages to the policyholder and any passengers injured in the vehicle in the event of an accident. People with good medical and disability policies might not need to maximize PIP coverage. Instead, drivers with good health and disability insurance might consider the lowest limit of PIP coverage required by their state. Some states, such as New Jersey, allow drivers to reject PIP entirely.

Collision and Comprehensive: These coverages can add significant costs to your premium. Collision provides coverage for loss or damage in the event of any kind of accident, whether it’s with another car or an object, such as a utility pole or fire hydrant. Comprehensive insurance covers your car in the event of theft or natural disaster.

If you have an older car, and the cost of repairing or replacing your car is likely more than its value, then experts advise waiving both collision and comprehensive coverage.

For newer cars, you should have a deductible on both collision and comprehensive that is the maximum amount that you can afford to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Insurance professionals say that the average policy carries a $500 deductible for both collision and comprehensive claims.

Uninsured Motorist: As the name indicates, this provides protection from crashes with motorists not carrying car insurance, as well as covering you in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Also, uninsured motorist insurance coverage comes into play when an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough liability coverage to pay for the damages from an accident. Most states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

Keep in mind that any coverage you decline on your policy, you’ll need to have when renting a car.

The Primary Components of an Auto Insurance Policy

Bodily Injury and Personal Property Liability All states and DC require minimum liability coverage. Rule of thumb is 100/300/50: $100,000 individual coverage, $300,000 all passengers, $50,000 property damage Personal Injury Protection Covers medical expenses, lost wages Collision and Comprehensive Older car, waive collision and comprehensive Newer car, Average policy carries $500 for both collision and comprehensive Uninsured Motorist Protects you from crashes with uninsured drivers. Required by most states.

Delivering towing capability of 11,300 lbs. across all cab configurations, a payload of 3,030 lbs., and an 8-percent increase in fuel economy, the new 2009 Ford F-150 continues a strong contender in the full-size pickup market. Work Truck had a chance to “torture-test” the new model and experience its off-roading power.

Lighter and Leaner Body Increases Fuel Economy

The 2009 Ford F-150’s fully boxed frame is constructed from hydroformed high-strength steel side rails for increased durability and safety, which also contributes up to a 100-lb. weight reduction versus the current model.

Aerodynamic refinements and the use of lightweight ultra high-strength steel results in an 8-percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire V-8 F-150 lineup.

The F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration automatic fuel shut-off, requiring no extra action from the driver. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. When the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again, the flow of fuel resumes.

Ford will also introduce the new F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition delivering up to 21 mpg highway (15 mpg city) while still providing 7,500 lbs. of towing capability. The new SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4×2 vehicles with 4.6L, 3-valve V-8 engines and 5.5-foot beds.

Cargo Capacity Maximized with New Interior

In addition to better fuel economy and increased durability, a new 6-inch stretch improves the F-150’s previous rear seat legroom and cargo capacity, providing more usable space for transporting people and gear.

The mechanically articulated second-row seat makes it easier to load and unload items from the rear seating area, flipping up and folding against the back of the cab by simply pushing up on the seat bottom, a move easily done with one hand.

The flat load floor and fold-up rear seat maximize cargo space, with the capacity to store and secure items up to 47.9 inches tall. Total cargo space behind the front seats is a class-leading 57.6 cubic feet. Fleets can load items the size of a large-screen, flat-panel television monitor (as demonstrated by Ford) into the vehicle with little difficulty.

Standard Features Put Safety First

With a durable body frame, the 2009 F-150 is built to withstand nearly any scenario on and off the road. Ford puts safety first with a number of standard safety features, including:

■ AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

■ Anti-lock braking system.

■ Safety canopy side curtain airbags with roll-fold technology for enhanced head protection in roll-overs and side impacts.

■ Front seat-mounted side airbags.

■ Personal safety system.

■ New seats and restraints.

A new brake booster and master cylinder also offer a better pedal feel.

Aside from lightening the pickup’s body, the F-150’s all-new lightweight hydroformed steel body structure is also engineered to earn a top safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ford Halloween

There’s good news and bad news for the auto industry. While U.S. automakers enjoyed surprisingly robust new vehicle sales last month, the employment picture remains gloomy, with Ford and Chrysler planning to shed thousands more jobs.

The trend in the automotive industry reflects the economy’s jobless recovery. This is no surprise considering that, according to an industry-funded report, the auto industry is the country’s largest manufacturing employer, accounting for 13.3 million U.S. jobs. “No other single industry is more linked to U.S. manufacturing or generates more retail business and employment,” says Josephine S. Cooper, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which sponsored the recently released report. “New vehicle production, sales and other jobs related to the use of automobiles are responsible for 1 out of every 10 jobs in the U.S. economy.”

Automakers credited strong September sales on incentives, new models and a rebounding economy. Last month, they offered a firesale on 2003 model year stock—a deal that attracted hordes of consumers and drove yet another bumper month, according to reports. Sales of cars and light trucks rose 2.1% from September 2002. On a seasonally adjusted annual rate, sales totaled 16.7 million vehicles, up from 16.2 million of the previous year but down from August’s 19 million. Still, September figures were better than Wall Street predictions, which forecasted a tepid month following a red-hot August.

“This was above our midmonth expectation,” wrote Merrill Lynch auto analyst John Casesa in a research note. He called the industry’s September performance “respectable” and noted his surprise that “September’s sales didn’t dry up after August’s flood.”

However, declining market share and the increasing use of profit margin-thinning incentives continue to beleaguer the industry. These two factors contributed to the United Auto Workers’ decision to give in to a round of job cuts in labor contract negotiations last month. The Big Three will seek to shutter or sell about a dozen plants and slash tens of thousands of jobs as part of their agreement with the union. But some analysts believe that these job cuts are still not sufficient to make the companies competitive with foreign automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp.

On a year-on-year basis, Toyota sales surged 10.5%, Nissan sales skyrocketed by almost 20%, and Honda enjoyed a modest gain of 0.9%.

The Big Three automakers had less stellar results. Only General Motors Corp. showed a year-on-year improvement, posting a 12.1% sales gain, according to New Jersey-based auto analysis company, Autodata Corp. Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co.’s U.S. sales stayed mostly flat, down 0.5%, not including its foreign brands and heavy trucks, and Chrysler took a 15% year-on-year sales dive.

Chrysler, the U.S. arm of German-U.S. auto giant DaimlerChrysler, has struggled the most on the sales front lately. This is because the company has declined to participate in the clearance sale of 2003 models, says Chrysler sales chief Gary Dilts. He noted that the industry’s strong sales figures were “again fueled by nuclear level incentives.” Many analysts agree with this assessment. While some maintain that robust figures signify an improving U.S. economy, others believe that most of September’s sales for the Big Three were generated by huge rebates—as much as $7,000—on old 2003 models.

Most analysts expect overcapacity to continue to plague the industry—despite the plant closings and job cuts worked out by the Big Three and the United Auto Workers in their new agreements. This overcapacity has transformed the U.S. market into a “jungle,” says Chrysler president and CEO Dieter Zetsche.

“This jungle is an extremely fierce and competitive place,” Zetsche said in a speech earlier this month in Boston. “The U.S. market is under attack from all sides and in every segment—and by very competent competitors.” While the Big Three’s market share inched up last month from its record low in August, Japan’s Big Three has gained two percentage points of market share through the first nine months of the year. And falling market share, along with heavy spending on incentives, has meant that healthy sales do not necessarily spell profits for GM, Ford and Chrysler. Nonetheless, U.S. automakers plan to continue offering incentives to drive up sales. Even Chrysler, which has been slow to use such inducements, plans to be “extremely aggressive” on marketing and incentives in the fourth quarter in order to propel sales, says Dilts.

Still, others remained encouraged by robust U.S. auto sales. Sales rates around mid-16 million are considered strong. “I think all of us feel better about the economic fundamentals versus where we were six months ago,” says Paul Ballew, chief industry sales analyst for GM. Other trends in the industry include the rising demand for automotive electronics and consumers’ continuing preference for light trucks—sport utility vehicles, pickups and minivans—over passenger cars. Moreover, consumers continue to take advantage of discounts to trade up to luxury vehicles, as net prices decrease due to ongoing rebates and attractive financing.

Microsoft hopes to SYNC up with the auto industry. The software giant’s high-tech infotainment system has been one of the few big success stories for Ford Motor Co. this past year, drawing in the sort of high-tech-savvy buyers who might normally steer over to an import brand.

Now with Ford about to lose its brief exclusive on the SYNC system, Microsoft is ready to make a major push into the auto industry, the Detroit News reports. The Washington-based software company “will announce a massive new investment in its automotive business unit,” the paper reports. And it has tapped Detroit native and Microsoft veteran Tom Phillips to head the operation.

“We know that things are tough for the auto industry, but it’s the perfect time to make this investment,” said Phillips. “There are new customers coming into the market and they are looking for new experiences.”

There’s been a general trend toward increasing the level of electronics in the average car. High-line manufacturers, such as BMW, with its complex iDrive system, can have more than $10,000 in silicon-controlled systems, ranging from engine, chassis, and safety controls to navigation and in-car entertainment. Even low-end vehicles are being offered with high-tech hardware.

Part of the challenge is to come up with technology that not only offers a wide array of features, but that is also easy to use. BMW has been repeatedly faulted for the complexity of iDrive, and plans a complete remake of the system shortly. Microsoft, however, has won kudos for SYNC, which offers the driver a variety of ways to issue a command, including one of the best voice control systems on the market. Ford recently launched a second-generation SYNC system that adds such features as traffic and weather, along with the ability to track restaurants, movie schedules, and gas prices.

Using SYNC as a come-on in its entry-level sedan, Ford has reportedly driven up the average transaction price on its Focus by $1,000 over the past year. As it expands availability, he automaker expects to sell about 1 million vehicles equipped with SYNC by the end of 2009.

But as with much of the technology provided by outside suppliers, manufacturers like Ford are generally granted limited exclusivity. And Microsoft is already beginning to license the SYNC system to other manufacturers, including the Korean upstart Hyundai, which expects to bring its own version to market within the next several years.

The new engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that should boost fuel economy by one mile per gallon in the EPA cycle. At the same time, Ford says the new four-cylinder will make 170 horsepower, an 11-percent boost over the existing base engine. The 17 additional horsepower come in part from a new variable cam timing system and from the increase in displacement over the former 2.3-liter four.

The V-6 option gains power for 2009, too. The 3.0-liter V-6 now makes 230 horsepower, up 30 hp and also up one mpg in fuel economy thanks in part to its six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a four-speed unit used on the Escape and Mariner last year.

2009 Mercury Mariner
2009 Mercury Mariner
Other tweaks, include a new chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers, clean up the Escape’s aero profile and help boost fuel economy, while a new 16-inch tire also cuts down on rolling resistance.

Ford says the new Escape is more connected too. That’s because the Sync infotainment system is offered in the 2009 model, along with the Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist, which helps passengers get in touch with emergency workers when the need arises.

Other revamps for 2009 include new suspension tuning and standard stability control with roll stability control on Hybrid models.

More 2009 Ford Edge Photos

Arrange a test drive, get free price quotes, or read local dealer ratings for 2009 Ford Edge:

By Paul Eisenstein Paul Eisenstein, Executive Editor

Ford is giving a sharper Edge to its popular new crossover vehicle, as the Windy City sees the fourth version of the new Edge CUV blow in for the annual show on the lake.

The Ford Edge Sport will become the first crossover ever offered with an optional 22-inch wheel-and-tire combination — 20-inchers remain standard. The aggressive look is further enhanced by low-profile, 40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero rubber.

While that might complete some custom option packages, it’s just the starting point for Edge Sport, which follows up with an eight-piece body kit that includes a unique front air dam — with integrated fog lamps — side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all in body color. The exterior look is completed with “Founder Gray” smoked head- and taillamp lenses, special Sport badges, and chromed dual exhaust tips.

For the Chicago Auto Show, the first-off Edge Sport is shown in Sport Blue, though three other special paints will be available during the 2009 model-year.

Inside, the Sport edition features dark gray leather seats with suede-feel inserts. Contrasting light gray stitching is designed to give the cabin an upscale feel.

The interior package is completed by the edged-metal look of the Sport’s instrument panel.

“The new Ford Edge Sport is designed to instantly appeal to crossover customers who want a sportier custom look and feel,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford Division. “This specialty design reflects the growing popularity of personalization and more customers’ interest in industry shows like the annual Hot Import Nights around the country and the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show inLas Vegas.”

Like the rest of the edge line-up, the Sport edition will be offered with a variety of other options, including the huge Vista roof and the SYNC infotainment system, developed in a joint venture between Ford and Microsoft.

Notably the powertrain package on the Sport remains the same as the other versions of Edge. For those who’d like a little more, hang tight, hints Ford’s global product development czar, Derrick Kuzak, who tells TheCarConnection.com, “You’ll see (something different) in the future.”

How far ahead, he’s not saying, but the 2009 Ford Edge Sport reaches dealers in autumn.

“It’s critical,” says Susan Sage, Color and Materials design manager, at Ford Motor Company. “Color creates an aesthetic emotion. If it’s a color that the customer loves, if it gives them that sense of balance and comfort, they’ll want it. It can make or break a sale.”

Determining the color palette for a vehicle is no simple process, she says. It’s a collaborative effort among designers intent on creating a harmonious interior and exterior color package that will appeal to customers and enhance the architecture and design cues of the vehicle itself.

For the 2009 Lincoln MKS, for instance, the message was luxury, and its color palette – with a mixture of metallics, tri-coats, rich tones and neutrals – articulates that clearly.

The MKS is available in Tuxedo Black Metallic, White Suede, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Sangria, Smokestone, Light Ice Blue, Dark Ink Blue, Cinnamon and White Chocolate. A selection of interior colors has been chosen to specifically complement each tone.

“The MKS has beautiful lines,” Sage says. “The colors we chose had a lot to do with architecture. Using a premium paint for our premium cars is to enhance the exterior architecture of the car by giving it a luxurious ‘liquid’ look.”

The colors chosen for the MKS – both interior and exterior – denote quality and luxury, she says.

“The one thing we were really excited about was this was the first year we were able to have a black metallic that really enhances the form,” Sage says.  “You’ll see in the color palette and in the paints that we’ve enhanced them by using different type of flakes.”

The importance of color can’t be overstated, agrees Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of six books on the topic. In fact, in “The Color Answer Book,” Eiseman specifically addresses the significance of color and cars.

“Color and emotion are tied in together, and buying a car is a very emotional thing for a lot of people,” she said. “A car is really an extension of your personality, an extension of who you are and how you want to be perceived.”

Color is powerful, sometimes changing how others see you, she says.

“I had a client who was very successful in the insurance industry,” she recalls. “He was kind of a gray guy; he drove a very practical car and was very reserved. The first thing he did when he retired was buy a red sports car.”

“To him that car represented a change of lifestyle. It was colorful, sexy. It was fun to drive,” she added.  “He was happy in that car. He said, ‘This is how I want people to perceive me – as a dynamic person.’”

While a plethora of factors play into the purchase of a car, she says, color certainly has an impact.

“People might think, ‘Oh, it’s so shallow of me,’ so they won’t acknowledge it,” Eiseman says. But I’ve had people tell me, ‘Yes, it’s very important.’”

For the palette of Lincoln’s flagship MKS, the design team looked not only at the lines of the vehicle, but at trends in architecture, fashion, home furnishings and in the evolution of luxury standards in the U.S.

“We have to look at where the industry is moving, what’s doing well, and how it evolves,” says Sage, who is also an artist in her own right. “You have to take a holistic approach to design, to look inside and out.”

“As a painter and a sculptor, I understand when color is applied to form, what works and what doesn’t. You know when it’s right. It has to be harmonious. It has to sing. You have to put a product out there that people know just feels right,” she says.  “Maybe they don’t even know why they love it – they just know that it makes them feel good.”

Color splash

The color of a car speaks volumes, Eiseman says.  While there are a wealth of different shades that must be considered, here are some basic messages each color conveys:

Black: Empowered; not easily manipulated. Loves elegance, appreciates the classics.

White: Fastidious

Deep Blue-Red: Some of the same qualities of vibrant red – sexy, speedy, high-energy and dynamic – but far less obvious about it.

Light to Mid-Blue: Cool, calm, quiet.

Dark blue: Credible, confident and dependable.

Silver: Elegant, futuristic, cool.

In fact, Flex is better specified than any previous Ford-branded vehicle with order rates for the Vista Roof running at an incredible 66 percent – even higher than the Edge, which runs at approximately 50 percent.

The style of Flex is also a key factor in the full-size crossover segment.  After all, no other vehicle in the segment looks anything like Flex.  Customers are responding to this by adding personality to their vehicles.  More than 53 percent of them are ordering their Flex with either the Brilliant Silver or White Suede two-tone roof.

Inside, the story is the same.  The typical take rate for Ford’s optional navigation system runs at around 20 percent.  With Flex, that rate has climbed to 38 percent for the new voice-activated navigation system.  The fact that this system also has an integrated Reverse Camera System, SIRIUS Travel Link and a 10Gb hard drive for customers’ personal music collections makes the choice even easier.

In addition, the order bank for the fridge/freezer option is almost full, demonstrating that consumers really do value cool options in a vehicle like Flex – the full-size crossover that delivers better highway fuel economy than Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Veracruz.

“We have been delighted at the reaction from customers to the Flex – and to the uptake of vehicle options,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager.  “The team has worked hard to give consumers real choice, but also to give them new and exciting options such as the fridge/freezer and voice activated navigation.  In addition, the fact that so many consumers are choosing visual enhancements to the Flex’s already daring design shows us that people are really getting excited about the opportunity that Flex represents.”

But, an orange will always be an orange. It is what it is. Let’s face it, Ford will never be as creative as, say Chrysler, when it comes to innovative designs unless the brand changes their creative philosophy altogether – something that’s about as likely to happen as Tiger Woods never winning another golf tournament.

But you can’t knock Ford for its latest efforts with the Ford Edge, a cleverly designed, two-year old crossover vehicle that may have just saved the company’s hide in the highly competitive CUV market.

If Ford can avoid the big “R” word (recall) that has beset some of its more promising vehicles and poisoned folk’s minds against the company in recent years; it may be well on the way to making younger, new car buyers believe the company actually does know they exist.

Who knows, this could be the start of something, well, over the Edge for Ford as it struggles to regain its rightful place among world automotive leaders.

Sharpening Ford’s mid-size crossover.

Ford’s Edge has been a welcome success for a company in downsize mode. The five-door, five-passenger crossover, which shares some mechanical bits with the Mazda 6, sold more than 130,000 units in 2007.

The Edge’s strong beginnings in the market are no doubt due in large part to its clean, subtle shape, which Ford hopes to improve on with the Edge Sport.

Revised front and rear fascias and new rocker trim are painted body color, instead of the dark strip currently rimming the Edge’s lower periphery, and polished dual exhaust tips poke out from the rear. Smoked head- and taillights set off the new bodywork.

Nothing says “sport” like big, heavy wheels, so the Edge Sport comes with 20-inch hoops wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero rubber. Optional 22s keep the Edge Sport on level with the Cadillac Escalade’s available deuce-deuces and will no doubt degrade acceleration and braking performance further than the 20s.

Four exterior colors will be offered: blue, black, silver, and red. Regardless of exterior color choice, Edge Sports will wear a dark gray leather interior. Contrasting “suede-feel” inserts and light gray stitching trim the seats and the center console wears a faux etched-metal appliqué.

We’re fans of the Edge’s appearance, but also proponents of putting the 4500-pound ute on a diet. The Sport package deepens our affection for the styling, but the big wheels will likely exacerbate its already somewhat average performance.

Those who are light on the pedals and don’t care about performance (there are no boosts to the 265-hp V-6 in this package) as much as looking good will be able to buy an Edge Sport this fall. No pricing yet, but we would hope the body kit doesn’t add more than a couple thousand dollars extra.

* Chicago Auto Show marks the debut for the 2009 Ford Edge Sport, providing a factory-quality, customized model to America’s best-selling crossover.
* The Edge Sport features standard 20- or optional 22-inch wheels, low-profile tires, exterior modifications and interior enhancements, lending it a dynamic look and feel.
* 2009 Ford Edge Sport will be available this fall.

Ford is providing still more sizzle for America’s best-selling mid-size crossover, introducing a new factory-customized model – the 2009 Edge Sport.

“The new Ford Edge Sport is designed to instantly appeal to crossover customers who want a sportier custom look and feel,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford Division. “This specialty design reflects the growing popularity of personalization and more customers’ interest in industry shows like the annual Hot Import Nights around the country and the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.”

The Sport model – which joins the SE, SEL and Limited models in the range – makes the Ford Edge the first vehicle in its segment to offer a customized model. Its modern, athletic design, flexible package and unique features like VistaRoof™ and SYNC helped sell 130,125 Edge units in 2007, making it the nation’s top-selling crossover. The new Edge Sport model will further distinguish it from competitors.
Edge Becomes Even Sportier
Edge Sport stands on even bolder, available 22-inch polished aluminum wheels or the standard 20-inch premium painted wheels with branded center hubs. Low-profile, 40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires complete the look, giving Edge Sport an aggressive stance.

This marks the first time that a 22-inch wheel-and-tire combination has been offered on a crossover. The eight-piece Edge Sport body kit includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower on other Edge models. The front air dam features integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert. These elements combine with the unique wheels and tires to provide a sporty personality.

Details, like custom Sport badging, polished dual exhaust tips emerging from openings in the rear skirt and “foundry gray” smoked headlamp and taillamp lenses, add to its purposeful look.

In addition to lustrous Sport Blue paint on the model highlighted at the Chicago Auto Show, Edge Sport will be available in Ebony, Brilliant Silver and Redfire. Inside, dark gray leather seats feature unique suede-feel patterned inserts in a combination of light and dark gray. Contrasting, light gray stitching gives the seats a premium appeal. The contrasting stitched leather also is used on the Edge Sport steering wheel and shift knob.

Edge Sport is further distinguished by an appealing etched metal effect on the instrument panel center console.

“While custom-made to appeal to customers, Edge Sport is smart business,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The aftermarket industry has grown to a $40 billion annual business, and crossovers are the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the U.S. We want customers who crave something special to know that Ford can customize their Edge – right at the factory.”

Lately, when we’ve mentioned factory-customized vehicles, it’s usually Scion we’re talking about. Not the case here. Ford will debut a factory-customized version of its Edge mid-size crossover, dubbed the Edge Sport, at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The Edge Sport will join the SE, SEL, and Limited models in the 2009 Edge lineup.

Focusing on form rather than function, the Edge Sport features enhancements that are more about style than performance. For example, wheels have been upped to polished aluminum 20- or 22-inchers, while low-profile 40-series tires provide a more aggressive stance, likely at the cost of some ride comfort. Ford says this application is the first time 22-inch wheels have been used on a factory-issue crossover. We think there might be a good reason for that. Meanwhile, the Edge Sport retains exactly the same 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 as the standard Edge.

The requisite body kit has also been fitted — an eight-piece affair that consists of a front air dam with fog lamps and a lower grille insert, side skirts, lower door caps, and a rear skirt. The kit is painted in body color, in contrast to the darker shade of the standard Edge’s lower trim. Sport badging, polished dual exhaust tips, and smoked headlamp and taillamps only further the Edge Sport’s “kustomized” vibe.
2009 Ford Edge Sport interior

The Ford Edge Sport to be featured at the Chicago Auto Show will be displayed in Sport Blue paint, but Ebony, Brilliant Silver, and Redfire will also be offered on production versions. Dark gray leather and imitation suede seats are sewn together with contrasting stitching — a treatment that is extended to the steering wheel and shift knob. An etched metal effect is used to highlight the instrument panel and center console.
2009 Ford Edge Sport interior

Ford says the 2009 Ford Edge Sport will be available this Fall, though the question still remains: Yes, the crossover customization market is hot, and obviously Ford wants a part of the profits. But still, isn’t the appeal of customization in reflecting the owner’s creativity with a one-of-a-kind vehicle built to the owner’s specification? Is a series-production, factory-customized vehicle really custom? What do you think?

Ford is turning plenty of heads with its Edge crossover. Virtually all owners we heard from listed the sporty, standout appearance at the top of their reasons for purchase. “The Edge just doesn’t look like another box on wheels going down the road, let alone parked at the mall,” wrote one owner.

Another reports admirers mistaking his car for a Lexus and being pleasantly surprised when they discover it’s a Ford, featuring “a nicely designed exterior that distinguishes it in a very crowded field.” The Edge also scores high with owners on ride quality. “It is a confident and solid-driving vehicle,” said an owner.

Respondents praised the comfortable and quiet accommodations. “The Edge’s interior also feels much more spacious than many other larger SUVs,” said one owner, who believes the Edge trumps the Lexus RX 350 and the Nissan Murano in outward visibility, ingress and rear legroom.

Always a hotbed for customization trends that push the boundaries of taste, SEMA starts October 30 from Las Vegas. The conceptual drawings and photos of the first three out of nine SUVs, CUVs, and trucks are below, along with Ford’s official descriptions of each.

Ford Edge by MRT-Direct MRT-Direct ups the “sport” in crossover sport utility with this extremely lowered and lavished Ford Edge. The 3D Carbon body kit is further accentuated with an MRT Leading Edge hood, rear fascia and black chrome exterior trim. The 3.5-liter turbocharged Duratec V-6 uses a Turbonetics air-to-air intercooler, MRT Aero turbine performance exhaust with calibration by Calibrated Success and Ford Racing Performance to drive all four 22-inch Boss Motorsports wheels and Dunlop tires. An H&R Street performance suspension keeps things under control. The performance theme is carried top the interior sporting Sparco Modena sport seats and Stewart Warner gauges. An ARC Audio system supplies the tunes while Ford’s exclusive SYNC hands-free communications system lets you keep both hands on the wheel at all times.

FMS Escape Escape the everyday with this custom Ford Escape by ATS Design. The Escape is ready for its getaway with a custom grille and racing-inspired front fascia that houses PIAA driving lamps in the lower corners. Side skirts, rear valence and rear spoiler complete the body transformation. An Eibach suspension provides a 2-inch drop over a sharp set of 20-inch Estorils by TSW Wheels. A Gibson performance exhaust delivers a throaty exhaust note from the 3.0-literV-6 while rear seat passengers enjoy INVISON Industries Revolution 2 DVD screens mounted in the headrests.

Lincoln MKX by Barry’s Speed Shop This custom ride could easily be classified as ‘dessert.’ The delicious interior, bathed in supple Katzkin leather and suede, provides the perfect ambience to enjoy the INVISION Revolution 2 DVD screens in the headrests and Blaupunkt premium audio with 12-inch tube subwoofer. The Lincoln crossover is bathed in luxurious PPG black paint and dressed in a 3D Carbon body kit with custom grille, trim and blacked out tailamps by Barry’s Speed Shop. An H&R suspension kit lowers the MKX over a sweet set of SRRC Wheels that show off the Baer Brakes custom rotors.

Ford this fall will begin selling a Shelby GT convertible version of its Mustang, which is already the best-selling droptop in America. The convertible joins the Shelby GT coupe, the Shelby GT500 and GT500 KR, and the numerous other Mustang variants and special editions that sprinkle the Ford lineup.

The Shelby GT is a hotter version of the garden-variety Mustang GT. When a regular GT reaches the end of the production line, it’s sent to Las Vegas for the special treatment. No, it doesn’t hit Cirque de Soleil and order room service from its suite at the Bellagio – it heads right over to Shelby Automobiles to get a makeover.

On the outside, both coupe and convertible Shelby GTs will sport a new color: Vista Blue with silver stripes. And that new color will be draped over a bulging scooped hood and lower front fascia. On the side, more scoops are positioned just ahead of the rear wheel arches. Out back you’ll find the expected dual exhausts (did I even have to say it?) and Shelby badging. The Shelby sits on eighteen-inch polished wheels with the timeless five-spoke Bullitt design.

Just like your mother always said, however, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And the Shelby GT has a special something going on in there, too: a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package. In addition to a freer-flowing exhaust that helps the 4.6-liter V-8 produce 319 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, the package includes some suspension hardware to make the car handle a bit better. There are special dampers and sway bars, the ride height is dropped, and a front strut-tower brace is thrown in to stiffen things up. A lower ratio rear end helps the car squirt off the line quicker with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Almost 6000 Shelby GTs were produced in 2007. To keep the car exclusive and boost auction prices at Barrett-Jackson thirty years down the line, just 2300 2008 models are planned.

Wretched excess is barely enough. This was the theme of Ford and Shelby’s newest collaboration, which resulted in the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR. Muscle-car fans will recall that this legendary name was born exactly forty years ago. The “King of the Road” Mustang was the most powerful produced at the time, with its Cobra Jet V-8 making around 400 hp. It also was the perfect opportunity for Carroll Shelby to register the “King of the Road” name before General Motors got to it: the General wanted to use the name for its own high-performance Corvette.
Forty years later, not much has changed. With the new GT500KR, Ford and Shelby have taken the insanity to new heights. Using the GT500 as a starting point, they have fitted the supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that revises ignition and throttle calibration. Along with a cold air intake that is a part of the Upgrade Pack, horsepower jumps to an estimated 540, with 510 ft-lbs of torque. Of course, these numbers handily trump even the mighty Corvette Z06.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Ford and Shelby have sought to improve performance in every area over the standard GT500. So in addition to the engine mods, the King gets a performance exhaust system, and an enhanced suspension that includes retuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars. The six-speed manual transmission has been fitted with a short-throw shifter, and the rear axle ratio is 12.7 percent shorter at 3.73:1. Fourteen inch vented Brembo brakes are cooled by brake ducts in the front valance.
A person in the market for this kind of performance car probably isn’t too shy about receiving attention, and he’ll get plenty of it in this car. Ford and Shelby have taken cues from the 1967 car, cues like the side stripes low on the doors and the bulging vented hood. The car is finished in silver with wide blue stripes, and that bulging carbon composite hood is held down with stainless steel pins. Shelby-designed wheels measure twenty inches across for the show car, but they’ll be reduced to eighteen for production.
Just 1000 GT500KRs will be produced, and the first batch will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2008. The regular GT500 has been selling incredibly well, so we’re guessing there are going to be a lot of angry people out there wishing they’d waited for the KR.

The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.

The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.

Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to ensure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.

Ford  – an industry-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. The available system, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

Voice-activated navigation system. The available voice-activated DVD-based navigation system features a 6.5-inch touch screen designed for improved clarity. It incorporates text-to-speech technology that reads and communicates directions and street names in English, Spanish and French.

Power liftgate. This available new feature provides easy access to the rear cargo area and can be opened with the key fob or with a switch mounted on the dash. A new design for the liftgate handle also allows for easier access to the vehicle’s rear cargo area.

Edge offers even more choices for 2008 with the addition of the Limited Series, a new Interior Appearance Package that includes leather-trimmed seats with premium red seating surfaces and contrast stitching, a new 18-inch wheel option and new class-exclusive 20-inch wheels. Four new colors are available for 2008: Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic and White Sand Tri-Coat.

For added convenience, Edge now comes with a one-touch up-and-down driver window and an available Homelink universal garage door opener.

Additional available infotainment features include factory-installed SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a DVD entertainment system with a drop-down 8-inch screen and two pairs of wireless headphones.

The 2007 Ford Edge is powered by a new 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Edge is equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The interior features a center console that can fit a laptop computer and a number of options including a panoramic Vista Roof, a segment-first MP3 audio jack and six-way power-heated adjustable front seats. Standard safety features include Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety Canopy air curtain system with rollover detection and extended-duration side-curtain airbags.

From all angles, the Edge is sleek and well proportioned, but the shiny snout remains the centerpiece. Looking inside, the interior is definitely better than most current or recent Ford models, but it’s not exactly high-fashion or as bold as the exterior. Ford really delivers on packaging, though, and someone made a wise decision to skip what would have been a rather useless third-row seat, opting instead for a roomy back seat and plenty of cargo space. The front seats are uncommonly good for Ford, with plenty of support all around, a commanding view out over the hood, and good adjustability for a wide range of sizes, while the back-seat passengers benefit from a very well-planned seating position. Passengers sit at a very natural height in back, not down low with raised knees to make up for headroom issues or up on a pedestal. The rear seat is split 60/40 and does fold forward easily, expanding the already quite spacious cargo floor. There’s a huge Vista Roof option to let the sun shine in, while the removable tray that’s part of the center console is large enough to hold a laptop.

A noteworthy positive is that it runs on 87-octane, while some competing vehicles, like the Nissan Murano, take premium.

A single powertrain control module is shared by the engine and transmission, and the two were developed together so as to assure top drivability and lowest possible levels of noise, vibration, and harshness, according to Ford.

The new Edge is the first vehicle in its segment to offer an all-glass roof, which was inspired by architectural trends toward greater use of glass in wall-to-ceiling windows. The interior makes ingenious use of space, delivering maximum flexibility and functionality. The available EasyFold electro-mechanical seat release switch drops either of the back seats at the touch of a button for easy cargo loading. An innovative use of materials and technology has produced a crossover with luxury-vehicle interior quietness.

2. Approved shops are beholden to tightfisted insurers. Auto insurers contract with providers to repair vehicles for a pre-negotiated rate (think of it as managed care for sick cars). And your car could be the victim of cost cutting. Some practices, such as requiring low hourly labor rates and making the shop pick up the rental car tab if a repair takes too long, could tempt shops to cut corners — by, say, neglecting to align the wheels or using plastic filler in a dent rather than replacing the sheet metal. “Insurers have wired the shops to give them so many discounts that, to stay alive, the shops often do the bare minimum,” says Erica Eversman, of Vehicle Information Services, which provides consulting and forensic experts for both insurers and consumers. For a list of independent shops that meet certain quality criteria, go to Assured Performance Collision Care.

3. Not all replacement parts are created equal. Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed to match precisely and may be safer. But insurers prefer that shops use generic or salvage replacement parts because they’re cheaper. If you cause an accident, you could be bound by wording in your policy to use aftermarket parts or pay the difference for OEM parts. But if someone hits you, tell the shop to use OEM parts.

4. The due date is most likely fiction. Mechanics routinely blame missed deadlines on delays in parts delivery. The truth is that many of them take on more business than they can handle. Before you commit your business to a shop, check the local Better Business Bureau and government consumer-affairs offices for complaints against it.

5. A rented car will cost you. Renting a car for three weeks could cost $1,000 or more. Even if you have optional rental-car insurance (which costs $1 or $2 a month), your daily reimbursement may be limited to the cost of a compact car. If you need a minivan while your car is in the shop, make sure you have minivan-size coverage.

6. Your car needs a shop that speaks its language. Many European cars use aluminum and ultrahard steel that require special equipment to repair. Plus, replacement parts for late-model European vehicles have to be fit with an especially high degree of precision. Shops should be certified by the manufacturer to do the work, meaning they must have specialized training and equipment — and charge higher rates. Insurers won’t necessarily recommend these shops, but they should be willing to pay the tab.

7. The insurer’s warranty isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Insurers sometimes dangle warranties on the parts (for as long as you own the vehicle) to entice you to go to shops in their network. But the body shop’s guarantee is the one that’s important. Nearly all shops will guarantee their work, and parts makers guarantee their parts, making the insurance warranty all but worthless.

Ford will build at least one more but has no immediate plans to put the machine into production.
The vehicle runs 25 miles on a fully charged lithium-ion battery pack, which is recharged as needed while underway by a hydrogen fuel cell on the vehicle. Total range, Ford says, is 225 miles.
It’s the second plug-in electric hybrid shown in quick succession by Detroit automakers. General Motors exhibited the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid prototype, a small sedan.
If put into production, plug-in hybrids recharge overnight while plugged into a common household outlet. That would be enough for a day’s driving by most users. If not, onboard recharging systems would kick in while driving.
The striking feature about the Edge HySeries is that its onboard recharger is a hydrogen fuel cell, eliminating the need for a pollution-producing petroleum engine.
GM’s Volt uses a 1-liter gasoline engine to recharge the batteries, a Volt would go 40 miles before the battery needs a charge.
Depending on whose studies are used, most users drive less than 30 or 40 miles a day, so they would seldom need to tap the recharging source in the vehicles. They could simply plug them in at night and be ready to go again in the morning.

This will be available on the road from £14,995, the Ford Mondeo Edge comes in both five-door and estate bodyshapes based on the Mondeo LX’s chassis style.

The Mondeo has a fresh, distinctive design incorporating new levels of craftsmanship and technology. A new family of engines offer outstanding performance and fuel efficiency alongside low Co2 emissions. And with its no-compromise Intelligent Protection System, the Ford Mondeo is one of the safest places to be.

The Edge comes in a choice of two petrol and three common-rail diesel engines, including the highly praised 2.2-litre 155PS TDCi diesel engine.

Eventhough driven by the business professional and stylish, the Mondeo is one of the favourite family cars, offering practicality, style, space and robustness, as well as executive flair.

Inside the new Edge, the Mondeo offers an array of features to play with, including air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and CD audio system with MP3 connectivity, plus smart technology to aid driving and comfort, such as rain-sensing wipers, auto-lighting, park-assist rear parking sensors and a driver’s seat with electric height adjustment.

Other gadgets include auto dimming rear-view mirror, power windows, heated windscreen and, for safety, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and emergency brake assist (EBA).

The new Mondeo has only a £500 increase between engine sizes and a £1,000 increase between five-door and estate bodies, making it a superbly affordable and reliable car.

The Edge is arriving just as Ford reported sales leadership in several other key segments, including the Ford F-Series pickup trucks, Ford Mustang for sports cars, Ford Explorer for SUVs and Ford Econoline for full-size vans.

Ford�s latest product hit, the Fusion, also helped the company achieve higher car sales and market share for the second year in a row.

The five-passenger Edge features a bold design with a stylish, functional and clever interior. It is powered by Ford�s new 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Edge also features standard safety equipment including side air bags, side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac� with Roll Stability Control (RSC�). Other standard convenience features include a laptop-friendly center console and auxiliary audio input jack for MP3-players.

In addition to optional all-wheel drive, the Edge is available with such innovative features as a class-exclusive, all-glass available panoramic VistaRoof giving a view of the sky for front and rear passengers

In its current form, the Edge uses a “real-world” version of the powerplant featured in the Airstream concept unveiled at the Detroit Show earlier this month. For around 25 miles of its first journey each day it runs entirely on electricity stored in the battery pack. When the battery charge falls to about 40%, the hydrogen fuel cell kicks in and starts to create more electricity. Depending on how the car is driven, the 4.5kg of hydrogen in the tank can extended the range by anything from 200 to 400 miles.

The shorter the average journey, the lower the percentage of time the fuel cell operates, so drivers who average less than 50 miles each day should see fuel economy equivalent to over 80mpg. On longer trips this drops to just over 40mpg, though emissions of the type usually tested remain at zero in either case.