Ford Aims to Triple Production of Fuel-Saving Vehicles
Automaker Adapts to Meet Hybrid, Electric and EcoBoost Demand
BEVERLY, Mass., April 6, 2012 – Ford Motor Co. has announced that it is increasing the space and engineering staff at its facilities to accommodate the growing demand for fuel-saving vehicles at Ford dealerships. The automaker’s team of engineers in charge of the development of fuel-efficient vehicles has doubled during the last five years, and now Ford has declared that it expects its U.S. production capacity relating to hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles to triple from 2011 to 2013.
Thanks to the success of models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford now employs more than 1,000 engineers on its hybrid and electrification programs, and the team’s rapid growth has led to the conversion of a 285,000-square-foot Advanced Engineering Center in Dearborn, Mich. into a central location for fuel-saving innovation. The expanded program is part of Ford’s goal of creating more than 12,000 new jobs by 2015 in the United States.
“Of course, with gas prices as high as they are, Ford’s announcement may not come as a surprise, but this is a long-term move that they are making,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Beverly, Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “Producing fun-to-drive cars that deliver unmatched fuel-efficiency is no easy task, but Ford is committing the necessary resources in order to ensure that they will continue to be a leader in innovative new powertrains for years to come.”
Ford’s strategy of engineering more efficiency into its vehicles has yielded results, with bumps in fuel efficiency as well as sales. The new Ford Focus Electric recently earned the title of most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle in America, receiving a 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating. Meanwhile, the upcoming 2013 Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid are both projected by Ford to have the best mileage among midsize sedans with comparable powertrains. When it comes to pickups, the Ford F-150 with the EcoBoost V6 engine nets 22 mpg on the highway and accounted for more than 40 percent of the 100,000-plus F-150s sold in 2011.
With the success of its gas-powered EcoBoost engines, Ford has announced that it is expanding its EcoBoost lineup to 11 models this year, compared to seven in 2011. Production capacity for EcoBoost-powered vehicles will also triple, and among the new models will be the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. A performance-minded version of the automaker’s popular SUV, the Explorer Sport carries a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that pushes out 350 horsepower, yet the model is projected to get the best fuel economy of any gas-powered high-performance SUV on the market.
The Ford Explorer Sport also includes several modifications to help differentiate it from its base-model counterpart, like a stiffer reinforced chassis, larger brakes and special terrain-management settings for sandy, snowy, muddy and hilly driving. Arriving at dealerships later this year, the Explorer Sport also gets a host of exterior tweaks, like painted 20-inch wheels, a special mesh grille and unique Explorer Sport badging.
“The EcoBoost has been a game changer, because it allows Ford to continue to equip its SUVs, trucks and performance-oriented cars with the power they deserve while also lowering their fuel efficiency,” Klein added. “The Explorer Sport is a perfect example of that; it has very impressive horsepower numbers while still returning better fuel-economy than any of its competitors.”
About Thomas Ford:
Thomas Ford, located in Beverly, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for over 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales and Ford service departments' commitment to customer satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 978-922-0059, visit their web site at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Ford’s Fusion Makes Big Gains in Midsize Segment with Record Year
Automaker’s Sedan Surpasses 248,000 Units Sold in 2011
BEVERLY, Mass., Jan. 12, 2012 - Competition in the midsize sedan market is fierce, but according to recent sales figures, Ford is quickly surpassing competitors with the popularity of its Fusion. Last year, 248,067 Ford Fusion sedans were sold in the United States, marking the vehicle’s best-ever year of sales and making it Ford’s best-selling car in 2011.
By the end of 2010, the Fusion had increased its midsize-sedan market share by 5.2 percent since its first full year at Ford dealerships in 2006. As Fusion sales increased by 54 percent during that time period, competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord saw sales decreases of 27 and 20 percent, respectively. With record sales for 14 of the last 15 months, the Fusion appears to have gained even more ground on its midsize competitors in 2011, moving further up the list of the annual top 10 best-selling vehicles.
“The Fusion is a popular choice with buyers because it’s dependable, affordable and consistently recommended by automotive researchers and reporters,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Beverly, Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “The current Fusion’s popularity is backed by a number of solid recommendations from customers and experts alike, and we’ve already started to hear positive feedback about the next-generation model months before it even goes on sale.”
The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show this week, a debut teased with a digitally camouflaged version of the car in a video game app released by Ford in December. The app encouraged users to race the Fusion through virtual worlds to earn access to daily video clips demonstrating key features found in the new Fusion. Players were finally able to unlock a full view of the car in the game following its show debut, but they’ll have to wait until next fall to get their hands on a real model at dealers.
One key technology found in the new Fusion will be its Lane Keeping System (LKS), a safety feature designed to keep drivers from accidentally drifting outside their lane. LKS uses a windshield-mounted digital camera that analyzes lane lines to determine when a vehicle drifts at speeds above 40 mph.
The LKS system first alerts the driver with a yellow icon in the instrument cluster and by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift the vehicle outside of its lane, the LKS icon turns red and the system uses the electric power-assisted steering to gently nudge the steering wheel in the direction of the original lane. A third level of warning both vibrates and nudges the steering wheel, but warnings cease when the driver responds by accelerating, braking or turning the steering wheel.
“Ford has ensured that the Fusion proactively protects its passengers,” added Klein. “The popularity of the car can be attributed to a number of things, but safety is definitely on the minds of all car buyers, and there is no doubt that the Fusion delivers in that area.”
Ford’s Focus Emerges as Best Car to Buy 2012
The Car Connection Selects American Compact from a Crowded International Field
BEVERLY, Mass., Dec. 13, 2011 - It wasn’t an easy job, but after testing a cluttered field of more than 200 different vehicle trims, a Best Car to Buy 2012 winner slowly came into focus for editors at The Car Connection. More specifically, it was the 2012 Ford Focus compact car that beat out new vehicles from Chevy and Hyundai, as well as pricier luxury options from Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover, to take the annual honor.
Automotive reporters at The Car Connection decide each year on a new Best Car to Buy, choosing from 50 to 70 new or significantly updated vehicles for the current model year. They set a base-trim price limit of $50,000 and then choose from amongst the highest-scoring vehicles in their research. This year, the 2012 Focus currently available at Ford dealerships was named the Best Car to Buy for its attention-grabbing exterior and interior styling, its high performance rating for a compact car and its cutting-edge safety features.
“The Ford Focus has the high-tech features of a luxury car, eye-catching styling and, most importantly, it carries an attractive price tag,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Beverly, Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “The Focus also has a slew of safety options that you just can’t find on models within the same price range, and that value helped the Focus win out over its competitors.”
Among the intuitive safety features in the 2012 Ford Focus is its optional rearview camera, ideal for backing out of spots in pedestrian-heavy areas like shopping mall parking lots. The Focus is also available with active parking assist to help take the stress out of parallel parking on tight city streets. Meanwhile, the voice-controlled SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system is available to help drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel while they search for directions or select their favorite song.
U.S. sales of the Focus reached 11,735 units in November, helping to bolster Ford’s overall sales last month. The Blue Oval saw its total sales jump by more than 20 percent for November compared with the same month last year, with the company moving a total of 160,560 vehicles. Close to 1.9 million new Fords have found owners through 11 months of this year, leading to a year-to-date sales increase of 17.7 percent.
While Ford Focus sales contributed their fair share, the leaders of the automaker’s November numbers were Ford F-Series pickup trucks and the Ford Escape SUV. More than 47,000 F-Series trucks, which include the popular Ford F-150, were sold last month for a 23.9-percent jump up from November 2010. The Ford Escape alone sold 21,823 vehicles, posting an impressive 46.1-percent increase compared to last year’s November sales.
“In today’s economy, people scrutinize every purchase they make, and since every penny counts, consumers need to be smart about what they buy,” added Klein. “When you sell a quality product, you can expect sales to remain steady, but Ford’s sales have actually increased significantly. That means they are consistently passing the test for customers, and that’s because their award-winning vehicles set the bar for quality and value.”
Ford Drivers to Receive a Faster, More Intuitive MyFord Touch
Automaker to Roll Out Improved Touchscreen System Early Next Year
BEVERLY, MASS. Nov. 15, 2011 - Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system will be faster and easier to use thanks to software upgrades coming early next year, the automaker has announced. The upgraded touchscreen system will debut on the 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus, but will be available as a no-cost download for all existing Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch, like the 2012 Ford Focus currently being sold at Ford dealerships.
The upgraded MyFord Touch system will feature larger fonts and more intuitive menus that will make the most often used controls easier to find when accessing media, phone calls, navigation and climate control. Meanwhile, an improved touch-screen response time will help drivers find these controls faster. MyFord Touch will also include tablet support in the form of iPad connectivity, as well as support for the audiobook application Audible.com, so Boston Ford drivers can “read” while facing the morning gridlock on I-95.
“Technology moves at a lightning-fast pace, but Ford has remained on the cutting edge when it comes to making sure its drivers benefit from the latest innovations,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Beverly, Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “The driving experience can always be improved, and Ford has never been content to settle when there are helpful new features that can be added to their vehicles.”
While owners of the 2012 Ford Focus will have to wait until early next year to download the MyFord Touch upgrade, they can still take advantage of all of the functionality in the current SYNC with MyFord Touch system. SYNC allows Ford owners to synchronize their smartphones or MP3 players with the communications software in their vehicle and use simple voice commands to make phone calls, play music, get directions and control the cabin climate.
Ford fans saw Focus upgrades of a different nature at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took place in Las Vegas earlier this month. One Ford Focus modified by aftermarket specialists 3dCarbon featured a satin 3M wrap and a lowered suspension, while another by Roush Performance included a high-flow induction system and twin-outlet high-flow exhaust system. Other customized versions of Ford’s compact car captured fans’ attention with loud color schemes, like a bold red and black Focus from Steeda.
Although SEMA has passed, Ford fans can look forward to seeing what the automaker brings to the upcoming LA Auto Show, taking place Nov. 18 through Nov. 27. Ford is slated to feature the sportier Ford Focus ST coming to the U.S. market next year, complete with its new torque-steer compensation scheme. Meanwhile, the race-ready Ford Focus ST-R will also make an appearance at the auto show.
“The Ford Focus is such a versatile vehicle that it pleases the technologically inclined, the aftermarket tinkers and the performance lovers,” added Klein. “The car appeals to such a broad base of car lovers that it’s no surprise we’re seeing it pop up everywhere.”
Ford Escape Is Best-Selling SUV for Fifth-Straight Month
2013 Model Year Redesign Will Be Unveiled in November
BEVERLY, MASS. Oct. 12, 2011 - The Ford Escape was America’s best-selling sport utility vehicle again in September, leading all other contenders for the fifth-consecutive month. Those impressive sales come as the compact SUV prepares for a makeover for the 2013 model year that will add fuel efficiency and expand upon the features that have made it popular at Ford dealerships.
The 2013 Ford Escape, based on Ford’s Vertrek concept vehicle, will feature a sleeker exterior as well as a new engine lineup when it is unveiled next month at the LA Auto Show before going on sale next year. Ford is dropping the current Escape’s V6 engine option in favor of a lineup comprised of three advanced four-cylinder engines. Two of Ford’s popular EcoBoost engines, a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter, will be available, while the base-level Ford Escape will feature a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.
“If you were to compare a V6 engine with a four-cylinder a couple years ago, the more powerful option would almost always be the V6, but that’s just not true these days,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “Ford has come out with fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines that can be just as capable as a V6, and we can’t wait to see them in the new Escape.”
Redesigned 2013 Ford Escape models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost are expected to beat the impressive 31-mpg highway fuel economy of the Escape Hybrid, which will be discontinued in the 2013 model year. Those looking to pick up the last of the Ford Escape Hybrid models this year can still take advantage of their lowest-in-class monthly fuel costs, which, according to Edmunds.com, save owners as much as $131 per month compared with owners of competing vehicles.
The increased fuel efficiency of the 2013 Escape and current Ford vehicles with EcoBoost are the result of the engines’ turbocharged, direct-injection technology. EcoBoost gasoline engines are designed to achieve up to 20 percent better fuel economy and release 15 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than larger-displacement, naturally aspirated engines. The EcoBoost family of four- and six-cylinder engines appears in a range of Ford vehicles, from the popular F-150 to the Ford Taurus SHO.
An EcoBoost engine was under the hood of a record 15,505 Ford vehicles sold in September, and Ford’s total brand sales are up 17.9 percent year-over-year thanks in part to the new engine technology. Ford utility vehicle sales were up 35.5 percent last month compared with September 2010, including a 203.6 percent sales increase for the Ford Explorer.
The 2012 Ford Explorer is also benefiting from an EcoBoost engine upgrade; the iconic SUV is now offering a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant that puts out 240 horsepower while producing 15 more pound-feet of torque and three more miles per gallon on the highway than the standard V6 model.
“The EcoBoost has made every vehicle it has touched better, and the Ford Escape will be no exception,” added Klein. “You would think that with its huge sales increases and best-selling SUV title, Ford wouldn’t want to change anything about the Escape, but instead they’re building upon capabilities that customers already appreciate.”
Ford F-150 EcoBoost Is Ready for Gameday Grilling
AAA Picks the Fuel-Efficient Full-Size Truck for Tailgating Duty
BEVERLY, MASS. Sept. 14, 2011 - Ford’s powerful and fuel-efficient Ford F-150 EcoBoost has won over truck buyers with its towing and economy, but AAA Auto Buying experts say the truck is also meant to party at football stadiums. AAA chose six rides for its Top Vehicle Picks for Tailgating list, and the F-150 EcoBoost, a popular pick at Ford dealerships, is at the top of the list.
AAA notes that while some football fans have a dedicated tailgating vehicle, most simply bring their daily drives. Looking at vehicles that can perform on daily commutes as well as on any given Sunday, AAA Auto Buying experts chose the Ford F-150 EcoBoost as one of their top three traditional tailgating vehicles. The judges noted its strong mix of fuel economy and power, its cargo space and comfort, and the fact that, unlike some others on the list, it actually has a tailgate.
“Tailgating is a big part of going to see the Patriots, and the F-150 EcoBoost is a perfect companion for a trip to Foxboro with your friends,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “Like any Ford F-150, the EcoBoost is spacious, comfortable and can haul just about anything you can think of, whether it’s a gigantic grill or enough chairs for an army of football fans. What the EcoBoost engine adds to the mix is fuel economy without the sacrifice of power.”
Like any vehicle that derives part of its name from its engine, the F-150 EcoBoost is characterized by what lies under its rugged hood. A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection allows the EcoBoost to tow like a large displacement V8, but sip fuel like a V6. The F-150 EcoBoost produces a best-in-class 420 pound-feet of torque and is rated at 22 mpg on the highway, but drivers are finding it easy to eke out even better fuel economy. In fact, Carlee Mallard of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina averaged 28.3 mpg in her F-150 EcoBoost while recently competing in the Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge.
The EcoBoost Challenge gave eight truck fans, each representing a different city, an F-150 EcoBoost and asked them to get the best fuel mileage they could during a week while driving at least 25 miles a day. Fuel mileage was monitored remotely using Ford’s Crew Chief system, a GPS-based telematics system that is typically used to help businesses with vehicle fleets improve fuel efficiency and logistics. Contestants also had to plan and execute their own community-service event.
Mallard won the Challenge based on a blended score of highest average fuel mileage, most votes on the Ford Facebook page and the amount of volunteers that came out for the community-service event. With 56 volunteers, Mallard organized an event to collect water and non-perishables that were then donated to the Raleigh, North Carolina YMCA to help those affected by Hurricane Irene. Mallard won a year’s worth of free gasoline from Shell for her efforts.
“Drivers are often surprised at how easy it is to exceed EPA mileage estimates in the F-150 EcoBoost,” Klein noted. “Driven sensibly, you can easily match the fuel mileage of a full-size sedan, which is an incredible achievement considering that you can’t tow 11,000 pounds with a car.”
Kelley Blue Book: 2012 Ford Focus Is Back-to-School Cool
Compact Car Joins 2007 F-150 as Ideal Vehicles for Students and Parents
BEVERLY, MASS. Aug. 18, 2011 - Just in time for the new school year, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com has released its Top 10 Back-to-School Cars for 2011, a list featuring vehicles that are fun, economical, versatile, safe and reliable. The list includes five new cars and five used cars and features two Fords, the 2007 Ford F-150 and the 2012 Ford Focus available now at Ford dealers.
Kbb.com editors made their selections while trying to balance the needs of both parents and young drivers, which meant safety and fun were simultaneously high on the list of criteria. The publication noted that the Ford Focus has the right mix of modern design and cool technology to appeal to young drivers, while the car was safe enough to win an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for 2011.
“Everybody remembers their first car, so it’s a big decision,” said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealership Thomas Ford. “As a parent, you can’t always be there to protect your child, so a safe vehicle is a priority. The Ford Focus is the perfect car for a young driver because, even as they’re appreciating its good looks and entertainment features, you’ll take comfort in its cutting-edge safety technology.”
As the youngest generation of drivers hit the road, they’ll surely be looking to stay connected to their friends, which often means texting and other communication that leads to distracting driving. Available with MyFord Touch technology, the 2012 Ford Focus helps keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road by connecting with Bluetooth-enabled phones to provide hands-free calling while also offering voice-activated music and navigation controls. Parents will also appreciate Ford’s MyKey technology, which allows them to limit the top speed of the Focus and keep their most precious possession’s preferred music at a safe level.
Fuel economy is another strength of the Ford Focus that is popular with both parents and cash-strapped students. With its direct-injected 2.0-liter engine, the Focus is fuel-efficient no matter which transmission you choose. Manual transmission Focus models return 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the automatic transmission can get up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Those looking for even greater savings at the pump can opt for the Focus SFE package, which cheats the wind and gets 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city.
“Ford has succeeded in creating a compact car that appeals to a wide variety of people,” Klein added. “The Focus is the right mix of affordability, fun and comfort, which is why it’s so popular with student drivers and their parents. It’s a car that bridges the generational gap.”
A used Ford is just as good as a new one for some. Kbb.com awarded the 2007 Ford F-150 a spot on the Top 10 Back-to-School list for its rugged build, its five-star NHTSA frontal crash rating and its ability to haul, tow and lug like a proper truck should, a useful ability when moving into a dorm room.
Americans Turning to Ford for Their Summer Escape
Automaker's Small SUV Sees Skyrocketing June Sales
BEVERLY, MASS. (07/19/2011)(readMedia) - When it comes to SUVs, Americans can't seem to get enough of the Ford Escape, as evidenced by the more than 22,000 units of the vehicle that departed U.S. Ford dealerships in June. The Escape was the highest-selling SUV on the market during the month, as Ford sold more SUVs in the United States than any other brand.
June sales of the Ford Escape were up 43 percent over the same month last year, coinciding with the arrival of the 2012 model of the compact SUV at Thomas Ford, a Beverly,Massachusetts Ford dealer. Overall, Ford SUV sales increased 25 percent year-over-year in June, powered by sales of the Escape and Ford Explorer.
"The Ford Escape is the right ride for Massachusetts drivers that may spend some time in the city or stuck in traffic on morning commutes, but ultimately would prefer to escape to the White Mountains or Maine's lakes," said Jeff Klein, general sales manager at Thomas Ford. "The Escape has a lot of the rugged traits of a full-size SUV, but it's easier to fuel up and park in tight spaces."
Ford makes the Escape with three different engines, all of which feature impressive fuel economy. The standard Escape model with a 2.5-liter engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5-liter engine combined with an electric motor that produces 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, making it a popular choice for city dwellers. There is also a V6 Escape model with 240 horsepower and 25-mpg highway performance.
However, Massachusetts drivers can drive their Ford Escapes knowing there is innovative green thinking incorporated into their SUV beyond just fuel economy. The Ford Escape XLT and Escape Hybrid each feature environmentally friendly seat foam derived from plant seeds rather than petroleum products, and the cloth seat fabric is crafted from 100 percent post-industrial materials that would have otherwise gone to the landfill.
While fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness are both a definite plus, an SUV needs utility to be worth its salt, and the Escape doesn't disappoint. With its rear seats folded flat, the compact SUV has 67.2 cubic feet of cargo space, plenty of room for a bike and hiking gear or just to make moving into a new apartment more convenient. There are also thoughtful touches like a wet trunk bin for muddy gear or tailgating supplies and a roof rack that can be adapted to carry anything from mattresses to kayaks.
"When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Escape," Klein added. "It is comfortable and fuel efficient enough to be your daily ride, but it also has the capability to load up and hit the slopes or the beach on the weekends. It's a jack of all trades."
Ford Weeds Out New Sustainable Rubber
Researchers Exploring Potential Use for Dandelion in Auto Interiors
BEVERLY, MASS. (05/19/2011)(readMedia) - Weeds are the bane of many a gardener, but Ford Motor Company and The Ohio State University are trying to make the most out of the troublesome plant. When it comes to sustainability, it is hard to imagine a more prolific weed than the dandelion, and it may be the future of rubbers and plastics found inside car interiors.
Researchers are exploring use of the milky white substance that seeps from the dandelion root as a natural rubber substitute, which means that as gardeners everywhere are pulling these troublesome plants from gardens and lawns, researchers are actively nurturing them in Ohio. Not just any dandelion will do though – researchers are focusing on the Russian dandelion, sowing neat rows of the plant at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC).
"Ford's work down in the weeds proves that they're exploring every possibility when it comes to sustainable materials," said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Thomas Ford. "Fuel economy gets a lot of attention these days, and Ford's models are leading the way when it comes to engine efficiency, but being eco-friendly goes beyond just improving a vehicle's mileage. Dandelions are inconveniently abundant, so finding a relevant use for them would be welcomed by everyone – especially those that put a priority on owning a sustainable ride."
Ford could use the rubber to modify their interior plastics, making them stronger and more durable to impacts. However, the automaker needs to evaluate the new plastics to ensure they meet durability standards before parts made from the material can be put into their production vehicles. In the meantime, Ford's new fuel-economy improvements on its Ford Focus should tide over the environmentally-conscious.
The 2012 Ford Focus SE with the Super Fuel Economy package gets 40 mpg on the highway from its 160 horsepower direct-injection four-cylinder engine, a remarkable combination of fuel-efficiency and performance. The 2012 Ford Focus offers comfort while saving cash as well, with the Focus Titanium earning a spot on Ward's 10 Best Interiors.
The Ford Focus model range is about to get even greener with the release of the Ford Focus Electric, which is due at Ford dealership lots in late 2011. Powered by a 123-horsepower electric motor that also pushes out 181 pound-feet of torque, the Focus Electric can reach speeds up to 84 miles per hour and can be fully charged in three hours from its 240-volt home-installed charging station. There's even a MyFord Mobile app for smartphone users to remotely check charge levels and schedule charges for their Focus.
"Massachusetts car shoppers have always shown appreciation for innovative vehicles that utilize cutting-edge eco-friendly technology," Klein added. "They'll no doubt be pleased with Ford's broad efforts to harness new sustainable materials and engineer more gas-sipping models across the board, from the Focus to the F-150. The new Ford Focus Electric is the latest step toward sustainable driving, but it's just the beginning."
Ford's Secret? Running (Better) Against the Wind
Aerodynamics Development Gives Ford Vehicles Edge at the Pump
BEVERLY, MASS. (04/26/2011)(readMedia) - It is a challenge met early on by Cub Scouts in their pinewood derbies: Design a wooden car that lowers air resistance. The principles of aerodynamics are by no means a secret, but while hybrid and electric-vehicle advancements dominate media coverage, Ford Motor Company believes its additional work to limit wind resistance has put it over the top in the fuel-efficiency race.
Ford engineers spent endless hours in their wind tunnel facility to improve the aerodynamics and, by extension, the fuel efficiency of its current vehicle line. With the resulting design changes, Ford has improved the fuel economy of some vehicles by up to 7 percent, delivering a wide range of vehicles to Ford dealers that offer class-leading fuel efficiency in their segments.
"The average driver could care less about the physics of aerodynamics, but they feel the benefits in their wallets every time they drive their Fords," said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Thomas Ford. "Some advantages go unnoticed, like being able to travel that extra mile or two before the gas light comes on or the lack of annoying wind noise. Others are obvious, like the smooth handling and the money saved on gas costs."
The fruit of Ford's labor is no more evident than in the reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer, which received several design enhancements to minimize the wind drag and below-average fuel economy found in earlier models. The new Explorer features a front air dam that reduces airflow underneath the SUV, a liftgate spoiler that improves top airflow and reduces turbulence, and side-view mirrors that cut wind noise. These changes make for a smooth and quiet ride and squeeze nearly 1 more mile from each gallon of gas, contributing to the base-model Explorer's best-in-class fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
And while the eye-catching, boxy shape of the Ford Flex may not look aerodynamic, it received meticulous detail work in the wind tunnel that allows the Ford crossover to beat competitors like the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander by requiring only 8.90 horsepower to cruise at 55 mph. The compact Ford Focus features a new active grille shutter system that only opens grille slats when extra cooling is needed; keeping them closed during highway cruising minimizes resistance and helps the vehicle get 40 mpg in open-road highway driving with the available Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package.
Regardless of their size or purpose, every Ford vehicle has benefited from the automaker's focus on aerodynamics. Ford F-Series pickups feature altered cabs, tailgates, front bumpers and spoilers that direct air flow to add to their best-in-class fuel economy. The Ford Fusion sports revised front and rear fascias, new tire and underbody shields and regulated engine air flow to get the most from every tank of gas. The subcompact Ford Fiesta is available with an SFE package that puts it alongside the Focus in earning 40 mpg on the highway.
These aerodynamics innovations from Ford have supplemented the company's eco-friendly powertrain options, including the powerful and efficient EcoBoost engine line and the largest selection of hybrid vehicles from a U.S. manufacturer. Year-to-date, the company has sold 7,016 hybrids, up 77 percent compared with last year.
"Advances in hybrid technology and its new fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines get the lion's share of credit for Ford's recent leadership in fuel economy, but aerodynamics are what give Ford vehicles the edge over competitors," Klein added. "Just as football is a game of inches, the slightest angle change on a car can make the difference between best-in-class and second best, and Ford is currently winning that battle."
