Autoblog Ford http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Ford http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Silverado Super Bowl ad may have benefited Ford more than Chevy [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/silverado-super-bowl-ad-may-have-benefited-ford-more-than-chevy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/silverado-super-bowl-ad-may-have-benefited-ford-more-than-chevy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/silverado-super-bowl-ad-may-have-benefited-ford-more-than-chevy/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Silverado Ad

General Motors took dead aim at the Ford F-150 during the Super Bowl by airing a spot for the Chevrolet Silverado. The ad featured a post-apocalyptic scene where only Silverado owners survived the end of the world and Ford customers were left to fade into the fossil record. Interestingly enough, however, the spot may not have had the intended effect of pushing more eyes toward GM products.

According to TheCarConnection.com, the ad may have benefited Ford more than Chevrolet. Kelley Blue Book keeps an eye on which vehicles visitors to the site are interested in, and Ford saw an immediate uptick directly after the GM commercial aired. Ford didn't have a big Super Bowl ad this year.

That wasn't all. Ford continued to see a swell in shopping in the days after the Super Bowl. Interest in the Silverado, meanwhile, rose slightly when the ad aired before leveling off during the remainder of the game and falling shortly thereafter. Interest in the F-150, meanwhile, continued to surge. According to TheCarConnection.com, the F-150 saw a greater boost in shoppers week over week while the Silverado fell off by 25 percent. Turns out Ford shouldn't have been so upset about the spot after all. Click past the jump to see the ad one more time.

Continue reading Silverado Super Bowl ad may have benefited Ford more than Chevy [w/video]

Silverado Super Bowl ad may have benefited Ford more than Chevy [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingchevroletchevrolet silveradochevrolet super bowl adcommercialf-150fordford f-150marketingsilveradosuper bowl Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/silverado-super-bowl-ad-may-have-benefited-ford-more-than-chevy/20168926/article-detail.xml 20168926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/silverado-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/silverado-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1993 ford mustang svt cobra r2013 acura ilx2013 hyundai elantra gt2013 volkswagen beetle tdiacurabeetlebest in showchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra reditors choiceelantraelantra gtfeaturedfordhyundaiilxkiamustangtditrackstervolkswagen Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/20168134/article-detail.xml 20168134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Ford announces retirements of Kuzak and Booth, adds Huntsman to board]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/ford-announces-retirements-of-kuzak-and-booth-adds-huntsman-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/ford-announces-retirements-of-kuzak-and-booth-adds-huntsman-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/ford-announces-retirements-of-kuzak-and-booth-adds-huntsman-to/#comments Filed under: ,



Ford Motor Co. today made several big-name executive and boardroom announcements, including the appointment of a former Republican presidential candidate, but none changed the almost certain succession of CEO and President Alan Mulally.

Mulally said Thursday with a snicker, "I looked over the press release very clearly and saw that my name was not among those retiring."

Mulally announced Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth (above, middle), 63, and Group Vice President and Global Product Development Chief Derrick Kuzak (above, left), 60, are retiring effective April 1. Booth will be replaced by Vice President and Controller Bob Shanks, and Kuzak will be replaced by VP of Engineering and Global Product Development Raj Nair. Both successions involve executives who have long been groomed for the top jobs, and represent orderly transition at Ford.

Ford's board of directors, which cleared the new executive appointments in their Wednesday meeting this week, also announced the addition of former Utah Governor, U.S. Ambassador to China and recent Republican presidential candidate John Huntsman Jr. (above, right) to the board. Huntsman represents an addition, and their were no board retirements.

Continue reading Ford announces retirements of Kuzak and Booth, adds Huntsman to board

Ford announces retirements of Kuzak and Booth, adds Huntsman to board originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alan mulallyderrick kuzakfordjohn huntsmanlewis boothmark fields Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168006/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/ford-announces-retirements-of-kuzak-and-booth-adds-huntsman-to/20168006/article-detail.xml 20168006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/kuzack-booth-huntsman-ford_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/kuzack-booth-huntsman-ford.jpg <![CDATA[SVT celebrates 20 years with the Mustang that started it all]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/#comments Filed under: , , ,

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R

Ford debuted the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible earlier today at the Chicago Auto Show, but it wasn't the only Mustang vying for our attention on the show floor. In fact, we had a hard time keeping our eyes off this Vibrant Red beauty.

The pony car in question? A 1993 SVT Cobra R, the pinnacle of the Fox Body Mustang. The standard SVT Cobra made its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show back in 1992, and its reappearance in the Windy City was a fitting reminder of the 20th anniversary of Ford's Special Vehicle Team.

So what makes the 1993 SVT Cobra R so special? For starters, just 107 were produced, making it one of the rarest Mustangs ever built by Ford. The 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 is the same powerplant as the one in the standard Cobra, but the R model had less weight to push around thanks to the removal of the rear seats, radio, air conditioning and all sound deadening material. Ford also fitted the Cobra R with adjustable Koni shocks, larger front and rear brakes, 17-inch wheels shod with Goodyear tires, an external engine oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler, aluminum radiator and more.

The particular Cobra R brought to the show by Ford is literally a time capsule from the early '90s and in incredible condition. Amazingly, the odometer reads just over 4,100 miles. You can check out the car in detail in the gallery above.

SVT celebrates 20 years with the Mustang that started it all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1993 ford svt cobra rchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra rfordmustang Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/20167520/article-detail.xml 20167520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1993-svt-cobra-r-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1993-svt-cobra-r-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The Super Bowl ad for the Chevrolet Silverado shows that the rivalry between Chevrolet and Ford still rages strong. But is there room for another brand or two to mix it up in the battle for pickup supremacy? Not according to General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick.

Fox News reports that Ewanick said during a web chat on Jalopnik that "the two big players are Ford and Chevy." Ewanick added that it's like a presidential debate, saying "We want to have it with the other strong candidate - and we want to engage them and want them to engage us."
A quick look at the numbers shows that Ewanick has a point. The Ford F-Series was the top dog in 2011, with 584,917 trucks sold. The Silverado came in second with 415,130 sales, but if you add the nearly identical GMC Sierra, General Motors makes the battle much closer with 564,300 unit sales. That's more sales than the Toyota Tundra, Ram full-size and Nissan Titan combined (even without the Sierra.)

The Ram, also an excellent pickup, finished a distant third with a reported 244,763 sales. Still, Ram brand spokesperson Dave Elshoff insists that Ram trucks remain part of the equation, adding "across much of the west - where trucks are worked hard - it's Ram that's either number one or two in market share."

We're not so sure that the truck battle is Chevy versus Ford and then everybody else, but it sure is nice to see GM and Ford getting a little chippy. It's a good bet that the chatter grows louder as the next generation Silverado and F-150 hit the auto show circuit in about a year.

GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chevroletf-150fordgeneral motorsgmramsilveradotruck sales Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/20166814/article-detail.xml 20166814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/joel-ewanick-chevy-gm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/joel-ewanick-chevy-gm.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible

Slather on an extra glob of Gorilla Glue adhesive, as the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible is going to seriously strain hairpieces. Like its GT500 Coupe sibling, introduced late last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the drop-top is fitted with a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 making an astounding 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, which makes it the most powerful eight-cylinder production engine in the universe.

Ford says the new model, equipped with the optional Performance Package that includes Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers, is capable of running Sebring International Raceway about 3.5 seconds quicker per lap compared to the 2011 and 2012 models (both down 100 horsepower against the 2013 model). Curb weight should be a couple hundred pounds heavier than its closed-roof cousin courtesy of additional bracing on the power-operated convertible soft top.

The Shelby GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, will blast into showrooms this summer. Our best guess for pricing says the 2013 model will start just under $65,000.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford mustang shelby gt5002013 gt500 convertiblechicagochicago 2012chicago auto showfordford mustanggt500 convertiblemustangshelby gt500shelby gt500 convertible Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167335/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-2012/20167335/article-detail.xml 20167335 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-1328729957_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-1328729957.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible kicks out 650 hp, limits top speed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-kicks-out-650-hp-limits-top/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-kicks-out-650-hp-limits-top/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-kicks-out-650-hp-limits-top/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

Twenty years ago, Ford debuted the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced the world to its high-performance skunkworks department, known as SVT or Special Vehicle Team.

Today, Ford celebrates SVT's platinum anniversary the only way it knows how: with another Mustang variant. And as suspected, it comes in the form of a topless Shelby GT500.

Just as a refresher, at the 1992 show in Chicago the SVT Cobra put out 235 horsepower from its Vanilla Ice-approved 5.0-liter V8. Twenty years later, displacement has grown by less than a liter, but thanks to some 21st century tech and a massive supercharger, the 5.8-liter V8 in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible makes the same 650 hp (and 600 pound-feet of torque) as its coupe counterpart, laying claim to the most powerful production V8 in the world.

In addition to the carbon fiber driveshaft, upgraded clutch, transmission and axle, SVT fitted its own specially developed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers, along with six-piston Brembo calipers squeezing massive discs up front.

Like the coupe, the Bilstein setup is part of the Performance Package (why it's not included as standard is beyond us) and Ford will also offer a Track Pack that includes an external oil cooler, differential cooler and transmission cooler to keep temps in check when flogging the drop top around the tarmac.

And before you ask: No, the GT500 coupe's 200 mph top speed doesn't carry over to the Convertible. In a rare moment of sanity, Ford's engineers saw fit to limit the GT500 'vert to 155 mph - like the rest of the roofless Mustangs. Hit the jump for the full details.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible kicks out 650 hp, limits top speed

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible kicks out 650 hp, limits top speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertiblechicagochicago 2012chicago auto showconvertiblefordford mustangford shelby gt500 convertiblegt500mustangshelby Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-kicks-out-650-hp-limits-top/20166634/article-detail.xml 20166634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gt500-convertible-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gt500-convertible-628.jpg <![CDATA[SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/#comments Filed under: ,

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Today marks 20 years since Ford first announced its Special Vehicle Team, most famously known as SVT. With performance mastermind John Coletti at the helm, SVT produced some legendary cars during its first 10 years, beginning with the 1993 SVT Cobra (and its even more hardcore sibling the SVT Cobra R), as well as the 2003 F-150 SVT Lightning. Since then we've had numerous updates to each, most notably the SVT Cobra of 2003-2004 lovingly referred to by Mustang fans as the "Terminator," plus new models like the SVT Contour and SVT Focus built from 2002-2004.

Today SVT is alive and well with a lineup consisting of the Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, and we're guessing that back in 1993 no one could have imagined just how far the brand has come. A 650-horsepower Mustang capable of 200 miles per hour or a Ford F-150 capable of running the Baja 1000 in nearly stock form would have seemed insane at the time. And it still does today.

Have a look at some of the vehicles produced by SVT over the past 20 years in the gallery above, and let us know what you think might come from Ford's performance division in the next 20 years in the comments section below.

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f-150 svt raptorfordford svtraptorspecial vehicle teamsvtsvt cobrasvt contoursvt focussvt raptor Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/20165594/article-detail.xml 20165594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-svt-20th-anniversary_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-svt-20th-anniversary.jpg <![CDATA[Ford asks Chevrolet, then NBC, to pull Silverado Super Bowl ad]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ford-asks-chevrolet-then-nbc-to-pull-silverado-super-bowl-ad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ford-asks-chevrolet-then-nbc-to-pull-silverado-super-bowl-ad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ford-asks-chevrolet-then-nbc-to-pull-silverado-super-bowl-ad/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Chevrolet is having some pointed fun with its apocalyptic Super Bowl ad featuring the Silverado called "2012," only the fun is pointed directly at Ford, which finds it a little too sharp to be all that much fun. So on the eve of the big game, Ford sent Chevy a cease-and-desist letter to pull the ad and "pressured" NBC not to run the commercial, according to a report on Yahoo!'s Motoramic blog. Chevy has released a statement in response, which you can read after the jump, indicating that the ad will run despite Ford's protest.

Ford found no reason to chuckle at some of the commercial's claims, "particularly around durability." One in particular comes from a character that says of their now-deceased, F-150-driving pal, "Dave didn't drive the longest-lasting most dependable truck on the road. Dave drove a Ford."

Ford spokesman Mike Levine says his company has more trucks with 250,000-plus miles on the road than any other brand, which would appear to contradict the small print that appears in the "2012" ad that reads, "Dependability based on longevity: 1981-2011 full-size pickup registrations." Ford says its lawyers will decide what to do (if anything) after the ad airs during tonight's game, but Chevy's legal minions must have vetted the spot closely well before time.

Or Ford could take Chevy marketing honcho Joel Ewanick up on his offer and bide its time. Said Ewanick, "We can wait until the world ends, and if we need to, we will apologize."

Continue reading Ford asks Chevrolet, then NBC, to pull Silverado Super Bowl ad

Ford asks Chevrolet, then NBC, to pull Silverado Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chevrolet silveradochevroletchevrolet silveradocommercialfordjoel ewanickmike levinenbcsilveradosuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercials Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164804/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/ford-asks-chevrolet-then-nbc-to-pull-silverado-super-bowl-ad/20164804/article-detail.xml 20164804 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/silveradoadupsetford_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/silveradoadupsetford.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an SVT Raptor be built on <em>Ultimate Factories</em> this weekend [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/watch-an-svt-raptor-be-built-on-ultimate-factories-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/watch-an-svt-raptor-be-built-on-ultimate-factories-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/watch-an-svt-raptor-be-built-on-ultimate-factories-this/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ford F-150 Ultimate Factories

There's something inexplicably mesmerizing about watching a factory in action. Seeing the innumerable complex mechanisms mesh in perfect harmony to create the products we know and love is part of what makes shows like National Geographic's Ultimate Factories so interesting. Now the program is headed to Dearborn for a look at how the Ford F-150 Ecoboost and F-150 SVT Raptor come together on the line in crystal-clear HD video. The show will also spend time with both trucks out on the company's proving grounds, which means there's a good chance we'll see the Raptor bashing over various obstacles.

Consider us excited. Last year, the Ford plant in Dearborn produced 344,446 vehicles, making it the third most productive plant in North America behind the Nissan facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico and the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico.

The show will air on Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern on the National Geographic Channel, but you can get a glimpse of what to expect in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Watch an SVT Raptor be built on Ultimate Factories this weekend [w/video]

Watch an SVT Raptor be built on Ultimate Factories this weekend [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f-150 ecoboostfordford f-150 svt raptorhdnat geonational geographicnational geographic channelraptorultimate factories Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/watch-an-svt-raptor-be-built-on-ultimate-factories-this/20163087/article-detail.xml 20163087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-f-150-ultimate-factories_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-f-150-ultimate-factories.jpg <![CDATA[Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.

According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.

Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.

Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> californiacalifornia car salescalifornia carsdomestic automakerfordgeneral motorsgmhondajeepkiamarket sharetoyota Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/20163109/article-detail.xml 20163109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-jeep-wrangler-opt-1328211579_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-jeep-wrangler-opt-1328211579.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Silverado Super Bowl ad

Chevrolet continues its onslaught of Super Bowl ads released before this Sunday's big game, clearly hoping that volume plays in its favor when the points are tallied by marketing analysts on Monday.

Today's commercial, entitled "2012," stars the Chevrolet Silverado in a post-apocalyptic world. In this ad, Chevy reminds us of its oft-repeated statistic that its trucks are the longest lasting, most dependable trucks on the road, and it does so by imagining that the Mayans were right and that 2012 is our last year on Earth.

It's a well-done spot with lots of fun things to focus on - we're even amused by the soundtrack, which isn't what we'd immediately expect to hear as the backing music following life after an Extinction Level Event.

Follow the jump to view the end of the world through Chevy's eyes.

Continue reading Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad

Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chevrolet silveradochevroletfordsilveradosuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsvideo Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163803/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/20163803/article-detail.xml 20163803 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/screen-shot-2012-02-03-at-10.00-opt-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/screen-shot-2012-02-03-at-10.00-opt-1.jpg <![CDATA[Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

President Barack Obama checks out the new Dodge Dart

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama visited the Washington Auto Show, and he even had time to get a closer look at a few vehicles. We're guessing that the carmakers were more than happy to set aside some time to talk to the Commander In Chief, but not every automaker got the chance.

Bloomberg says that the Association of Global Automakers is upset because the president only spent time with the Detroit Three, even though other automakers reportedly flew in executives from around the world for the occasion. The executives were reportedly on hand and waiting in a "bullpen" in the event President Obama had any questions about specific vehicles, but The Pres stuck to American cars like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Silverado.

AGA CEO Michael Stanton voiced his disappointment about the perceived slight, adding that many members "bent over backwards to meet the request from the White House." Stanton also points out that AGA members have invested $43 billion in the U.S. and employ over 80,000 workers here.

Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> association of global automakersbarack obamachryslerdc auto showfordgmmichael stantonobamapresidentwashington auto show Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/20163516/article-detail.xml 20163516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama-with-dodge-dart_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama-with-dodge-dart.jpg <![CDATA[These are North America's top producing auto plants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Puebla, Mexico facility

Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.

Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.

These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aguascalientesauto manufacturingauto plantsdearbornfordhyundaimanufacturingmontgomerynissanplantspueblasmyrnavolkswagen Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161802/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/20161802/article-detail.xml 20161802 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford previews 2012 B-Max MPV ahead of Geneva debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/ford-previews-2012-b-max-mpv-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/ford-previews-2012-b-max-mpv-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/ford-previews-2012-b-max-mpv-ahead-of-geneva-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Ford B-Max

You've seen the S-Max. You've seen the C-Max. Now get ready for the B-Max.

The latest European-focused mini minivan from Ford was previewed in concept form at last year's Geneva Motor Show, but has now been confirmed for production release at the 2012 edition of the same expo this March. Based on the Fiesta (the C-Max is based on the Focus), the new B-Max will arrive into a highly competitive segment overseas, so it will need to offer some alluring features to make its mark.

The edgy design should help, but the party piece for this diminutive people carrier is that it has no B-pillars. And we don't mean that the windows have no frame: we mean the entire pillars are incorporated into the doors themselves, so that when you open the doors there's no encumbrance to loading and unloading of passengers and cargo alike.

Motivation is provided by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, with Duratorq diesels also on offer. After its unveiling in Geneva, the new B-Max will go on sale at dealers across Europe later this year. Follow the jump for the full press release and click the thumbnails below to view the pair of images released thus far in high resolution.

Continue reading Ford previews 2012 B-Max MPV ahead of Geneva debut

Ford previews 2012 B-Max MPV ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 ford b-max2013 ford b-maxb-maxbmaxfordford b-maxgenevageneva 2012geneva motor show 2012 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/ford-previews-2012-b-max-mpv-ahead-of-geneva-debut/20162228/article-detail.xml 20162228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fordbmax02web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fordbmax02web.jpg <![CDATA[Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/which-ford-mustang-is-most-popular-with-thieves-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/which-ford-mustang-is-most-popular-with-thieves-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/which-ford-mustang-is-most-popular-with-thieves-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2000 Ford Mustang GT

We'd guess a thief's favorite Ford Mustang is whichever one he happens to be hooning around in - ahead of either illegally selling it, stripping it for parts or falsifying its VIN to pass it off as a legit car. But the 'Stang that's attracted the most attention from this scourge of society is none other than the 2000 Mustang.

While we're not sure what it is about the venerable Ford pony car in that model year that's caused it to rise to the top of the inaugural National Insurance Crime Bureau "Hot Wheels Classics" report on Mustangs, we are finding the study to be compelling reading. Who knew that 411,155 Mustangs have been stolen since 1981? The report is similar to NICB's annual report on the most stolen cars, but focused on just Mustang thefts, with data dating all the way back to 1964. Apparently NICB got the idea to do a Mustang-centric report after being asked for data from MustangEvolution last year.

Even more interesting than the report, however, is that NICB has also posted a six-minute documentary about how it helped reunite a Shelby GT350 with its rightful owner some 25 years after the car had been stolen. While not exactly part of the report, the video is a pretty cool showpiece for the nonprofit group that investigates car theft and insurance fraud.

To read the full press release and check out the NICB's video, click past the jump.

Continue reading Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]

Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1965 shelby gt3502000 ford mustangauto theftfordford mustanggt350most stolenmost stolen carsmustangnational insurance crime bureaunicbshelbystolen cars Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161317/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/which-ford-mustang-is-most-popular-with-thieves-w-video/20161317/article-detail.xml 20161317 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2000-ford-mustang-gt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2000-ford-mustang-gt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese carmaker blatantly copies Ford F-150]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/chinese-carmaker-blatantly-copies-ford-f-150/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/chinese-carmaker-blatantly-copies-ford-f-150/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/chinese-carmaker-blatantly-copies-ford-f-150/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

China's F-150 aping JAC 4R3 pickup

The Ford F-150 has just picked up a doppelganger in China. According to CarNewsChina, Jianghuai Auto Corporation has just unveiled its new 4R3 pickup, and sure enough, the vehicle looks to be a near carbon copy of America's best-selling truck. JAC reportedly wants to provide buyers in China, Africa and South America with a larger, inexpensive work vehicle. While the appearances of the Ford F-Series and 4R3 visuals differ ever so slightly, the similarities far outweigh the incongruities. According to CNC, JAC is a fairly small automaker in the People's Republic that specializes in rebodied Hyundai cars, SUVs and pickups.

Word has it the 4R3 will be powered by a 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder engine generating just 108 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. There's no word on cost at this point. The JAC 4R3 is set to debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April, though there's no telling how long the vehicle will be on the market before the company gets a call from the lawyers in Dearborn. Head over to CarNewsChina.com for a better look at the F-150 twin.

Chinese carmaker blatantly copies Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 ford f-1504r3china copyrightcopyright infringementdesign rightsf-150f-seriesfordford f-150intellectual propertyjacjac 4r3jianghuaijianghuai auto corporation Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/chinese-carmaker-blatantly-copies-ford-f-150/20161074/article-detail.xml 20161074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jac-4r3-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jac-4r3-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #267]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

BMW M goes Diesel, Ford Focus fleet sales numbers, California 2025 green car mandate

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Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the addition of diesel-powered BMW M models overseas, the surprisingly high fleet sales figure for the Ford Focus, and a new green car mandate coming out of California. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #267:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2012 Audi A4
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:15:33
Get the podcast
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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #267

Autoblog Podcast #267 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a4autoblog podcast 267bmw mfeaturedfocusford focusmazda3silverado Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #267Autoblog01:15:33 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/20161012/article-detail.xml 20161012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Alan Mulally, Dan Akerson and Mark Reuss

Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.

If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.

Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto salesbig threecar saleschryslerdomestic automakersfordgeneral motorsgmhondahyundaikiamarket sharetoyotau.s. automakers Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/20160811/article-detail.xml 20160811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Vaughn Gittin Jr. almost out-drifted by RC car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/vaughn-gittin-jr-almost-out-drifted-by-rc-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/vaughn-gittin-jr-almost-out-drifted-by-rc-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/vaughn-gittin-jr-almost-out-drifted-by-rc-car/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr. RC Car Video

We've finally come to accept the fact that we'll never be Vaughn Gittin Jr. There can be only one one pure-bred drift hooligan of his caliber on this planet and truth be told, our sideways skills are paltry at best. That doesn't mean we can't pretend, though. Gittin Jr. has teamed up with a smattering of companies to give away five very limited-edition RC cars made up in the image of his sinister Ford Mustang GT drift machine. Only 5,000 of the HPI RC Ford Mustang cars will be produced in total, and Gittin Jr. is giving five of them away to Facebook fans.

To get the word out, Gittin Jr., K&N, Monster Energy and Falken Tire crafted a video demonstrating just what happens when the drifter can't get his hands on the scale Mustang. An epic chase ensues, with the RC car taking a little "How it's Made" tour of the K&N factory. The clip also features a few outtakes worth watching, as well. We won't spoil it for you, but we will say more than one RC car gave its life in the making of the film. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself. If you want to enter the sweepstakes, head over to the K&N Facebook page for more information.

Continue reading Vaughn Gittin Jr. almost out-drifted by RC car

Vaughn Gittin Jr. almost out-drifted by RC car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> driftford mustanghpircrc carremote controlledvaughn gittin jrvideo Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/vaughn-gittin-jr-almost-out-drifted-by-rc-car/20160191/article-detail.xml 20160191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vaughn-gittin-jr-rc-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vaughn-gittin-jr-rc-car-628.jpg -1 2